Chicago Ice Skating

Chicago Ice Skating Rinks abound

Updated:  November 9, 2024

Ice rinks, both outdoor and indoor, for skaters of all types and abilities, abound in the Chicago area. 

Chicago Ice Skating locations are very accessible so don’t stay inside this winter - get your exercise by lacing up your ice skates and visiting one of the many Chicago Ice skating locations.  Most places in the list rent skates if you don't have your own.

We compiled the table below of indoor Chicago ice skating options for the Chicago suburbs.  It include a list of Outdoor Chicago ice skating options for the Northwest suburbs and downtown Chicago just below the table. 

You will find Chicago ice skating available in Addison, Hoffman Estates, Crystal Lake, Glen Ellyn, Darien, and many locations throughout the Chicago area including Wilmette, Evanston, and Vernon Hills.

Get ready for a winter of active ice skating fun.  So, don't stay inside, instead,  visit some of the best ice skating rinks in the Chicago area and get your ice skating on.

 

Indoor Ice Skating rinks in the Chicago Suburbs

City:	Place to Skate:	Address:	Phone #:
Addison	Addison Ice Arena	475 S Grace St, Addison, IL 60101	(630) 543-9200
Bensenville	Edge Ice Arena	735 E Jefferson St, Bensenville, IL 60106	(630) 766-8888
Bolingbrook	Rocket Ice Skating Rink	180 Canterbury Ln, Bolingbrook, IL 60440	(630) 679-1700
Buffalo Grove	Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion	1500 Abbott Ct, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089	(847) 821-7465
Carol Stream	Carol Stream Ice Rink	540 Gundersen Dr, Carol Stream, IL 60188	(630) 682-4480
Crystal Lake	Crystal Ice House	320 Prairie St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014	(815) 356-8500
Darien	Darien Sportsplex	451 Plainfield Rd, Darien, IL 60561	(630) 789-6666
Evanston	Robert Crown Community Center	1801 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202	(847) 448-8258
Geneva	Fox Valley Ice Arena	1996 S Kirk Rd, Geneva, IL 60134	(630) 262-0690
Glen Ellyn	Center Ice of Dupage	1N450 Highland Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137	(630) 790-9696
Glenview	Glenview Community Ice Center	1851 Landwehr Rd, Glenview, IL 60026	(847) 724-2800
Gurnee	Top Shelf Ice Arena	6152 W Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031	(847) 224-7171
Hoffman Estates	Triphahn Ice Arena	1685 W Higgins Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169	(847) 885-7500
Joliet	Inwood Ice Arena	3000 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435	(815) 741-7275
Mt. Prospect	Nicholas Sportsplex	1501 Feehanville Dr, Mt Prospect, IL 60056	(224) 443-4370
Naperville	All Seasons Ice Rink	31W330 N Aurora Rd, Naperville, IL 60563	(630) 851-0755
Northbrook	Northbrook Sports Center	1730 Pfingsten Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062	(847) 291-2993
Oak Lawn	Oak Lawn Ice Arena	9320 S Kenton Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453	(708) 857-5173
Oak Park	Paul Hruby Ice Arena	415 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302	(708) 725-2000
Orland Park	Arctic Ice Arena	10700 160th St, Orland Park, IL 60467	(708) 403-4231
Park Ridge	Oakton Ice Arena	2800 Oakton St, Park Ridge, IL 60068	(847) 692-3359
Rolling Meadows 1	Nelson Sports Complex	3900 Owl Dr, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008	(847) 818-3210
Rolling Meadows 2	West Meadows Ice Arena	3939 Winnetka Avenue, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008	(847) 398-2700
Skokie	Skatium Ice Arena	9340 Weber Park Pl, Skokie, IL 60077	(847) 674-1500 ext. 2900
Vernon Hills	Glacier Ice Arena	670 Lakeview Pkwy, Vernon Hills, IL 60061	(847) 362-1222
Wilmette	Centennial Ice Rink	2300 Old Glenview Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091	(847) 256-9666
Woodridge	Seven Bridges Ice Arena	6690 IL-53, Woodridge, IL 60517	(630) 271-4400

 

Chicago Ice Skating Outdoor Rinks in the Northwest Suburbs

• Hoffman Estates - for conditions click here
• North Ridge Park Pond – 1370 West Sturbridge Dr
• Fabbrini Park Pond – 1704 Glen Lake Rd
• Evergreen Park Pond – 600 Washington Blvd

