Posted 2 years ago in Trending, Things to Do, Arts & Culture
3 MIN READ – In order to ensure Chicagoans and visitors enjoy the holiday season to the fullest, Chicago Loop Alliance has once again launched the annual “Holidays in the Loop” guide. The most popular seasonal attractions and downtown businesses are featured in printed pocket guides distributed throughout the city and suburbs; three State Street CTA kiosks; and a regularly updated online guide. This year’s selection of recommended activities includes a brand-new local Chicago attraction, the State Street Holiday Market. View the full Holidays in the Loop guide here.
“The holiday season is the most magical time of the year downtown in the Loop, and being immersed in so many of the wonderful traditions that take place right in the heart of the city is thrilling,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “This year, we look forward to adding to the traditions with a new State Street Holiday Market that brings the fun and success of Sundays on State indoors while supporting local Chicago artists and small business owners. Along with the market, our Holidays in the Loop guide, which includes classics like Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Lyric Opera House to new experiences like The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle, provides ample activities for families, workers, visitors and anyone that loves the stunning winter wonderland that is Chicago.”
"One of the most wonderful times in Chicago is the holiday season, as it draws residents and visitors alike to our downtown for shopping, festivals and so much more," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "Thanks to the Chicago Loop Alliance, people will have even more fun and exciting holiday activities to participate in this year. I look forward to seeing these new activities in action next month, which undoubtedly help to further revitalize the Loop and strengthen our city's economy."
State Street Holiday Market
The State Street Holiday Market is an evolution of Sundays on State and realizes part of the mission of Chicago Loop Alliance’s Everyone’s Neighborhood initiative. Beloved vendors from local small businesses are invited to set up shop on one of Chicago’s busiest retail corridors during the holiday season. The State Street Holiday Market will be filled with over 85 vendors, holiday focused programming, and educational forums for small business owners. The market is located at 35 S. State and will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., beginning Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Dec. 18. 92 percent of the vendors at Sundays on State were from underrepresented business owners (largely Woman-owned, Black-owned, and Latinx-owned businesses), and a similar representation is expected for the State Street Holiday Market.
The State Street Holiday Market is made possible through a Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Small Business Storefront Activation Program grant, and all vendors are Chicago businesses who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.
”The State Street Holiday Market is an opportunity for local small business owners from across the City to connect with consumers along one of Chicago’s iconic retail corridors,” said BACP Commissioner Kenneth J. Meyer. “The Small Business Storefront Activation Program allows for the transformation of vacant storefronts to unique shopping an art experiences during the holiday season.”
In an effort to create an advantageous environment for small business owners that do not typically have access to opportunities in the central business district, Chicago Loop Alliance is partnering with YWCA Breedlove for free educational forums for small business owners on Saturdays throughout the duration of the market series.
Other Loop festivities - Holidays in the Loop guide
Chicagoans and visitors alike are also encouraged to enjoy and explore all the Loop has to offer during the most joyous time of the year. Chicago Loop Alliance annually compiles a detailed guide of recommended holiday traditions, activities, restaurants, hotels, and more.
This year, the Chicago Loop welcomes back mainstays like the City of Chicago’s Official Christmas Tree, Macy’s Holiday Windows, Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol, and Christkindlmarket; new happenings including the Color Factory, A Magical Cirque Christmas at Broadway In Chicago, The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle, and Catalog Marketplace at Willis Tower; delectable dining experiences; and luxurious accommodations.
Share your Loop holiday moments on social media using #BackInTheLoop and tagging Chicago Loop Alliance for a chance to win a $1,000 Loop staycation package.
