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Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour

77 Reviews 4.95 out of 5 stars Based on 77 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Chicago, USA
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from $84.99 per person

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Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour Image 1
Tour Millennium Park on your Chicago Food Tour, taking in bold architecture, festive décor, and the joyful energy of the Chicago Holidays, all just steps from the cheer of Christkindlmarket.
Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour Image 3
Christkindlmarket Chicago brings festive magic to your Chicago Food Tour, w/ hot cider, twinkling stalls, & the cozy charm of the Chicago Holidays—a perfect spot to savor the season’s warmth & spirit.
Savor Garrett’s popcorn on your Chicago Food Tour, a freshly made, crave-worthy bite that brings extra comfort and festive delight to the Chicago Holidays and Christmas season.
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

There’s nothing more magical than downtown Chicago during the holidays. Bobby’s Bike Hike & Food Tours—internationally recognized for quality—presents the Holiday Hike, a 3-hour guided walking and food tour of the city’s top seasonal attractions.

You’ll sample Chicago favorites like deep-dish pizza, a Chicago-style hot dog, Italian beef, a chocolate brownie, and hot apple cider. Alcoholic beverages aren’t included, but holiday drink pairings can be added on-site.

Our local guides will fill the tour with festive stories—like how Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer originated in Chicago. You’ll see the classic holiday windows at the original Marshall Field’s, the Chicago Christmas tree, the Millennium Park ice rink, and enjoy VIP entry to the Christkindlmarket.

No other tour offers such a complete Chicago holiday experience!

What's Included

  • Meals Enjoy deep dish pizza, Italian beef, a Chicago-style hot dog, brownies, hot apple cider, and festive bites that make this Chicago Food Tour a Holidays and Christmas feast of iconic city flavors.
  • Tender Italian beef soaked in rich jus, warming you up like the perfect savory holiday comfort.
  • A Chicago dog loaded with bold flavors—bright, zesty, and perfect for a festive winter bite.
  • Alcoholic beverages Local drink samples can be added for a fee (Three 9oz pours)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • $10 per person (or more) suggested guide gratuity. (via Cash, Venmo and PayPal)
See 4 moreSee 5 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

430 Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

50 West Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602, USA

This is where your Seasonal Chicago Food Tour will end. Chicago’s Christkindlmarket wraps you in a glowing European village of twinkling lights, handcrafted treasures, and irresistible holiday treats—an unforgettable winter tradition and the perfect ending to an incredible food tour in Chicago.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Christkindlemarket

Skip the lines, VIP style, at Chicago’s iconic Christkindlmarket. This Chicago Food Tour stop for hot cider becomes pure festive magic—steaming mugs of spiced apple warmth, German holiday stalls glowing with twinkling lights, and the cozy scent of cinnamon drifting through the air. As you sip this handcrafted treat, you’re wrapped in the joy of Chicago Christmas, surrounded by artisans, music, and the nostalgic charm of a European winter village. This unforgettable taste of Chicago Holidays captures the season in a cup and invites every food lover to savor the city’s most heart-warming tradition.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Michigan Ave - Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Your Chicago Food Tour treats guests to a true Chicago Christmas indulgence with a stop at one of the city’s legendary deep-dish institutions—Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, or Pizzeria Uno—each offering its own mouth-watering take on the iconic pie. The aroma alone pulls you in: buttery, golden crust; layers of bubbling cheese; rich, zesty tomato sauce; and toppings that melt right into the slice. Food lovers adore learning that deep dish wasn’t created as a tourist novelty—it was invented right here in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno as a hearty, sit-down meal for Chicago’s working crowd, a recipe that sparked a citywide tradition still fiercely beloved today. During the Chicago Holidays, savoring this warm, comforting classic feels like the culinary version of stepping inside from the cold. It’s the kind of festive bite that makes guests rave and reminds them why Chicago is one of the world’s great pizza capitals.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Chicago Christmas Tree

The Chicago City Christmas Tree rises as the shimmering centerpiece of the Chicago Holidays, and your Chicago Food Tour brings you right into its glow. Dressed in thousands of sparkling lights and vibrant ornaments, this massive evergreen transforms Millennium Park into a true Chicago Christmas wonderland. What many visitors don’t realize is that the tree isn’t commercially purchased—each year, a family from the Chicagoland area donates a beloved spruce or fir from their own property, and the city carefully inspects dozens of submissions before selecting the perfect one. This long-standing tradition gives the tree a personal, hometown story every season, making it a symbol of community as much as holiday magic. It’s a spectacular stop that captures everything warm, bright, and joyful about winter in Chicago.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Millennium Park Ice Rink

