Air Chicago Winter 2025-26

WINTER 2025-26

WINTER 2025-26

WINTER PLAYTIME

NO. 35

WINTER PLAYTIME

MEXICO SKI REPORT BEVERLY

Now Open Gate M16/17

SCAN TO VIEW MENU

ORDShopDine.com WINTER 2025-26 1 AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Mexico City

Credit: diegograndi

ISSUE NO. 35

WINTER 2025-26

Publisher Ten Thirty Media, LLC

Editors

Akai Higginbotham Siobhan Higgins

Contributors

Crai Bower Rosalind Cummings-Yeates Serra Kook Francis Son Duane Wells

Art Direction Jaidy Schweers

Cover Image

IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome to Air Chicago’s Winter 2025-26 issue — a celebration of the people, flavors and places that make this season sparkle. Whether you’re heading to warmer shores or enjoying Chicago’s snow-dusted skyline, this issue is your passport to inspiration from gate to getaway.

We begin at O’Hare International Airport for a milestone, as Burrito Beach marks its 30th anniversary with a “Celebrity Chef Burritos” campaign that unites Chicago’s culinary icons to support local charities. To toast the occasion (and the holidays), our seasonal cocktail recipes feature bright winter flavors that are perfect for cozy occasions, including pear, elderflower and spiced cider.

If the cold has you craving escape, turn to our Across the Map travel section, where we explore Steamboat’s slopes, Punta Cana’s sands and the energy of Ciudad de Mexico — with each destination reminding us that adventure wears many climates. For those staying closer to home, our In Chicago section spotlights Beverly, the city’s own “village in the city” that is known for its artistic pulse, historic architecture and welcoming neighborhood spirit — where discovery often begins just a train ride away. And between the pages, you’ll also find inspired gifts ranging from Field Museum flasks to ChiBoys’ plush lions that honor both craftsmanship and Chicago pride.

As we close out another year, we’re thankful for our readers and contributors. May your journeys this season be filled with warmth, laughter and new memories, and may every departure take you to something and somewhere wonderful.

Happy Holidays and a joyful New Year, from all of us at Air Chicago!

To learn more about the latest happenings at Air Chicago, follow us on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and YOUTUBE @airchicago AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM 2 WINTER 2025-26

Enjoying Winter Credit: IURII KRASILNIKOV

Advertising Inquiries

For all advertising inquiries email jenniferp@consultvistra.com ©2025 Air Chicago Magazine is published quarterly by Ten Thirty Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Points of view expressed do not necessarily represent those of Chicago Department of Aviation. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising matter. The publisher assumes no liability for return or safety of unsolicited art, photographs, or manuscripts.

Air Chicago is a joint venture by Clear Channel Airports and Ten Thirty Media.

DIGITAL EDITION AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM SEND COMMENTS, QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS TO COMMENTS@AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM AIRPORT INFORMATION WWW.FLYCHICAGO.COM

Polar Plunge 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Credit: Ivan Tejeda

WINTER 2025-26

Across the Map 28 The Season’s Best Slopes 36 Punta Cana 38 Ciudad de Mexico 42 Passport to Paradise From the Rocky Mountains to Quebec

Pearly sand beaches and sun

Mexico City enters its Michelin era

Air Chicago 10/25 Sudoku (Medium) Air Chicago PuzzleJunction.com Sudoku (Very Easy) 10/25 Sudoku (Hard)

Main Feature

PuzzleJunction.com More Mexico for sunny getaways

PuzzleJunction.com

In Chicago

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column To andsolve box the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. must contain the numbers 1 to 9. must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

8

Beyond the Wind Chill

At the Airports

16 Airport News 20 Holiday Gift Guide 24 Burrito Beach Celebrates

Connoisseur’s Collection, Air France lounge, local wine

Something for everyone

Copyright ©2025 PuzzleJunction.com

Copyright ©2025 PuzzleJunction.com

Thirty years of serving burritos

Solution

SUDOKU EASY SOLUTION

48 Neighborhood Spotlight 52 Winter in the City Beverly lights up over the holidays

Cold weather adventures

Solution

SUDOKU MEDIUM SOLUTION

Winter happenings for the season

Maps & Games 58 O’Hare & Midway Maps 64 Games Copyright ©2025 PuzzleJunction.com

Crossword and Sudoku

Solution

SUDOKU HARD SOLUTION

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

WINTER 2025-26 3 AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM

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LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

GREETINGS FROM MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON

Mayor Brandon Johnson

DEAR TRAVELER: Welcome to Chicago, the greatest city in the world ― no matter the season!

Once again, we are ringing in the holidays and the end of another year. As the clock winds down on 2025, we are thankful for the good fortunes experienced over the past year and await more wonderful times in 2026. And, we are grateful that your travels have brought you to our great city, and the pages of Air Chicago’s winter edition!

Mayor Br andon Johnson: Cour tesy of Walter S. Mitchell III, City of Chicago.

Throughout our city’s 77 communities, the air is filled with the magic of the season. You can feel it while gazing at holiday decorations adorning homes and storefronts, enjoying a warm and cozy meal at a favorite neighborhood restaurant, or participating in winter sporting activities throughout town. Being the lovely and lively city that Chicago is, you’ll also feel the holiday vibes as you check out the many joy-filled celebrations taking place from the South Side to the North Side and to the West Side.

On the Southwest Side, the spirit of the season runs deep in the Beverly community, whether it’s in the bustling activity of its shopping districts, at neighborhood gatherings or at the nearby Dan Ryan Woods, which is a popular area for sledding and snowshoeing. There is something for everyone in this iconic community with a small-town feel, and you can discover more by going to Page 48.

You’ll also find plenty of Chicago fun from holiday markets and tree lightings, to Polar Adventure Day and events like Winter WonderFest. If you think we only know how to have a good time when the weather is warm, go to the In Chicago section starting on Page 52, and you’ll find otherwise!

Chicago is also nothing if not passionate about sports. Along with various recreational spots around town for sledding and snowshoeing, we’re home to a number of organized clubs for ski enthusiasts as well as the Chicago Polar Bear Club, whose members famously plunge into the waters of Lake Michigan each winter for charity. To discover how we keep our athletic groove going during the colder months, visit Page 8.

On behalf of the people of Chicago, it is an honor to roll out the welcome mat for you this season. Here’s to a great New Year, and thank you for making us part of your winter travel plans ― we’re glad you’re here!

Sincerely, Brandon Johnson Mayor

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F ROM MICH ELIN STA R R E D CH E F JE N NE R TO M AS K A

CHICAGO'S NEW GOLD STANDARD 750 N . STAT E ST R E E T, C H I CAG O

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FROM THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE

GREETINGS FROM THE

CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION

Dear Traveler: I am happy to welcome you to O’Hare and Midway International Airports, and I thank you for picking up a copy of the Winter edition of Air Chicago!

At the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), we are gearing up to serve all who are making their way through our airports during the holiday season — from those arriving in town to spend time with loved ones to others leaving for one last vacation before the New Year begins. It was a privilege to assist you in 2025, and we hope to see you again in 2026.

While at O’Hare and Midway, I invite you to check out the holiday offerings of our airports’ stores. With a great selection of seasonal beverages and gifts, you can easily find what you’re looking for. To find out more, head to the At the Airport section, starting on Page 16.

Winter is also a great time for travelers to engage in a variety of seasonal fun, whether it’s basking under the sun or frolicking in the snow. Maybe you want to take in the sights of Mexico City, or perhaps the beaches of Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos are beckoning.

The Dominican Republic may be calling for an island getaway, and so might the ski slopes of the Rocky Mountains, Quebec and Vermont. If you’re still figuring out an ideal spot for a winter vacation, go to the Across the Map section, beginning on Page 26.

Commissioner Mike McMur r ay: Cour tesy of Chicago Depar tment of Aviation.

Commissioner Mike McMurray

This holiday season is about being grateful and giving thanks, and since May 2025, I have been especially grateful to serve as Commissioner of the CDA, overseeing one of the world’s busiest aviation systems. I cannot do my job every day without the support of the hard-working staff of the CDA and all the amazing employees at our airports, and I am truly thankful for their assistance and support.

The CDA is happy to be celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with you. From all of us, Season’s Greetings, and may your New Year be the best one yet!

Sincerely, Mike McMurray Commissioner Chicago Department of Aviation

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Snowboarding Credit: Nima Sarram

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EXPLORING CHICAGO’S COOLEST COLD-WEATHER ADVENTURES

BY ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES

Chicago never runs out of ways to entertain, even amidst the piercing temperatures of winter. Although potentially daunting to others elsewhere, the season’s chill doesn’t stop residents here from plunging full force into Lake Michigan, or going ice skating, sledding and snowshoeing. But you don’t have to be from Chicago to embrace our town’s frosty fun — we’ve got something for everyone, and we’re more than happy to show how we get down in winter.

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Snowshoeing Credit: Greg Rakozy

CHICAGO POLAR BEAR CLUB Around the beginning of each year, the Chicago Polar Bear Club invites thrill seekers to leap into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan for its Polar Plunge — one of the most exciting, and invigorating, ways to experience winter in the Windy City. The event is held just north of downtown at Oak Street Beach (1000 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-7427726) and those interested in participating can register by setting up a webpage to raise funds for select local families experiencing hardships, including those such as housing and financial insecurity, as well as domestic abuse.

Those participating are required to have closed-toe shoes, are encouraged to wear outrageous costumes as part of the fun and are strongly advised to have warm, dry clothes on hand for wearing afterward. The event concludes with a festive after-party to celebrate the wild adventure. You can join the festivities; the 2026 Polar Plunge takes place Jan. 24.

Polar Plunge 2025

Credit: Terence Crayton, City of Chicago

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The Chicago Polar Bear Club officially started on New Year’s Day 2002 as the Lakeview Polar Bear Club, when club and event founder Brian Marchal spent the previous months trying to convince a group of friends to take a January 1st dip with him into Lake Michigan. “The spirit of the Chicago Polar Bear Club and our annual polar plunge is truly captured in the word, ‘ridiculousness,’” says Marchal, who was a newcomer to town at the time. “Our group was started because I wanted to find like-minded people who loved doing ridiculous things.”

Marchal’s love affair with the Windy City goes back to his youth growing up outside of Dayton, Ohio, which was also when the seeds of what would be the Polar Plunge first took hold with him. “Like most kids back in the ’80s and ’90s, one of the few TV channels we had was WGN,” he says. “Every New Year’s Day, I saw on WGN News the photos and videos of people jumping into Lake Michigan.”

Upon moving to Chicago after college for an engineering job, Marchal tried in vain to find those New Year’s Day lake jumpers. “Back then, very few people and small organizations had websites or email addresses, so I wasn’t able to contact the organizers,” he recalls.

Just two friends accompanied Marchal for the fanfare-free, inaugural event, which was initially planned as a local meet-and-greet, but he got more participation from friends and family the following year when he sought to raise funds for a cousin who needed a lung transplant. Thirtytwo people took the plunge in 2003, and nearly $7,000 was raised, setting the stage for more participants to enter future plunges to raise funds for Chicagoland families in need.

“At the end of the day, what could be better than a ridiculous shared experience, helping out people in your community, with a group of people who like to have a good time,” he says, while crediting his mother, Rose, for helping him launch the club.

In 2024, about 1,000 people took the plunge, raising $115,000 — both record highs for the event. Since 2002, over 5,000 participants have taken part, raising more than $650,000 and supporting 55 Chicago-area families.

“The Chicago Polar Bear Club demonstrates that you don’t need a large organization to create an impact,” says veteran Polar Plunge participant Bob Hack, who is famously known by the nickname of ‘Plunge Bob.’ “Every dollar benefits the families chosen, and the commitment is genuine, even for those who don’t live in Chicago.”

Looking ahead to the 2026 plunge — which marks 25 years of funds raised — Marchal is aiming for another record-breaking year of participants and donations (every dollar of which, the club says, goes to charity). “We are so grateful to everyone who has ever donated or participated in our plunges, and we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone in our tiny speedos at Oak Street Beach,” he says.

WINTER CYCLING For members of the Chicago Cycling Club, bike riding is a way of life that doesn’t pause during the winter. A longtime club member and 35-year riding veteran who has cycled through all seasons, Jim Kreps shares tips for biking during Chicago’s notorious winter months. “I’ve ridden through crazy sub-zero temperatures with minus-50 wind chill but still managed safe, warm and healthy commutes,” he says.

As the owner of five bikes (two for commuting, two for long weekend rides and one being foldable), Kreps advises using particular bikes for the type of ride you’re on, which would be lighter and faster bikes for long rides and sturdier bikes for treks over potholes and through slushy snow. “For winter biking, you need to protect your extremities,” he said. “Your toes and fingers aren’t moving, so you have to promote blood flow. I use electric gloves and socks to stay warm.”

Kreps further suggests exploring your route before you ride it.

“Scope out your route for a safety exit,” he noted. “Look for a store or fire station to warm up if you get too cold. Or see if there’s a nearby bus line or ‘L’ [train] so you can hop on if you get tired.”

