December visit

Question

We will be in Chicago Wed Dec 11 through Sat the 14th. We especially want to see Christmas decorations, exhibits and lights. We are staying at the Riu Plaza on Michigan and Ontario Streets and will use taxis or ubers to get around. Since most Christmas lights are best in the evening (and we only have 3 evenings) we are trying to make the best use of our time. I have found a concert on Friday evening that looks interesting (Holidays a cappella at Buchanan Chapel at Fourth Presbyterian Church). I assume the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry decorations are inside and could be viewed during the day. Is this correct? Otherwise we think we’d like to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo and Millennium Park. I also have found lists of hotels to visit and we would like to see Miracle Mile one evening. Should we also plan to visit State Street? Are these areas safe after dark? Are there other things you would recommend during the day?If we got to Millennium Park around 9 PM is that too late? Just trying to make plans – thanks for any insight.

Answer

It sounds like you're going to have a wonderful time in Chicago during the holiday season! There's so much to see and do, especially with the Christmas decorations and lights. I'll try to break down your questions and provide some useful suggestions:

1) Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Decorations
Yes, the holiday decorations at the Science and Industry Museum are inside, and they’re typically part of their annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibits. You can absolutely visit during the day to enjoy these beautiful displays. The museum is also home to a massive Christmas tree and hundreds of smaller trees decorated by different cultural groups, so it's a great daytime activity if you're looking to experience holiday cheer without venturing out into the cold.

2) Lincoln Park Zoo & Millennium Park
Both of these locations are fantastic for Christmas lights and displays, especially in the evenings:

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights: The zoo is free to visit year-round, but during the holidays, it is transformed into a winter wonderland with stunning light displays. It's best to visit after dark to see the lights, and it’s especially fun with kids, but adults will enjoy it too. It’s a safe area, and the zoo is located in a nice neighborhood with plenty of people around, even in the evening.
Millennium Park: Millennium Park is home to the iconic Cloud Gate (The Bean) and the beautiful Christmas tree in the park's central plaza. The park is well-lit and has a festive atmosphere, especially at night. If you visit around 9 PM, it will still be busy, but you may find fewer people. It's perfectly safe to visit at night, as it's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. You can also check out the nearby Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza, which is a great European-style Christmas market to visit in the evening.

3) Miracle Mile and State Street
Both areas are fantastic for shopping and holiday lights:

Miracle Mile: The Magnificent Mile is known for its incredible Christmas lights and window displays. This area is filled with luxury shops and department stores like Macy’s, and they decorate their windows beautifully during the holiday season. You can easily walk along Michigan Avenue to see the lights and decorations. It's also a great area to explore in the evening. Just be aware it can get crowded, especially near the holidays.
State Street: State Street also has holiday displays, though it tends to be a bit less festive than the Magnificent Mile. That said, it's still worth a visit. The area has a lot of historical architecture, and the famous Macy’s on State Street (formerly Marshall Field’s) usually has a spectacular holiday window display. This is a good place to explore if you want to get away from the crowds on Michigan Avenue.

4) Safety at Night
Both the Magnificent Mile and State Street are in bustling areas of Chicago and are generally safe, but as with any major city, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. There will be plenty of people around, and public transportation (like taxis and Ubers) is easy to use if you're concerned about walking long distances in the dark. The area around your hotel, especially Michigan Avenue, is generally considered safe for tourists.

5) Other Daytime Recommendations
If you have time during the day and want to enjoy more of the holiday charm, consider these options:

The Art Institute of Chicago: It’s one of the world’s top museums, and while you’re there, don’t miss the Thorne Rooms, which are miniature holiday scenes.
Chicago Botanic Garden: A little outside the city, but if you have time, they often have a beautiful light display in their Winter WonderFest.
Chicago Riverwalk: The Riverwalk is especially scenic with the winter lights and offers a nice stroll along the Chicago River.
Garfield Park Conservatory: If you enjoy beautiful plants and flowers, this conservatory is a peaceful indoor escape with some lovely winter displays.

6) Concert at Fourth Presbyterian Church
The concert you’re attending, Holidays A Cappella at Buchanan Chapel, sounds like a wonderful holiday experience. The church is beautiful, and it will definitely add to the holiday magic. It’s in the Gold Coast neighborhood, which is a very charming area, so it's a great spot to enjoy after the concert as well.

Overall, you have a lot to look forward to during your stay! I think your itinerary is shaping up nicely, and with just three evenings, you'll get to experience some of the best parts of Chicago’s holiday festivities. If you stick to a mix of outdoor light displays (Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park, Miracle Mile) and indoor activities (Science and Industry Museum, art museums), you’ll be able to make the most of your time. Have a wonderful trip, and enjoy the holiday cheer in Chicago!