The Peninsula Chicago Rolls Out The Holiday Red Carpet

The winter holidays are an especially magical season to visit The Peninsula, whose hotels around the globe have embodied classic elegance and superlative service for generations. This year, in keeping with their tradition of helping guests create unforgettable holiday memories, each Peninsula will offer guests a feast for the senses – including magnificently decorated lobbies and Christmas trees, lavish festive dining menus and sweet treats, delightful family activities and performances, and chances to share in the tradition of charitable giving. 

Collectively, these special offerings will allow Peninsula guests to celebrate the most meaningful aspect of the holiday season: time spent with loved ones. Below are just a few of the enchanting festive experiences that guests can enjoy together – and remember for a lifetime. While festive celebrations may vary between hotels, the essence of sharing the holiday spirit with The Peninsula as “The Home of the Festive Season” fills the air the moment guests step into each property. 

Guests will have more chances to appreciate holiday music during the festive season, including, in some cases, choral performances from local choirs. Diners who partake in a classic Peninsula Afternoon Tea may also be serenaded by live musicians, whose repertoires will include plenty of seasonal favorites. 

Sumptuous Festive Meals and Treats 
 
Exquisite gourmet menus created by The Peninsula Hotels’ award-winning chefs will let guests celebrate the holidays deliciously. Each hotel will host extravagant Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinners at their signature restaurants, as well as lavish brunches on both Christmas and New Year’s Day. Special Festive Afternoon Tea menus will also be offered, including traditional dishes, delectable desserts, and sometimes a visit from Santa. 

 
Beautifully packaged holiday gift baskets offered at The Peninsula Hotels, let guests share the joy of the season with friends, colleagues, and family members. Baskets are filled to the rim with The Peninsula’s signature and seasonal gourmet goodies.  

Joyful Family Activities 
 
A wealth of fun holiday pursuits will let guests enjoy memorable family moments at The Peninsula Hotels and partake in festive traditions. Depending on the property, these offerings may include gingerbread-decorating alongside the hotel’s pastry chefs; live readings of Festive stories; Christmas carolling; wreath making and chances to meet Santa.

Opportunities to Give 
 
In recognition of the season of giving, The Peninsula Hotels will continue its tradition of contributing to organizations that support children’s welfare in each of its hotels’ home cities. At each Peninsula property, a portion of the cost of a Festive Afternoon Tea will be donated toward this worthy cause. The Peninsula Chicago has identified Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC), which is one of the oldest youth development organizations in Chicago, having been founded in 1902. The organization’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need them the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. For every festive season Afternoon Tea, a donation will be made to BGCC. 

The Peninsula Sky Rink

Returning for its 11th season, The Peninsula Sky Rink opens Saturday, November 18, 2023. The 2,100 sq ft (200 sq m) hybrid rink is the only hotel skating rink in Chicago. 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 setting 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, and is available for groups to rent or for private events (such as marriage proposals). 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.

A Hearty Thanksgiving Day Brunch

Elaborate holiday brunches have been a signature of The Peninsula Chicago for many years. Guests can usher in the festive fall harvest season with The Lobby’s annual Thanksgiving Brunch, which will feature à la carte plated options and buffet items served via a variety of stations: the carving station features Ferndale turkey, dry aged striploin, suckling pig; local foraged mushrooms and ancient grain station; seafood station with jumbo shrimp, Alaskan king crab, Jonah crab claws, east and west coast oysters, sushi and sashimi, maki and nigiri; an imported and domestic caviar station; a global cheese and charcuterie station; Shanghai Terrace station featuring Peking Duck, handmade dim sum and stir-fried favorites; and a Lobster bisque with winter truffle action station. A decadent dessert buffet rounds out the holiday selections. Entertainment features a string quartet as well as a roving magician for children. Brunch seatings are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Brunch is priced at US$ 325 per adult and US$ 95 per person for children ages 5 to 12 years. Prices exclude tax and gratuity. Reservations are accepted via TOCK.

Festive Holiday Afternoon Tea 

The Lobby is nothing short of spectacular during the holiday season. Festive Afternoon Tea enjoyed beneath the 20-foot Christmas tree has become a holiday tradition for many families. The menu features a traditional English tea menu, including a variety of finger sandwiches: smoked salmon, organic egg salad, classic English cucumber, and cranberry chicken salad sandwich; fruit and plain scones with house made preserves, Devonshire clotted cream. Petite seasonal pastries with choux, chocolate, and winter fruit creations. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Entertainment is provided daily by a string duo performing holiday favorites. On weekends, Santa makes an appearance. Festive Afternoon Tea is offered daily starting Friday, November 24, 2023 to Sunday, January 7, 2024, with seatings at 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm for US$ 140 for adults, including a glass of Champagne Monday through Thursday and US$ 65 per child, ages 5 to 12 years. Friday through Sunday, the price is US$ 150 per person for adults, including a glass of Champagne; and US$ 85 for children. Prices exclude tax and gratuity. Reservations may be made via TOCK.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Z Bar

It’s not officially the holiday season until guests don 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 fourth annual ugly sweater soirée on Saturday December 16, 2023.  Festive cocktails and ugly dancing are requirements—a DJ will get the party started in style at 8:00 pm. Prizes will be awarded for various categories of Best Ugly Christmas Sweater. US$ 30 per person, includes one glass of Champagne or a select cocktail. Reservations are accepted via TOCK. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend. The party concludes at 1:00 am. 

