Best Places To Go Caroling In Chicago
While Christmas can often be thought of as a stressful time of year because of the pressures of finding the right gifts and the financial stresses on the budget, the true spirit of the holiday should involve a joyous celebratory spirit of camaraderie. The best way to convey the merriment is by partaking in some good old fashioned caroling. Whether you're a loner looking to join in a caroling group or looking to organize a group of friends, there are a number of different spots in Chicago to make the most out of your caroling spirit. Take in the true spirit of the holiday and spread some joy this Christmas in Chicago.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Daley Civic Center Plaza
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 494-2175
www.christkindlmarket.com
Date: Through Dec. 24, 2013
There is free admission to this annual event that is being held until December 24. This is a themed traditional German-American holiday market that features shopping and traditional German food and beverages. The entertainment program consists of various choirs and carolers to be featured on the main stage. However, groups are welcome to register to be part of the programming or carol on their own within the market.
Lincoln Park Zoo
ZooLights Event
2001 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
www.lpzoo.org
Date: Through Jan. 5, 2014
While no longer hosting the Caroling to the Animals event, carolers are welcome to join the festivities during ZooLights. For large groups hoping to organize a caroling event, call to submit a performance request in order to designate a spot on the grounds. Otherwise, small groups are welcome to carol for the visitors amongst the twinkling lights. This event offers free admission and discounted parking options for members.
Caroling at Cloud Gate
Millennium Park, Chase Promenade Central
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 742-1168
www.cityofchicago.org
Date: Through Dec. 20, 2013
This event will be held on Fridays through December 20 from 6 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. This is a free event that showcases Chicago choral groups but also encourages visitor participation. This can be a great way to carol in Chicago right in the heart of downtown. After caroling, take the family to the Millennium Park's McCormick Tribune Ice Rink to make the most of the evening.
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Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-7437
www.navypier.com
Navy Pier is a go-to spot for locals and vacationers alike. This is a great place to organize your own caroling group to interact with a number of different people throughout your time there. A great way to capitalize on a large audience is by coinciding your caroling outing with the annual Winter WonderFest. This event will be running from December 6 to January 12 and features everything from an indoor ice skating rink to huge inflatables. Visitors will be expecting the elaborate holiday décor and the caroling will be a nice added touch to the festivities.
Macy's Holiday Window Display
Macy's State St.
111 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 781-4483
www.visitmacyschicago.com
Taking over the historic Marshall Field's location on State Street, Macy's also took over the over-the-top window displays. This is a holiday tradition for many families to walk down State Street and partake in the different themed window displays each year. There are often vendors selling hot apple cider and roasted chestnuts for visitors and this can make a great spot for a caroling group to sing for the window watchers. To get more festive or to just warm up, take a step inside to view the Macy's tree or visit Santaland on the 5th floor.
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Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
