The Season of Sparkle: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Celebrates 35 Years of Holiday Magic

For more than three decades, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago has been a festive beacon, where guests revel in holiday magic and experience timeless service with unforgettable moments. As the Hotel celebrates 35 years of excellence, it is bringing back cherished traditions, beckoning guests to create new memories with loved ones.

“The festive season is always special, but this year we’re thrilled to be celebrating 35 years of holiday magic. To mark the occasion, we are bringing back our beloved Teddy Bear Tea with a twist, alongside exceptional feasts crafted by our talented culinary artisans,” says Stephen Wancha, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago General Manager. “From sparkling tree-lined streets, parks, and skyscrapers to premier holiday shopping and public markets, Chicago dazzles with enchanting moments. We are honoured to be at the heart of celebration and joy in the city for locals and global travellers alike for a 35th holiday season.”

Beginning November 23, 2024, the Twelve Ways of Festive returns with themed activations and delightful surprises to capture the whimsy of the holiday season. Over six weeks, guests can expect merry moments from tasty chef-created treats and a speakeasy to family-oriented crafts and cookie decorating in the vibrant social spaces.

The first of the Twelve Ways of Festive is the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, where guests can experience unique views of the highly anticipated holiday parade from the reimagined junior ballroom with special family-friendly activities, food and drinks.

Twelve Ways of Festive

1. Festival of Lights | Let the season begin! For more than thirty years, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has celebrated the arrival of the holidays in Chicago. Four Seasons families are invited to take in the spectacular nighttime parade down Michigan Avenue from the Lakeview Ballroom. Led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse of The Walt Disney World Resort, the parade features fabulous floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus, fireworks and more including illuminating one million lights on Michigan Avenue’s 200+ trees. Saturday, November 23, 2024, 3:30-6:00 pm. In-house guest experience; call 312 280 8800 for tickets.

2. Teddy Bear Tea | Celebrate the magic of the holidays with a fuzzy twist on festive high tea. This year welcomes the return of the beloved Four Seasons Teddy Bear Tea tradition, inviting little ones to create a personal cuddly teddy bear while enjoying a delightful afternoon of festive high tea. Sip, savour, and make new memories together. Saturdays and Sundays November 30 through December 22, 2024. Reservations

3. Mile High Cocktail Club | The Mile High Cocktail Club returns! Perched high among the clouds of the Gold Coast skyline, this hidden gem invites guests to indulge in a one-of-a-kind speakeasy experience. Join the club, sip on expertly crafted cocktails, and savour the shimmering sunsets with #ClubMH. Uncover the gilded hideaway with its bejewelled charm, where luxury and mystery meet among the stars. Reservations are required; seatings at 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Wednesday through Saturday until March 1, 2025.

4. Black Friday Brunch | Celebrate the start of the festive season and join Adorn Restaurant and 900 Shops for an unforgettable day of luxury retailers, delicious food, festive drinks and live music. Each brunch reservation includes a USD 50 gift card for the luxury mall, making for the perfect shopping getaway. Friday, November 29, 2024. Reservations.

5. Santa’s North Pole Breakfast | Four Seasons is the top choice for worldly global travellers and this festive season is no exception, with holiday celebrity Santa Claus joining the Hotel to host a morning of jolly breakfast bites and surprises. Guests are welcome to participate in the toy drive for Chicago Cares and the Lawndale community. Sunday, December 15, 2024. Reservations.

6. Dive-In Holiday Movies | This winter, enjoy festive movies in the waterfall-edge pool at The Spa. Guests are invited to special viewings of iconic winter tales. Share popcorn and holiday cookies with festive floaties to make for a family movie night to remember. Fridays in December from 7:00 pm. In-house guest experience; tickets.

7. Letters to Santa | For guests looking for a direct line to the North Pole, Hotel mascot Sammy the Skyscraper has organized a Four Seasons Santa mailbox conveniently accessible as young travellers check in. Custom letters and envelopes will be available for Christmas wish correspondence. Each mailed letter will receive a special treat from Sammy confirming the note is on the way to the North Pole. Available daily, from November 28, 2024.

8. Holiday Pop-Up Boutique | The Four Seasons Festive Desk showcases the best of the luxury brand with a special selection of treats including cakes and pastries crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Audrey Yee and an elegant bronze ornament designed by Brandin Hurley. Curate the perfect holiday present with gift cards and experiences. From November 28, 2024.

9. Live in the Lounge | Experience a curated music residency of varied musical styles with Live in the Lounge, a partnership with BELLOSOUND, featuring music that is expertly tailored and reflective of Chicago’s diverse music scene. Enjoy performances on select nights by local artists in genres such as jazz, blues, house and more. Get in the groove with Adorn's custom Spotify playlist. Adorn’s music residency is live every Thursday, Friday, Saturday evening and Sunday brunch.

10. Festive Craft Corner | Join the talented pastry team for a sweet cookie decorating mini session or take time to create with the family at the Winter Wish Ornament Bar. Available to guests of all ages, the craft corner harnesses the magic of the holidays with a festive takeaway filled with wishes for this special time of year. Available Fridays in December 2024 between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. 

