music box theater | Just a Chi Town Girl

You guys.

I included it in my Chicago Christmas guide but nothing could have prepared me for the spectacle that was actually attending a showing of White Christmas at The Music Box Theater.

You have to go. Seriously. A Christmas 2015 PRIORITY.

We went at noon on Christmas Eve with my mother, excited to see a favorite movie on a special day and there were carolers as we stepped inside the door. Totally unexpected. As was the enthusiasm of everyone working there. Same with the quotes from other Christmas movies on the bar menu wall. The man taking our tickets proclaimed we were in a great section (okay?) and said he believed in me. My husband said it meant he believed in me to find our seats but I will take it as he believes in me in general.

The carolers were actually part of the Chicago Chamber Choir and took to the stage for a full performance. At the end of a rousing rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” (you guessed it), SANTA CLAUS CAME TO TOWN.

Santa then led a singalong of every Christmas carol you have ever heard of.

All of this with an audience that was either wearing matching shirts, antlers, velvet capes (seriously) and carrying jingle bells. Which they rang every time someone in the movie said the word “Christmas”. I look over and Ryan is engaged in a conversation with the lady wearing a light up necklace sitting next to him and it was her family’s 13^th year doing this and her sister just showed up married on Thursday and couldn’t believe we didn’t bring our own bells (note to self: BYOBells next year).

Whoa.

It was such an ordeal, Christmas spirit on steroids. (Not) surprisingly, I cried so hard at the end of the movie. I have seen White Christmas a thousand times but it was to the point where we had to sit a few minutes for me to compose myself after the curtain had closed. I was just so happy. And it finally snowed in Pine Tree, Vermont.

In conclusion: when these tickets go on sale next year, buy them and go. Bring your own bells. And maybe decide on a matching group outfit.

Confession: I am a little panicked that there are only 3 weeks until Christmas. It’s no secret that this is my absolute favorite time of year and the day after Christmas, I start looking at the countdown app on my phone in anticipation of the Christmas that’s 365 days away but with Thanksgiving being so late this year…we have a lot of holiday’ing to do in a short period of time, people. Let’s get to it.

Caroling at Cloud Gate (aka the Bean): Fridays in December at 6pm, a chorus of singers serenades the crowd with holiday favorites and there’s a singalong. Count. Me. In.

The Music Box Christmas Show: “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas” are 2 of my favorite movies of all time and the Music Box Theater shows them on 9 dates between Dec. 13 and Christmas Eve, complete with a visit from Santa and caroling led by the theater’s organist.

Christkindlmarket: This open air German market in Daley Plaza in the Loop that is open every day 11am to 8pm (9pm on weekends) has been a tradition in my family for over a decade. Spiced wine & cider, streusel, potato pancakes, ornaments as far as the eye can see…and a Christmaa Queen. Go on your lunch break for a snack or at night for a beautiful view of the city’s tree.

Zoo Lights: This is one of my favorites. The entire Lincoln Park Zoo decked head to toe in lights and musical displays…and Santa is hanging in the Cat House. Go early (it opens at 5pm) or late (closes at 9) to avoid crowds and if you don’t have/like kids, spike your hot cocoa. Trust me on this one.

Ice Skating at the Peninsula: I hate being cold but taking a few swoops around the Peninsula’s outdoor rink a few stories above Michigan Avenue and then heading to The Lobby for their Christmas tea sounds like something I could get behind.

Now to look at the calendar and come up with a plan of attack!

What about you? Any favorite holiday activities that I missed?

White Christmas at The Music Box Theater

Chicago Christmas Favorites

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