A Windy City holiday: Chicago’s 10 essential holiday activities

CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 04: A general view at Macy’s Celebrates 110th Annual Great Tree Lighting With Special Guest Jordan Smith on November 4, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Macy’s)

8. Macy’s on State Street

Before there was the Magnificent Mile, it was actually State Street that was the shopping hot spot. Even today, it’s still a popular district in Chicago, and at its base is Macy’s.

There is a Macy’s in Water Tower Place, but the one who does it up best is indeed on State Street. It’s included in most Christmas movies set in Chicago, and for good reason. Macy’s holiday window displays make walking around the city extra magical.

But it’s the inside of Macy’s State Street that’s an essential stop during a day in the city. From the Tiffany ceiling to the Granite Pillars to the stunning shopping displays, the store is a visual wonderland.

To top it all off, literally, is The Walnut Room. The restaurant opened in 1907, and was the first restaurant to ever open in a department store. It is a bit pricey, and the wait time can creep up to three hours, sometimes more, but the food is well worth it.

During the holiday season, The Walnut Room expands to have breakfast hours and people will line up outside and across the street. It’s all tied together by the giant Christmas tree in the center of the restaurant. At 45 feet tall, it’s one of the best in the entire city.

In fact, Macy’s State Street has become so iconic over the years that it’s actually recognized as a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To quote the words of a wise and headstrong man: “Treat yo self.”