Holiday Hoops whoop it up
Let's get physical
What began as a basketball tournament named Holiday Hoops in 2000 became Mayor Daley's Holiday Sports Festival with tournaments in floor hockey, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and cheerleading as well as tons of interactive zones. See demos of fencing, football, martial arts and basketball and then head to the Fitness Zone where certified fitness instructors lead classes in cardio kickboxing, salsa aerobics, Pilates, yoga and more. There are lectures on nutrition, bike safety and family fitness, health screenings and personal trainers. There also will be the Chicago Sports Fest Half-Time Stage with hip-hop dancers and the chance to meet some professional and collegiate sports team mascots. Free admission.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 18-19, at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive in Chicago. Visit chicagosportsfest.us.
Spirit of Christmas present
Most happy hours make your head spin and the 900 Shops' first Holiday Happy Hour won't disappoint. It's a weeklong celebration of beauty makeovers, fashion, giveaways and cocktails. Shoppers can enjoy $15 styles by Mario Tricoci at a custom-made blow-out bar; test the hottest new products with free makeovers by Bloomingdale's; get complimentary shoe shines for guys; enter to win gift giveaways; and enjoy exclusive store offers while sipping complimentary cocktails from TZAR. Each day the 900 Shops will also have a Giveaway of The Day display area on Level 2.
5 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, Dec. 13-17, at 900 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Call (312) 915-3916 or visit shop900.com/holiday.
Pine cones, poinsettias and the Palmer House
Carols are cool and garland is great, but if you really want to experience an authentic historical holiday, visit the Palmer House Hilton. When it's time to come into the city for a day and evening to experience the wonder of the holidays, add a stay at the Palmer House with the Historical Package that includes overnight accommodations and an extensive behind-the-scenes tour of the hotel. The package is available through Friday, Dec. 31, and rates start at $209.
17 E. Monroe St. Call (312) 726-7500 or visit palmerhousehiltonhotel.com.
Midwest
Cool post-Christmas blues
When all the holiday hubbub is over, head to northwest Ohio for an after-party at the new state park lodge at Maumee Bay. Each day of the Winter Carnival, there's an indoor fair with a putt-putt golf course, ladder golf, bean bag toss, cupcake walk, race cars, football toss and other games. Evening brings karaoke and other contests followed by family movies. There is an indoor swimming pool, hot tubs, fitness center, Wallyball courts, game room or venture outdoors and use the resort's sleds or explore the nature center.
Sunday to Thursday, Dec. 26-30. The special Winter Carnival rate is $99 plus tax per night for up to four people in a double or lake view double room. Call (800) 282-7275 and mention the promotional code CARNIVAL or visit maumeebaystateparklodge.com.
Warming up in Wisconsin
The family can be lolling in an 85-degree oasis after a three- or four-hour drive to Kalahari Resorts in the Wisconsin Dells. Special holiday packages includes a two-night stay in a Hut or Desert room for up to four people or in a Royal Two-Room Family Suite for up to six, admission to Wisconsin's largest indoor water park for each registered guest, breakfast and four indoor theme park ride passes. There will be a wide variety of holiday activities including gingerbread house making or consider a stay over New Year's Eve with parties for all ages.
Available Sunday, Dec. 19, to Monday, Dec. 27, and Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 29-30. Kalahari Holidays Packages start at $359.95 for two nights. Visit KalahariResorts.com.
Achieva festiva in Lake Geneva
If holiday shopping in Lake Geneva, Wis., is on your to-do list, consider dropping the packages and bedding down for the night at Bella Vista Suites. The hotel's Shopping Package offers a special room rate in deluxe accommodations, a complimentary bottle of wine, and savings and discounts from local retail partners. Guests will also receive 20 percent off breakfast or lunch. Lake Geneva has more than 80 boutiques, antiques and craft shops.
The Shopping Package is valid through Thursday, Dec. 30, with rates ranging from $49.50 per person to $69.50 per person, based on double occupancy. Call (800) 773-5119 or visit bellavistasuites.com.
Worth the trip
More than 700 costumed pirates will invade Tampa, Fla., this January aboard the majestic pirate ship Jose Gasparilla and hit the streets with a parade and downtown street festival.
Cannons will be a-boomin' and flags unfurled as the annual Gasparilla Invasion takes place followed by beads and treasures tossed to the crowds on Bayshore Boulevard in the Parade of the Pirates. The Pirate Street Festival features stages of live entertainment, food and the Gasparilla Midway with games, rides and amusements for all ages.
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29. Free admission with reserved seats $30. Visit gasparillapiratefest.com.