• Schaumburg - for conditions click here
• Volkening Lake - 900 W. Schaumburg Road
• Timbercrest Park Ice Rinks - 120 W. Beech Drive

• Arlington Heights - for conditions click here
• Arlington Ridge Center - Legacy Park - 660 N Ridge Ave.
• Camelot Park - 1005 E Suffield Drive
• Frontier Park - 1933 N Kennicott Drive
• Heritage Park - 506 W Victoria Lane
• Hickory Meadows - 1324 N. Hickory Avenue
• Pioneer Park - 500 S. Fernandez
• Recreation Park - 500 East Miner

 

Chicago Ice Skating Rinks in the City of Chicago

Several Outdoor and Indoor ice skating rinks exist in downtown Chicago including:

MillenniumPark Ice skating rink - Admission to the ice rink is free but online tickets are required

• Dates:  November 15, 2024—February 2, 2025 (weather permitting)

 

MaggieDaley Park ice skating ribbon — online reservation is needed

• Dates:  Nov. 15, 2024 - Mar. 9, 2025 (weather permitting)

 

MidwayPlaisance in Hyde Park -  1130 Midway Plaisance North, Chicago, IL 60637

 

GallagherWay rink in Wrigleyville - 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

Final Thoughts

Enjoy your winter this year by taking advantage of the many places to ice skate in the Chicago suburbs and the city.  

Plenty of options exist.  So, skate in the comfort of one of the indoor ice skating arenas or venture outdoors to skate at Millennium Park or the Maggie Daley Park ice rink and soak in some rays of sun. 

Have fun and get some ice skating exercise this winter!!

(C) 2022-24 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Schaumburg Family Fun Guide 

Updated:  November 30, 2024

In 2019, Chicago Parent published a Family guide for Schaumburg.  Some of the places in the article are no longer in operation.  So, this is an updated family guide for Schaumburg.  We believe family is important so this guide focuses on family and kid friendly places to spend time together and enjoy family.

Schaumburg is a bustling and great family oriented community with lots of options from food, shopping, and community resources.  This guide provides details on family dining, play, entertainment and shopping.

Places for Family Fun, Play, and Hangout

Spring Valley Nature Center and Bison’s Bluff Play area – This is Schaumburg’s hidden gem. With the nature-based playground, Bison’s Bluff, Heritage Farm a living historical farm, nature center and hiking trails, Spring Valley is a fun place to spend a day with family.

Address:  1111 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194

Phone: (847) 985-2100

Schaumburg Park District Facilities and Parks – Boasting parks and amenities that are one of the best around Chicago, the park district has a good variety of parks and facilities to choose including Meineke Park where you can try to conquer the park’s obstacle course of nets, structures, and more.  The park district includes over 75 different parks and facilities that are great for family fun time.

Schaumburg Township District Library - The Schaumburg Township District Library, located in Schaumburg, Illinois, is the second largest public library in Illinois.  Includes a Kid Zone and Teen Center.  Very Family friendly to hang out, read, and play.  

Address:  130 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193

Phone:  (847) 985-4000

Legoland Discovery Center Chicago – This is a fantastic play land for Lego enthusiasts and includes a Chicago Miniland.  Other attractions include the Lego 4D Cinema, Kingdom Quest, Lego Racers, Merlin’s Apprentice Ride, and many more.  

Address:  601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone: (847) 592-9700

Yu Kids Island – For kids 48 inches or smaller.  Includes a spinning tunnel, Dancing Balloons, slides, two ballrooms, spinning drum, Pillow pool, and more.  

Address:  5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173 (located inside Woodfield Mall – store #G144)

Phone:  (847) 969-9000

Kids Art & Café - Coffee and Ice Cream Shop with Indoor Playground, Birthday Parties and Art Classes.  Kids 48 inches and under are able to enjoy the play areas including a two-story play structure with slides and a ball pit. This is great for indoor play, birthday parties, and art classes.  

Address:  710 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194

Phone:  (630) 523-1101

Enterrium (formerly PAC-Man Entertainment) – This is great indoor entertainment for the whole family with bowling alleys, Ping-Pong tables & arcade games plus multiple bars & pub grub.  Also, has private event space.

Address:  2 Woodfield Mall Unit A, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone:  (847) 805-0257

SkyZone - Jumping, soaring, unforgettable parties and fun like you’ve never experienced at a trampoline park before.

