Chicago's theater scene is iconic. Here is a running list of shows that will be in town: Boop! The Betty Boop Musical (Pre-Broadway Chicago Premier, CIBC Theater) The Wiz (Pre-Broadway Chicago Premier, Cadillac Palace Theater) Beautiful: The Carol King Musical (Marriott Theatre) Jinx and DeLa Holiday Show (December 10, Auditorium Theater) Lifespan of a Fact (Chicago Premier, Timeline Theatre Company) Young Frankenstein (Mercury Theater) Islander: A New Musical (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre)
For any pre-theater dinner, we recommend making a reservation so that you don't miss your show! Beatnik on the River is a fantastic option for shows in the Theater District in the Loop. It would be inconvenient for outings at Lookingglass, Shakespeare Theatre, or Timeline Theatre.
This is not to be missed — take a walk around Lincoln Park Zoo after dark. Most of the animals will be asleep but if you keep an eye out you might just see Nessie! Advance tickets required (but are sometimes free and sometimes ~$5 depending on the night and time)
Stop in to R.J.'s for a burger before or after Zoo Lights! RJ's is a family favorite and it's where we went immediately after our engagement.
There is a market outside the field at Gallagher Way, which is free and no tickets are required. But we definitely recommend getting tickets to Winterland, a very cute carnival on Wrigley Field. They have ice skating, rides, snow tubing, games, and hot chocolate! We’d recommend using public transit for this activity — from the hotels you can get on the Red Line at Chicago. If you’re heading to Little Goat Diner first, transfer to the Brown Line at Belmont. The el is faster and easier than driving!
The Southport location.
Alternatively, check out the Field Museum of Natural History, which is in the same area
Check out "The Library" in the basement -- it's a speak-easy style bar-within-a-bar! Don't skip dessert!
Typing this from Dublin, ironically, but it looks cool and the tour in Ireland was amazing so surely the one in Chicago will be excellent! Taproom is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
We'd recommend making reservations.