Practicing in the November-December shoulder season — when it tends to be less cold and snow is less of a factor than in the months

ahead — can also help one acclimate to winter biking and gauge the ideal times of the day for a ride. “The best winter biking is mid-morning on the lakeshore path, after it’s been paved,” he added.

ICE SKATING AND SLEDDING Chicago’s parks and boulevards are great playgrounds for winter sports, and ice skating is one of the city’s favorite cold-weather activities, with rinks open from November through March. Most neighborhoods host a rink, but the largest and most popular are conveniently located downtown.

The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park stretches along Michigan Avenue with sweeping views of the Cloud Gate sculpture (better known as “The Bean”) and the city’s sparkling Christmas tree display. A favorite among holiday shoppers and after-work skaters, this small rink is open every day and provides free skating lessons each weekend an hour before the rink opens. Visitors can skate for free if they bring their own skates, but skate times must be reserved online.

Next door to Millennium Park is the Ice Skating Ribbon, a soaring quarter-mile ice track in Maggie Daley Park that winds around alpine trees and features a climbing wall that resembles a mountain.

Windy City winters are also great for sledding in a number of areas such as Cricket Hill in the north end of Lincoln Park, which has a steep, four-sided hill with great views of Lake Michigan. On the South Side, the 200-foot slope in Dan Ryan Woods features one of the city’s tallest hills, with the forest preserve’s management illuminating the area whenever at least three inches of snow fall. Not far from the White Sox’s Rate Field, Palmisano Park provides fun for sledders amidst a green space where a quarry and landfill once stood before becoming a park in 2009.

And back downtown at Soldier Field, you don’t have to worry if there isn’t any snow, as the sledding hill (at the north end of the stadium’s south parking lot) produces artificial snow, allowing sledders to have fun all winter long. After you’re done in the parks, check out the sparkling beauty of the Magnificent Mile by heading to the Sky Rink, which provides festive music and seasonal snacks for skaters on the fourthfloor terrace of The Peninsula Chicago hotel.

Dan Ryan Woods – S. Western Ave. and W. 87th St. Lincoln Park – 500-5700 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-742-7726 Maggie Daley Park – 337 E. Randolph St., 312-742-3918 (field house) Millennium Park – 201 E. Randolph St. Palmisano Park – 2700 S. Halsted St., 312-747-6497 Soldier Field – 1410 Special Olympics Drive, 312-235-7000 The Peninsula Chicago – 108 E. Superior St., 312-337-2888 Other parks for sledding (check for availability): Caldwell Woods – W. Devon Ave. and N. Nagle Ave., 800-870-3666 Gompers Park – 4222 W. Foster Ave., 773-685-3270 Horner Park – 2741 W. Montrose Ave., 773-478-3499 Humboldt Park – 1440 N. Humboldt Blvd., 312-742-7549 Lechowicz Woods – N. Central Ave. (north of N. Elston Ave.), 800-870-3666 Oz Park – 2021 N. Burling St., 312-742-7898 Riis Park – 6100 W. Fullerton Ave., 312-746-5363 Schiller Woods – W. Irving Park Road (west of N. Cumberland Ave.), 800-870-3666 Warren Park – 6601 N. Western Ave., 773-262-6314

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CURLING Chicago’s cold temps can be ideal for curling, a sport in which players slide granite stones toward a target across ice using brooms. Although commonly played on ice rinks or frozen ponds (particularly in places like Canada, as well as the game’s 16th-century birthplace of Scotland), there are some rooftop venues around the city that have curling lanes.

On the Magnificent Mile, The Gwen hotel offers an artificial ice surface for curling and provides guests with cocktails on its terrace. In Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Sports & Fitness has synthetic ice and plastic stones for curling matches, with contests free for diners at its Harvest rooftop restaurant.

And if you’re a beginner and would like a little help, the beer garden of Kaiser Tiger holds games under the watch of a curling expert who assists players.

Kaiser Tiger – 1415 W. Randolph St., 312-243-3100 Lakeshore Sports & Fitness – 1320 W. Fullerton Ave., 773-348-6377 The Gwen – 521 N. Rush St., 312-645-1500

SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING Chicago doesn’t have hills tall enough for skiing, but several resorts not far from the city provide great options. Located about 40 miles northwest of Chicago, Villa Olivia in Bartlett has seven different runs, a chairlift, six rope tows and a tubing hill.

Just across the Illinois border in Wisconsin, Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort (roughly 65 miles from the city) features 25 ski runs, eight chairlifts and a separate beginner’s area. Staying in the Badger State, about 90 minutes from Chicago, you’ll find the Alpine Valley Resort in Elkhorn, where you can ski over 100 acres and check out three terrain parks, among various points of interest on the hill. And if you’re looking to go snowshoeing, head back into town, where Chicago forest preserves like Dan Ryan Woods and Caldwell Woods offer free snowshoe rentals for hikes through snow-covered trails, and where the North Park Village Nature Center Park, Northerly Island Park and Morton Arboretum provide scenic landscapes to trek through.

Alpine Valley Resort – W2501 County Road D, Elkhorn, Wis.; 262-642-7374/800-227-9395 Caldwell Woods – W. Devon Ave. and N. Nagle Ave., 800-870-3666 Morton Arboretum – 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, Ill.; 630-968-0074 North Park Village Nature Center Park – 5801 N. Pulaski Road, 312-744-5472 Northerly Island Park – 1521 S. Linn White Drive., 312-745-2910 (main) Villa Olivia – 1401 W. Lake St., Bartlett, Ill.; 630-289-1000 Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort – 11931 Fox River Road, Wilmot, Wis.; 262-862-2301

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Polar Plunge 2025 Credit: Ivan Tejeda

Mayor Brandon Johnson at the Polar Plunge 2025

Sledding

Credit: Terence Crayton, City of Chicago

Credit: Getty Images

Wilmot Mountain

Winter Cycling

Credit: WM Brown for Wilmot Mountain

Credit: Luka Senica

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Commissioner Mike McMurray Tours the I-490 Project, West of O’Hare Credit: City of Chicago

AT THE AIRPORTS

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16 AIRPORT NEWS PAGE 20 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE PAGE 24 BURRITO BEACH CELEBRATES PAGE

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Connoisseur’s Collection Credit: HMSHost

AT O’HARE & MIDWAY

HMSHOST INTRODUCES THE CONNOISSEUR’S COLLECTION: A WORLD-CLASS SPIRITS EXPERIENCE HMSHost has elevated airport hospitality with its new Connoisseur’s Collection, a curated spirits program now available at popular O’Hare dining spots Publican Tavern, Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar and The Bronze Pizza.

Designed to evoke the allure of a modern speakeasy, the curated experience invites travelers to discover rare and exceptional pours, which range from The Balvenie 21 and El Tesoro Extra Añejo Tequila to Belvedere 10 and Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. Guests can also indulge in exclusive, private-label bourbon barrels from Jefferson’s and Maker’s Mark, created specifically for HMSHost venues.

“We crafted the Connoisseur’s Collection for travelers seeking something truly extraordinary along their journey,” said Avolta Senior Vice President Tyler Pitman.

“Each bottle is a rare pour, small batch or limited edition — meeting travelers’ growing demand for premiumization — and the addition of HMSHost-exclusive barrel picks reinforces the prestige of the program.”

With expert mixologists guiding each tasting, the program transforms airport dining by combining craftsmanship, storytelling and hospitality. Part of Avolta’s mission to improve the travel experience across all touchpoints, the Connoisseur’s Collection provides those on the go with a refined moment of indulgence, where every trip is turned into a first-class spirits experience.

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Connoisseur’s Collection Credit: HMSHost

Air France Lounge Opening Credit: Chicago Department of Aviaiton

AIR FRANCE OPENS NEW LOUNGE AT O’HARE’S TERMINAL 5 Air France has unveiled its first dedicated lounge at O’Hare, located at Terminal 5, which offers travelers a refined haven of French-style comfort and hospitality.

Spanning more than 5,000 square feet and seating 105 guests, the space combines soft natural light, elegant design and Air France’s signature colors. Guests can enjoy fine French cuisine, champagne and wine in a warm, friendly setting complete with runway views.

Operated by the Global Lounge Network, the new space welcomes Air France Business, Flying Blue Elite Plus and eligible KLM travelers, and features exclusive areas, workspaces and digital press access for a smooth preflight experience.

Johnston & Murphy at MDW Credit: Chicago Department of Aviaiton

Chicago Sports at MDW

Credit: Chicago Department of Aviaiton

JOHNSTON & MURPHY, CHICAGO SPORTS OPEN AT MIDWAY The CDA and the joint venture Midway Partnership officially welcomed retailers Johnston & Murphy and Chicago Sports to Midway on Oct. 21, marking another milestone in the airport’s modernization. The additions improve the retail experience for travelers through a diverse selection of premium fashions informed by local pride.

Johnston & Murphy provides timeless business and casual clothing crafted with heritage and quality, while Chicago Sports offers fans officially-licensed merchandise from the city’s favorite teams — the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks.

Both shops in Concourse B are open daily.

“These additions reflect our commitment to celebrating Chicago’s energy and providing a world-class experience,” said Midway Partnership General Manager Shawnta Young.

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Illinois Sparkling Co. Brut Credit: Illinois Sparkling Co.

LOCAL WINE AT ORD & MDW

STARBUCKS HOLIDAY DRINKS

Wine lovers can now raise a glass to locally-produced flavor when making their way through Chicago’s airports.

With the arrival of the holidays, Starbucks is again highlighting the warmth, nostalgia and flavor of the season with a lineup of beloved classics and festive new creations at its O’Hare locations, from Nov. 6 to Jan. 5.

At O’Hare, Publican Tavern is serving the 2019 Illinois Sparkling Co. Brut — a crisp wine that embodies the effervescent spirit of Midwest winemaking. Down at Midway, guests can enjoy selections from Chicago’s own Love Cork Screw, available at Arami, Harry Caray’s, Connie’s Pizza and Woodgrain Pizza.

From the sparkle of small-town craftsmanship to the bold character of a homegrown urban label, these locally-sourced wines bring a unique taste of the Land of Lincoln’s terroir to the city’s busiest gateways. Whether enjoyed during a relaxed layover or quick preflight toast, each pour connects travelers to the region’s vibrant wine scene — a fitting tribute to Chicago’s mix of hospitality, innovation and hometown pride.

To find restaurants at O’Hare, go to Flychicago.com: www.flychicago.com/ohare/eatshopmore/eat/.

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Returning favorites this season include the Caramel Brulée Latte, Peppermint Mocha and Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, each made with signature espresso, steamed milk and luxurious toppings.

New to the holiday lineup are the Iced Gingerbread Chai, which blends spiced chai with Gingerbread Cream Cold Foam for a cozy twist; and the Sugar Cookie Latte, a mix of blonde espresso, sugar cookie syrup and colorful sprinkles. Guests can further customize their drinks with limited-edition Holiday Cold Foams, which include Peppermint Chocolate, Sugar Cookie, Gingerbread and Caramel Brulée, available in hot, iced and blended options.

To find Starbucks locations at O’Hare, go to Flychicago.com: www.flychicago.com/ohare/eatshopmore/eat/.

BUILD YOUR OWN

BOWLS, TacOS, BURRITOS & MORE! Come get sun in the Terminal 3 food court by Gate K4!

burritobeach.com

Starbucks Holiday Drinks Credit: Starbucks

JOHNSTON & MURPHY, & CHICAGO SPORTS OPEN AT MIDWAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and Midway Partnership have announced the grand openings of Johnston & Murphy and Chicago Sports at Midway International Airport, marking another milestone in the airport’s modernization. The new retail additions improve the traveler experience with a diverse selection of premium fashion and local pride.

Chicago Sports offers fans officially licensed merchandise from the city’s favorite teams — the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks — while Johnston & Murphy provides timeless business and casual clothing, crafted with heritage and quality. “These additions reflect our commitment to celebrating Chicago’s energy and providing a world-class experience,” said Shawnta Young, General Manager of Midway Partnership.

Both shops in Concourse B are open daily, providing travelers with style, convenience, and a dash of Chicago spirit before their flight.

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O’HARE

HELLO KITTY Starbucks Terminal 1: Gates B5, B9, C17 Terminal 2: Gates E1, E11 Terminal 3: Gates, H1, H6, K4, L1, L20 Hello Kitty joins Starbucks for a limited-edition holiday collection full of festive charm. Wearing Starbucks’ classic green apron and her signature red bow, Hello Kitty and her adorable friend, Tiny Chum, add cozy cheer to every sip. After debuting in the Asia Pacific, this cute duo now arrives in the U.S. and Canada.

THE JELLYCAT CHRISTMAS COLLECTION HoyPoloi, An UnCommon Gallery Terminal 1 near Gate B6; Terminal 2 near Gate E5 The 2025 Jellycat Christmas Collection embodies the cozy magic of a snow day. Classic friends such as Bartholomew Bear, Bashful Bunny, Timmy Turtle and Peanut wear their winter favorites, complemented by new Amuseables inspired by seasonal treats and symbols — ideal for gifting, decorating and cuddling throughout the season.