Address:  580 E. Golf Rd Schaumburg, IL  60173

Phone:  847-737-3953

Family Dining

Pilot Pete’s - Located at the Schaumburg Regional Airport, this restaurant is a relaxed, flight-themed eatery with a full bar, runway views & a menu of American comfort fare.  Kids can watch planes take off and land.   Chicago Parent’s says, “Try the signature wonton nachos and save room for the bomb bread pudding.”

Address: 905 W Irving Park Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193

Phone:  (847) 891-5100

Chicago Prime Italian - Elegant, locally owned venue offering a menu of Italian dishes, plus a seasonal patio. This family-owned restaurant serves classic Italian fare with generous portions. 

Address:  700 N Meacham Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone:  (847) 240-1414

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria – Nice family venue for pizza.  This is a family-owned local chain for Italian classics & Chicago-style, deep-dish pizzas with buttery crusts.

Address:  1 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193

Phone:  (847) 985-1525

Giordanos – Great family place for Deep dish pizza.  This casual chain serves other classic Italian food, deep dish pizza plus beer & wine.

Address:  930 N Meacham Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone:  (847) 986-5211

Donut Drop - Family-owned bakery serving donuts, tea, coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and espresso.  Donuts made fresh every morning 6 days a week (closed Monday).  Chicago Parent says, “From classic flavors like a glazed or chocolate to something more unique such as the Nutella S’mores or salted caramel, Donut Drop will satisfy your sweet tooth craving. Tip: For the best assortment of donuts, visit early in the day.”

Address:  835 E Algonquin Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone:  (847) 794-8709

Handsome Bakery - Fresh bakery and specialty coffee.  Chicago Parent says, “Not only will you find one-of-a-kind baked goods at this Korean bakery, but you’ll also find the most delicious looking cakes and pastries and shaved ice. Try a signature cloud latte – a latte topped with cotton candy.”  This is a great place to take the kids for a little treat.

Address:  204 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone:  (224) 653-9092

Family Shopping

Woodfield Mall – The largest shopping mall in the state of Illinois.  A great place to play, shop, and eat.  Chicago Parent says, “one of the largest shopping destinations in the nation with more than 300 stores, Woodfield Mall is a one-stop shop and play location.” 

Address:  5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone:  (847) 330-1537

IKEA – Great for families with kids.  Chicago Parent says, “a trip to the behemoth furniture store never seems to disappoint and for parents with kids, the supervised play area, Smaland, is free while you shop.”

Address:  1800 McConnor Pkwy, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone:  (888) 888-4532

Streets of Woodfield - Upscale Mall with shops, restaurants, groceries & home furnishings, plus 20 movie screens.

Address:  601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone:  (630) 954-7300

Target (Meacham and Higgins) - Retail store with home goods, clothing, electronics & more

Address:  1235 E Higgins Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Phone:  (847) 413-1080

Final Thoughts

Schaumburg is a bustling, family oriented community with lots of fun family oriented fun.  From Woodfield Mall to Spring Valley Nature Center and plenty of park and entertainment to go around.  For more Things to Do in Schaumburg visit our Things to Do in Schaumburg article. 

Source article:  Chicago Parents: Your family guide to Schaumburg - August 6, 2019

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Delicious Potatoes au Gratin

Potatoes au Gratin Recipe

Serves: 6

Potatoes au Gratin

Ingredients:  

• 6 – 8 medium sized potatoes

• 8 oz. block of extra sharp cheddar cheese

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk

Preparation:  

1) Peel the potatoes, throw out potato skins, cut potatoes into thin slices

2) Slice the cheese

3) In a casserole dish, layer the potatoes, then layer the cheese slices on top, continue doing a layer of potato slices, then layer of cheese till the top of the casserole dish 

4) Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

5) In a 2 Qt sauce pan over medium heat melt 3 tablespoons butter.

6) Mix in flour until smooth

7) Mix in milk, stir until comes to a boil and thickens

8) Pour in the cream sauce all over potatoes in casserole dish

9) Cover and Put Casserole dish into oven and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour

10) Let cool for 5 minutes then serve

Final Thoughts

This Potatoes au Gratin Recipe is easy to prepare and delicious to eat.  The preparation is not too difficult and can be done within 30 minutes.  And 1 hour to cook so total preparation and cook time is 1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours.  Enjoy.

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Christmas in Chicago

Christmas in Chicago:  2022 Guide

The Christmas Holiday season in Chicago is magical with great excitement and seasonal celebrations.  Christmas in Chicago is truly special as the city comes to life.  The Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park are decorated and vibrant during this magical time of year with folks ice skating in Millennium Park or viewing the majestic Chicago Christmas Tree.

