On the road: Santa and swag on the Mag Mile
Chicago
Santa swag on the Mag
You know you'll be shopping the Mag Mile at least once this season, so why not take advantage of the Magnificent Mile & Santa Offer at the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile? The package gets you a $50 gift certificate to any of Water Tower Place's 100 shops and same-day delivery for any in-mall purchases to the hotel. You'll also snag swag like a Premier Passport, featuring special savings and offerings at Water Tower Place's Stores, free admission to Chicago Sports Museum, and a complimentary Water Tower Place tote bag and signature gift. Don't forget to reserve your visit with Santa (through Dec. 24) with the hotel's concierge team.
The Magnificent Mile & Santa Offer is available now until Dec. 24 through the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile, 633 N. St. Clair St. Rates vary. chicagomagnificentmile.hyatt.com or (312) 274-4486.
Space cowboy
The "Father of Modern Space Art," American painter, designer and illustrator Chesley Bonestell, deposits you into the future and alien worlds in a new exhibition at the Adler Planetarium. "Worlds of Chesley Bonestell" illustrates how the pioneer of science-related art combined a thorough knowledge of science with inventive painting and work in magazines and films including "War of the Worlds" (1953), "Destination Moon" (1950) and "Conquest of Space" (1955). See Bonestell's striking vision of the future that depicts, among other things, the space station, space shuttle and details of the solar system long before they were actually realized.
Nov. 22-April 26 at Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. The exhibition is free with all admission packages. adlerplanetarium.org or (312) 922-7827.
Most 'One'derful time
The 14th annual One of a Kind Show and Sale Chicago is a refreshing alternative to traditional retail and a perfect place to find unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list. More than 600 artists from across North America bring their imaginative, handmade creations to this year's show, offering a wide range of media and categories including accessories, ceramics, fashion, fiber art, furniture, glass, gourmet treats, jewelry, mixed media, metalwork, kids' stuff, painting, photography, sculpture, artisan paper and more. Speak with the artists, attend artist demonstrations, join interactive activities, see fashion shows and enjoy live music. The 2014 show offers the Goose Island Beer Garden with the brewery's various beers, gastropub bites and TVs playing the weekend's big games.
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 4-5; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago. Adult admission is $12, free for kids 12 and younger. oneofakindshowchicago.com or (800) 677-6278.
Midwest
Silver dollar seasonal getaway
Go south but stay closer to home when you book the "Ozark Mountain Christmas Package" at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa. Recipient of the AAA Four-Diamond rating for 14 consecutive years, the resort is in Missouri's scenic Ozark Mountains overlooking Table Rock Lake, just minutes from attractions in Branson, which brim with holiday cheer. The package includes two nights accommodations in a room type of your choice; $50 food and beverage credit at the resort for use during your stay; a specially selected Chateau Christmas ornament; use of the indoor pool, hot tub and fitness facilities; free indoor parking; and two-day tickets for two adults to the Silver Dollar City theme park.
The package is available now through Dec. 30 at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, Branson, Missouri. Package rates start at $362 (plus tax) for a standard room based on double occupancy and space availability. ChateauOnTheLake.com or (888) 333-5253.
Seasons go round and round
Round Barn Winery, Distillery & Brewery in southwest Michigan offers its annual "Giggle & Mingle Toy Drive With Santa." Donate a new, unwrapped toy (or $5 suggested donation for Toys for Tots) and get in on family-centered festivities including ornament-making and decorating holiday cookies. For those over 21, there will be sipping on seasonal cheer while shopping Round Barn's extensive product line of wine, beer and spirits gifts. Sample wine and craft beer or try one of the holiday-inspired DiVine cocktails.
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Round Barn Winery, Distillery & Brewery, 10983 Hills Road, Baroda, Michigan. roundbarnwinery.com or (800) 716-9463.
Joyeux Noel
Embrace the holiday season with joyeux packages from one of Chicagoland's newest hotels, Le Méridien Chicago-Oakbrook Center, located next to Oakbrook Center. The Shop + Stay Package includes a full American breakfast; an Ultimate Shopping Excursions Discount Card; same-day delivery on all in-mall purchases directly to your hotel room; and a late checkout of 2 p.m. Girlfriends may want to look into the special Spa Package that gets you a 50-minute signature ESPA massage as well as breakfast.
Le Méridien Chicago-Oakbrook Center is at 2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Shop + Stay starts at $134 per night; the spa package starts at $269. lemeridienoakbrook.com or (877) 782-0116.