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XPRESSIVE MOCHA BODY CREAM BLVD & Branch Terminal 5 near Gate M30 Enjoy the Xpressive Mocha Body Cream, a luxurious mix of smoky, nutty, herbal, chocolate and floral scents that relax the senses and hydrate the skin. This plant-based, cruelty-free formula melts smoothly, leaving a soft glow while reducing the appearance of stretch marks and dryness for smooth, radiant, beautifully-scented skin.

STAY IN THE GAME: MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY SEASON BY MATT FORTÉ Barbara’s Bookstore Terminal 1 near Gate B19 and Gate C15; Terminal 2 near Gate E5; Terminal 3 near Rotunda, Gate H4 In “Stay in the Game,” retired NFL star Matt Forté shares the lessons behind his decade of success with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets. From his Louisiana roots to life after football, Forté presents an inspiring look at perseverance, faith and purpose — on and off the field.

CHOCOLATE DIPPED MACARONS Vosges Haut-Chocolat Terminal 1 near Gate B6, Terminal 3 near Gate H4 Vosges Haut-Chocolat reimagines a French classic with a touch of luxury. Their Chocolate Dipped Macaron Collection features delicate almond meringues dipped in rich milk and dark chocolate, finished with bee pollen, roasted coffee beans and pistachios. Made in small batches by hand, each bite offers a luxurious mix of crispy, creamy and velvety textures — making for an indulgent sensory experience.

EVERBLOOM SHIMMER NADIA MINI BAG Brighton Terminal 3 Main near Gate H4 The Everbloom Shimmer Nadia Mini Bag from Brighton is a striking statement piece, combining gold metallic leather with shimmering silver threads and detailed floral embroidery. Featuring 18 hand-sewn beads and over 31,000 stitches, this romantic, modern bag with a stylish chain strap radiates timeless elegance and expert craftsmanship.

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INSTA360 X5 8K 360 ACTION CAMERA InMotion Terminal 1 near Gate B7; Terminal 3 near Gate H2; Terminal 3 near Gate K1; Terminal 5 near Gate M29 The Insta360 X5 is a compact, 360-degree action camera designed for creators on the go. Capture stunning 8K footage with smooth stabilization and easy control. Perfect for travel, POV and social media, it turns every adventure into beautiful, shareable content — all from your pocket.

RAY-BAN AVIATOR MAX Sunglass Hut Terminal 1 near Gate C9; Terminal 2 near Gate F9; Terminal 3 near Gate K5 The Ray-Ban Aviator Max enhances an icon with a bold, contemporary touch. Featuring a thicker metal frame, crystal lenses and the signature double bridge, these sunglasses redefine the classic pilot style. Finished with acetate temple tips, the sunglasses also offer timeless appeal, durability and unmistakable attitude for those who dare to stand out.

RENATA RUBIO 92.5 JEWELRY Spirit of the Red Horse Terminal 1 near Gate C21 This handcrafted, sterling silver jewelry from Renata Rubio 92.5 highlights artistry, family and tradition. Started by Laura Renata Rubio with only $400 and a vision, the brand today collaborates with artisan families in Taxco, Mexico — upholding a legacy of silversmithing excellence across generations. Every piece embodies ethical craftsmanship, enduring beauty and meaningful human connection that transcends borders.

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CHICAGO FRENCH PRESS COFFEE AND LOOSE-LEAF TEA Hudson Terminal 1: Gates B4, B10, B14, B18, B20, C8, C18, C21, C23 Terminal 2: Gates E6, F4, F9, F28 Terminal 3: Gates G1B, G19, H4, H11B, K1, K5, K13, L2, L8 Terminal 5: Gates M18, M20 Chicago French Press enhances your daily routine with fresh-roasted coffees and expertly-blended, loose-leaf teas. Made in small batches to ensure a smooth flavor and rich aroma, each blend brews easily — hot or iced — for cafe-quality results at home. Carefully selected, these blends add balance, comfort and flavor to every part of your day.

XO MARSHMALLOW Sarah’s Candies Terminal 2 near Gate F9 XO Marshmallow elevates a traditional confection by offering soft, airy marshmallows infused with real vanilla bean — ideal for hot chocolate, s’mores or enjoying directly from the package. Established on principles of love, creativity and industry, XO Marshmallow has consistently delighted consumers with every light, fluffy piece.

FIELD MUSEUM FLASK WATER BOTTLE Field Museum Terminal 1 Near Gate B8 Where science and innovative design intersect, this 500-milliliter stainless steel bottle draws inspiration from the classic shape of the Erlenmeyer flask, and is made from robust 304 steel both inside and out. Its double-wall vacuum insulation maintains drinks at the desired temperature for hours, and the spill-proof twist lid and BPA-free finish ensure it is both eco-friendly and easy to carry.

CHICAGO PLUSH LION ChiBoys Terminal 3 near Gate H6 Inspired by the famous green patina lions that adorn the front steps of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Plush Lion from ChiBoys offers a cozy tribute to the city’s art and spirit. Suitable for both kids and adults, it makes an excellent Chicago souvenir. For added appeal, pair it with the matching green Chicago Block T-shirt.

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BURRITO BEACH CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

Celebrity Chef-Designed Burritos

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS

Celebrate the season with these festive holiday cocktails from HMSHost, which convey the warmth and spirit of winter in every sip. Featuring bright pear and elderflower flavors along with spiced cider and whiskey, each drink provides a cozy take on classic tastes that are perfect for holiday gatherings.

UP IN THE PEAR

Chef Paul Kahan’s Spicy Steak Burrito

Credit: Burrito Beach

Chicago’s Burrito Beach is celebrating 30 years of service, and the Mexican grill with a California twist has been marking the occasion with its “Celebrity Chef Burritos,” a specialty-item menu that runs through Jan. 31.

For the menu, three renowned Chicago chefs — Paul Kahan, Margaret Pak and Beverly Kim — have each created a signature burrito available for two months at all seven Burrito Beach locations, including at the long-standing O’Hare restaurant. A portion of sales supports each chef’s selected charity, with Burrito Beach pledging at least $5,000 per cause, totaling $15,000 in donations.

The series kicked off in August with a spicy steak burrito from Publican chef Paul Kahan, which came with spicy guajillo chile sauce, white rice, black beans, pico de gallo, pickled red onions and whole cilantro. Margaret Pak of the Indian-inspired restaurant Thattu followed in October with a masala chicken burrito that was topped with tamarind date chutney, garlic confit raita sauce, white rice, cilantro slaw and pickled red onions. (For meatless lovers, Pak created a masala veggie burrito that replaced the chicken with grilled vegetables.) During December and January, Beverly Kim is contributing to Burrito Beach’s birthday festivities with her bibimbap steak burrito — inspired by her Korean- and Thai-influenced establishment, Parachute HiFi — that is adorned with kimchi fried rice, chipotle gochujang sauce, marinated cabbage and pickled red onions.

Some of the proceeds from Kahan’s and Kim’s burritos support Pilot Light, a local nonprofit (co-founded by Kahan) that promotes food education to students from pre-K to 12th grade. For Pak’s burritos, a portion of proceeds went to Kitchen Possible, which provides cooking lessons to kids ages 8-12 from under-resourced Chicago neighborhoods.

When it comes to philanthropy and Chicago culinary excellence, Burrito Beach has excelled at both during its 30th anniversary, a testament to its ethos that “life’s better at the Beach.”

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1 1/2 ounces Ketel One vodka 1/2 ounce St. George Spiced Pear liqueur 1/2 ounce St-Germain Elderflower liqueur 3/4 ounce Reál Pear puree 2 ounces elements of Citra Sour garnish, with grated nutmeg and star anise Preparation: In a shaker, combine pear puree, vodka, pear liqueur, elderflower liqueur and citrus sour. Fill with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg and star anise.

CHI TOWN CIDER HOUSE 1 1/2 ounces rye whiskey 1/4 ounce Reál Apple puree 2 ounces apple cider sour (recipe below) 1 egg white (optional) 1 1/2 ounces red wine Spiced apple chip Grated cinnamon Large, clear ice cube Preparation: In a shaker, add apple puree, cider sour, rye whiskey and egg white (optional). Cover with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a double rocks glass with an ice cube. Float red wine on top. Garnish with an apple chip and grated cinnamon.

Apple cider sour 1 liter elements of citrus sour 1 liter spiced apple cider

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Fresh Powder at Steamboat Credit: Steamboat Ski Resort

ACROSS THE MAP AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM 26 WINTER 2025-26

28 SEASON’S BEST SLOPES PAGE 36 PUNTA CANA PAGE 38 CIUDAD DE MEXICO PAGE 42 PASSPORT TO PARADISE PAGE

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Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Credit: Stephen Shelesky Photography

AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM 28 WINTER 2025-26

BY CRAI BOWER

THE SEASON’S BEST SLOPES Like farmers with their almanacs, we skiers and snowboarders constantly check forecasts to see what the winter has in store for our plans. No matter the weather, plenty of action still awaits on the slopes, and Air Chicago looks at some of North America’s best resorts for skiing and snowboarding this season.

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Big Sky Resort

Credit: Big Sky Resort

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Credit: Stephen Shelesky Photography

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BIG SKY RESORT

JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Days at Big Sky in southern Montana offer a variety of terrain to traverse, from gentle warm-up groomers to a fresh tracks Lone Peak Tram ride that unveils an untouched Liberty Bowl descent, which seasoned skiers often consider the best ski run of their life.

How nice it is to go through ski-area updates without mentioning season passes, but what Jackson Hole is doing deserves recognition.

In 2024, this proudly-independent, legendary resort not far from the Idaho state line introduced the Jackson Hole Golden Ticket, a great deal that offers 50% off lift tickets for passholders from any resort, including Ikon, Mountain Collective and Epic passes. (Note: Full Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective passholders get Jackson access.)

BIG SKY, MONTANA

The Lone Peak Tram, which debuted in 2023, has added Kircliff, an all-glass viewing platform that promises to take your breath away, as it’s 11,166 feet above sea level. Additionally, the 10-person Explorer Gondola will follow last year’s Madison 8 chair, and is the final upgrade of high-speed convenience where slower chairs once operated.

Big Sky’s reputation as a “go big or go home” mountain is well-earned, considering the “Big Couloir” often ranks among the most challenging runs in North America — one of many rare inbound triple blacks found here. Less known is how kid-friendly it is, with every chairlift leading to areas like Banana Land, Grizzly Drops and Freemont’s Forest, each offering specific runs to match.

The culinary scene is as diverse as the mountain’s terrain, starting with Alpenglow at the Montage. Who would have thought Alpine cuisine could rival Japan’s ramen lunches, but Alpenglow’s udon noodles more than deliver. What’s more, Chicago-based chef Grant Achatz is showcasing his culinary talents during a four-month residency starting in December as part of the Alinea Group’s 20th Anniversary World Tour.

TETON VILLAGE, WYOMING

The half-off day pass is just one of many ways Jackson Hole is marking its 60th anniversary this season, with its main celebration scheduled for Dec. 19, followed by the 10-day Winterfest from Dec. 22 to New Year’s Eve. Jackson Hole has also welcomed new executive chef Fernando Mendez, who comes to the resort after managing several culinary teams at different locations for Four Seasons Hotels. Mendez’s skills will be showcased right away at two new on-mountain spots — Tram Dock, which comes with an outdoor patio, and Trapper’s, an upscale restaurant at the Sweetwater Gondola mid-station. Of course, there’s plenty of snow to enjoy too, especially in Corbet’s Couloir and off the 2024 Sublette high-speed quad.

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MONT TREMBLANT SKI RESORT MONT-TREMBLANT, QUEBEC

Mont Tremblant Credit: Naz Israyelyan

During the 2024-25 season, Mont Tremblant experienced its second-largest snowfall this century, as nearly 20 feet fell. The resort has added new snowmaking equipment to keep the slopes snowy throughout the season, and holders of its Ikon Pass will have fresh track access.

More cosmopolitan experiences await when you add a day trip to Montreal — a roughly 90-mile drive south — to your Quebec ski trip. Consider exploring Old Montreal while in town, or take in a Montreal Canadiens hockey game downtown at the Bell Centre. Once back at Mont Tremblant, you can lace up your own skates at the illuminated outdoor rink beside Saint-Bernard Chapel.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding on runs evenly split between advanced and beginner/intermediate levels, ski touring is available on ten forest trails and three on-piste (marked) areas.

Mont Tremblant has long been known for having a wide variety of winter activities, with ice climbing, dogsledding, snowshoeing, snow tubing and sleigh rides being some of the ways to enjoy the stunning environment. Once you’ve worked up enough of an appetite, carb up on French cuisine at the various hotel restaurants lining the pedestrian-friendly village.

Boreal forest immersion takes on a whole new meaning at Farouche Tremblant, which is located less than ten minutes from Mont Tremblant’s north parking lot.

