A Time to Celebrate
The festive season is the perfect time to take a break from our fast-paced lives and make memories with loved ones. For nearly a century, The Peninsula name has embodied an elegant combination of tradition, glamour, innovation and unparalleled service. Today, this unrivaled mix ensures our hotels remain the ideal venues for celebrating the most important moments in life.
To help our guests truly enjoy this festive season, The Peninsula Chicago has created a range of activities that will make celebrating this year’s holiday an experience they will never forget. Delicious cuisine, festive décor—including a magnificent 20-foot Christmas tree in The Lobby—holiday afternoon tea, joyful celebrations, a visit from Santa and Peter Bear and The Peninsula Sky Rink’s seasonal return all provide the perfect backdrop for this festive season.
‘Stories from the Tree’
The festive season will be brought to life at each of our ten Peninsula hotels around the globe under the theme, ‘Stories from the Tree.’ Six colorful characters including the nutcracker, gingerbread man and red-breasted robin will adorn the abundant decorations that brighten each hotel. The six characters will be available to purchase for guests’ own homes, with US$ 5 from each purchase being donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Chicago Public Library Foundation, which supports literacy efforts in the local community.
In support of children’s literacy, The Peninsula Hotels has also produced a digital storybook, entitled ‘The Nutcracker’s Adventure.’ Written for the whole family to enjoy, the book will be available to download from the hotel’s festive webpages on a complimentary basis.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
This legendary annual parade in Chicago celebrates one of the ‘Great Avenues of the World.’ After starting 27 years ago, the parade officially illuminates the buildings and trees that line each street one block at a time along the Magnificent Mile. The festival, signifying the official start of the holiday season in Chicago, is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving on November 17th, 2018, and draws more than 1 million attendees. The parade starts at Oak Street at 5:30 pm and proceeds southbound on Michigan Avenue (passing The Peninsula Chicago) and concludes at 7:00 pm at the Chicago River with a spectacular firework display.
For those holiday celebrants interested in being a part of the season’s kick-off celebration, The Peninsula Chicago offers a number of ways to be a part of the action:
- Z Bar, overlooking Michigan Avenue is an ideal rooftop location from which to view the Magnificent Mile parade. Premier tables are limited and require a minimum spend. Guests may contact Z Bar’s private events team via events@zbarchicago.com to secure a premier table or the private space for up to 12 guests for this annual tradition.
- Pierrot Gourmet, is a European, street-side cafe on The Peninsula Chicago’s ground floor, which offers a variety of “To-Go” items for parade attendees. Located a block from the heart of the parade route at the corner of Rush and Superior Streets, Pierrot Gourmet provides a welcome respite for a warm beverage and snacks, including: Hot Chocolate, Coffee, Candied Apples, Turkey Drumsticks and Funnel Cakes. Even Peter Bear, the hotel’s mascot, will pay a visit. This “rest stop” for parade attendees has become a part of the annual parade route for fans.
The Peninsula Sky Rink
Kicking off the festive season, The Peninsula Sky Rink will return for its seventh season on Saturday, November 17th, coinciding with the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. The 2,100 sq ft (200 sq m) hybrid rink is the only hotel skating rink in Chicago and debuted November 2012. Located above Chicago’s bustling Michigan Avenue, The Terrace is the ideal setting for the hotel’s seasonal skating rink. Surrounded by Chicago’s skyscrapers and twinkling lights, the rink is tucked into a pine tree winter wonderland and bathed in festive music and snowflake lighting. The skating rink’s outdoor menu features a selection of hot beverages and snacks including hot chocolate, hot cider, and other treats. The Sky Rink is available for groups to rent and for marriage proposals too. All monies collected include skate rental (US$ 20 for adults and US$ 10 for children 12 and under) and are donated to two Chicago children’s charities: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and Hephzibah Children’s Association.
Dining Offerings
Thanksgiving Brunch and Dinner
Elaborate holiday brunches have been a signature of The Peninsula for many years. Guests can usher in the festive fall harvest season with The Lobby’s annual Thanksgiving Brunch, which will feature a welcome beverage, a winter truffle and caviar station, traditional Thanksgiving Day preparations, a grand seafood buffet, Roasted Amish turkey, Maine lobster station, Tomahawk beef steak and more. Entertainment features a string quartet as well as a special designated children’s lounge with a magician for young patrons. The cost is US$ 225 per adult and US$ 65 per child, 12 years old and under. Prices do not include tax and gratuity. Thanksgiving Dinner is available at 7:00 pm and is priced at US$ 195 for adults and US$ 55 for children.