Chicago celebrates Christmas like no other with special exhibits, pub crawls, dazzling Holiday light displays, live theatre productions, magical holiday transportation, and many shops and Christmas markets during the Christmas Holiday season in Chicago.  Christmas in Chicago is so magical that we have put this ultimate Christmas Guide to Christmas in Chicago for your convenience.

Included is a special Christmas Gift - see video of Christmas in Chicago below.

Updated:  December 8, 2022

Table Of Contents

• Dazzling Holiday Lights - magical holiday light displays
• Free Holiday Walking Tour - Get some exercise while you are guided to some of the favorite Holiday spots in Chicago
• Winter Wonderlands  - Christmas in Chicago turns Navy Pier and Gallagher Way into winter paradises
• Magical Holiday Transportation - Christmas in Chicago means some CTA trains and busses are turned into festively decorated holiday transportation
• Christmas Restaurant Traditions - The Walnut Room is a Christmas tradition in Chicago.
• Holiday Pub Crawls - Christmas in Chicago means various pub crawls are scheduled in December to celebrate
• Christmas Shopping and Markets - A list of shopping and Christkindlmarket locations for your Holiday shopping list
• Museum Holiday Magic - A few of the famous Chicago museums take part in the holiday fun. 
• Live Holiday Theatre Productions - Christmas in Chicago means live Holiday productions of some of the Christmas classics - "A Christmas Carol", "Nutcracker", and more
• Ice Skating - Christmas in Chicago is not complete without a list of ice skating locations around Chicago.
• Christmas in Chicago Video - Our special video gift of a walk in Chicago at Christmas time put to Christmas music

** Additional Chicago area events are found on the Festivals and Events page. **

Christmas in Chicago Video

Merry Christmas!!

Looking for Christmas gifts?

• We offer a selection of Merchandise, Journals, and "Create Your Own Recipe" books on the Available Products and  Available Books page
• Order by December 15, 2022 for delivery before Christmas

Dazzling Holiday Lights

ZooLights at Lincoln Park zoo - The Lincoln Park zoo is decked out and lit up by more than 2.5 million colorful lights.  Includes moving displays set to music, wonderful ice sculptures, and much more.  Lincoln Park zoo also usually offers special events like an adult night out and pop-up bar.

• Dates:  November 19, 2022 - January 1, 2023
• Brew Lights (Adult Only):  Thursday December 1st – Catch Zoo lights while sipping and savoring specialty brews under millions of beautiful holiday lights.  
• Check out the Chicago Parents Guide on Zoo Lights

Brookfield Zoo hosts a Holiday Magic Display - Christmas in Chicago means Brookfield Zoo is decked out with Christmas decorations and more than 1 million twinkling LED lights.  It includes a 600 foot long Tunnel of Lights with thousands of colored lights synchronized to music.

• Dates:  Nov. 25 - Dec. 31, 2022 (Select Dates)
• Tickets must be purchased in advance:  $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for seniors, and $17.95 for children aged between 3 and 11.

Brookfield Zoo - Holiday Magic

Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape - This illuminated and immersive experience has visitors explore the botanic garden after dark.  The glow of twinkling lights is mesmerizing with different installations around every corner of the walking path.  

• Dates:   November 11, 2022 - January 8, 2023

Chicago Botanic Lightscape

Illumination:  Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle -  This is a dazzling illuminated outdoor experience set to music.  The mile long path winds through the arboretum and offers magical and captivating lighting displays.  Along the trek cozy up by the fires, grab some hot chocolate, or make some s’mores.

• Dates:  November 19, 2022 - January 7, 2023

Shine Light Show - Schaumburg, Illinois - Schaumburg’s Largest Drive-Thru World Of Lights At Wintrust Field – Home Of the Schaumburg Boomers is back for Christmas in Chicago for a 2nd year.

• Dates:  November 18, 2022 - January 1, 2023

Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont - Includes five illuminated villages with millions of sparkling lights, custom 3D holiday features, ice tube slide, holiday train adventure, mouth-watering food and drink and more.

• Dates:  November 18, 2022 - January 1, 2023

See the Chicago Christmas Tree - The massive tree lights up the heart of iconic Millennium Park.  It is adorned in twinkling lights and makes the perfect holiday photo opp. The tree shines brightly near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street.