Opened in 2022, Farouche (which is a French translation of ‘wild’) features seven beautifully-designed A-frame cabins, firepits, a cedar hot tub and the Farmbar (the last being a gathering spot for drinks and casual meals that are mainly sourced from the property’s large organic farm). Farouche Tremblant also hosts Saturday après-skis, and in the mountain village, renowned Montreal chef Matthieu Cloutier has brought his culinary expertise to the Fairmont Tremblant, where he manages the hotel’s culinary program.

STEAMBOAT SKI RESORT STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO

Perhaps more than any other place in North America, Steamboat Springs is the place to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics — that is, if you can’t watch it in person in Milan and Cortina, where the Games will be held in Italy’s north.

With more Winter Olympians hailing from this northwestern Colorado hamlet than any other town in the U.S., you never know which future medalist you’ll bump into.

At the Steamboat Ski Resort, the experience continues full speed with new acreage in Mahogany Ridge, along with a new development featuring the Range Food Hall & Drink Hall, Skeeters Ice Rink and a performance space. The 10-passenger Wild Blue Gondola now travels 3.16 miles in just 13 minutes, making it the longest and fastest bottom-to-top ride in North America. Steamboat has also increased snowmaking at its Greenhorn Ranch learning area — reflecting a trend occurring at various resorts nationwide — and overall, the resort has thus far invested over $200 million in recent enhancements to the property.

Looking ahead to 2026, two exciting music festivals are on tap at Steamboat.

The beloved MusicFest celebrates its 40th year (Jan. 5-10), offering six days filled with Texas and Americana melodies across various slopeside venues. Following MusicFest, the WinterWonderGrass Festival (Feb. 27-March 1) transforms Steamboat into a lively hub for bluegrass and roots music, featuring 30 artists performing across four stages. The fest will also have beer and whiskey tastings, kids’ zones and late-night performances.

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Skeeters Ice Rink at Steamboat Ski Resort Credit: Steamboat Ski Resort

Mont Tremblant Ski Resort

Credit: Maridav

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Stowe Mountain Resort Credit: Vail Resorts

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China Bowl at Vail Mountain Credit: Vail Mountain

VAIL RESORT VAIL, COLORADO

Eagle County Regional Airport near Vail Resort (roughly two hours south of Steamboat Springs) is expanding, continuing to add carriers to bring in more tourists for the area’s ski season.

The resort also got a boost a couple of years ago when the Game Creek Express (#7) and Sun Down Express (#17) Lifts were upgraded, making it better than ever to enjoy these epic bowls of powder.

Vail’s Epic Pass innovations include more Epic Friend Passes available at up to 50% off, and its Epic Gear program features over 60 designs from 13 brands. Vail’s highly-regarded adaptive ski and snowboard program has also expanded, with the resort offering ski, snow bike and snowboard lessons taught by certified instructors specializing in adaptive snow sports.

Additionally, Vail’s new My Epic app includes the interactive Ski and Ride School feature, which comes with parent check-ins and skill tracking, along with other widgets.

The resort is also enhancing its performance and arts programs, and après days are returning Friday through Sunday at the Express Lift Bar, along with a lively calendar of live music throughout the year. Just as tantalizing, the opening last year of Avanti Food and Beverage — in the Golden Peak base area — offers some of the best dining available at North American ski resorts.

STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT Vail Mountain

Credit: Vail Mountain

STOWE, VERMONT

Let’s be honest — one of the best perks of remote work is the flexibility to chase midweek powder days. And in northern Vermont, Stowe Mountain Resort understands that spontaneity is part of the adventure. With the Epic Day Pass, the resort’s skiers and riders can save up to 65% off compared to lift ticket prices (without committing to specific dates in advance). The pass also unlocks Epic Mountain Rewards, which include 20% off lodging, lessons, rentals, food and more — making it easy to turn a weekday into a snow-filled escape, followed by a few hours of evening work. Families will appreciate the savings too, with lower pricing for kids on Epic Day Passes.

Now in its second year, My Epic Gear is better than renting and easier than owning. Guests can join for a seasonal membership fee, which unlocks access to gear from the top brands, including more than 60 of the latest ski and snowboard models.

You can reserve in advance in the My Epic app for a low daily use fee that includes slopeside pick-up and drop-off at one of 12 participating resorts.

In addition to offering the premier on-piste experience in the Northeast, Stowe offers a full winter experience for everyone in your group. Off-mountain activities include ice skating, Nordic skiing, fat tire biking and snowshoeing. For those who prefer to take in the scenery without breaking a sweat, options like gondola rides, dog sledding and snowmobiling are available.

And since it’s Vermont, don’t miss the chance to make maple syrup or explore the charming village of Stowe — once, twice or even ten times.

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Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Credit: Valentin Valkov

BY ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES

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SEA, SAND AND SERENITY: THE PUNTA CANA WAY The lush beauty of the Dominican Republic attracts sun lovers who admire the island’s miles of pearly sand beaches and scenic landscapes.

Located southeast of the U.S. in the Caribbean’s north, the D.R. is popular among adventure seekers for a variety of activities that include sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, ziplining and ATV tours. And perched on the easternmost tip of the island where the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean converge is Punta Cana.

Modestly populated with less than 200,000 residents, this resort town ranks among the world’s top travel destinations and is the D.R.’s most popular tourist spot, featuring a gorgeous coastline replete with pristine beaches and plenty of waterfront fun.

BEACH LIFE Punta Cana has a variety of beaches to satisfy the many discerning tastes of visitors. Starting off at one of the island’s most well-known beaches, the resort-studded Playa Bavaro glistens with turquoise waters and is a playpen for sports such as snorkeling, parasailing and speedboat racing. For fresh local seafood and grilled meats at one of the island’s top restaurants, head inside the Puntacana Resort and Club to the Playa Blanca Restaurant (one of eight eateries at the resort), which is located along the palm-lined Playa Blanca that is popular for parasailing and kitesurfing. To experience more local flavor, make a beeline to Playa Macao, a relaxing surf spot that features beachside kiosks serving local dishes like pasteles (stuffed plantain parcels) and fried fish plates with rice and beans. Captivating in its own right, a peaceful escape awaits further away at Playa El Limon, an untouched beauty on the island’s northeast coast that has golden sands, a nearby lagoon and culinary delights from coffee and cacao farms. El Limon is an hour’s drive away from Punta Cana, making it popular for visitors to head out to on day trips.

EXPLORE NATURE Aquatic life is just one way to explore Punta Cana, and the area also features tropical forests, hiking trails and wildlife. Visit Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve for a trek through 1,500 acres of protected land that highlights the traditions of Indigenous Taino culture. The trails at the sanctuary showcase trees and plants that have provided food, medicine and habitation to the area for hundreds of years. A guided tour will take you to twelve sacred freshwater lagoons that the Taino believed resembled eyes (ojos), and along the way you’ll see hundreds of birds, including the yellow- and black-striped Hispaniolan woodpecker and the yellow, orange and bright blue Jilguerillo. The area is also a habitat for rhinoceros iguanas (which are found only on the island), an apiary (where you can learn about forest honey and bees), a greenhouse and an orchard.

To float through a cenote, zipline through treetops or ride horseback along leafy trails, head over to Bavaro Adventure Park, which also has waterfall pools, catamaran rides, dune buggy excursions and off-road ATV adventures. And if you love to bike, hike or kayak, make a trek through Los Haitises National Park, which features 618 square miles of mangroves, rock formations and one of the D.R.’s last remaining rainforests.

PUTTING AROUND With over a dozen world-class golf courses that feature views of the beach, staying on land in Punta Cana has plenty of appeal. Among the highlights are the Oscar de la Renta-designed La Cana Golf and Beach Club, the first in Punta Cana with an 18-hole course, which now has 27 holes (all designed by famed golf course architect P.B. Dye, with 14 holes overlooking the water). Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and rocky cliffs, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Punta Espada Golf Course is widely regarded as the best in town. And with its coastline location and challenging design over coral formations and cliffs, the Teeth of the Dog Course at Casa De Campo Resort & Villas ranks high on many golf bucket lists.

Coffee in Punta Cana

Credit: Jaidy Schweers

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The St. Regis Mexico City Credit: The St. Regis Mexico City

Alexander Hotel Credit: Alexander Hotel

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BY DUANE WELLS

Expendio de Maíz Credit: Expendio de Maíz

Discover Excitement in CDMX! Commonly known as “CDMX,” Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) regularly ranks as one of North America’s most exciting and enticing places to visit — and with good reason.

With a population of over 22 million people, the metropolitan area of Mexico’s capital city is not only the second-largest in the Western Hemisphere (surpassed only by Sao Paulo) but also ranks as one of the world’s most vibrant cultural centers, making it a must-visit destination in Latin America.

CDMX continues to strengthen its reputation as a global cultural hub by embracing rapid changes across nearly every aspect of city life. Its ever-evolving scene is reflected in a wide range of additions across town, including the debut of Michelin-starred restaurants, the opening of stylish boutique hotels and the launch of world-class cultural events, all providing even more reasons to visit.

Whether you’re attracted by Michelin stars, boutique hotels, worldclass art or the once-in-a-generation spectacle of the World Cup, Mexico City has much in store for travelers in the New Year.

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Angel of Independence, Mexico City Credit: Argelis Rebolledo

WHERE TO STAY: NEW & NOTABLE ACCOMMODATIONS Mexico City’s hotel scene is booming with new properties ranging from boutique conversions to highly-anticipated luxury hotels. The trend in CDMX clearly favors heritage-driven stays over mega-resorts, especially in neighborhoods like Roma Norte, Condesa and Polanco.

A prime example of this trend is Casona Roma Norte, a meticulouslyrestored 1920s mansion that opened in October 2024 and features 32 modern-designed rooms along with five dining concepts. In stark contrast, the architecturally-stunning, ultra-sleek, ultra-modern Hotel Alexander (which opened in April 2024) in the Torre Virreyes skyscraper features custom-made furniture from Italian design houses along with Mexico’s first caviar bar — an ideal spot for business travelers near Polanco. Meanwhile, Kimpton Virgilio — which is the Kimpton Hotel brand’s first property in Mexico City, opened in winter 2024 in Polanco with 1970s-inspired glamour, a rooftop pool, flamenco Fridays and tapas at the property’s Pepe Mesa Espanola restaurant.

Elsewhere in the city, the Colonia Cuauhtemoc neighborhood in May 2023 saw the opening of the minimalist, contemporary Hotel Volga, which also houses the exclusive underground lounge Minos and the restaurant Elora, where restaurateur Edo Kobayashi presents Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Three months later, the stylish, fiveAIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM 40 WINTER 2025-26

star Colima 71 Casa de Arte debuted in Roma Norte, with highlights including sustainable architecture designed by acclaimed architect Alberto Kalach and studio rooms showcasing works by Mexican artists.

And because all things old are new again in CDMX, The St. Regis unveiled eight new garden terrace rooms and suites in 2025 (seven featuring private terraces with stunning views of the famed Paseo de la Reforma avenue), bringing fresh appeal to an established luxury staple.

Scheduled to open in 2026, the Pendry Mexico City in Roma Norte will feature 114 guestrooms and suites along with 20 private residences.

Also scheduled for opening in 2026 is the Rosewood Mexico City, which will bring the brand’s signature luxury to Polanco, placing guests within walking distance of Avenida Presidente Masaryk’s (President Masaryk Avenue’s) high-end shopping and cultural attractions, including Museo Soumaya and Museo Jumex.

DINING: MEXICO CITY’S MICHELIN MOMENT 2025 proved to be a pivotal year for Mexico City’s culinary scene, as the expansion of the Michelin Guide Mexico highlighted the city’s rising international reputation with numerous recommendations and awards — including categories like Young Chef, Sommelier, Service, Exceptional Cocktail and Opening of the Year.

Expendio de Maíz Credit: Expendio de Maíz

Alexander Hotel Credit: Alexander Hotel

The St. Regis Mexico City Credit: The St. Regis Mexico City

The guide notably made waves by recognizing a mix of eateries that showcased the variety of dining options in CDMX. Take, for example, Expendio de Maíz, a casual, cash-only sidewalk spot specializing in custom Mexican cuisine. Expendio de Maíz has no sign and only a few communal tables. But with a Michelin star now under its belt, the eatery proves that excellence thrives in the simplicity of dishes like heirloom corn tortillas as well as its ingredient-driven fillings.

Elsewhere on the year’s Michelin list, two restaurants — Pujol, known for its mole madre that has been celebrated for over a decade, and Quintonil, which rose to number three on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list — both maintained their two-star status, further cementing their positions as leading figures of Mexican fine dining.

Among the newly awarded one-star establishments, Masala y Maíz was honored for chefs Norma Listman’s and Saqib Keval’s bold AfricanIndian-Mexican fusion cuisine, while Maximo earned recognition under chef Eduardo Garcia for its French-influenced Mexican dishes.

