Holidays in Chicago never looked so good!

Visitors to Chicago in the winter might think cold and snow. Yes, it can be chilly, but this is perfectly okay for Chicago residents, since it gives us a chance to reacquaint ourselves with some of the best museums and attractions in the world. The winter of 2015-16 will be no exception. Here is a sample of what the city has to offer:

Where does Santa hole up? It could be at Swissôtel Chicago’s Christmas-themed Santa Suite. From now until Christmas Day, you can tour the 41st floor Santa Suite, complete with Christmas trees, a table set for Santa Claus and his reindeer, and a gift for the children on his nice list. Every child who visits the suite will receive their very own keepsake ornament and anyone can write Santa a letter while in the suite.

From mid-November through mid-March, Chicago families can ice skate for free amidst the beautiful sculptures of Millennium Park at the McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink. Although the rink is open until 8 p.m. most nights, on weekends you’ll want to head there at opening time when the crowds are smallest.

From late-November through January 2017, consecutive exhibits at The Field Museum will feature “The Greeks – Agamemnon to Alexander The Great”, followed by “China’s First Emperor and His Terracotta Warriors”. Both exhibits will sell out in advance, so it’s best to plan ahead.

The Art Institute of Chicago is a wonderful place to spend a snowy day. You can take a guided tour with one of the Institute’s knowledgeable docents, or ditch the map and get lost amidst the priceless treasures. You’ll be even more delighted when you stumble upon Chagall’s dazzling blue windows or Seurat’s Sunday on La Grande Jatte. From early January through early February, admission is free during weekdays.

Of course, Chicagoans are proud of their sports teams, and with careful planning, you might be able to see a Blackhawks and a Bulls game in the same weekend.

Notables such as Joan Rivers, Bill Murray, John Belushi, Tina Fey, and Stephen Colbert all sharpened their comedic talents on the famous stage of Second City Chicago. What could be better than watching the next great performer show off his or her improv skills.

Chicago never slows down, just because there’s a chill in the air. This, and much more, is found just minutes from our wonderful downtown hotel.

http://www.swissotel.com/hotels/chicago/