11. Winter Wonderland Turndown | Ready, Aim, Snow. Fun and interactive, this holiday-inspired experience transforms a guest room into a mini snow globe complete with an indoor snowball setup. Available in December 2024. In-house guest experience; call 312 280 8800 for Concierge.

12. Festive In-Room Cart Experiences | Order festive cheer in-room with the famous ice cream or Martini cart. These classic carts are stocked with magnificent Martinis or sweet treats and festive toppings for the family. Book as an in-room treat; available daily between 4:00 and 6:00 pm. 

Memorable Holiday Brunches at Adorn

This Thanksgiving, Executive Chef Franco Diaz’s heartwarming Gobble & Gather Feast experience will delight guests with bountiful spreads and gourmet stations. Savour decadent dishes of Roasted Butternut Bisque, Slow Roasted Turkey with cranberry sauce, and herb-crusted Colorado Lamb Chops with mint jelly. Explore the Risotto station and enjoy season-favourite sides such as Brown Sugar Glazed Heirloom Carrots and Roasted Brussels Sprouts. For lighter fare, Chef has prepared a bright chilled seafood bar of fresh Alaskan King Crab, Oysters, and Poached Lobster Tail. Finish with delectable pies from the pastry team - apple, pumpkin, and pecan. Celebrate the season with warmth, joy, and delicious flavours at Adorn. Seatings are available Thursday, November 28, 2024 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm. Reservations are required.

For a Christmas Day spread with a little extra sparkle, indulge in the Tinsel & Toast celebration, led by Executive Chef Diaz. Savour a joyous feast featuring Maple Glazed Berkshire Ham, served with Apple Cranberry Chutney, Mustard Jus, and Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits. Relish King Salmon Wellington wrapped in Spinach Crepe with Truffle Pate and Tarragon Bearnaise. Discover the vibrant Tapas spread with Seafood Paella and Mussel Escabeche and enjoy hand-crafted Nigiri and Maki Rolls at the Sushi station. End with a decadent dessert offering including Chestnut Mont Blanc, Peppermint White Chocolate Torte, and Chocolate Blackberry Forest Cherry Swiss Roll. Seatings are available Wednesday, December 25, 2024 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 .m. Reservations are required.

Adorn the Night with Festive Gatherings

Join Adorn Executive Chef Richie Farina for a special Friends of James Beard Foundation Dinner with friends Top Chef’s Joe Sasto, and Casey Doody from BOKA Restaurant Group. Brooks Wine, recognised as one of the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, will provide expertly paired beverages for the evening. As a certified B Corporation and a leader in sustainable winemaking, Brooks Wine adds a meaningful touch to this extraordinary culinary experience. Tickets are available now for USD 95 per person. All proceeds will support the James Beard Foundation. Don’t miss this chance to indulge in a memorable evening while contributing to a great cause. Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm. Reservations.

Adorn’s Live in the Lounge residency turns up the volume on celebratory gatherings featuring recognised musician and DJ performances with world influences. Thursdays through Sundays, guests can enjoy a roster of varied musical styles from South American guitarists and veterans of the Chicago jazz scene to DJs who spin house, funk, and disco. Taken together, these artists produce a soundtrack that celebrates both the restaurant and the city’s eclectic energy and history.

To make reservations book online, or call 312 280 8800.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations for All

From dining and dancing in Adorn’s NYE bash to a New Year’s Eve soirée in the clouds at Mile High Cocktail Club, guests can choose a custom celebration to mark the close of the year.

Gourmands are invited to join Chef Richie for a sensational four-course dining experience with bespoke lavish adornments like Alba White Truffle and Kaluga Caviar service alongside expertly curated wine pairings to impress. Guests will revel in live music and special festive moments throughout the experience ensuring a special start to the year to come. Tuesday, December 31, 2024; seatings at 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm. To make reservations book online, or call 312 280 8800.

For young festive-goers, Concierge has special kids’ New Year’s activities and babysitting options to ensure a fun-filled experience for all the family.

Let it Glow at The Spa

This festive season, take some time to decompress and unwind with the Hotel's health and wellness experts. Treatments have been infused with merry moments and joyful ingredients to ensure that guests can enjoy the holidays - mind, body and soul.

Expanding services this winter, the Spa team is thrilled to offer the ultimate glow-focused signature treatment trio featuring THE METHOD by Augustinus Bader, 111Skin’s Rose Gold Facial, and HydraFacial. Each service includes a complimentary beverage and day pass to The Spa facilities. To reveal a glowing complexion just in time for the holidays, book a treatment by visiting The Spa.

Festive Getaways

Join the festive fun for a memorable holiday retreat that includes special seasonal amenities and daily valet. This offer is available today when booking a minimum of two nights. Discover festive offers online, or call 312 280 8800. This offer is valid until December 28, 2024. Black-out dates may apply.

Experience iconic luxury reimagined this festive season at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. To make reservations now, call 312 280 8800 or book online.