Meanwhile, Baldio, a restaurant dedicated to celebrating Mexican farmers, became the country’s only restaurant to earn a Green Star thanks to its zero-waste approach to fine dining. And there’s even more exciting dining ahead for CDMX, as Ling Ling has plans by early in

the New Year to open a second location in Mexico City, while Nusr-Et Steakhouse (owned by chef Nusret Gokce, better known as “Salt Bae”) also aims for a debut by early 2026, reportedly inside The St. Regis.

MAJOR EVENTS & CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS As one of the world’s major capitals, CDMX is packed with top-tier events in music, sports and culture throughout the year. One 2025 highlight was the opening of the Museo Casa Kahlo in the Coyoacan neighborhood, which is situated in one of the historic family homes of Frida Kahlo (affectionately called Casa Roja). Unlike the well-known Museo Frida Kahlo, which is a short walk away and focuses on the artist’s adult life and work with husband Diego Rivera, this intimate space explores Kahlo’s early years, family relationships and personal life — showcasing never-before-seen artifacts including childhood photographs, letters and the artist’s only known mural.

Later in 2026, Mexico City will be on the worldwide sporting map when it will be one of 16 North American metro areas hosting soccer matches for the FIFA World Cup. The NFL will hold a regular-season game in CDMX in 2026, with both events taking place at Estadio Azteca (Aztec Stadium).

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Cancun

Credit: Jonathan Ross

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MEXICO’S DREAM TRIO FOR WINTER ESCAPES As the days grow shorter and the temperatures go lower, memories of long, lazy summer days begin to fade. Is it any wonder, then, that visions of a warm escape come to dominate our thoughts? Hardly.

The real question is, how do we turn those dreams of paradise into a reality? One appealing option to explore this winter is Mexico.

Among the many places to escape Chicago’s cold are Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos. Besides being vacation hot spots, all three beach destinations are just a quick flight from the Windy City, offering endless fun, sun and adventure thanks to a wave of exciting new hotel openings and restaurant launches.

When that next polar vortex hits (and even if it doesn’t), you know what to do — grab your passport, pack the sunscreen and head to Mexico. Your beach chair awaits.

CANCUN: THE CLASSIC ESCAPE Cancun has long been one of the Caribbean’s top resort destinations, and a surge in new hotel options in 2025 only strengthened its status.

Luxurious, state-of-the-art properties with every amenity imaginable can be found here at the tip of Mexico’s southeast on the Caribbean Sea.

HOTELS & RESORTS Among the new arrivals to Cancun is the adults-only, all-inclusive Secrets Mirabel Resort & Spa. Located on Delfines Beach in the heart of the busy Hotel Zone, the resort offers 500 rooms, swim-out suites, a Mayan-inspired spa and seven pools.

All-inclusive, family-friendly options have also surged over the past year in Cancun. The AVA Resort Cancun has more than 1,600 rooms, six pools and a lagoon spanning nearly three acres, as well as 17 bars and restaurants. At SLS Playa Mujeres, there are 498 rooms to choose from, along with a bevy of other selections — including 18 restaurants and bars, a spa, four pools, a beach, a marina, children’s play areas and an events center. And scheduled to open before New Year’s Day, the fully-renovated Hotel Riu Ventura will offer over 700 rooms that include family suites and swim-up rooms.

DINING Beyond its rapidly growing number of establishments, Cancun’s dining scene continues to receive industry acclaim. In 2025, two establishments — seafood spot Kiosco Verde and vegetarian/vegan eatery La Casa de Las Mayoras — joined the acclaimed Maria Dolores as local restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide.

BY DUANE WELLS

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Whale Watching in Los Cabos Secrets Mirabel Resort & Spa Credit: Leamus

Credit: Secrets Mirabel Resort & Spa

Secrets Mirabel Resort & Spa Credit: Secrets Mirabel Resort & Spa

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EVENTS Upcoming winter happenings in Cancun include Ember Shores 2025 (Dec. 5-7), a three-day dance music festival headlined by Illenium (who was born in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove); the Out of the Blue Festival (Jan. 8-11), a four-night concert vacation with pool parties and intimate beachfront performances by artists like Mumford & Sons, Caamp and Noah Kahan (who is the festival’s organizer); and Crash My Playa 2026 (Jan. 15-18), featuring a lineup of country music stars headlined by Luke Bryan.

PUERTO VALLARTA: PURE PACIFIC BLISS Surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains to one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, Puerto Vallarta offers a more laid-back, bohemian-chic experience compared to Cancun’s high-tempo party vibe. With days that commonly register around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, winter in Puerto Vallarta feels like an endless spring, enough to make you forget about the cold weather back home.

HOTELS & RESORTS Some of the new properties generating buzz in Puerto Vallarta include the Rosewood Mandarina, a luxury resort offering 134 suites that each come with their own terrace, plunge pools and stunning views. The property also features four dining establishments, four pools and a whole health spa.

Set to open in December, Siari is located in Riviera Nayarit, about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. A brand of the Ritz-Carlton chain, Siari is set on a 920-acre estate with four miles of beachfront, and will offer 90 rooms and suites, multiple pools, as well as several dining and bar options.

DINING Puerto Vallarta’s Versalles neighborhood has become a hot spot for food lovers, with innovative restaurants like Bonito Kitchen (Asian fusion), Lamara (seafood) and Le Bistro (French/Mexican) dotting the Rio Cuale. In the Romantic Zone, Zumo offers a fresh take on Mexican classics with dishes like duck gorditas and filet mignon chicharrones, while La Cigale French Bistro serves traditional French fare with a regional twist.

EVENTS Although a laid-back destination, you can still get your blood pumping in Puerto Vallarta by participating in Vrban Vallarta (Dec. 20), a running event that covers about six miles across various surfaces, from streets to sand. Not long afterward, keep the energy going by checking out Mantamar Bear Week (Jan. 27-Feb. 1), an LGBTQ+ event featuring music spun by a global lineup of DJs, hosted by the Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Sushi.

LOS CABOS: THE BAJA CALIFORNIA HOTSPOT Situated at the bottom of the Baja California peninsula, Los Cabos provides visitors with a unique view of Mexico, with striking rock formations and desert landscapes that meet the Sea of Cortez.

Perhaps the most laid-back of Mexico’s resort locations — and abounding with starry luxury and plenty of golf — the attractions of this seaside destination span from the lively marina area of Cabo San Lucas to the artistic tranquility of San Jose del Cabo.

HOTELS & RESORTS Always a favorite for its luxury resorts, Los Cabos has recently experienced a lodging renaissance with several major openings.

Opened in mid-2024, the Four Seasons Cabo San Lucas comes with three pools, three restaurants and five bar options among various amenities, along with access to one of Los Cabos’ few swimmable beaches. The Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol — which debuted a year later — is a 163-room hotel with five farm-to-table restaurants and access to a neighboring golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Not to be outdone by its stylish new competitors, the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal has undergone a multi-year, property-wide overhaul, recently reopening its 112 refreshed rooms and suites alongside an updated beach club restaurant.

DINING When it comes to dining, Los Cabos stands out among Mexico’s resort towns. With 14 Michelin-recommended restaurants (including the one-star Cocina de Autor at Grand Velas, which has retained its Michelin star), food lovers will be spoiled for choice in Los Cabos.

Among its new and notable Michelin Bib Gourmand winners are Mezcal at Montage Los Cabos and Al Pairo at The Club at Solaz.

Meanwhile, an outpost of the renowned steakhouse Harry’s (which is part of Grupo Anderson, one of Mexico’s biggest restaurant groups) opened its doors last May and has become an instant sensation thanks to its elegant decor, premium cuts and raw bar, as well as its majestic ocean views.

EVENTS Upcoming events in Los Cabos include the 13th edition of the Los Cabos International Film Festival (Dec. 10-14). And for whale lovers, orca watching season runs from December to April, when gray and humpback whales migrate to warm waters.

Siari Riviera Nayarit, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Credit: Ritz-Carlton

WINTER 2025-26 45 AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM

Metra Holiday Train Credit: Metra

IN CHICAGO

AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM 46 WINTER 2025-26

48 BEVERLY PAGE 52 WINTER EVENTS PAGE

WINTER 2025-26 47 AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM

Givins Beverly Castle

Credit: Francis Son

AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM 48 WINTER 2025-26

BY SERRA KOOK

Oleander & Artesian

Credit: Nora Conroy

Tucked into the Southwest Side, Beverly is often called a “village in the city.” With its lush greenery, impressive architecture and close-knit vibe among neighbors, the community feels like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered — giving off an “if you know, you know” vibe.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE WINTER 2025-26 49 AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM

Beverly Arts Center (BAC) Credit: Courtesy of the BAC

LIGHTS Few things inspire holiday wonder more than the sights of lights glowing across houses and streetways. For a visual experience that will fill you with holiday awe, head to Beverly’s 95th Street business district, which features holiday lights and other colorful displays curated for the public along Ashland Avenue to 95th and Western Avenue.

WILD BLOSSOM MEADERY & WINERY For more than 20 years, Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery (9030 S. Hermitage Ave., 773-840-4642) has been selling and serving wine and mead to the community. Famously dubbed “nectar of the gods” by ancient Greeks, mead is considered the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage, with evidence tracing its roots back to Africa in the Old Stone Age (as recently as 20,000 B.C.). An alcoholic drink unlike beer, wine or spirits in the traditional sense, mead can be a hard beverage to find, varying in flavor from sweet to bitter, and dry to juicy. The Wild Blossom offers memberships that include quarterly deliveries of mead (made with locally-sourced ingredients), and non-alcoholic products are also available.

Metra Holiday Train Credit: Metra

It is rare to find a place where the charming feel of a small town meets the convenience of an urban environment, and Beverly (sometimes referred to as Beverly Hills because it is situated on the city’s highest point) is a place like no other in Chicago. Just a short ride on the Metra train from downtown, Beverly is at turns both tranquil and vibrant, abounding with pubs, restaurants and galleries as well as cultural institutions like the Beverly Arts Center (BAC) and the Beverly Theatre Guild†.

Once inhabited by the Potawatomi people and later home to a large Irish-American population that still has a sizable presence, Beverly and its surrounding areas have experienced significant changes from their 19th-century farming origins to the present time as a proudly multicultural, multiracial community, where various popup events and fairs are held throughout the year. And as home to many of the city’s most notable dwellings — including four houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Givins Beverly Castle (Chicago’s only castle‡) — Beverly’s landmarks add to the community’s distinctive character.

Whether you’re a long-time resident, new to the area or are visiting for the first time, there is always something to discover in this charming part of the Windy City — especially at this time of year!

AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM 50 WINTER 2025-26

EVENTS TO CHECK OUT HOLIDAY ROAD ON WESTERN Dec. 6, starts at 9 a.m.

Get ready for a busy day of shopping along Western Avenue — Chicago’s longest (and perhaps most iconic) thoroughfare — at Holiday Road on Western, organized by the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association, as well as dozens of businesses based in Beverly and the nearby Morgan Park community. Holiday Road showcases extensive collections ranging from home goods to vintage finds that are perfect for every style and niche. Beyond gift browsing, the event features such activities as free trolley rides, kids’ crafts and musical performances.

Event locations: Western Avenue, from 99th to 115th Streets; The Shops at Church 103 – 2501 W. 103rd St.

VERY MERRY BEVERLY Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.

Get tickets for an evening of joy at the BAC (2407 W. 111th St., 773-445-3838) for Very Merry Beverly, which takes place right after Holiday Road on Western. Very Merry Beverly will feature NuSource — led by saxophonist Gerald Holden — for an evening of smooth jazz, holiday style.

FROZEN JR. Dec. 11 and Dec. 12, 7:30pm Dec. 13, 4 p.m.

Dec. 14, 3 p.m.

For the season, the BAC and its youth theater company present Frozen Jr. Based on the 2018 Broadway musical (which itself is based on Disney’s 2013 animated blockbuster), the BAC’s production will bring to life the beloved characters of Elsa and Anna. The musical’s themes of love and acceptance, and its story about the exciting journey of sisters Elsa and Anna, serve as a meaningful reminder of the strong bonds that unite us all.

HOLIDAY HURRAH Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Make your way down to 99th and 103rd Streets when the surrounding area turns out for Holiday Hurrah. From morning to afternoon, you can shop for holiday gifts, participate in the annual goodie basket raffle, meet Santa, and enjoy crafts and other activities.

Event location: 99th Street and 103rd Street shopping districts

CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS NIGHT – OPEN OUTCRY BREWING COMPANY Dec. 19, Time TBD Unwind at this annual event at Beverly favorite Open Outcry Brewing Company (10934 S. Western Ave., 773-629-6055), where local artists perform tunes from the classic soundtrack of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Food and drinks will also be available from the brewpub, whose name is inspired by co-owner Jim Beck’s former job as a trader at the Chicago Board of Trade. (Jim’s wife, Katie, is also a co-owner.)

