About Chicago

One of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago is a lakeside metropolis famous for its bold architecture and world-renowned museums. The city features a continental climate with cold winters and mild summers. Its landscape is mostly cityscape with pockets of natural attractions scattered throughout the city. The city also features lots of public art - such as Cloud Gate, also known as “The Bean” - and also home to many of the nation's best museums, including the Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago and the WNDR Museum.

Because of its central location, big city status, and many attractions - not to mention great views during the winter time - Chicago is a popular place to host a holiday party. Its snowy horizons and themed shops give holiday parties a special 'winter feel,' and its many venues and services make it perfect place to host a perfect holiday party.

• Interesting Fact:
  Chicago is known as the capital of the United States’ railroad system, with more major railroads serving the city than any other place.

Holiday Party Options in Chicago

There is ample opportunity in Chicago for vendors and services to help out with the holiday party planning process. From food to florals, Chicago’s finest can provide everything you need for a flawless party.

• Catering:
  Maybe you want delicious gingerbread men or a scrumptious carved turkey at your holiday party. Whatever fare you want for your party, Chicago has capable catering companies to suit all tastes and styles.
  
  
• Alcohol:
  From eggnog to Everclear, keeping the alcohol flowing is a great way to keep the party going. Chicago’s breweries and distribution companies will be ready to help provide bar services at your holiday party from drink selection to day-of help.
  
  
• Florists:
  Holiday florals set the mood for a great party. You can hire a Chicago florist to create table arrangements and floral decor to garnish your holiday party.
  
  
• Decor:
  Whatever style of holiday party you’re going for, decor is essential for the event’s cohesive theme. From Christmas trees to mistletoe, you can trust a Chicago decorator to adorn your holiday party to the fullest.
  
  
• Transportation:
  Chicago is home to the O’Hare international airport, making the city accessible to guests from around the globe. The area also has great public transit to allow for guests to get to the venue and around the city.
  
  
• Equipment rental:
  Need a projector for your holiday party? How about a karaoke machine for caroling? Regardless of what equipment you want for your holiday party, Chicago equipment rental companies can provide it.
  
  
• Photography:
  Photos are a great way to commemorate a fun party. You can hire a professional photographer to set up a photo booth, take candid shots, or shoot staged pictures of the party group. However you want to commemorate your party, Chicago’s photographers can help.

Party Planning Companies in Chicago

Chicago is filled with event planning companies in the area ready to help with every step of the holiday party planning process. From huge gatherings to intimate get-togethers, Chicago’s event planners can design and execute your party to be its absolute best.

• Marquette Avenue Events:
  This full-service event planning boutique offers customized planning solutions to suite your every need. They offer many different packages for whatever level of help you need for your holiday party, including month-of planning and design, and have been featured in Party Slate and Splash magazine.
  
  
• Jennifer Anderson Events:
  This premier Chicago event planning service has over 20 years of experience in event planning and specializes in crafting high-concept parties, special occasions and corporate events. Hire them to make your holiday event unforgettable.
  
  
• Rachel de Marte Events:
  Rachel de Marte Events provides full service event planning for all sorts of events in the Chicago area. She can help with everything from invitations and event design to floral decor and budget management, and loves to create custom menus based around the event’s theme.
  

Pros and Cons of Holiday Parties in Chicago

Chicago in the wintertime is a gorgeous setting for a holiday party. The blankets of white certainly set the mood for a winter-themed event. However, there are some potential drawbacks to hosting events in such a large city.

Advantages:

• Winter weather:
  It snows a lot during Chicago winters, enhancing the holiday theme of your party.
  
  
• Opportunity:
  There are many event planning companies in the Chicago area ready to help with your holiday party.
  
  
• Accessibility:
  The international airport in the heart of the city makes Chicago easy to access from all around the world.
  
  
• Public transit:
  The city features great public transit systems for guests to get around with ease.
  
  
• Attractions: There are many fun locations to visit in the city of Chicago.

Disadvantages:

• Winter weather: Though it’s great for your party’s theme, the snow can also be a hassle.
  
  
• Traffic: Like any large city, Chicago has significant traffic.
  
  
• Popularity:
  Being one of the most populous cities in the country makes Chicago a popular place to book events, which can make it difficult to find open time slots at venues.
  
  
• Cost:
  Its popularity and attractions can make Chicago an expensive place to book parties.
  
  
• Crime:
  There is crime in Chicago, especially in inner city areas.
  

Famous Holiday Party Locations in Chicago

There is something for everyone in the city of Chicago, including parks, buildings, and restaurants and shops to explore. You can visit these locations to take pre-party festive photos or draw inspiration for your Chicago holiday event.

• Buckingham Fountain:
  This fountain is the focal point of Grant Park and is a great spot to take pictures.
  
  
• Willis Tower:
  Famous for its sky deck lookout, Willis Tower is perfect for seeing the sights of Chicago from a bird’s eye view.
  
  
• Magnificent Mile:
  Also known as Michigan Avenue, this stretch of road features some of the finest restaurants and shops in Chicago.
  
  
• Lincoln Park:
  For a natural feel to your party similar to the beauty of Lincoln Park, you can book at a venue with a rustic garden attached.