The Millennium Park ice skating rink brings pure seasonal joy to your Chicago Food Tour, capturing everything magical about the Chicago Holidays and Chicago Christmas. As skaters glide beneath the towering skyline, the scene feels straight out of a winter postcard—twinkling lights, music drifting through the park, and crowds cheering on family and friends. The rink is extra special because it was designed as a public, free-to-access winter attraction from day one, intentionally placed along Michigan Avenue so visitors could watch the skaters from the street and feel invited to join the fun. Its long, ribbon-like shape also gives skaters more room to move than a traditional oval rink, making the experience feel open and effortless. Whether you skate or simply take in the festive energy, this stop delivers one of the city’s most joyful holiday moments.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

South Michigan Avenue & North Michigan Avenue

Michigan Avenue glows with holiday magic during the Chicago Holidays, and your Chicago Food Tour brings guests right into the heart of the season along one of the world’s most famous shopping avenues. The trees lining the Magnificent Mile sparkle with thousands of white lights, transforming the street into a glittering Chicago Christmas promenade. What makes this display even more enchanting is its festive kickoff: every year, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival launches the holiday shopping season with a massive celebration featuring live music, a parade led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and the moment when more than a million lights switch on at once, illuminating the entire avenue. The tradition dates back to the early 1990s and has become one of Chicago’s most cherished seasonal events. Strolling this radiant stretch, guests feel the excitement, nostalgia, and wonder that make Chicago’s holiday season unforgettable.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Wrigley Building

The Wrigley Building becomes a dazzling beacon during the Chicago Holidays, and your Chicago Food Tour stop here brings guests right into its warm seasonal glow. Its white terracotta façade lights up beautifully against the winter sky, making it one of the most photogenic spots of Chicago Christmas. Holiday wreaths, garlands, and the building’s signature two-tower design create a timeless backdrop for the season. Many visitors are surprised to learn that this was the first major skyscraper north of the river, built to resemble a Spanish cathedral tower so it would shine brightly as a welcoming gateway into the city. Its clock tower was intentionally illuminated to guide travelers arriving after dark—an early nod to Chicago’s reputation for hospitality. Standing beneath its holiday décor, guests feel the charm of old Chicago wrapped in festive cheer, making this stop a favorite for culture lovers and architecture fans alike.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Palmer House Hilton Historic Lobby

Inside the elegant Palmer House Hotel, your Chicago Food Tour steps into holiday luxury with the world-famous original brownie—rich, chocolatey, and still baked from the 1893 recipe that started it all. The moment you taste its warm, fudgy decadence, you’re wrapped in the glow of Chicago Christmas, surrounded by sparkling décor and timeless history that makes every bite feel like a festive celebration. This iconic stop blends culinary heritage with the magic of Chicago Holidays, creating a mouth-watering experience every food lover will want to savor.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion adds a dramatic sweep to your Chicago Food Tour, offering a striking blend of art and architecture that feels made for the Chicago Holidays. Its flowing steel beams stretch across the sky like ribbons of silver, creating a one-of-a-kind winter stage. During Chicago Christmas, the pavilion feels alive—sound echoing softly through the trellis, lights glinting off the curves, and the entire park buzzing with seasonal excitement. It’s a moment that speaks to culture lovers, architecture fans, and holiday wanderers alike, inviting guests to experience Chicago’s creative spirit in full festive shine.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Exchequer Restaurant & Pub

Your Chicago Food Tour brings the warmth of the season to life with a mouth-watering Italian beef sample—one of Chicago’s most beloved comfort foods, especially during the Chicago Holidays and Chicago Christmas season. Thin slices of slow-roasted beef are piled high on fresh bread, soaked in fragrant au jus, and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera that adds the perfect holiday kick. Guests love learning that this iconic sandwich was invented by South Side Italian immigrants in the 1930s, who sliced beef extra thin to stretch it for large family gatherings—turning necessity into one of Chicago’s greatest culinary traditions. The flavors are rich, juicy, and soul-warming, making this festive bite a highlight for food lovers eager to taste authentic Chicago history in every delicious mouthful.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Macy's on State Street