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY – FEELGOOD PARTY BAND Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m Keep the holiday spirit alive and ring in the new year with music and dance at the BAC. This year’s New Year’s Eve celebration features a performance by the FeelGood Party Band, which will play a mix of upbeat tunes from the 1960s to the present for some of Beverly’s most enthusiastic residents and guests.

HOW TO GET THERE METRA – HOLIDAY TRAINS Metra’s holiday trains are among the most exciting sights to take in each holiday season, and Beverly is one of the most convenient places to see the spectacle as it passes through, thanks to its proximity to five major Metra stations along the Rock Island District Line (91st, 95th, 99th, 103rd and 107th Streets). The decorated train cars feature lively music and special characters — like Santa and his elves — passing out candy and gifts along the way. †Performances by the Beverly Theatre Guild are held at the Baer Theater, located at Morgan Park Academy (2153 W. 111th St., 773-284-8497). ‡The Givins Beverly Castle is located at 10244 S. Longwood Drive (773-2337080), and is owned and operated by the Beverly Unitarian Church. The building is part of the Longwood Drive Historic District of the Chicago Landmarks Commission as well as the Ridge Historic District of the National Register of Historic Places.

WINTER 2025-26 2025/26 51 AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM

Macy’s Santaland Credit: Macy’s

AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM 52 WINTER 2025-26

LIGHTS, FUN AND TRADITION

BY SERRA KOOK

As the snow falls and you break out your mittens and other chilly weather gear, it’s obvious you’re in the right place to celebrate the season. A true wonderland, Chicago in winter buzzes with the energy of residents and tourists making their way down streets aglow with twinkling lights — one hand clasping gifts for loved ones while the other clenches warm drinks and delicacies from outdoor markets. And, of course, there are the holiday celebrations happening everywhere, from those catering to kids to festive ones for adults.

Make no mistake, you’re never too old to get into the holiday spirit, and the Windy City has something exciting happening for everyone this season… take a look at what’s going on around town.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE WINTER 2025-26 53 AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM

A DAY AT MILLENNIUM PARK

EVENING ACTIVITIES

Embrace the season’s chill with a glide on the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.). From Nov. 21 to Feb. 2 (weather permitting), get into the seasonal spirit with a day ice skating next to the “Cloud Gate” sculpture (aka “The Bean”), with free lessons offered on the weekends. Skating is free but reservations are required, with skate rentals also available on the weekends. While at the Cloud Gate, keep the good times rolling by participating in a holiday sing-along every Friday from Dec. 5-19, led by a different choral group each week.

While there is no shortage of holiday fun during the day, Chicago also has other festive things to do once the sun goes down.

If you want to experience downtown’s major holiday attraction, put the “official” lighting of the city’s Christmas tree on your to-do list, which takes place at Millennium Park Nov. 21 (scheduled start time 6 p.m.). The tree — which will be at least 45 feet and chosen from submissions by Chicago-area residents — will be displayed at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street through Jan. 11, and the lighting event will feature giant screens, booths, treats and fireworks for its grand finale.

FAMILY DAYS To end the year on a high note, grab tickets for the popular Winter WonderFest (Dec. 5-Jan. 4) at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave., 312-5957437). For the fest, Navy Pier’s talented creative team transforms the space into a convincing North Pole scene, complete with an ice skating rink, Arctic Express train, slides, rides and more.

Down in the Loop, a Chicago holiday staple continues with Santaland at Macy’s (111 N. State St., 312-781-1000), which goes through Christmas Eve. The annual winter event — which requires reservations — features a Santa’s Village where kids can meet St. Nick and write him letters, and throughout the season, the department store is decked out in window displays with the Great Tree being a centerpiece of its Walnut Room.

Santaland originally began in 1948 as the Cozy Cloud Cottage, when Macy’s current State Street location was occupied by Chicago’s iconic department store, Marshall Field’s. Along with Santaland, the window displays and Walnut Tree were longtime fixtures of Marshall Field’s that have continued on since Macy’s parent company purchased the store in 2004 (and rebranded it two years later).

A beloved Chicago tradition comes back for another year with Polar Adventure Days, a celebration of winter wildlife and natural beauty organized by the Chicago Park District. Be sure to dress warmly for a day outdoors Feb. 22 at Big Marsh Park (11559 S. Stony Island Ave., 312-590-5993), where attendees will be treated to activities such as ice carving tutorials, live music and a thrilling demonstration where Husky sled dogs show off their skills.

To see one of Chicago’s famed lighting events, begin your journey at Lincoln Park Zoo for ZooLights, a yearly event that goes from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4 this season. This dazzling event features more than 3 million lights that are part of various displays and arrangements, and guests can partake in a stroll through the zoo’s holiday light tunnel, as well as enjoy a ride on a 65-foot Ferris wheel to scope out views of the city skyline.

For more celebrations of light, make plans to visit the South Side for the Lights of Christmas Drive Thru, which will be held from Nov. 20 to Jan. 4 in one of the north parking lots of the White Sox’s Rate Field.

The drive-thru light spectacle — which is the only one of its kind in Chicago — features more than a million synchronized lights, and guests can tune into the event’s radio station from their car for a soundtrack to their trip, as well as check out movies playing in the parking lot (admission prices to the event vary).

Co-organized in 1995 by the Chicago-based German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Christkindlmarket (312-494-2175) is an outdoor favorite that has welcomed millions of visitors over the years. Operating downtown for nearly 30 years outside of Daley Plaza, Cristkindlmarket also has locations at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville and in suburban Aurora. Though it’s great to check out late in the morning when it usually opens or the middle of the afternoon, there’s something particularly magical about the public square pop-up when it buzzes with cheerful crowds under the evening stars.

Modeled after the pre-Advent celebrations that were commonplace in the 16th century in Nuremberg, Germany, this holiday market brings a variety of German goods and other European treats for Windy City foodies to sample, including potato pancakes, German sausage with sauerkraut, as well as mulled wine — just to name a few tasty items.

Beyond the food, Christkindlmarket has plenty of other items for sale that make for great holiday gifts, such as delicate ornaments and Turkish lamps to handcrafted soaps and creams. For those at the Lights of Christmas Drive Thru who’d like to swing by the downtown Christkindlmarket, there will also be a trolley available that takes them to the event (followed by a return trip to Rate Field).

Christkindlmarket Aurora – RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway Christkindlmarket Daley Plaza – 50 W. Washington St. Christkindlmarket Gallagher Way – 3635 N. Clark St. Lincoln Park Zoo – 2001 N. Clark St., 312-742-2000 Rate Field (Parking Lot A) – 3326 S. Wentworth Ave. To find more holiday events in Chicago, go online to Choose Chicago: www.choosechicago.com/explore/chicago-holiday-celebrations/.

AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM 54 WINTER 2025-26

Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier Credit: Navy Pier

Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier Credit: Heidi Zeiger Photography

Christkindlmarket

Credit: Michael Miltenberger

WINTER 2025-26 55 AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM

GREETINGS FROM

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CHICAGO O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINALS 1, 2 & 3

TERMINAL 3

TERMINAL 2

CONCOURSES G, H, K, L & ROTUNDA Aer Lingus • American Airlines

• Japan Airlines (JAL)

• British Airways (Departures only) Contour Airlines

(Domestic; International Departures only)

CONCOURSES E, F

Air Canada Alaska Airlines Denver Air Connection/ Key Lime Air

(Departures only)

• Iberia Airlines (Departures)

JetBlue Spirit Airlines

• United Airlines

Southern Airways Express

• United Express

(Domestic; International Departures only)

(All check-in)

(All check-in and baggage claim)

(All check-in)

• Denotes airlines with international service departing from Terminals 1, 2 & 3 and arriving into Terminal 5.

EAT

LEGEND

RELAX

SHOP

E17

F26

F28

Hudson

SERVICE/AMENITY

F25 (lower level)

FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANT

E15

F24 (lower level) F22

F27

Eat Well.

Travel Further.

F20

Starbucks Coffee

F21

ORDer MOBILE ORDERING

Brioche Dorée

24 HOUR LOCATIONS

Sky Bridge Bar & Grill

F16

E10

F14

F15

E7

Hudson

F12 F11 F10

– Starbucks Coffee

G20 G21 G19

Gates B9, E2, K4

Hudson

G14, G14A (lower level)

G19A

Hudson Sarah’s Candies Dunkin’ Sunglass Hut

Mamava Lactation Pod G12

Hudson

E5

McDonald’s

G7 G8

H14

H13

G3

H11A

Barbara’s Bookstore Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill

Terminal Getaway Spa CNN Newsstand Chicago O’Briens Restaurant & Bar Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

H6

H5

K18

K19

K15

K13

K4 K5

Hudson

B1

E1

F3

Seaway Bank Foreign Currency Exchange

CLEAR Lanes Fly with Butch O’Hare Family Lounge Travelers Aid

Summer House Santa Monica

Tortas Frontera

by Rick Bayless

Macaroni Grill

CLEAR Lanes

Brioche Doré

(pre-security

InMotion Garrett Popcorn Shops

Garrett Popco Field

Chili’s

K2

Shoe Hospital Travelers Aid Great American Bagel Company

Mamava Lactation Pod Hudson

Headphone Hub CIBO Express Gourmet Market

Terminal Getaway Spa

K3

Starbucks Coffee Duty Free Store

Seaway Bank Foreign Currency Exchange

E2

H2

Brookstone Brighton

K6A

K12

K20

Great American Bagel Company

K6B

K8

K9

F1

F4

Hudson

MAC Cosmetics Mamava Lactation Pod Coach Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi

H1

Bubbles Wine Bar Vosges Haut-Chocolat Brooks Brothers

H4

H3

K10

Travelers Aid

Connect to Chicago

Manchu Wok Subway Half Moon Empanadas

Talie

Barbara's Bookstore

Sunglass Hut

McDonald’s

Goose Island Beer Company

Starbucks Coffee Mamava Lactation Pod

D E PA RT U R E S / T I C K E T I N G

Starbucks Coffee

Dunkin'

McDonald’s Reggio’s Chicago Style Pizzeria Burrito Beach B-Smooth, Smoothies & Salads The Bronze Tap

Wolfgang Express

Duty Free Store

CIBO Express Gourmet Market

ChiBoys

Manchu Wok

InMotion

Carry Out/Carry On Nuts on Clark Auntie Anne's E3

Hudson

H8 H9

Nuts on Clark Green Market Starbucks Coffee

Skyscrapers Bar

Service Animal Relief Area

G1B

Great American Bagel Company

H10

Hudson Brioche Dorée Farmers Market

G2A G2B

G1A

H11B

McDonald’s

K16

G4

H12

La Tapenade Mediterranean Café Fulton Street Cafe Hudson

Veteran Coffee Roasters & Brown Sugar Bakery

Yoga Room Mother’s Room USO

G6A

Rush Street Bar

Home Run Inn Pizza Stanley's Blackhawks Kitchen & Tap Barbara's Bookstore

E4

F5

Rotunda Mezzanine Level

G6B

G5

F6

Reggio’s

H16 H18 H17

F7

Chili’s

G10

G9

H15

E6

Hoypoloi, An Uncommon Gallery

Chili’s

G11

Our 100+ vending units are open 24/7.

For location info, visit flychicago.com/EatShopMore

E8

Mother’s Room

F9

G18 G16

G13, G17 (lower level)

BJ's Market & Bakery Brioche Dorée Facades Bar

E12

E9

F17

– Dunkin’ Gate H5

E14

E11

La Tapenade Mediterranean Café

F23

F19

E16

E13

S Foreign Curren Eli's Home Run Inn Pizza

Hudson Nonstop

K17

Mamava Lactation Pod

ING

K1

Mamava Lactation Pod

Publican Tavern

McDonald’s Gold Coast Dogs Mother’s Room L6B

Hudson Goose Island Beer Company

Hudson Café Descartes

L6A

Hudson

TERMINAL 2 MEZZANINE LEVEL (PRE-SECURITY):

L1 L3

TERMINAL 2 LOWER LEVEL / BAGGAGE CLAIM:

USO Chapel

Hudson

Green Market

L5

Starbucks Coffee ICE Dishes & Drinks

L7 L9

TERMINAL 3 LOWER LEVEL / BAGGAGE CLAIM:

L4

L8

L10A L10B L10C

e

L2A

L2C

DE

PA

RT

UR

ES

/ T

ICK

ET

Service Animal Relief Area

L11, L11A, L11B (lower level)

L20

Starbucks Coffee

To

L21

Terminal (via ATS)

L22

Burger Federation

hops

L23 L25 L24

Mother’s Room

M8

Service Animal Relief Area

Mother’s Room Goddess on the Go The Hampton Social M7

AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM 58 WINTER 2025-26 M6

Farm 2 Air Market M5

M4

Publican Quality Bread M3

L27

Mamava Lactation Pod

SEE GETTING AROUND ORD ON THE NEXT PAGE

TERMINAL 1 LOWER BAGGAGE CLAIM:

Ciao Gourmet Mar Hudson Café Descartes

EAT America’s Dog Gate C17 Auntie Anne’s Gates C18, E4 B-Smooth, Smoothies & Salads Gate K4 Beaudevin Gate C17 Berghoff Cafe Gate C26 Billy Goat Tavern & Grill Gate C19 BJ’s Market & Bakery Gate K15 Brioche Dorée Gates C21, F19, T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1,

TERMINAL 1 CONCOURSES B, C

• ANA

• United Airlines

(Departures only) (Departures only)

(All check-in & baggage claim)

C2

C1

C4

C3

Wicker Park

• United Express

(Domestic; International Departures only)

• Lufthansa

K15, T1 Ticketing/Pre-Security

C5 C6

C7

C8

C9

Quick Connections Hudson Sunglass Hut Home Run Inn Pizza

Goose Island Beer Company McDonald’s C10 C11

Mamava Lactation Pod Brookstone

C16

B2 B3

C15

B4

Barbara's Bookstore Ciao Gourmet Market Beaudevin

La Tapenade Mediterranean Café Travelers Aid B5

C20

InMotion Jamba Juice

y)

UR

Spirit of the Red Horse Fresh Market on the Go

Reggio's Chicago Style Pizzeria

C23

Berghoff Cafe

Mamava Lactation Pod C26

Hudson

B9

C25

/ T IC

C28

KE

C27

TI NG

rket

ES

R LEVEL /

Hudson C22

C24

RT

Cheesecake - Vienna Beef

Reggio's Chicago Style Pizzeria Jazz Bar Salad Works

C21

Starbucks Coffee Duty Free Store CNN Newsstand Chicago

PA

Seaway Bank ncy Exchange

et

Oakley

DE

Museum

Nuts on Clark Hudson Brioche Dorée

/C

eB

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lb

ne

n Tu

o nC

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ou

nc

B7

orn Shops

Manchu Wok Café Zoot!

