Posted 4 years ago in Trending
2 MIN READ – Have you ever been more excited for a year to end? Although the COVID-19 pandemic will prevent you from partying in the Loop like you’re used to, there’s still an opportunity to celebrate safely while supporting the Loop neighborhood.
Book a staycation
If you’ve had just about enough of staying at home, booking a staycation downtown for yourself and/or members of your household is a great way to change up your scenery. Many Loop hotels are open now and following strict industry guidelines. These hotels include the Kimpton Gray, whose "2020 be GONE!" package includes overnight self-parking, a bottle of Prosecco, a morning-after hangover kit, and 1 p.m. late checkout. Book by December 30 for stays December 30-January 3. Or check out Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, which is open and ready to welcome guests with their signature "The Naked Experience" over-the-top luxurious bedding, updated Stayclean protocols, and 4 p.m. same-day cancellation.
Enjoy your favorite Loop restaurants—outdoors or at home
Brave the weather like only a true Chicagoan can, and book an outdoor dining reservation. Enjoy rooftops like ROOF on theWit and Raised | An Urban Rooftop Bar, or outdoor patios like Elephant & Castle. Get fabulously bundled, and see how the restaurant industry is creatively responding to the need for year-round outdoor dining.
Or, perhaps you’ll just be staying home this year, thank you very much. You can still support your favorite Loop restaurants by ordering a special carry-out or delivery meal. See what your options are here.
Get one last dose of holiday cheer
Winter weather is just getting started, but the holiday season is already coming to an end. Take advantage of all the beautiful holiday activities and decorations in the Loop while you still can by using Chicago Loop Alliance’s Holidays in the Loop guide. What better night than New Year’s Eve to stroll State Street to take in the Macy’s windows and Chicago Loop Alliance’s Holidays in the Loop Painted Windows? Or to wander along the Riverwalk and catch Art on theMART’s Nutcracker program, a collaboration with The Joffrey Ballet? Or to lace up for a socially distanced skate at the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon? It’s been quite a year. You deserve a joyful and safe holiday season, and there’s still time. Learn more about celebrating the holidays in the Loop here.
Get fabulous
Even if you’re staying home this year, you deserve to get decked out in your New Year’s Eve best. Celebrate with your household, or get a Zoom party going—either way, it will feel good to look good. Hit up your favorite Loop retailers, many of which offer online ordering for delivery or in-store pickup, if you’re not quite ready for an in-person shopping spree. You’ll need a perfect outfit (try Macy’s, UNIQLO, Nordstrom Rack, or Target), and why not splurge on some health and beauty products from stores like The Body Shop, Merz Apothecary (open online or in Lincoln Square), Macy’s, and Sephora? It’s been a long year of wearing pajamas. Go all out!
