I had the pleasure to finally do yoga at the top of the Sears (or Willis) Tower with an event Yoga Six hosted. You also got a mimosa as a reward after your practice hence the event is called Yoga and Mimosas. The event is worth getting up early on a Saturday morning. The great thing was we got to go up to the Skydeck before it opened to the public, and take photos. Think about what yoga poses you want to do on the deck since you have a limited amount of time. You can keep getting back in line again if you want more time on the Skydeck. I went with my sister so we took some cute pics together. After some time we went downstairs to begin our practice.
Doing yoga with a view of the city was amazing. The practice was a great workout. I felt invigorated and ready for the day. Afterwards, you could sip your mimosa while watching the cityscape below. You also have the choice of going back to the Skydeck. It was my sister’s first time up there so she couldn’t get enough. We both enjoyed the event, and recommend it. I like all the different yoga events around the city, and this was probably one of my favorites!
I visited Curly Tale Art Gallery for the first time for their Naughty and Nice Show, which focused on Saint Nick’s evil doppelganger Krampus. An artist I follow on Instagram, Laura Colors posted necklaces that she specifically made for the show. I had to go check it out, and am glad I found a new gallery to visit (it has been there a while). Laura is a pop surrealist who focuses on nature and fairy tales.
I met the owner Anita, and artists Rebecca Moy and Jennifer Mujezinovic who were lovely and charming. Rebecca’s work is dreamlike, abstract and colorful, while Jennifer creates portraits of different women with surreal touches. I definitely have to save up for a portrait from Jennifer since they are amazing. The gallery focuses on “Lowbrow” art movement, and has a variety of pieces and styles. Anita did a great job with setting up the installations; for example, one was in the shape of a Christmas tree. I think the show is still going on so check it out!
The Bennett Curtis House in Grant Park, Illinois hosts Harry Potter themed dinners (Holidays at Hogwarts was the one I signed up for), and I made the trek out there to attend. It took over an hour and a half so leave early if you live in Chicago. The wizard’s dinner is in an old home that was decorated with Harry Potter backdrops, and props were provided for some fun pics. You could have adult versions of butter beer and pumpkin juice, which were tasty. There was appetizers by the bar area so you could stroll through the rooms to check out the different Harry Potter themes.
At dinner you were separated by house (we got Gryffindor). There was four quizzes the Houses took against each other (our team came in third). The food was mediocre. Some reviews said it was bad, but I don’t agree. It tasted like catered food. I didn’t eat much that day so I was hungry and ate plenty. The dessert area was buffet style, and you could take candy like gummy bears. I haven’t eaten candy like that in a while. I went with my sister and we were stuffed with food. The specialty drinks were not included, and I think one should have come with the ticket. They were so sweet that I only had two and that was plenty.
Our group was a good mix of children and adults. The children were all nice and well behaved…maybe because nerds like Harry Potter? And nerds are awesome. I’m glad I went and got to experience the event. I’ve never been to Harry Potter World. If you have, do not expect anything as elaborate. I do think any Harry Potter fan would enjoy it though.
Christkindlmarket in Chicago is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. Since 1995, Germans have come to Chicago, and set up the market in Daley Plaza every year. The Christkind is the fairy queen that the market is named after. She is an angel that bears gifts in German speaking countries. I got a picture with her when I went (I’m a kid at heart).
I also look forward to the Gluhwein or spiced wine. You get a commemorative mug every year, which some of my friends collect. I recommend the potato pancakes, and that you wait in line for the Sweet House to buy German chocolate. The ornament houses are great, and I have a few from the Market on my tree. The company has been making ornaments since the 16th century so they are extra special.
After food and shopping at the market I was off to look at the windows at Macy’s. They are spectacular, and I look forward to seeing them every year. They pick great Christmas themes for each window, and do a Chicago themed one as well. One of my favorite windows had Santa’s list of good children, and I was happy to see my name on it. Coincidentally, my sister was on Santa’s list too. So the Wayfaring Gals don’t have to worry about Krampus coming. After checking out the windows it was off to Millennium Park to see the Christmas tree all lit up. It is so beautiful!
When I found out about Frosty’s Christmas Bar, I had to go experience three floors devoted to one of my favorite holidays. I read reviews before I went and all were negative, so I was pretty concerned. I have to say the place is beautiful, and all three floors were open when I went. I did purchase tickets in advance for express entry, and that money then gets credited towards drinks. I went right when it opened at 6pm so I got in quickly since my friend arrived early and got a spot at the front of the line. Many complained that even with express entry they had to wait a while in line. I suggest going early to avoid that. My main problem is with the drink credit. The bartender was extremely rude about what we could get with the credit. We were not allowed to use it towards the holiday drinks which I think is BS. That should have been disclosed when we purchased the tickets. My sister got a beer and I had to get a glass of wine, which I could have gotten at any bar. I wanted a holiday drink at a holiday bar, which I don’t think is unreasonable. Frosty’s wanted an additional $14 for those. Out of principle, I refused to give that place any more money. I think there are better Christmas themed bars in the city. Frosty’s is disorganized, and needs some customer service training. It is rare that I do not recommend a place.
As you can see if though it is cold, there are still plenty of things to get you off your couch, and out and about in Chicago. These are just a handful of events out there. Also, I’m always looking for new events, so feel free to send me your recommendations. As always, thank you for reading, and feel free to message me any feedback. Follow me on Instagram (Wayfaringgal) and like my Facebook page for future updates.