• Dates:  November 18, 2022 - January 8, 2023

Chicago Christmas Tree

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade -  A thrilling holiday celebration: A day-through-night, mile-long extravaganza drawing more than one million celebrants.

• Date:  November 19, 2022

Magical Christmas Drive Thru at Santa's Village Dundee - Enjoy over 3 million lights synchronized to holiday music, dazzling displays,  and Santa himself.  At the end of the route you are able to park and enjoy the new 300 foot tube slide and entertainment.

• Dates:  November 25 - December 30, 2022 (Select Dates)

Free Holiday Walking Tour

Chicago Holiday Tour - The tour takes you through parts of downtown Chicago and get to visit some of Chicago's favorite holiday spots, visit the traditional Chicago Christmas tree, scope out good places for ice skating, and discover places to grab an indulgent dessert.  This free tour walking tour is guided by Free Tours by Foot, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done.  Reservations are required ahead of time at Chicago Holiday Tour.

• Dates:  November 20, 26-27 and December 2 - 4, 9 - 11, 16 - 18
• Duration:  Approx. 1.5 hours. Total walking a bit over one mile (1.6km)
• Start Location:  The Chicago Cultural Center: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 by the cow statue

Winter Wonderlands

Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier - A massive indoor holiday experience includes an authentic beer garden, a gift market, activities for kids, and a light garden made of large-scale sculptures. Also the indoor Alpine ice rink means skating thrills without any of the chills.

• Dates:  November 25, 2022 - January 7, 2023

Winterland at Gallagher Way – This includes family-friendly activities, new interactive experiences, along with returning favorites, including Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville and the Gallagher Ice Rink, with the rink now located inside the iconic ballpark.  

• Dates:  Friday, November 18, 2022, through Sunday, January 8, 2023

Magical Holiday Transportation

CTA Holiday Train – This is a beloved Chicago tradition.  A CTA holiday train makes its way through the city usually in December.   The six-car train is decorated with holiday scenes and thousands of sparkling lights. Hop on board to meet the elves handing out candy. Don’t forget to wave to Santa, whose sled replaces the head car. 

• Dates:  November 25th through December 19th select dates and CTA Lines

CTA Holiday Bus – The CTA Holiday bus will traverse the city streets. 

• Dates:  November 29th through December 23rd select dates and routes

Metra Holiday Train - New in 2022 - Experience holiday magic on the Metra Electric Line 3 Saturdays in December.  The special holiday train with Santa and Mrs. Claus brings you to the North Pole winter wonderland at Millennium Station.

• Dates:  December 3, 10 and 17 ** tickets go on sale November 21st

Polar Express Train Ride from Union Station – Sorry not available in 2022.  Expect back in Christmas 2023

Christmas Restaurant Traditions

Walnut Room - inside Macy’s on State Street.  The historic restaurant is an essential holiday destination. The Walnut Room is adorned with elegant décor and sparkling chandeliers, with the towering Great Tree in the center of it all.

• Dates:  Begins November 5, 2022 – Reservations all full, sorry

Macy's Walnut Room

Holiday Pub Crawls

SOUTHPORT HOLIDAY STROLL & COCKTAIL CRAWL - Sample different holiday-themed cocktails at this event

• Date:  December 2, 2022 

TBOX: Twelve Bars of Christmas – Chicago’s most popular bar crawl returns to Wrigleyville.  

• Date:  Saturday December 10, 2022

Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl – Put on your ugliest Christmas attire and join this bar crawl. 

• Date:  Saturday December 17, 2022  

Magical Christmas Shopping and Markets

Chicago is a great place for Holiday shopping as it offers many shopping districts and options.  

Christmas in Chicago

Here is a run down of some of the shopping options:

• The Magnificent Mile – this is one of the world’s most iconic retail destinations including Water Tower Place.  Many famous department stores and favorite chains exist along the Magnificent Mile, as well, as tons of twinkling lights to dazzle shoppers throughout the Christmas season

• State Street – just a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile is another wonderful shopping option where the iconic Macy’s on State Street is located.  Macy’s offers their annual Holiday Windows and the Great Tree inside the historic Walnut Room.

• Christkindlmarket - Authentic German Christmas market  This is a free-admission event featuring local vendors.  On sale are traditional German crafts and treats, hot mulled wine, hand-knit gloves, beautiful glass ornaments, wooden cuckoo clocks, and other special holiday items and treats.

