Chicago might be known for its foodie scene—with delicacies ranging from deep-dish pizzas to celery salt-clad hot dogs—but the Windy City is also an undeniable design destination. And, if you’re spending the holidays in the Midwestern metropolis, there are plenty of festive sights to enjoy all season long. Read on for a comprehensive look at the best design to-dos Chicago has to offer this winter. From where to eat, stay, and shop, the Windy City promises to keep your holidays merry, bright, and a sight for sore eyes.
Photography by Cheryl Mann.
1. View Seasonal Displays at Art on theMART
Check out the latest lineup of Chicago’s Art on theMART, which projects contemporary artwork on the commercial building’s riverfront facade. Through December 30, 2023, the program will project the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago’s rendition of “The Nutcracker” as well as “Chicago Design Through the Decades,” which showcases works from Daria Tsoupikova, Sharon Oiga, and Guy Villa Jr. Viewings will occur daily at 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Learn more at artonthemart.com.
2. Visit Santa at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum
Give your Chicago design education a family flair at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum. Located in the Samuel Mayo Nickerson Mansion, which was completed at the height of the Gilded Age, this destination is a polished respite from the Magnificent Mile. Not only can you enjoy established and temporary exhibits that explore the intersection of art, architecture, and design during the 19th and 20th centuries, but Santa Claus and Aunt Holly are also stopping by to say hi on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3. Learn more at driehausmuseum.org.
3. Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Legacy
Since Frank Lloyd Wright is practically synonymous with Chicago architecture, it’s only fitting to honor the holidays with one of his legacies. On Saturday, December 3, Wright’s Oak Park Home will be reimagined with wreaths, poinsettias, and trees swathed in traditional German glass ornaments. According to the architect’s son, John, Oak Park Home is where his family actually enjoyed Christmas morning, so it’s the closest thing you can get to spending the holidays with Wright himself. Learn more at flwright.org.
4. Make Spirits Bright with the Museum of Science’s Holiday of Lights
For an alternative take on the season’s festive flickers, head over to the Museum of Science and Industry. The STEM-centric institution received a design-minded and photogenic makeover with its “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light.” Now through January 8, 2023, visitors can view 50 expertly decorated Christmas trees as well as a comprehensive look at how light is utilized for different holidays around the world. With highlights like Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Ramadan, and more, the experience is certainly illuminating. Learn more at msichicago.org.
Photography courtesy of The Morton Arboretum.
5. Stroll Through the Morton Arboretum
Ready to walk through a winter wonderland? Morton Arboretum’s “Illumination: Tree Lights” is well worth the trek. Approximately 27 miles outside of Chicago proper, the lush, 50-acre property is sprinkled with festive lights, colors, and sounds. In honor of the Arboretum’s 100th anniversary year, the exhibit will showcase six new displays as well as recurring favorites. If you’re looking to warm up after exploring the exhibition’s one-mile paved walking path, you can cozy up near the fire and roast marshmallows. Learn more at mortonarb.org.
6. Stay at the Chicago Athletic
Out-of-towners can stay right in the action—and experience a daily dose of design—at the Chicago Athletic Hotel. Located directly across from Millenium Park, the 1893 Venetian Gothic landmark used to be a social club reserved for elite Chicagoans. But, when the Henry Ives Cobb-designed building was transformed into a lodging space for all, the hotel tapped design firm Roman and Williams to give it a stylish-yet-sporty makeover. With new touches such as refined pommel horses at the foot of some beds to original billiards tables in the game room, the Chicago Athletic Hotel highlights the benefits of a little competition. Learn more at chicagoathletichotel.com.
Photography by Anna Munzesheimer.
7. Discover UrbanLabs’ Snow Globe Cities
Enjoy a weather-friendly look at Chicago’s waterfront views—zero shivering required—at Chicago Architecture Center’s latest exhibit, “City in a Snow Globe,” which is on view until February 17, 2023. Here, local architecture firm UrbanLab reimagined downtown Chicago into five individual scale models, ranging from seasonal renditions of the Buckingham Fountain to “polar bear plunge” lounges. Plus, a handful of local designers and architects paid homage to Chicago winters by designing their very own thematic snow globes. Learn more at architecture.org.
8. Dine at Virtue Restaurant
Recently touted as one of Michelle Obama’s favorite Chicago restaurants, Virtue blends the city’s famous food reputation with its well-appointed design world. The buzzy Hyde Park hotspot serves up a modern take on Southern Comfort cuisine, courtesy of Chef Erick Williams. (Favorites include gravy-laden gizzards, green tomatoes, and biscuits from Becky Pendola, the restaurant’s resident pastry chef.) With light walls, ample lighting, and upholstered benches to cozy up next to your favorite people, Virtue has that home-away-from-home look and feel that’s especially appreciated during the holiday season. Learn more at virtuerestaurant.com.
9. Tour the Pleasant Home
Start the most wonderful time of the year on the right note at the Pleasant Home, which was famously built by George W. Maher. From Friday, November 25 through Saturday, November 26, the Pleasant Home Foundation is opening its famed doors to showcase its fully-decorated home. Missed out on the house tour? Reserve a spot during the home’s Holiday Tea, which is taking place on Sunday, December 11. Learn more at pleasanthome.org.
10. Shop Small at Christkindlmarket Chicago
Transport yourself into a quaint European village—and make the most of your last-minute shopping—at Christkindlmarket, which has been a seasonal city staple since 1996. Nestled in Daley Plaza, with outposts in Aurora and Wrigleyville, the experience draws inspiration from the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany. In addition to high-quality gifts from both local and international vendors, shoppers can enjoy traditional German snacks like pretzels and glühwein, or hot spiced wine. Learn more at christkindlmarket.com.
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