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Winter 2009
Chicago is twinkling with all the magical sights, sounds, and surprises you love about this season of celebration.
Millions of glittering lights along the Magnificent Mile illuminate superb Michigan Avenue shopping, dining and entertainment options. In Daley Plaza, Santa and the city's huge Christmas tree are smack dab in the middle of legendary Loop stores, restaurants and theater.
Daley Plaza is also the site of Christkindlmarket, a 16th century German marketplace complete with succulent delicacies, lively entertainment, and beautiful toys, nutcrackers, beer steins, glass ornaments, and other artisan-crafted treasures. The largest and most renowned German winter holiday market in the United States is open every day through December 24.
Macy's flagship Loop store is dressed in its holiday best - ready to delight you with animated window displays on State Street and the 45-foot Great Tree decorated with over 1,200 themed ornaments and 25,000 dazzling lights in the Walnut Room.
Polish off your gift list in the sassy shops of Lakeview, North Halsted Street, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park and Bucktown, and Andersonville, and other unique Chicago neighborhoods.
Chicago's stages are set with spell-binding productions of Joffrey Ballet's glorious production of The Nutcracker at Auditorium Theatre and Charles Dickens' timeless A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre. Welcome Yule! with concerts by Chicago Symphony Orchestra includes an audience sing-along of favorite holiday tunes. But save some voice for The 25th Music Box Christmas Show December 19-24 which features a carol sing before each showing of Holiday Inn and It's a Wonderful Life.
And don't miss Navy Pier's spectacular Bank of America Winter Wonderfest through January 4 with a flurry of thrilling outdoor activities including New Year's Eve fireworks.
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Eat It Up!
 Foodies rejoice! With so many remarkable dining options at such incredibly low prices during Chicago Restaurant Week, you may want to go into training so you can exercise as many as possible.
This year's event February 20-27 will build on last year's smashing success with at least three times as many participating restaurants — over 140 so far — including many of the outstanding eateries you've always wanted to try or would love to revisit. And indulgence is highly affordable because prices will be a tantalizing $22 for three-course prix-fixe lunches and $32 for three-course prix-fixe dinners.
Stay tuned to choosechicago.com for details as they become available.
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Hell-bent For Leather
 Leathermen in Chicago — home of the International Mr. Leather competition held annually in May — also take pride in a special winter contest.
Mr. Chicago Leather will be chosen the weekend of January 30-February 1 at Touché Bar. Friday night's welcome party, hosted by former Misters Chicago Leather, will include a roast of Freddie Marshall, Mr. Chicago Leather 2008. John Pendal, International Mr. Leather 2003, will host the contest which begins Saturday at 10 PM. The Victory Beer Bust on Sunday from 3 until 8 PM will feature a buffet, raffles and games, and more. Click here for complete information and an application to compete.
And mark your calendar for International Mr. Leather 2009 at Hilton Chicago May 21-25.
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Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby?
 Whether you're eager to celebrate with your favorite squeeze or just coming off a thorny break-up, Chicago is the best place in the world to spend Valentine's Day.
Those in the throes of romance on February 14 will likely be in the mood for a candlelight dinner. Check out this list of great Chicago restaurants to find one that suits your taste.
If you're traveling single-o, you may be more in the mood for mayhem. Commemorate the city's infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre with friends at a Chicago speakeasy. Head to Tommy Gun's Garage where you can mingle with Da Mugs and Da Molls while you enjoy a little hooch and an interactive Roaring 20s musical comedy... as long as you can tell Gloves the doorman the secret password.
And no matter what your relationship status, who wouldn't love a little chocolate? Discover the many reasons Chicago is a Chocolate Lover's Paradise and where to find the city's best.
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Gay Tour Operator Zooms To The Top... Again
Congratulations to Chicago’s Zoom Vacations – selected Best Small Gay Tour Provider for the second year in a row by readers of Out Traveler Magazine!
According to Ed Salvato, Editor in Chief of Out Traveler and OutTraveler.com, a record number of respondents voted in the 2008 Readers’ Choice Awards. Of the Gold Award winner, he says, “Our continual reader favorite Zoom delights LGBT travelers with its individualized or group trips, this year hosting tours to locations like Argentina and Peru. Upcoming trips will visit natural wonders in Guatemala and Costa Rica, and also trendy festivals like Sydney's Mardi Gras and Carnival in Rio.”
Zoom Vacations founder Joel Cabrera notes, “Everyone associated with Zoom is dedicated, professional and creative. Every trip reinvigorates and makes you feel a renewed sense of belonging and connection to the places Zoom visits."
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