• Available at 3 locations: 

1. Aurora:  Nov. 18 - Dec. 24, 2022
2. Chicago:  Nov. 18 - Dec. 24, 2022
3. Wrigleyville:  Nov. 18 - Dec. 31, 2022

• Woodfield Mall – Schaumburg, IL  - One of the most iconic retail destinations in the suburbs of Chicago is Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, IL.  Lots of good department stores and favorite chains are available at Woodfield mall for your Holiday shopping needs.  
• Address:  5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173

• Randolph Street Market - Find the unusual and stylishly crafted mix of vintage and modern decorative objects, housewares, fashion for men/women/children, art, hostess gifts and more from 125 vendors! Enjoy the market bar for a bloody mary, beer, wine or champagne and local eateries while browsing vendors on three floors in the Plumbers Hall building!
• Dates:
• November 12 - 13
• December 17 - 18

• Other Chicago Holiday markets:

• local-artisan-filled Renegade Craft Fair - wintertime marketplace

• pre-Kwanzaa Market at Africa International House

• One Of a Kind Show at the Merchandise Mart - A 4-day (Dec 1 - 4th) shopping experience to find unique holiday gifts

Museum Holiday Magic

A few Chicago museums love to take part in the holiday fun as well:

Museum of Science and Industry - hosts the annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Lights, with 50 elaborately decorated trees that represent holiday traditions from across the globe. In Holiday of Lights, the museum honors the traditions of Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day, and St. Lucia Day.

• Dates:  Nov. 16, 2022 - Jan. 8, 2023

Art Institute of Chicago - The museum’s beloved lions will welcome you wearing holiday wreaths, while inside, a world of treasures await — the soaring new Tiffany Window, the ever-popular 18th-century Neapolitan crèche, a thought-provoking and expansive exhibition by Barbara Kruger, and visitor favorites from Rembrandt and Van Gogh to O’Keeffe and Warhol.

Art Institute Lion

Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum - Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family and visit with Santa Claus on the train.  Treats and hot chocolate will be served.

• Dates:  November 25 - Dec. 18, 2022 (Select Dates)

Theatre – Holiday productions

The magic of Christmas is foretold in Chicago’s live theatre holiday productions.  Check out one of these performances:

• Goodman’s Albert Theatre - A Christmas Carol   
• Dates:  Nov 19 - Dec 31, 2022 

• Joffrey Ballet – The Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606  
• Dates:  December 3–27, 2022 

• Strawdog Theatre Company - Hershel & The Hanukkah Goblins  
• Dates:  December 11, 2022 - Jan 1, 2023  

• Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve 
• Venue:  All State Arena, 
• Date:  December 21, 2022  

• Chicago Theatre – An Unforgettable Night of Christmas Classics – Brett Eldredge
• Dates:  December 15 – 16, 2022     

Chicago Theatre

• The Athenaeum Theatre – 2 Christmas productions:
• Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas
• Date:  November 30, 2022  

• Ballet Chicago presents The Nutcracker
• Dates:  December 9 – December 18  

• Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook Terrace – 2 Christmas Productions:
• Elf the Musical  
• Dates:  November 9, 2022 – January 8, 2023

• Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol 
• Dates:  November 25 – December 30, 2022

• Ruth Page’s ‘The Nutcracker’ - College of Lake County
• Date:  Two (2) shows December 17, 2022
• At James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts
• Address:  19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL
• Phone:  (847) 543-2300

• Salt Creek Ballet: “The Nutcracker” With New Philharmonic
• Dates:  Dec. 17-18, 2022
• Performance Times:  2  and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday
• At College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn
• Address:  425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
• Phone:  (630) 942-4000

• Chopin Theatre - IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!
• Dates:  November 23, 2022 - December 23, 2022
• Address:  1543 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60642

Ice Skating

Chicago offers several places to put on the ice skates and skate indoors or outdoors

Millennium Park Ice skating rink - Admission to the ice rink is free but online tickets will be required

• Dates:  November 18, 2022 - March 5, 2023 (weather permitting)

Maggie Daley Park ice skating ribbon — online reservation is needed

• Dates:  Nov. 18, 2022 - Mar. 5, 2023 (weather permitting)

Maggie Daley Park - Ice Skating Ribbon

Midway Plaisance in Hyde Park -  1130 Midway Plaisance North, Chicago, IL 60637

Gallagher Way rink in Wrigleyville - 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

Navy Pier indoor Alpine ice rink - 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

For a list of additional Ice skating locations in the Chicago area view Chicago Ice Skating.

