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Chicago Loves Panini

Going panini and beyond in the Windy City - and loving it!

Chicago Events

Chicago holiday event roundup

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Happy month of December! I can’t believe it’s the end of the year! Time definitely passes by fast when you keep yourself busy. Between The Inspired Home Show and the Weber al fresco cooking event (which happened on my birthday 🙂 ) and between meeting Giada de Laurentiis at the Sweets & Snacks Expo and the fall trips to Gabis Arboretum, the year unfolded in a heartbeat. I am grateful for this year more than ever before – a year when I finally slowed down to cherish life’s little joys, to live in the moment, to practice gratitude with renewed intensity.
 
Speaking of gratitude, I am very grateful for the chance to attend the Chicago holiday events below, which I recommend wholeheartedly. Read on, and let me know which one is your favorite 🙂
 
  • Sonny Acres Farm
“Oh, the weather outside is frightful,/ But the fire is so delightful ” – especially if s’mores are involved!
 
Recently, we visited Sonny Acres Farm for their annual Big & Bright Trail of Lights Festival. I thoroughly enjoyed sampling Sonny Acres Farm’s delicious s’mores and making winter memories with my loved ones. The sparkling, mile-long walking trail featured millions of twinkling lights and superb holiday displays, which we explored on the sound of festive music. I fondly remembered our experience of Sonny Acres Farm’s Fall Fest, which I covered back in October.
 
We discovered a world of beauty and magic, packed with seasonal joy and excitement. There was plenty of deliciousness to keep us warm & comfortable on the mile-long winter wonderland – hot cocoa, freshly made popcorn, and my absolute favorite: s’mores 🙂
 
 
S’mores consists of a toasted, gooey marshmallow and a piece of chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers. Most accounts I consulted credit Girl Scouts with popularizing this iconic American campfire treat, in a book published in 1927 called “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.”
 
The original recipe calls for toasting the marshmallows to a “crispy, gooey state.” Then, “put the marshmallow on top of a chocolate bar and in between two graham crackers, and voilà, you got a “Some More.” It’s unclear when the name was shortened to simply “s’more,” but various Girl Scout publications referred to the treat as “Some More” until at least 1971″ (Matt Blitz, “The History of S’mores,” foodandwine.com)
 
The weather was cold, but our hearts were warm. Scrumptious s’mores, invigorating hot cocoa (Santa’s favorite!) and exquisite candy cane cocktails – our hearts were full of holiday cheer, light, and gratitude for them all.
 
Families can book professional photos with Santa inside Santa’s festive workshop at Sonny Acres Farm, and can select from a wide assortment of fresh-cut Christmas trees, handmade wreaths, and seasonal décor. Sonny Acres Farm will also host a Holiday Sip & Shop event on December 11 – the perfect opportunity to buy artisan gifts & to support local businesses this holiday season 🙂
 
  • One of a Kind Holiday Show

Today is the last day of The One of a Kind Holiday Show, and I highly encourage you to visit. We visited yesterday, and we had an amazing time!

Now on its 24th edition, One of a Kind Holiday Show is the place to shop original work from over 600 independent artists, designers and makers from across the nation, all conveniently located under one roof on the 7th Floor of THE MART.

I loved meeting the show’s jury-selected artists and all-new emerging talent, while also enjoying new additions to the annual event, such as artist demonstrations and fine art gallery talks. I explored a wide variety of products, including food…

…fine art, furniture, apparel…

…jewelry, and ceramics.

In the Fine Art Gallery, art experts from Art Encounter guided attendees through the pieces on display and offered their perspectives on the various creative processes used. Attendees also enjoyed live music from acoustic artist Nashon Halloway and Old Town School of Folk Music, participated in hands-on craft activities with local nonprofit Marwen, and explored seasonal arrangements from Flowerchild Chicago’s Winter Pine Market. 

I was thrilled to (re)connect with amazing small local businesses, and to discover a variety of gourmet offerings which would be perfect for holiday gifts. Stay tuned for my holiday gift guide – coming up next 🙂

  • Randolph Street Holiday Market
The Randolph Street Market Festival has returned with its beloved Holiday Market. After a packed weekend last month, the Fest will be on again next Saturday and Sunday, December 13-14, inside the historic Plumbers Union Hall in Chicago’s West Loop. This festive indoor shopping celebration brings a weekend of vintage treasure hunting, holiday décor, gourmet eats, seasonal cocktails, and live entertainment.
 
Since 2003, Randolph Street Market has been celebrated as one of the country’s top urban vintage and antique markets. The Holiday Market will feature over 125 vendors from across the nation, showcasing a curated mix of vintage holiday décor and collectibles; designer fashion, furs, jewelry, handbags, and accessories; mid-century and antique furniture and home accents; globally sourced artisan gifts and handmade goods.
 
There will be seasonal treats, gourmet food vendors, and hot beverages, as well as a full holiday bar with festive cocktails including peppermint martinis, cranberry mimosas, Bloody Marys, and more! Moreover, live DJ sets and holiday entertainment will take place throughout the weekend, with festive backdrops perfect for photo moments, family outings, and holiday meetups.

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