Hang Outs for the Holidays

It's that jolly time of the year again where the zoos light up and trees are decorated in every corner. Holiday traditions continue in Chicago with shows to see and places to eat. Visitors come from all over the world to see family and take in the sights to our beautiful city.

Speaking of Beautiful, the Carol King musical returns to enchant audiences now through Jan. 28 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. In the hands of Sarah Bockel it feels like a King concert with a captivating backstory.

Another Broadway show, not from Broadway in Chicago, is Billy Elliot now playing at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts through the end of the year. Porchlight Music Theatre gets up close and personal with the audience. The cast enters and exits from all sides in the show that electrifies with music from Elton John. With definite adult themes including language and subject matter there is a lesson inside for all ages. See it more than once with two different performers playing the lead role for variety.

As far as holiday shows one classic turns 40 this year. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol continues the tradition at the Goodman Theatre once again. This company shakes things up every year and this time there is a female Tiny Tim. Why not call her Tina though? The Christmas spirit haunts until Dec. 31 this season.

Wake up to a dream as The Nutcracker dances at the Auditorium Theatre to a Tchaikovsky tune. Revamped last year with the 1893 World's Fair as a backdrop, this visual spectacle doesn't need dialogue since The Joffrey Ballet simply dazzles at every turn.

While in the theater district make sure to swing by Macy's on State Street to see the decorated windows and have a bite under the massive Christmas tree in the Walnut Room. The chicken pot pie will warm your soul on a cold day in this 17,000 square foot dining room.

Another hearty option is the award winning mac and cheese with charred jalapeno at Baptiste & Bottle. Located 101 E. Erie St. on the 20th floor inside the Conrad Hotel. At this height the restaurant gives a breathtaking view of the city.

There are a variety of whiskeys to try before the shopping that is just steps below on Michigan Avenue.

If these excursions don't get a Scrooge in the holiday mood I don't know what will!