For other places to see in Chicago visit the Travel page.

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Chicago - The Movie Town

Chicago - A City destined to be in the Movies

Chicago is a pretty famous movie city especially with its great architecture and sky line.  The film industry and Hollywood has a long history of filming movies in Chicago as the back drop for blockbuster movies and television shows throughout the years.  Thanks to the Chicago Film Office, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, big time movie productions are attracted to the city and its sites for filming movies.  

The Chicago Film Office has had great success in attracting feature film production, television series, and other film productions including commercials and documentaries to film in the city of Chicago.  More than 1,100 television productions and feature films have been filmed in Chicago since 1980.  Movie titles include The Untouchables, The Dark Knight, The Blues Brothers, Risky Business, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sixteen Candles, Home Alone and many more.  

Several recent television programs are either partially or entirely filmed in Chicago including Empire, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD.

The Chicago Film Office reports the first film shot in Chicago is The Tramp and the Dog in 1896 and thousands of movies have been filmed in Chicago ever since.  

We developed this guide of film locations for Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and the Chicago Med TV shows and 5 of the best movies filmed in Chicago (The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Home Alone, The Untouchables and Blue Brothers).

Chicago PD Film Locations

The Pilsen neighborhood around 18th Street is often used in the filming of Chicago PD.  Restaurants and Pubs used in the filming of Chicago PD include:

• Boni Vino Pizza: 111 W. Van Buren St.

• Lou Mitchell’s: 565 W. Jackson Blvd.

• Original Ferrara Bakery: 2210 W. Taylor St.

• Bridgeport Restaurant: 3500 S. Halsted St.

• White Palace Grill:  1159 S. Canal St. 

• Lottie’s Pub: 1924 W. Cortland St.

• Maria’s Packaged Goods And Community Bar: 960 W. 31st St.

• The Village Inn: 4035 S. Wallace St.

District 21 Police Station:  The UIC Police Headquarters at 943 W. Maxwell St. is used as Chicago PD’s District 21.  This is a real working police station so don’t be surprised if you can’t get a tour inside.

Chicago Fire Film Locations

Firehouse 51:  All of the exterior shots of the Chicago Firehouse 51 in Chicago Fire are shot on location at the working Chicago Fire Department Engine 18 firehouse located at:   1360 S. Blue Island Avenue.   A must see for fans of the television show and it is quite possible you will catch the stars of the show in action

Chicago Fire Academy:  Located at 558 W. De Koven Street.  This modern building makes many appearances in the television show.  And is nearby the location of where the Great Chicago Fire began in 1871.

Molly’s Pub:  Scenes for Molly’s pub were originally shot inside Lottie’s Pub at 1924 W. Cortland St.  Going into Lottie’s Pub feels like walking on set and the pub has the Chicago Fire burger on the menu.

Chicago Med Film Locations

Graceland Cemetery:  4001 N. Clark St.  The Chicago Med characters found themselves in Graceland Cemetery for a graveside ceremony.  This cemetery is the final resting place for many famous historical people - public figures, architects, famous inventors, and baseball and boxing greats so it is worth the trip to see.

Gaffney Medical Center:  The hospital that stands in for the Gaffney Medical Center in the show is located at 1653 W. Congress Parkway and is part of the Rush University Medical Center. This is the home base for the show.  

The Dark Knight (2008) Movie Locations  

Dark Knight starring Heath Ledger as the Joker, Christian Bale as Batman, Michael Caine as Alfred, and Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes was filmed partly in Chicago.  These are the main film locations.

Wayne Enterprise and Bruce Wayne film locations:

• Wayne Enterprise Headquarters:  Richard J Daley Center, Daley Plaza, Washington Street

• Wayne Enterprise Boardroom:  IBM Building, 330 North Wabash Avenue

• Wayne Enterprises Applied Science Division:  West Building, McCormick Place, 2301 South Indiana Avenue 

• Bruce Wayne's penthouse:  Wyndham Grand, 71 East Wacker Drive 

Harvey Dent Scenes:

• Harvey Dent and Rachel Dawes at the opera:  Chicago Theatre, 175 North State Street 

• Harvey Dent fundraiser:  Illinois Center Buildings, 111 East Wacker Drive

• Dent turns up as bartender:  Twin Anchors, 1665 North Sedgwick Street, Old Town 

Gotham General Hospital and Evacuation of Gotham City

• Location of Gotham General Hospital:  401 North Cicero Avenue 

• Evacuation of Gotham City: Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue 

