The Christmas Tree Crawl Experience in Chicago offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s enchanting holiday atmosphere. Guided by a knowledgeable local, participants embark on a two-hour tour, exploring iconic locations adorned with dazzling Christmas trees, cozy lobbies, and hidden gems. From indulging in delightful treats to gaining insights into Chicago’s rich cultural heritage and holiday traditions, this festive experience culminates in the vibrant Christkindlmarkt, leaving visitors with lasting memories. Whether one’s interest lies in discovering the city’s holiday charm or simply seeking a memorable winter adventure, the Christmas Tree Crawl Experience promises to delight.
Good To Know
- Explore Chicago’s iconic holiday displays and festive atmosphere on a 2-hour walking tour led by a local guide.
- Discover hidden gems, historic buildings, and dazzling Christmas trees along the way, with opportunities to indulge in holiday treats.
- Gain insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage and holiday traditions from the knowledgeable tour guide.
- Culminate the experience at the vibrant Christkindlmarkt, a renowned traditional German-inspired holiday market.
- The tour is highly rated, with a 5.0 from 13 reviews and 92% traveler recommendation, and includes snacks, gratuities, and flexible cancellation policies.
Overview of the Christmas Tree Crawl
The Christmas Tree Crawl Experience in Chicago, operated by Inside Chicago Walking Tours, is a highly recommended two-hour tour that takes participants on a journey through the city’s festive holiday atmosphere.
With a 5.0 rating from 13 reviews and a 92% traveler recommendation, this tour offers an immersive look at Chicago’s Christmas traditions. Priced at $35 per person, the tour includes a local guide, snacks, and gratuities, and is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers.
While it’s not wheelchair accessible and requires moderate physical fitness, the experience is praised for its educational value and variety of holiday-themed sites visited, making it a must-do activity for those seeking to capture the spirit of the season in the Windy City.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chicago.
Highlights of the Tour
The Christmas Tree Crawl Experience in Chicago promises a captivating journey through the city’s festive holiday landscapes.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, participants explore a variety of iconic locations, each adorned with dazzling Christmas trees and festive decor.
The tour highlights include:
-
Discovering hidden gems, like cozy lobbies and ornate historic buildings, that showcase magnificent tree displays.
-
Indulging in delightful holiday treats, from traditional German sweets to hot cocoa.
-
Gaining insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage and the origins of its cherished holiday traditions.
-
Taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the iconic Christkindlmarkt, where the tour culminates.
Exploring Chicago’s Holiday Decor
As visitors embark on the Christmas Tree Crawl Experience, they’re treated to a captivating exploration of Chicago’s holiday decor.
From the iconic Christmas trees adorning public spaces to the dazzling light displays that illuminate the city, the tour showcases the diverse ways Chicagoans celebrate the season.
While some may lament limited visibility of certain decorations, the tour emphasizes the variety of sites visited, including interior spaces and historical context.
Ultimately, the Christmas Tree Crawl Experience offers a comprehensive look at the city’s festive transformation, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for Chicago’s holiday spirit.
Experiencing the Christkindlmarkt
A captivating culmination awaits participants of the Christmas Tree Crawl Experience as they make their way to the renowned Christkindlmarkt.
This traditional German-inspired holiday market offers a festive finale, immersing visitors in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season.
Guests can:
- Peruse an array of charming wooden stalls showcasing handcrafted gifts and trinkets
- Indulge in warm, spiced mulled wine and freshly baked gingerbread
- Admire the twinkling lights and towering Christmas tree that anchor the lively marketplace
- Soak in the vibrant atmosphere and capture memorable moments among the merry crowds
The Christkindlmarkt provides a truly enchanting end to the Christmas Tree Crawl, leaving participants with a heightened appreciation for Chicago’s holiday magic.
Local Guide’s Insights
Guiding participants through the Christmas Tree Crawl, the local host shares insights that enrich the experience. Highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the sites visited, the host provides context that deepens the appreciation for Chicago’s holiday traditions.
From explaining the origins of the Christkindlmarkt to describing the architectural features of the buildings adorned with festive décor, the host’s commentary brings the Christmas experience to life.
By sharing personal anecdotes and little-known facts, the host cultivates a sense of connection and wonder, making the tour both informative and immersive.