Macy’s on State Street dazzles with its legendary holiday window displays, turning your Chicago Food Tour into a sparkling journey through nostalgia, artistry, and pure seasonal wonder. As whimsical scenes come alive behind the glass—twinkling lights, storybook characters, and vibrant winter worlds—you’re swept into the magic of Chicago Christmas, where tradition and creativity blend beautifully. This iconic moment of the Chicago Holidays invites culture lovers, families, and festive explorers alike to pause, soak in the cheer, and feel the city’s holiday spirit in its most enchanting form.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cloud Gate

At Cloud Gate—Chicago’s beloved “Bean”—your Chicago Food Tour steps into a dreamy world of reflections and holiday sparkle that define the Chicago Holidays. As the polished steel curves mirror twinkling lights, downtown décor, and the joyful crowds of wintertime explorers, the sculpture becomes a breathtaking focal point of Chicago Christmas. Guests love discovering that Cloud Gate is made of 168 individually welded stainless-steel plates polished so flawlessly that the seams disappear, creating its iconic liquid-metal look. Standing beneath its arch, you can hear the soft echo created by its unique curvature—a design detail that surprises even longtime Chicagoans. It’s a stop that blends art, architecture, and holiday wonder, making it a highlight for visitors who want to experience Chicago’s creativity at its most magical.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute’s iconic bronze lions make a memorable Chicago Food Tour stop during the Chicago Holidays, especially when they’re dressed in their festive Chicago Christmas wreaths. Standing proudly along Michigan Avenue, the guardians of the museum have been part of Chicago’s holiday season for more than a century, creating one of the city’s most beloved winter photo ops. Visitors are often surprised to learn that the lions don’t actually match—each was sculpted with a different pose and personality, described by the artist as one “on the prowl” and one “in an attitude of defiance.” Their seasonal wreathing tradition began in the early 1900s and has grown into a cherished city ritual. Surrounded by lights, music, and holiday energy, these majestic sculptures offer culture lovers a perfect blend of art, history, and festive Chicago spirit.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Millennium Park

Millennium Park becomes a shimmering winter stage during the Chicago Holidays, and your Chicago Food Tour stop here lets guests soak in some of the season’s most iconic sights. From the bustling ice-skating rink framed by soaring skyline views to the city’s official Chicago Christmas tree glowing with ornaments and lights, the park radiates pure holiday joy. But here’s a fun fact most visitors never hear: Millennium Park isn’t actually built on solid ground—it sits atop an enormous rooftop, created above active railroad lines and parking structures. The entire landscape, from the lawns to the rink to the gardens, was engineered as a massive “living roof,” one of the largest of its kind in the world. It’s an incredible piece of design that makes this festive stop not only beautiful but a true Chicago innovation guests love learning about on the tour.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Chicago's Dog House

Your Chicago Food Tour wouldn’t be complete without a festive bite of the iconic Chicago-style hot dog, a perfect warm treat during the Chicago Holidays and Chicago Christmas season. This hometown classic arrives “dragged through the garden” on a steamed poppy-seed bun—snapping Vienna beef, bright yellow mustard, neon relish, crisp onions, juicy tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Food lovers are always surprised to learn that the Chicago dog was born during the Great Depression, when produce vendors near Maxwell Street piled inexpensive, flavorful toppings onto sausages to create a filling, affordable meal. That colorful lineup stuck, becoming a symbol of Chicago pride and a delicious reminder of the city’s resilience. Enjoying one on a chilly holiday night feels like tasting a piece of living Chicago history—comforting, vibrant, and absolutely unforgettable.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Daley Bicentennial Plaza

Daley Bicentennial Plaza offers a calm, snow-dusted retreat on your Chicago Food Tour, a gentle stretch of parkland where the Chicago Holidays feel bright and refreshing. Lined with softly lit trees and open winter pathways, the plaza gives guests a peaceful pause from the city’s bustle. During Chicago Christmas, the crisp air, twinkling décor, and skyline framing the park create a welcoming moment of seasonal beauty. And here’s a delightful fact many visitors never learn: this plaza was named in honor of Chicago’s bicentennial tribute to its earliest settlers, and it was intentionally designed as a “breathing space” to give Chicagoans a quiet refuge amid the growing downtown skyline. Its layout—broad lawns, long sightlines, and open promenades—was crafted to invite reflection, calm, and community gathering. It’s a rewarding stop for guests who love discovering hidden stories woven into Chicago’s holiday landscape.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