Other Movie Scenes:

• Opening Robbery film location:  Chicago Post Office, 404 West Harrison Street 

• Scarecrow Arrested:  Parking Garage, 200 West Randolph Street

• Maroni arrested:  The Berghoff, 17 West Adams Street 

• Dark Knight looks down on the city:  Willis Tower, 233 South Wacker Drive

• Emergence of the Batpod:  Millennium Park Metra Station 

• Truck flipped over:  South La Salle Street 

• Lamborghini chase:  Lake Street, between Upper Wacker Drive and State Street

• Final face-off with Joker:  Trump Tower, 401 North Wabash Avenue 

Home Alone (1990) Movie Locations:

Home Alone starring Macaulay Culkin was filmed in Winnetka a north suburb of Chicago.  Here are the main film locations for the movie.

• McCallister Home:  671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, Illinois, USA

• Mitch Murphy's home:  656 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, Illinois, USA

• Exterior church scene:  Trinity United Methodist Church - 1024 W. Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, USA

• Railroad track bridge scene:  Hubbard Woods Metra Station - 1065 Gage Street, Winnetka, Illinois, USA

• Interior church scene:  Grace Episcopal Church - 924 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, USA

• Airport Scene:  O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Pharmacy scene:  Panera Bread Company--formerly Hubbard Woods Pharmacy - 940 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Illinois, USA

The Untouchables (1987) Movie Locations

• Ballroom where Capone kills guy with baseball bat:  Blackstone Hotel - 636 S. Michigan Avenue, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Front entrance and main lobby used as Lexington Hotel, where Al Capone lives:  Roosevelt University - 430 S. Michigan Avenue, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Chase between Ness and Nitt:  Chicago Cultural Center - 78 E. Washington Street, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Interior of Lexington Hotel, where Al Capone lives:  Chicago Theatre - 175 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Ness's house:  2030 W 22nd Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Chicago Board of Trade:  141 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604

• Ness meets Malone:  Michigan Avenue Bridge, Chicago, IL

• Ness meets Malone:  Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica National Shrine - 3121 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Police headquarters:  209 S LaSalle St, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Malone's house:  4600 S Calumet Ave, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• USPS office:  208 S LaSalle St, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Union Station: Canal St. & Jackson Blvd., Near West Side, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Street scenes:  South LaSalle St

• The raid:  917 W 19th Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Location of the Untouchables’ office:  Rookery Building - 209 S La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60604

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) Movie Locations

• Cameron's house and Ferrari garage:  370 Beach Street, Highland Park, Illinois, USA

• Katie Bueller's real estate office:  583 Chestnut Street, Winnetka, Illinois, USA

• Running home scenes:  Butternut Lane, Northbrook, Illinois, USA

• Chez Quis Restaurant exteriors:  22 West Schiller Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Baseball game:  Wrigley Field - 1060 West Addison Street, Lake View, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Scene in cab next to dad:  300 block S. Financial Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Ferrari jump scene:  1549 S Clark St. Chicago, Illinois, USA

• School exteriors: Glenbrook North High School - 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook, Illinois, USA

• Woods Theater is seen in background in shots during the parade sequence:  54 West Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Blue Brothers (1980) Movie Locations

• Elwood’s apartment:  Unfortunately, Elwood’s apartment didn’t stand the test of time. It is a small park, today, that sits in front of 327 S. Plymouth Court.

• Soul Food Café:  807 W. Maxwell St.

• Police car pileup:  Lake St. and LaSalle St., Lower Wacker – around 190 N. LaSalle Street

• Chez Paul Restaurant:  660 N. Rush St

• James Brown church scene:  Pilgrim Baptist on the South Side of Chicago - 9114 S. Burley Ave.

• The nazis take a swim:  Bridge is located at Jackson Park in Chicago - 6401 S Stony Is Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

• The finale: Richard J. Daley Plaza and City Hall  at 121 N. LaSalle St.

Other Notable movies filmed in Chicago:

• Risky Business (1982)

• Sixteen Candles (1983)

• The Color of Money (1986)

• A League of Their Own (1991)

• The Fugitive (1993)

• High Fidelity (2000)

• Public Enemies (2008)

• A Nightmare on Elm Street (2009)

Final Thoughts

Chicago is a great city for movie production.  The Chicago Film Office website has a complete list of movies filmed at least in part in Chicago.  The Chicago Film Office website is available here.  Plan in some of these locations on your next trip to Chicago.    

 

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