Pierrot Gourmet “Thanksgiving To-Go”
For those looking to spend the holiday at home, Pierrot Gourmet is offering “Thanksgiving To-Go,” featuring an elegantly prepared Thanksgiving dinner complete with a whole Amish turkey with hearty side dishes including mashed potatoes, gravy, apple-cranberry stuffing, maple-glazed rainbow carrots, broccoli-cauliflower casserole and organic green side salad with Champagne dressing. This dinner serves 8 to 10 guests. The whole turkey dinner is priced at US$ 385. A personal turkey dinner for one is available for US$ 45. Whole pies, including choice of pumpkin, apple crumble or pecan are available at US$ 30 and individual tarts in the same flavours are available for US$ 8 each. Pre-order to-go dinners and desserts by 3:00 pm on November 16th, 2018. Note, there is limited availability for To-Go orders—interested guests should place orders early. Pick up will take place on Thursday, November 22nd, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Holiday Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea during the festive season at The Peninsula Chicago is an annual tradition for many guests. The 20-foot Christmas tree and lavish holiday décor enhances the special afternoon tea experience featuring a traditional English tea menu plus a truffle egg custard, smoked salmon tea sandwich with caviar, Stollen, English fruit cake, cranberry orange scones with clotted cream and holiday treats. The hotel also offers a vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea options. Commencing Friday, November 23rd, 2018 the price of the holiday Afternoon Tea, including a glass of Champagne, on Monday through Thursday is US$ 85 per adult and US$ 39 per child 12 years and under; on Friday through Sunday Afternoon Tea is priced at US$ 95 per adult and US$ 45 per child 12 years and under. With each Afternoon Tea, a donation of US$ 5 will be made to two local charities: Make-A-Wish® Illinois and the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
Children’s Holiday Tea Events with Mrs. Claus, “Stories from the Tree”
Holidays are a time for families to make lasting memories. The Peninsula is known for creating magical moments and annual traditions. The Children’s Holiday Tea events with Mrs. Claus are filled with special experiences including a holiday lunch designed with children in mind, an afternoon tea with Champagne for the adults, cookie decorating, classic holiday stories read by Mrs. Claus, a surprise visit from Santa and a goodie bag of treats to take home. The Children’s Holiday Tea events are available on Saturday and Sunday afternoons December 1st through 16th, 2018 and are US$ 95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Z Bar
It’s not officially the holiday season until guests have donned an ugly Christmas sweater. Ring in the season in one’s best (or worst!) style by making a memorable fashion statement with the most over-the-top, extravagant Christmas sweater at Z Bar’s first annual ugly sweater soiree. The
fashionable event will take place on Friday, December 14, 2018. Ugly sweater-themed cocktails and ugly dancing are requirements—a DJ will ensure to get the party started in style at 7:30 pm. Prizes will be awarded for various categories of Best Ugly Christmas Sweaters, including an overnight stay, dinners and more. Reservations are not taken and there is no cover charge. As there is limited availability, it is recommended guests arrive early.
Christmas Eve Dinner
A very special menu is planned in The Lobby in honour of this auspicious day. Guests will savour a five-course prix fixe dinner featuring lobster tartlet or petite beetroot salad as starter options, followed by poussin roulade, an intermezzo, then for entrée a choice of cider poached wagyu cheek or whole roasted madai will be offered, followed by The Lobby’s famous Chocolate Bar for dessert. Christmas Eve dinner is US$ 180 per person, with an option to add wine pairings for US$ 60 per person. Children 12 years and under may choose from The Lobby’s children’s menu. In addition, Shanghai Terrace will offer an à la carte menu.
Christmas Day Brunch
The Peninsula is dedicated to creating lasting memories—holidays are special opportunities to provide the setting for magical moments for families. Christmas is one of the special holidays at The Peninsula. An exquisite Christmas Day brunch buffet is offered in The Lobby and is nothing short of spectacular. The holiday menu features caviar and truffle station, bourbon glazed ham, slow roasted prime ribs, Shanghai Terraces’ famous Peking Duck carving station, a grand seafood buffet station, sushi and sashimi, charcuterie and cheeses, and a dim sum station. Bûche de Noël, eggnog and a vast array of sweets including macarons and pastries will be offered for dessert; while a children’s station with child-friendly delicacies will be available. Entertainment includes a live string quartet, a children’s lounge and a magician for young patrons, and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus under The Lobby’s magnificent tree. The Lobby will offer three seatings between 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. The cost is US$ 225 per adult and US$ 65 for children 12 years and under. Prices do not include tax and gratuity. Z Bar will be open on Christmas Day offering cocktails and snacks opening at 3:00 pm. Shanghai Terrace will be closed for the holiday.