Billy Goat Tavern & Grill

C18A

C19

Mamava Lactation Pod The Bronze Pizza

B8

Seaway Bank Foreign Currency Exchange

C18

America's Dog Starbucks Coffee Travelers Aid

Hoypoloi, An Uncommon Gallery Johnston & Murphy Hudson Nonstop

ée

T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1

C17

Starbucks Coffee Smoothie King/The Grove Vosges Haut-Chocolat B6

Auntie Anne's Hudson

Barbara's Bookstore Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless McDonald’s

B10

Mother’s Room

B11

Shoe Hospital Hudson B12

Terminal Getaway Spa

Chili’s Great American Bagel Company Pronto Sandwiches Hudson Dunkin’ Express

B14

Hudson Galileo Bar & Grill

B16

B18

B17

Tuscany Café B19

B20

Hudson B24 B23 B22

B21

C30

CHI Life Market

C32 C29

The Bronze Pizza Gate B7 The Bronze Tap Gate K4 Bubbles Wine Bar Gate H4 Burger Federation Gate L21 Burrito Beach Gate K4 Café Descartes T1, T3 Arrivals Café Zoot! Gate C19 Carry Out Carry On Gate E4 CHI Life Market Gate C27 Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1 Chili’s Gates B14 , F9 , G10 , H2 Ciao Gourmet Market Gate C15, T1 Baggage Claim CIBO Express Gourmet Market T2 Main Hall, Gate H1 Connect to Chicago Gate F3 Dunkin’ Gates F9, H5 Dunkin’ Express Gates B14 Eat Well. Travel Further. Gate F20 Eli's Cheesecake - Home Run Inn Pizza Vienna Beef Gate B9 Facades Bar Gate K15 Farmers Market T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1 Fresh Market on the Go Gate C23 Fulton Street Cafe Gate H14 Galileo Bar & Grill Gate B19 Garrett Popcorn Shops Gates B8, H2 Gold Coast Dogs Gate L4 Goose Island Beer Company Gates B1 , C10, L10 Great American Bagel Company Gates B14, H10, K1,

C31

Green Market Gates H6, L3 Half Moon Empanadas T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1 Home Run Inn Pizza Gates C11, E5 ICE Dishes & Drinks Gate L1 Jamba Juice Gate B7 Jazz Bar Gate C19 La Tapenade Mediterranean Café Gates B4, E9, H14 Macaroni Grill Gate K2 Manchu Wok Gate C19, T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1, H5 McDonald’s Gates B11, C10, F7, H5, H9, K9, L4 Nuts on Clark Gates C19, E4, H8 O’Briens Restaurant & Bar Gate H5 Pronto Sandwiches Gate B14 Publican Tavern Gate K1 Quick Connections Gate C9 Reggio’s Gate G8 Reggio’s Chicago Style Pizzeria Gates C19, C22, G8, K4 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Gate H5 Rush Street Bar Gate H14 Salad Works Gate C19 Skybridge Bar & Grill Gate F15 Skyscrapers Bar Gate K9 Smoothie King/The Grove Gate B6 Stanley’s Blackhawks Kitchen & Tap Gate E5 Starbucks Coffee Gates B5, B9 , C17, E2 , E11, H1, H6, K4

, L1, L21

Subway T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1 Summer House Santa Monica T2 Main Hall Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless Gates B10, K4 Tuscany Café Gate B18 Veteran Roasters & Brown Sugar Bakery Gate K15 Wicker Park Gate C1 Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar Gate E1 Wolfgang Express Gate K12

SHOP Barbara’s Bookstore Gates B10, C15, E5, G1B, H4 Brighton Gate H3 Brooks Brothers Gate H3 Brookstone Gates C11, H3 ChiBoys Gate H6 CNN Newsstand Chicago Gates B9, H5 Coach T2 Main Hall Duty Free Store Gates B9, F5, K5 Field Museum Gate B8 Headphone Hub T2 Main Hall Hoypoloi, An Uncommon Gallery Gates B6, E5

Hudson News & Gifts T1, T2, T3 Locations, and T1, T2, T3 Baggage Claims Hudson Nonstop Gates B6, K1 InMotion Gates B7, H2, K12 Johnston & Murphy Gate B6 MAC Cosmetics T2 Main Hall Oakley Gate B8 Sarah’s Candies Gate F9 Spirit of the Red Horse Gate C21 Sunglass Hut Gates C9, F9, K5 Talie Gate H1 Vosges Haut-Chocolat Gates B6, H4

RELAX Terminal Getaway Spa Gates B12, H1, H6 Yoga Room T3 Mezzanine Level of Rotunda/near Gate G1

SERVICES & AMENITIES ATMs Gates B9, C18, E5, F1, F11, H2, H6, K4, L2, T1, T2 Upper Level before Security, T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1 and T1, T2, T3 Baggage Claim

Chapel T2, Mezzanine Level (Pre-Security) CLEAR Lanes T1 and T2 Upper Level/Ticketing, T5 Departures

Fly With Butch O'Hare Family Lounge Terminal 2 Main Hall near Gate F3

Mamava Lactation Pod Gates B7, C11, C23, E1, F1 near Family Lounge, G12, K1, K5, K19, L24

Mother's Room Gates B10, F8, T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1, L6, L24

Seaway Bank - Foreign Currency Exchange Gates B9, C18, F1, K10

Service Animal Relief Area T3 Main Hall, T3 Rotunda/near Gate G1, L24

Shoe Hospital Gates B10, K2 Travelers Aid Gates B8, C18, F4, K2, T2 Main Hall USO T2, Mezzanine Level (Pre-Security) T3, Mezzanine Level of the Rotunda/near Gate G1

FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANT 24 HOUR LOCATION

* Hours for restaurants and retailers may vary from actual hours until further notice.

FIND YOUR WAY: FLYCHICAGO.COM WINTER 2025-26 59 AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM

CHICAGO O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 5

EAT Bar Siena Gate M34 Big Bowl Gate M11 Burger King Gate M11 Butcher and The Burger Gate M26 Chick-fil-A Gate M10 The Dearborn Gate M17 Dunkin' & Baskin Robbins T5 Arrivals Dunkin' Gate M16 Farm 2 Air Market Gate M5 Garrett Popcorn Shops Gate M10 (cart), Gate M18 The Goddess and Grocer Ticketing/Pre-Security Goddess on the Go Gates M8, M25 The Hampton Social Gate M7 Hub 51 Gate M16 McDonald’s T5 Arrivals Metropolis Coffee Company Gate M30 Nuts on Clark T5 Arrivals Protein Bar & Kitchen Gate M15 Publican Quality Bread Gate M5 R.J. Grunts Burger & Fries Gate M16 Tocco Gate M11 Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless Gate M18 Urban Olive Gate M16 Wow Bao Gate M16

GETTING AROUND ORD Airport Transportation System (ATS)

Terminal Transfer Bus

The Airport Transportation System (ATS) is operating 24/7 to service passengers to and from Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5, as well as the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) for rental cars, Economy Parking Lot F, Kiss ‘n’ Fly, Pace buses and Metra.

Passengers with connecting flights can use the secure airside bus service between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1 and 3 to avoid exiting and re-entering security. For bus stop locations and operating hours, visit flychicago.com/TransferBus.

EAT

LEGEND

SHOP

RELAX

SERVICE/AMENITY

FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANT ORDer MOBILE ORDERING

Mother

24 HOUR LOCATIONS – Dunkin’ Gate M16 – Dunkin’ & Baskin Robbins

M21

T5 Arrivals

Hudson (Wall Shop)

– Evolve by Hudson Gate M14

M24

Interfaith Room

SHOP

M25

Goddess on theInterfaith Go Room

M26 M27

BLVD & Branch Gate M30 Brookstone Gate M11 Dufry Gates M15, M20 Evolve by Hudson Gate M14 Gallery ORD Gate M16 Hudson News & Gifts Gates M18, M20,

M26 M27

Butcher & The Burger InMotion BLVD & Branch

Butch

M28 InMotion

M29

BLVD & Branch

M28 M29

M21 (Wall Shop), T5 Arrivals

I Love Chicago Gate M11 InMotion Gates M29 Six Points Market Gate M30

SERVICES & AMENITIES ATMs Gate M18, T5 Arrivals CLEAR Lanes T5 Departures Interfaith Room Gate M25 Mother’s Room Gates M8, M20, M32, M37 Seaway Bank - Foreign Currency Exchange Gate M14, T5 Arrivals

M30

M30

Six Points Market Metropolis Coffee Company

M32

Bar Siena Mother’s Room

M33

Mother’s Room

M35

M36

M34

Mother’s Room

M35

M37

M39

M38 M39

M40

FIND YOUR WAY: FLYCHICAGO.COM AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM 60 WINTER 2025-26

Bar Siena Mother’s Room

M33

M38

M37

FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANT

* Hours for restaurants and retailers may vary from actual hours until further notice.

Six Points Market Metropolis Coffee Company

M32

M36

M34

Travelers Aid T5 Upper Level/Ticketing and T5 Lower Level

24 HOUR LOCATION

M

M40

Hudson

Nuts Gre Star

Reggio’s Chica

B-Smooth, Smoo Th

Veteran Coffee Roasters & Brown Sugar Bakery

TERMINAL 5 CONCOURSE M

K16

InMotion

BJ's Market & Bakery Brioche Dorée Facades Bar

McDonald’s K8 K10

K18 K12

K9

K20

K19

Gallery ORD The Dearborn

M15

Garrett Popcorn Shops

Evolve by Hudson

M13

I Love Chicago Big Bowl

Gallery ORD The Dearborn

M19

Garrett Popcorn Shops Tortas Frontera

by Rick Bayless

D E PA R

M20

Hudson

Brookstone

Travelers Aid

M16 M15 M17

TURES

/ TICK

Evolve by Hudson

M13

ETING

M10

Burger King Garrett Popcorn Shops

I Love Chicago

L9

Big Bowl

Chick-fil-A Tocco

M11

Dufry The Goddess D E PA R TURES and Grocer /

Wow Bao Dunkin’

M10

TICKE

R.J. Grunts Burger & Fries Urban Olive Wow Bao Dunkin’

M24

Burger King

Mother’s Room Goddess on the Go The Hampton Social

M8

Garrett Popcorn Shops

TING

M7

Chick-fil-A

Hub 51

Hudson (Wall Shop)

CLEAR Lanes Travelers Aid The Goddess and Grocer

Mother’s

M8

Dufry

TERMINAL 5 LOWER LEVEL / ARRIVALS:

M6

Mother’s Room Goddess on the Go The Hampton Social

M6

M5

M4

Publican Quality Bread M3

Farm 2 Air Market M5

M4

Publican Quality Bread

M2 M3

M1

McDonald’s

Hudson Nuts on Clark Dunkin' & Baskin Robbins McDonald’s Travelers Aid Nuts on Clark Seaway Bank Travelers Aid Foreign Currency Exchange Seaway Bank Foreign Currency Exchange Service Animal Relief Areas Service Animal Relief Areas (Post Security) (Post Security)

Goddess on the Go

her & The Burger

(International Arrivals only)

• ANA

(International Arrivals only)

Arajet Austrian Airlines Avelo Airlines Avianca Airlines • British Airways

(International Arrivals only)

Cathay Pacific Airways Copa Airlines Delta Emirates Ethiopian Airlines Etihad Airways EVA Air Finnair

M2 M1

Frontier Airlines • Iberia

LOT Polish Airlines • Lufthansa

Icelandair ITA Airways • Japan Airlines (JAL)

Qatar Airways Royal Jordanian Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) Southwest Airlines • Spirit Airlines

(International Arrivals only)

(International Arrivals only)

KLM Royal Dutch Korean Air

Service A Relie

Farm 2 Air Market

M7

TERMINAL 5Hudson LOWER LEVEL / Dunkin' & Baskin Robbins ARRIVALS:

M25

AeroMexico Air France Air India Air New Zealand Air Serbia • American Airlines

L11, L (low

Brookstone

CLEAR Lanes Travelers Aid

Hudson DufryUrban Olive

M21

L10A L10B L10C

Seaway Bank - Foreign Currency Exchange

Hub 51 R.J. Grunts M19 Burger & Fries

M20

Hudson Goose Island Beer Company

Tocco

Protein Bar & Kitchen M11

M14

M18

Mother’s Room

Our 100+ vending units are open 24/7.