State Street

State Street shines with classic holiday charm during the Chicago Holidays, and your Chicago Food Tour stop here immerses guests in the history and sparkle of one of Chicago’s most storied streets. Lined with glowing lights, festive storefronts, and the energy of winter crowds, State Street has long been a centerpiece of Chicago Christmas traditions. Many visitors don’t realize that this very street is home to Chicago’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, a tradition dating back to 1934 that was originally created to lift spirits during the Depression. That celebration now marks the unofficial start of the holiday season, and the festive lights that follow transform State Street into a warm, inviting holiday corridor. Walking here feels like stepping into a living timeline of Chicago’s winter traditions—full of color, history, and the excitement that makes the season come alive.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 15 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Tour Operator can accommodate vegetarians or those who don’t eat beef or pork but can’t cater for gluten-free (limited options) or vegan (extremely limited options) diets.
  • VIP Adult Beverage upgrade (3 samples) available upon arrival for $19.99 per person extra (Ages 21+)
  • [BRAND] rated this tour its highest-level Traveler’s Choice Award each year since 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-3332HOLIHIKE

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.95
77 reviews

Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 77 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
73
4 stars
4
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Meals. Enjoy deep dish pizza, Italian beef, a Chicago-style hot dog, brownies, hot apple cider, and festive bites that make this Chicago Food Tour a Holidays and Christmas feast of iconic city flavors.
  • Tender Italian beef soaked in rich jus, warming you up like the perfect savory holiday comfort.
  • A Chicago dog loaded with bold flavors—bright, zesty, and perfect for a festive winter bite.
  • The original brownie—rich, warm, and fudgy, a sweet holiday treat that melts into pure joy.
  • Hot Christkindlmarket cider—steaming, spiced, and soul-warming, the perfect festive winter sip.
  • Savor Chicago-style pizza, a warm Christmas and Holidays favorite baked to perfection.
  • Led by a local English-speaking guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Alcoholic beverages. Local drink samples can be added for a fee (Three 9oz pours).
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • $10 per person (or more) suggested guide gratuity. (via Cash, Venmo and PayPal).
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • MealsEnjoy deep dish pizza, Italian beef, a Chicago-style hot dog, brownies, hot apple cider, and festive bites that make this Chicago Food Tour a Holidays and Christmas feast of iconic city flavors.
  • Tender Italian beef soaked in rich jus, warming you up like the perfect savory holiday comfort.
  • A Chicago dog loaded with bold flavors—bright, zesty, and perfect for a festive winter bite.
  • The original brownie—rich, warm, and fudgy, a sweet holiday treat that melts into pure joy.
  • Hot Christkindlmarket cider—steaming, spiced, and soul-warming, the perfect festive winter sip.
  • Savor Chicago-style pizza, a warm Christmas and Holidays favorite baked to perfection.
  • Led by a local English-speaking guide
  • Alcoholic beveragesLocal drink samples can be added for a fee (Three 9oz pours)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • $10 per person (or more) suggested guide gratuity. (via Cash, Venmo and PayPal)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • If you have dietary restrictions, please add a note in the special requirements section when booking, and email to [email protected] after booking to confirm they can accommodate.
  • Tour Operator can accommodate vegetarians or those who don’t eat beef or pork but can’t cater for gluten-free (limited options) or vegan (extremely limited options) diets.
  • VIP Adult Beverage upgrade (3 samples) available upon arrival for $19.99 per person extra (Ages 21+)
  • TripAdvisor rated this tour its highest-level Traveler’s Choice Award each year since 2002.
  • Our groups have exclusive VIP access to locations we visit, including VIP access to Christkindlmarket.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • Chicago’s famous foods are built on grit, hard work, and the spirit of the people who shaped this city. They’re bold, hearty, and not for everyone—so come with an open mind as we savor a classic hot dog stand, deep-dish pizza, Italian beef, and the original brownie, all with a touch of Christmas-season warmth.

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