Pierrot Gourmet “Christmas To-Go”
Guests interested in celebrating the Christmas holiday at home can reserve a “To-Go” dinner from Pierrot Gourmet. Choose from beef prime rib, available at US$ 400 (serves 6 to 8 guests) or whole
spiral ham with cider jus available at US$ 365 (serves 6 to 8 guests). Both entrée options include a variety of side dishes including country mashed potatoes, mustard braised root vegetables, onion and herb bread pudding, peas and pearl onions, and an organic green side salad with Champagne dressing. For a fitting and festive dessert, a traditional yule log is available for US$ 30 (serves 6 to 8 guests). An individual ham dinner with the same side dishes as the larger meals is offered for US$ 45 and an individual portion of a yule log at US$ 8. Pre-order the To-Go meal by 3:00 pm on Monday, December 17th. Pick up will take place on December 25, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Celebrate the momentous occasion of ringing in a new year in true Peninsula style at the hotel’s annual New Year’s Eve gala in The Lobby. Guests will be greeted with a welcome cocktail, followed by a five-course dinner, dancing and celebrating to the pop sounds of the lively band ‘LUVU’. Midnight ushers in the new year with a Champagne toast for the revellers, a magnificent balloon drop and more dancing. The event is black tie optional and is priced at US$ 275 per person; an additional US$ 80 will be charged for guests interested in wine pairings. Prices do not include tax and gratuity. Shanghai Terrace will serve a special New Year’s Eve set menu in addition to the à la carte menu.
New Year’s Day Brunch
Guests can begin their New Year’s resolutions after savouring the extravagant New Year’s Day Brunch in The Lobby, kicking off the New Year to the sounds of a string quartet with an indulgent feast of favourite recovery foods including a Bloody Mary Bar served from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm and priced at US$ 125 per person and US$ 49 for children 12 years and under. Prices do not include tax and gratuity.
Cyber Monday
Kick off your holiday shopping on Friday, November 23rd, 2018 with the hotel’s Cyber Monday offers. Guests will receive 30% off best available rates on hotel bookings for stay dates of December 16th, 2018 through April 30th, 2019. Those who wish to purchase a gift certificate will receive 10% off certificates of US$ 350 or above and 15% off certificates of US$ 1,200 and above. The Spa will also offer 15% the Ultimate Indulgence Package and Triple Lift Luxury Facial. All offers will be available from 12:00 am November 23rd to 11:59 pm November 26th, 2018 on peninsula.com.
Holiday Rates and Winter Packages
Guests can make the most of all Chicago has to offer during the festive season and celebrate along The Magnificent Mile with an array of Christmas activities. Guests reserving these holiday packages will receive a variety of seasonal themed amenities to enjoy.
Holly Jolly Chicago Package:
Guests staying on this package will enjoy the following amenities:
- In-room holiday décor
- Holiday welcome amenity
- Complimentary skating and a round of drinks for two at The Sky Rink
- A MINI Cooper chauffeured ride to the Christkindlmarket (drop off only)
- Chocolate Bar for two (for guests staying on Friday and Saturday evenings)
- Daily American breakfast for two
- In-room Christmas movie library
Rates start at US$ 1,200 for a Junior Suite and above, plus tax. This room offer is available for stay dates of November 17 through December 31, 2018, based on availability.
Merry and Bright Chicago Family Package
- In-room holiday décor including a Gingerbread playhouse for the children
- Holiday welcome amenity
- Family passes to Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry (includes 2 adult passes and 2 children’s passes)
- Complimentary skating and a round of drinks for two at The Sky Rink
- Chocolate Bar for four (includes 2 adults and 2 children for guests staying on Friday and Saturday evenings)
- In-room Christmas movie library
Rates start at US$ 1,300 for a Junior Suite and above, plus tax. This room offer is available for stay dates of November 17 through December 31, 2018, based on availability
To make reservations or for more information and additional packages, please call direct at +1 (312) 573 6620, toll-free at +1 (866) 288 8889, visit peninsula.com/chicago or e-mail reservationPCH@peninsula.com. Terms and conditions apply.
To make dining reservations or for more information, please call direct at +1 (312) 573 6695, or e-mail diningPCH@peninsula.com.
To place “Thanksgiving Dinners To-Go,” and “Christmas Dinners To-Go,” please call +1 (312) 573 6749 or via email at diningpch@peninsula.com.
The Peninsula Holiday Desk
The experts at The Peninsula Chicago Holiday Desk are on hand to assist with selecting perfect presents for family, friends and loved ones. Nothing surpasses the gift of a Peninsula experience, and gift cards are easy to customize by calling or visiting the Holiday Desk, located in the ground level lobby. Guests interested in purchasing a holiday gift card may contact the Holiday Desk directly
at +1 (312) 573 6235.
Holiday Desk Hours:
November 26th through December 24th, 2018
Monday through Friday: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
The Peninsula Chicago looks forward to welcoming guests from near and far this festive season.