For location info, visit flychicago.com/EatShopMore

Seaway Bank - Foreign Currency Exchange

M18

r’s Room

Mamava Lactation Pod

M14

Hudson

Hudson Dufry

K15

Seaway Bank Foreign Currency Ex

Hudson

Protein Bar & Kitchen

M17

Tortas Frontera

by Rick Bayless

K13

K17

Travelers Aid

M16

Su

Skyscrapers Bar

Wolfgang Express

(International Arrivals only)

(International Arrivals only)

To

Terminals (via ATS)

Sun Country SWISS TAP Air Portugal Turkish Airlines • United Airlines

(International Arrivals only)

Viva Aerobus Volaris West Jet Airline

• Denotes airlines with international service departing from Terminals 1, 2 & 3 and arriving into Terminal 5.

GET CONNECTED

fly2ohare

WINTER 2025-26 61 AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM

To

Termi (via ATS)

CHICAGO MIDWAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CONCOURSES A | B | C B23

B25

CONCOURSE

B

Hudson Nonstop

B26

The Orange Line

B21

B24

Home Run Inn

ON THE CONC OURSES

B22

Camden food co.

Dunkin’ Express

B20

B17

Toilets ATM

B18

Toilets B15

R.J. Grunts

A

B16

BIG & little’s Porkchop Garrett Popcorn Shops

CONCOURSE

Hudson News & Gifts

B11 B14

ATM

B9

Hubbard Inn

B12 A19

Chicago Sports

A17 A15 A11

A14

Big Shoulders Coffee Toilets

B5 B8

Harry Caray’s Shortstop A9

A12

ink by Hudson ATM

Toilets B2

Chapel Mezzanine Level

Seaway Bank and Trust Company Currency Exchange

A5

B1

Central Market

ATM

Toilets

Concourse A Food Hall

A3

A2

A1

Departures News Specialty Vending

ATM Pet Relief Toilets Lactation Pod

Gameway

The Specialty Kids Play Battle of Atrium Vending Area Midway Exhibit

C

Pet Relief Area

Hudson News & Gifts

Ticket Counters Upper Level Departures

To Concourse

B

Tallboy Taco

Arami Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizzeria Billy Goat Tavern

d Inn

Reilly’s Daughter

iStore Nuts on Clark

America's Dog & Burger Connie's Pizza Beecher's Handmade Cheese

LEGEND M Burger Dunkin' Donuts

White Sox Bar & Grill

et Counters evel Departures

Chicago Police Department Yoga Room Mother’s Room USO Hudson C1 News & Gifts

Garrett Popcorn Shops

B1

Central Market Seating Zone

EAT

SHOP

Gene’s Bistro

RELAX

The Club MDW

EVOLVE by Hudson

Se at

MAC Cosmetics/Jo Malone

g

Specialty Vending Chapel

Mezzanine Level

To Concourse

B, C and Central Market

CONCOURSE

C

Toilet

To Gates

A4A and A4B

Lactation Pod Pet Relief

ATM

A

To Concourse

C

Seating

Security Checkpoint Southwest Delta Porter EXIT Southwest Main Terminal Volaris Allegiant Air Baggage Claim

Reilly's Daughter

SERVICE/AMENITY

TUMI

AIRLINES To Concourse

Outside of Baggage Claim Entrance Door 4

B2

Toilets

Specialty Vending

Pet Relief Area

Toilet

Toilets

in

Chapel

C2 C3

Outside of Baggage Claim Entrance Door 4

Sarah’s Candies Big Bowl

Toilets

Specialty Vending

CONCOURSE

Ticket Counters Upper Level Departures

To Gates

y

C2 C3

Main Terminal

Café Descartes

A9 - A19

Mezzanine Level

Chicago Police Department Yoga Room Mother’s Room USO Hudson C1 News & Gifts

Security Checkpoint

Toilet

City Chicken

Toilets

EXIT

BAGGAGE CLAIM LOWER LEVEL:

CONCOURSE A FOOD HALL

Specialty Vending

SEE DETAILED VIEW ON OPPOSITE PAGE

SEE DETAILED VIEW BELOW

Fuel Bar

B3

Johnston & Murphy

Cielo Cantina Einstein Bros. Bagels Fannie May Seating Zone A7 FAO Schwarz Hudson News & Gifts

Toilets

A10

Toilets

B10

Southside News

A16

A4A

Big City Chicken

B7

Toilets

A18

A4B

ink by Hudson iStore Adult Changing Table

Security Checkpoint

Chicago Police Dept.

Mother’s Room Specialty Vending USO Yoga Room Toilets

Frontier Public Charters

VISIT flychicago.com AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM 62 WINTER 2025-26

For the most up to date map, locations, and additional info on the airport visit FlyChicago.com Sarah’s Candies To Concourse

B

Big Bowl Tallboy Taco

eapolitan Pizzeria Tavern

America's Dog & Burger To Gates Connie's Pizza

A9 - A19

B1

EVOLVE by Hudson TUMI

White Sox Bar & Grill

Se at

in g

MAC Cosmetics/Jo Malone

Arami Specialty Vending Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizzeria Chapel Mezzanine Level To Concourse Billy Goat Chicago Tavern Police

Toilets

Reilly’s Daughter

Gene’s Bistro The Club MDW

M Burger Dunkin' Donuts

e

CENTRAL MARKET Garrett Popcorn Shops

Toilets

Central Market Seating Zone

Beecher's Handmade Cheese

B2

To Concourse

A

C

Seating

ket Nuts on Clark

Conn

Beecher's H

iStore

Baggage

Claim Security Checkpoint Security Checkpoint

Reilly's Daughter

Dept.

Mother’s Room Specialty Vending USO Yoga Room Toilets

Ame

EXIT

Dunk White Sox

Main Terminal EAT

SERVICES & AMENITIES

SHOP

America’s Dog & Burger Central Market Arami Concourse A Food Hall Beecher’s Handmade Cheese Central Market Big & little’s Gate B14 Big Bowl Central Market Big City Chicken Gate B7 Big Shoulders Coffee Gate A14 Billy Goat Tavern and Grill Concourse A Food Hall Café Descartes Baggage Claim To Gates Camden food co. Gate B20 Cielo Cantina Gate A7 Connie’s Pizza Central Market Dunkin’ Central Market Dunkin’ Express Gate B21 Einstein Bros. Bagels Gate A7 Fuel Bar Gate A4A Garrett Popcorn Shops Central Market, Gate B14 Gene’s Bistro Central Market Harry Caray’s Shortstop Gate A9 Home Run Inn Gate B17 Hubbard Inn Gate B7 M Burger Central Market Nuts on Clark Concourse A Food Hall, Gate A5,

Chicago Sports Gate B10 Adult Changing Table Gate B15 Departures News Gate A4B ATMs Concourse A Food Hall, Gates A1, A8, B9, B18 To Concourse EVOLVE by Hudson Central Market Chapel Concourse C, Mezzanine Level Fannie May Gate A5 Chicago Police Department Concourse C FAO Schwarz Gate A5 Gameway Gate A5 Hudson News & Gifts Baggage Claim, Gates A5, B9, C1 Lactation Pod Concourse A Food Hall Hudson Nonstop Gate B21 Mother’s Room Concourse C ink by Hudson Gate A9, B17 Pet Relief Concourse A Food Hall, iStore Concourse A Food Hall, Gate B17 Outside Baggage Claim Door 4 Toilet Johnston & Murphy Gate B8 Seaway Bank and Trust Company MAC Cosmetics/Jo Malone Central Market Currency Exchange Gate A1 Sarah’s Candies Central Market The Club MDW Central Market Pod Southside News GateLactation A11 Toilets Concourse A Food Hall, Central Market, All Concourses, Baggage Claim Pet Specialty Relief Vending ATM Central Market The Atrium Gate A5 USO Concourse C TUMI Central Market Yoga Room Concourse C

B, C and Central Market

R

A4A and A4B

Gate A5, Gate C1 Tallboy Taco Central Market The Orange Line Gate B21 White Sox Bar & Grill Central Market Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizzeria Concourse A Food Hall

SIT-DOWN SERVICE

OPEN 24 HOURS

Easy food pick up at your fingertips

Battle of Midway Exhibit Gate A1 Central Market Seating Zone Central Market Kids Play Area Gate A5 Seating Zone Gate A5

Order from your phone

Scan the QR Code or visit GoEatMDW.com. * Map subject to change through 2025.

Check out new changes on MDWMOD.com or FlyChicago.com

AIRCHICAGO 08.01.2025

Central Market

Porkchop Gate B14 Reilly’s Daughter Concourse A Food Hall, Central Market R.J. Grunts Gate B16 Specialty Vending Central Market, Gate A4A,

RELAX

VISIT flychicago.com WINTER 2025-26 63 AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM

Air Chicago 10/25 Crossword

Across

CROSSWORD & SUDOKU PuzzleJunction.com

52 Building material 54 1949 Alec Guinness clasic, Kind Hearts and ___ 56 Sleep acronym 57 2011 Scorsese 3D adventure 59 Remote abbr.

60 2014 Ben Barnes, Jeff Bridges fantasy 64 Hud Oscar winner Patricia 67 Persian spirit 68 Ornamental purse 69 Sonja Henie’s birthplace 70 Conclude 71 Actor James ___ Jones 72 Retired fliers

1 Book part 5 Elmer’s cartoon foe 9 Droop 12 Matinee hero 13 Taj Mahal site 14 Planet of the ___ 16 Johnny Depp title role, Sweeney ___ 17 2014 Hugh Grant, Marisa Tomei comedy 20 Tappan ___ Bridge 22 Emerald Isle 23 Gallivant 24 1949 Orson Welles classic, The ___ 28 Stick to 30 Aquatic shocker 31 Disney dwarf 32 Boat propellers Down 33 Hearty party 35 Bullfight cheer 1 1961 Vincent Price 37 Frequently, in verse horror classic, ___ Copyright ©2025 PuzzleJunction.com 38 2015 Olivia Wilde, and the Pendulum Mark Duplass 2 Commotion 11 ___ counter 34 Ancient Mexican 52 A.A.R.P. horror flick, with 3 2014 Elizabeth 15 Shailene Woodley 36 Compass pt. members The Olsen, Aaron romance, The Fault 37 Proposal 53 2013 Bale, 43 Uno + due Taylor-Johnson sciin Our ___ (2014) 39 Scorpion, e.g.

Affleck thriller, 44 The Lord of the fi 18 Historic time 40 Tickle me doll ___ of the Rings figure 4 Church official 19 Dutch city 41 1995 Alicia Furnace 45 Deli side 5 Cricket club 21 Byrnes of 77 Sunset Silverstone high 54 ___ Rica 47 Former home of the 6 “Yuck!”

Strip school comedy 55 They’re taboo Mets 7 2011 Ryan 24 Two-year-old sheep 42 Bakery product 58 Clarified butter 49 2014 Patrick Reynolds sci-fi, ___ 25 Get better 46 Scream director 61 Sea eagle Stewart sci-fi, XLantern 26 Actress Julianne of Craven 62 Sharer’s word 25 Sudoku (Very Easy) PuzzleJunction.com Air Chicago 10/25 Sudoku (Medium) Air Chicago 10/25 Sudoku PuzzleJunction.com ___: Days of Future 8 Rani’s wear 60 Across 47 (Hard) Expensive 63 Naught Past 9 Type of shotgun 27 Legal rights org.

48 Military vehicle 65 Cockpit abbr.

51 Yorkshire river 10 Abbr. in car ads 29 Abominates 50 Veterans’ Day mo. 66 ___ Gatos, Calif.

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Level: Easy

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Level: Medium

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Level: Hard

Solution - next page

Copyright ©2025 PuzzleJunction.com

AIRCHICAGOMAGAZINE.COM 64 WINTER 2025-26

Copyright ©2025 PuzzleJunction.com

Copyright ©2025 PuzzleJunction.com

Solutions on page 3

PuzzleJ

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