We have friends who spend part of their Thanksgiving weekend downtown enjoying the decorations and shopping. They love the hustle and bustle of the day, but are always looking for a place to step out of the excitement into a bit of quiet to recharge. This year two different locations offer free activities for families that keep the holiday spirit alive while offering a momentary respite.
On Black Friday, Pioneer Court (Michigan Avenue at the Chicago River) will turn orange as Discover Card offers the Orange Oasis Treatment. From 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Discover’s orange-clad crew of 40 helpers will be available to help people enjoy the most harried day of the year. The heated Orange Oasis, set-up in Pioneer Plaza at 401 N. Michigan, will offer free gift-wrapping, hot chocolate, cell phone charging and other gifts.
The Orange Oasis sounds like a fun place to stop in the middle of your shopping adventure, take a break and plan your next stops. It would also be a fun place to just sit, drink some hot chocolate and watch the Michigan Avenue foot traffic.
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If you’re going to be on State Street, the Chicago Loop Alliance is sponsoring the Holiday Hub, a temporary winter cottage on the Pedway level of Block Thirty Seven. The Holiday Hub has a story corner, arts and crafts, complimentary hot beverages and pop-up programming.
The Thanksgiving weekend schedule includes
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Friday, November 29 (Black Friday)
11 am – 4 pm: Holiday photobooth by Smilebooth
1 – 2 pm: A performance by Brass Variety, a traditional German brass band
Saturday, November 30
11 am – 4 pm: Holiday photobooth by Smilebooth
1 – 2 pm: A performance by Brass Variety, a traditional German brass band
Sunday, December 1
11 am – 4 pm: Holiday photobooth by Smilebooth
11 am – 12 pm: An appearance and reading by a Sugarplum Fairy from Ballet Chicago's Nutcracker
1 – 2 pm: A performance by Brass Variety, a traditional German brass band
A full schedule of special events is listed below and available at LoopChicago.com/Holidays.
Between Discover Card's Orange Oasis and the Chicago Loop Alliance's Holiday Hub, families have a place to rest and recharge on both of Chicago’s key shopping districts. Be sure to share these locations with anyone you know heading downtown to shop on Black Friday.
Disclosure: Discover Card provided a gift card for my participation in the Orange Oasis blogger program. My words and opinions are my own.
