The holidays are coming up and this whole year we have all had to celebrate the holidays differently. This time around is no different and it is important to continue staying safe. It is still nice to get out of your house and feel some type of normalcy. Here are five ways to celebrate with your family. friends, or partner in the Chicago-land area.
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Activity IdeasÂ
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1) Drive Thru Light Shows- This idea is awesome and a concept I never heard of before. A lot of businesses have been adapting to the new guidelines set in place, so if we have to drive thru restaurants, why not light shows!? It actually sounds way better than walking around when it is freezing. For most of the light shows, you pay a one time fee, depending on the day, with peak days being more expensive.
Location: Aurora, IL
Sunday-Friday 5pm-9pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm-10pm
Let It Shine Drive Thru Light Show
Location:Â Northbrook court, located 25 miles from ChicagoÂ
If you buy tickets you also qualify for discounts at some stores https://www.northbrookcourt.com/en/events/let-it-shine-34708.htmÂ
$29 Weekdays, 39.99 weekendsÂ
Weekdays 4:30-10pm, weekends 4:30-11pm
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Illumination Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Location: Â Lisle, ILÂ
$39 peak night, $29 standard night for members; $49 peak night, $39 standard night for guests
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Location: Chicago, IL
$5 Admission or free nights will be available on Nov. 24 and Dec. 9, 17, 21 and 29
4-10 p.m until January 3rd
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Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic
Location: Brookfield, IL
$25 adults $18 children (3-11)Â Free Monday and Tuesdays in December thru the 22ndÂ
Friday through Sunday, November 27-29, Wednesday through Sunday, December 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, Saturday through Thursday, December 26-31 Â
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2) Millennial Tree
While their tree lighting ceremony was virtual, you can see the tree in person, located near Washington Street and Michigan Avenue, up until January 7th.
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3) Museum of Science and Industry
MSI has an annual Around the World exhibit, showcasing how people celebrate Christmas differently. From now until December 24th, they are doing live tours of the exhibit. I have never been in person so I am kind of bummed I won’t be able to go this year, but I am happy to still get a look. https://www.msichicago.org/explore/whats-here/exhibits/christmas-around-the-world/
4) Watch Newly Released Christmas Movies:Â
Netflix
The Holidate
The Princess Switch: Switched Again
Operation Christmas Drop
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Dolly Parton’s Christmas On a Square
Christmas Chronicles part 2Â
HuluÂ
Happiest Season
Also, side note- I wanted to include Hanukkah movies but there are actually zero on Netflix. One list suggested The Boy in the Striped Pajamas…so yeah. Netflix has a Holiday movie section but it is all Christmas related.
4) Make Hot Cocoa Bombs
I am actually obsessed with these hot coco bombs and my Instagram algorithm definitely knows that. I first saw them on dippedby_gaby’s Instagram who makes both hot chocolate and Abuelita bombs. So you can either buy from her or make them yourself with friends, family, or your partner. Then enjoy together and watch some of those movies above!
Recipe:Â https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgSeH5nNB_wÂ
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