2025 Chicago Holiday Gift Experiences you need this season
November 26, 2025
I don’t know about you, but I don’t really want anything else in my house. No more toys please. Gift experiences are the way to go. In fact, Manny and I have only been gifting each other experiences for years! Memories over everything, especially this season. I put together a huge roundup of my favorite things to do for everyone. I mean everyone! Kids, adults, the foodie, the homebody, etc. If you like it, share it! And Happy Holidays!
For the Adults – Wine and Dine
Classes
Wild Blossom Meadery – Wine making class and this is on our list to check out! I have heard really good things about it. It’s currently on Groupon for group of 4 for $120.
Get in the Kitchen – it’s like a little party and class in one!
Bon Vivant– Cake making classes and workshops for the bakers and makers!
Bettie’s Chicago – 1950’s diner with lots of baking classes
Tortello – pasta making class!
Afternoon Teas
The Peninsula – They also have rooftop ice skating!
Igloos & Lodges
Festive at Fairmont – This is one of my favorite hotel’s around the Mag Mile during the holidays. They do such a nice job decorating! You can do a table side s’more and drinks for a gift date idea!
The Gwen – Rooftop curling is so fun! And yes, they have lot’s of heaters outside 🙂
Hotel Zachary Igloos – I have done this with a group of girls and LOVED it. It’s such a fun experience looking over Wrigley.
Just For the Kids
Color Factory – My kids have gone 3 times and we celebrated Mila’s 5th birthday here! We love it. Check out their website for lots of discounts.
Play Street Museum – This is good for kids under 8 to play and have lots of sensory and imagination play! Bonus, there’s a park right across from it in the Roosevelt Collection in the South Loop.
Nomi Hotel Chocolate Bar – We just recently did this and it’s so cute! Located inside the Park Hyatt, which is decorated beautifully for the holidays. I definitely recommend!
Solomoo – Mila still talks about her visit here still, even though it’s been almost 6 month since we last week it’s a great experience and very hands-on for kids under 12. Adding the slime is a must too.
Lincoln Park Zoo – Grandparents actually gift this every year and it definitely pays for itself with the parking and free events for members! We love it.
Museum passes – This is perfect for winter break! It includes the Shedd, Sky Deck and three attractions! You could take a day for each one over break. Great way to keep the kids busy!
Have a Downtown Day – Museum Illusions, skating at Maggie Daley Park, Millennium Food Hall
Fit City class pass – Located in Lincoln Square, they have kids classes, camps, open play and even drop off nights. Grandparents have bought us a gift here in the past and it was put to good use.
Casa Playroom – Bilingual Playroom is a playroom in Brighton Park for small kids and they also have lots of events. Check their IG for the latest. I got a chance to visit it recently and it’s so cute! It’s the only bi-lingual playroom on the south side of Chicago! You can purchase gift certificates here.
Willis Tower Day – Sky Deck (it’s decorated to cute!) then Color Factory. We usually grab lunch at the Shake Shack there, but there’s a small food court with other options for lunch!
Animal encounters at the Shedd – I want to do this with the kids, it’s on our bucket list!
Holiday Staycation with a pool – see some of our favorite hotels with pools here.
Create your own charms or bracelets at Beadniks
Old Town Music classes – you can buy gift certificates or classes for kids!
Lightscape – great family experience. Lots of walking outside, so bundle up! The lights are pretty.
School House Cooking school – kids cooking classes, camps and even drop off nights. They have 3 locations in Oak Park, Portage Park and Wicker Park!
Day at Navy Pier with Flyover and Children’s Museum, Winter Wonderland
Spa Services for the Adults
AIRE – it’s absolutely amazing, expensive, but they are on Resort Pass now! I loved my experience here. It’s like nothing I’ve done before.
Face Foundrie Both city and burb locations! I love this for a gift around $100. My mom loves this as a gift too! Code: Christine-619484
Leaf Spa at Fairmont Chicago – I have gotten a massage here and it was excellent. Plus, after or before, you can grab a drink at the lobby with all the pretty decorations! On Groupon now.
LondonHouse Spa – Grab a massage and stop by the rooftop for a drink and some of the best views of the city. Also, currently on Groupon!
Piva Beer Spa – Great for the men and beer lovers in your life! Get the Groupon deal here.
SWTHZ – This is actually what I am asking for, I want a package to this private sweat lodge. I loved my experience here sauna + vitamin c shower + cold plunge. You can see my reel here. Code CGL10 is my discount code!
Urban Oasis – my go to for massages!great prenatal ones too.
Waldorf Astoria and Four Seasons are both on Resort Pass now! Gifting a day pass would be an amazing gift for a new mom or even yourself 🙂
Tickets & Tours – little something for everyone
360 Chicago Sip & View – I love the views up here! I think it’s a great solo outing (I just did it recently solo!) or take friend. It’s on Groupon for $44 with a drink and admission.
Broadway in Chicago Season Subscription
Candlelight Concerts – Many different ones to choose from! Great for date night.
Chicago Architecture Center Tours – I just did this tour and it’s great! Even as a Chicagoan, I feel like I learned something new.
Chicago Mahogany Tours – Highly recommend taking a tour with DIlla! We did the Bronzeville tour!
Chinatown Adventure Food Tour – I love this if you want to gift someone new to Chicago or someone moving here!
Holiday Walking Tour with Bobby’s Bike Hike
Magic Parlour – It’s a really great show for a date night. Interactive and engaging. Tickets are Hot Tix are cheaper!
Windy City Smokeout – One of my favorite days of the summer!
Yes, Chef!: A Bear-Inspired Food Tour by Chicago Food Tours
Craft and Create – a little something for everyone
All Meal Prep – This is a local meal prep delivery service that I have used many times during busy weeks! It’s owned by brother and sister out of Edgewater. They deliver to most of the city and surrounding suburbs. Use code CGL10 for $10 off your first order!
Aura Candle Bar Class – I have done this with friends and it’s really fun. You could head to dinner or drinks after on Southport.
Floral Arranglement Classes at Flowers for Dreams – I have taken a workshop with Flowers for Dreams and recommend!
Freestyle Ceramics and Tufting – Unique gift for any creative folks!
Ignite Glass studio – a really unique experience if you are looking for something different! They are also currently on Groupon!
Knitting class at The Bloomin’ Spindle – It recently opened in Portage Park and they offer lots of classes!
Lillstreet Art Center – art classes and workshops for kids and adults!
I hope some of these give you some inspo! If you have any questions, let me know! If you have any questions, you can message me here on IG! Enjoy your holidays!
Christine
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
