For generations of Chicagoans, the essence of Christmas in Chicago is a stroll down State Street to view the holiday windows at Macey’s (Marshall Field’s) landmark department store, lunch at the Walnut Room surrounded by the ceiling-scraping tree, topped off with a visit with Santa. Macy’s beloved Holiday Celebrations kicks off the season through December 24, 2025.
The theme for this year’s holiday windows is “The Most Wonderful Stories,” focusing on historic Marshall Field’s hallmarks like the clock that towers over State Street, Frango mints and a twirling Christmas tree like the Walnut Room tree. The best time to view the windows is late afternoon, when the twinkling lights glow and the crowds decrease.
Photo courtesy of Verbs & Vision
Head to the Walnut Room, on Macy’s Seventh floor, for a holiday lunch afterwards. The Great Tree that lights up the restaurant is a holiday tradition that dates all the way back to 1907. The special holiday menu features cedar-glazed turkey breast, the Walnut Room Burger and Mrs Hering’s original chicken pot pie, a 135-year-old original recipe. Reservations are a good idea for this busy season.
Photo courtesy of Verbs & Vision
Stroll to the fifth floor to enter the magical world of Santaland. Meet Santa and his merry elves while taking photos to commemorate the experience. Reservations are required six days in advance of your planned date to meet Santa and wait times typically run from 30-90 minutes.
Plan to make reservations as far in advance as possible since Macy’s Santa is the most popular in the city. Don’t miss the Marshall Field’s Heritage Collection pop-up shops on the first and 7th floors to pick up Marshall Field’s totes, Frango chocolates and puzzles.
Macy’s Chicago Holiday Celebration
111 N. State
through December 24, 2025
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