Chicago Christmas Tree Crawl: Explore Holiday Decorations in Downtown
4.8
13 Ratings
Chicago
Embark on a nostalgic and educational Christmas tree crawl in downtown Chicago. Discover stunning holiday decorations and learn about the origins of Christmas characters and traditions.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chicago - We will be covering about 1.5 miles worth of beautiful holiday decorations and traditions in downtown Chicago, learning about the history of everything we see along the way!
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Snacks
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Join us on a heartwarming and informative ‘Christmas treasure expedition’ through the heart of Chicago, where we’ll seek out the city’s most breathtaking and remarkable Christmas trees and holiday adornments — we’ve got all the locations covered! This tour goes beyond the usual spots like the Christkindlmarkt and the historic Marshall Field’s, reaching into unsung corners housing some of the city’s finest festive decorations. Along the way, you’ll gain insights into the backstories of certain iconic Christmas figures — some native to Chicago, others not — and you’ll also unravel the narratives behind various Christmas customs celebrated worldwide.

  • Does NOT operate in case of bad (rainy) weather – we will contact you THE MORNING OF THE TOUR with cancellation and refund in that case.
Location
Peet's Coffee
Michigan Avenue
We meet outside the Peet's Coffee Shop in the Wrigley Building. Nearest address is 400 N. Michigan Avenue. The Peet's Coffee Shop is located in the walk-through plaza BETWEEN the two parts of the Wrigley Building, just off of Michigan Avenue.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(13 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Karenwb6548vn
Dec 18, 2023
Great fun! - I bought 2 of these tours for my architect husband for his 60th birthday and we both LOVED them! Hillary is a wealth of information and took us into amazing spaces that one doesn’t know to go visit. A great way to celebrate Christmas in Chicago (and architects’ birthdays).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cheryl_m
Dec 9, 2023
Don’t miss this! - Fantastic! So much fun! Saw trees we would haven’t thought of. Learned so much about the history of Christmas and the city of Chicago. Well worth it! A must do!
Review provided by Viator
Jki4459zu
Dec 17, 2022
The Christmas Tree Crawl Experience Chicago at the Holidays - This was an absolutely AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!! Hillary planned a custom engagement Chicago Christmas Tour. Her attention to detail, knowledge of the city and it's history, and her outgoing enthusiasm and presentation of everything kept me and my now fiancee captivated and engaged the entire time. We were lucky to have Hillary and would recommend this tour to anyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Firecracker96
Dec 9, 2021
A wonderful virtual tour! - I did the virtual tour. Hillary is a fantastic, engaging speaker. Her photos of Chicago are excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire sixty minutes and look forward to attending an in-person tour when in Chicago. She brought in her family's traditions, which made this more than just a history lesson. I lived in the Chicago area for five years. I became fascinated by the city and its history and am an "amateur historian." Although I knew many of the facts she discussed, I learned much.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lindad712
Dec 7, 2021
Fascinating virtual visit to Chicago at Christmas time - I just completed the virtual Christmas Tree Crawl Experience in Chicago! It was marvelous! Hillary Marzec was very informative, entertaining and endearing with her stories of Christmas. She even shared her family with us. Based on the virtual tour, I am determined to be in Chicago for a few days next year to enjoy all the city has to offer. A big "thank you" to Hillary; I hope to meet you in person in 2022!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chicagoanalways
Nov 23, 2021
It Was a Rekindling of the Holiday Spirit - Just a wonderful presentation, great memories and facts, simply an entertaining and learning experience. And after the last year or so, it knocked some of the Grinch out of me. Hillary does a terrific job. I highly recommend one of her tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kgavzer
Dec 1, 2020
1-hour Virtual Holiday Tour of Chicago - This was a virtual tour online. It was wonderfully led by Hillary Marzec, a warm, engaging, and very knowledgeable tour guide. I grew up in Chicago and I had high expectations. Her virtual Christmas tour did not disappoint plus I learned many things I did not know, like the fact that the wildly popular Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer was the creation of the Montgomery Wards Department Store in Chicago! I don't think Hillary missed a thing. The time flew by. Highly recommend if you are going to Chicago and want ideas of things to see this time of year, and -- when Covid is finally over -- a real tour, which we hope to do in a few months when we visit the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A5013olpatricias
Dec 1, 2020
Nostalgic and safe Christmas tour - Attended a virtual Christmas tour, talking about Chicago Christmas traditions. Hillary is very knowledgeable yet conversational in her presentation. Looking forward to an opportunity to participate in one of the tours on person.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
621theresaa
Dec 1, 2020
Great tours!,,, - I’ve done two tours with them....both fantastic! Such great presentations! She is so full of delightful facts!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeanne_r
Dec 10, 2023
Nice guide not enough content - The total walking length was 2 miles but we only saw about 4 or 5 actual holiday decorations. For the price I would have thought we would see more
Review provided by Viator