The host’s expertise and enthusiasm elevate the Christmas Tree Crawl, transforming it into a truly memorable adventure.
Tour Inclusions and Requirements
The Christmas Tree Crawl Experience includes a local guide who accompanies participants on the 2-hour tour.
The experience also provides snacks, including holiday sweets, and gratuities are included in the price.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Importantly, the experience is weather-dependent and may be cancelled, with notification provided on the morning of the tour.
Guests have the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Local guide
- Snacks and holiday sweets
- Gratuities included
- Moderate physical fitness required
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Confirmation is received upon booking the Christmas Tree Crawl Experience in Chicago.
The tour requires moderate physical fitness and isn’t wheelchair accessible.
If bad weather occurs, the tour will be canceled, and a notification will be provided on the morning of the experience.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. This ensures flexibility for travelers and allows the tour operator to accommodate any last-minute changes.
Customer Experiences and Recommendations
Overwhelmingly positive customer feedback highlights the enjoyment and educational value of the Christmas Tree Crawl Experience in Chicago.
The tour boasts a 5.0 rating from 13 reviews, with 92% of travelers recommending the experience. Reviewers praise the variety of sites visited, including interior spaces and historical context, which compensate for limited visibility of holiday decorations at certain locations.
The experience is consistently described as a "must-do" in Chicago during the holidays. Customers particularly appreciate:
- Knowledgeable local guides
- Delightful holiday refreshments
- Festive ambiance of the tour
- Overall sense of holiday cheer and celebration
Things To Known
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour does not explicitly permit participants to bring their own food and drinks. Bringing outside items is generally discouraged, as the experience includes snacks and holiday sweets provided as part of the tour inclusions.
Do I Need to Wear Any Special Clothing for the Tour?
The tour does not require any special clothing. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended, as the tour involves walking outdoors. Light layers may be useful to adjust to changing temperatures during the experience.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour is suitable for children, though the 2-hour duration and moderate physical fitness required may be challenging for younger participants. The guide can provide accommodations, and families are welcome to join the experience.
Can I Extend the Tour if I Want to Explore More?
Travelers can’t extend the tour duration, as it’s a set 2-hour experience. However, the tour includes visits to multiple holiday sites, allowing guests to explore the festive atmosphere further on their own after the guided portion concludes.
Are There Any Discounts Available for the Christmas Tree Crawl?
The tour provider doesn’t offer any publicly advertised discounts for the Christmas Tree Crawl experience. However, travelers can check if they qualify for any special discounts, such as for students, seniors, or groups, by contacting the tour operator directly.
Sum Up
The Christmas Tree Crawl Experience in Chicago offers a festive and immersive way to explore the city’s enchanting holiday atmosphere. Theres some good seasonal treats, discover iconic locations adorned with dazzling Christmas trees, and gain insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage and holiday traditions, culminating in a visit to the vibrant Christkindlmarkt. It’s a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and create unforgettable memories.
More Christmas in Chicago
More Tour Reviews in Chicago
- Curbside Sedan Transfer From O’Hare/Midway to Downtown Chicago
- Departure Private Transfer: Chicago to OHare Airport ORD in Luxury SUV
- Private Painting Art Splash Experience
- Private Sedan Transfer From Chicago Downtown to Midway Airport
- Private 4-Door Mercedes Limo Transfer From or to Chicagoland Airport and Suburbs
- Curbside SUV Transfer From O’Hare/Midway to Downtown Chicago
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Chicago we have reviewed
- Curbside Sedan Transfer From O’Hare/Midway to Downtown Chicago
- Departure Private Transfer: Chicago to OHare Airport ORD in Luxury SUV
- Private Painting Art Splash Experience
- Private Sedan Transfer From Chicago Downtown to Midway Airport
- Private 4-Door Mercedes Limo Transfer From or to Chicagoland Airport and Suburbs
- Curbside SUV Transfer From O’Hare/Midway to Downtown Chicago
- Private Transfer: Midway Airport MDW to Chicago by Luxury SUV
- Self-Guided Chicago Scavenger Hunt: Chicago Loop
- Chicago Airport (MDW) to Chicago – Round-Trip Private Transfer
- 2 Hour Private Chicago Soul House Tour
- Chicago In A Day With A Local
- 3 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour – Skyscrapers and Photo Ops