An Elegant Christmas Eve  

A very special holiday menu is planned in The Lobby in honor of this auspicious holiday. Guests will savor a five-course prix fixe dinner including caviar, scallops, Chilean sea bass, beef Wellington, followed by The Lobby’s lush dessert buffet. A trio band will provide the entertainment. Christmas Eve dinner is US$ 275 per person, with an option to add wine pairings for US$ 85 per person. Children 12 years and under may order from The Lobby’s children’s menu. Prices exclude tax and gratuity. Reservations available via TOCK.

Shanghai Terrace will feature the à la carte menu on Christmas Eve. Z Bar is open on Christmas Eve for holiday cocktails, elegant Champagne options by the glass and a variety of festive bites.

Celebrate Christmas Day at The Peninsula Chicago

Celebrate Christmas in The Lobby featuring à la carte menu options combined with buffet items served from the following stations: carving station with prime rib, local Indiana turkey, bone in ham; seafood station with jumbo shrimp, Alaskan king crab, east and west coast oysters Jonah crab claws, sushi and sashimi, maki and nigiri; butter poached lobster and truffle station; bouillabaisse action station; an imported and domestic caviar station; a global cheese and charcuterie station; a Shanghai Terrace station, and a decadent dessert buffet completes the festive meal. A string quartet will provide the entertainment as well as a magician to entertain children. Brunch seatings are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. US$ 325 per adult; US$ 95 per child, ages 5 to 12 years. Prices exclude tax and gratuity. Reservations available via TOCK.

Z Bar is open on Christmas Day and serves holiday cocktails, elegant Champagne options by the glass and a variety of festive bites. 

New Year’s Eve

Celebrate the momentous occasion of ringing in 2024 in Peninsula style at The Lobby’s New Year’s Eve Gala. Guests are greeted with a welcome Champagne at 6:30 pm, followed by a five-course prix-fixe dinner including caviar, foie gras, lobster, Wagyu beef, short ribs and a lavish dessert buffet. Entertainment provided by a solo pianist, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm then a dinner trio, 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Dance to the 7-piece band from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am. A glass of Champagne & party favors are included. The event is festive cocktail attire/black tie optional and priced at US$ 275 per person. An additional US$ 95 for wine pairings. Prices exclude tax, gratuity and alcoholic beverages. Must be 21 years or older to attend. Reservations available via TOCK. 

Ring in 2024 at Z Bar’s annual celebration. A DJ keeps it lively from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. Your evening includes open bar, multi-course menu of small bites, access to the Champagne and chocolate truffle room, and party favors. Tickets for this event are US$ 225 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Limited seating. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend. Festive cocktail attire/black tie optional.  Reservations available via TOCK. 

The supper-club setting of Shanghai Terrace is the perfect backdrop to celebrate the arrival of 2024. The à la carte menu is available.

Holiday Rates and Winter Packages

An array of special rates and a package featuring seasonal themed amenities has been created for guests looking to enjoy all that Chicago has to offer this holiday season: 

• Holly Jolly Family Holiday Package includes the following: 
  • In-room holiday tree or Menorah
  • Holiday welcome amenity
  • Access to a library of holiday themed movies, books, and games
  • Daily Peninsula breakfast for four (two adults and two children)
  • Daily valet parking (for one vehicle)

Rates start at US$ 1,125 for a Grand Premier Double guestroom. Prices exclude tax. 72-hur advance booking required. This package is offered for stay dates between November 24, through December 31, 2023.

• Merry and Bright Couple’s Holiday Package includes the following:
  • In-room holiday tree or Menorah
  • Bottle of wine or Champagne upon arrival
  • Daily Peninsula breakfast for two adults
  • Daily valet parking (for one vehicle)

Rates start at US$ 1,575 for a Michigan Avenue suite. Prices exclude tax.  This package is offered for stay dates between November 24, through December 31, 2023.

To make room reservations or for more information and additional packages, please call direct at +1 (312) 337 2888, toll-free at +1 (866) 288 8889, visit peninsula.com/chicago or e-mail reservationPCH@peninsula.com. Terms and conditions apply.

To make festive season dining reservations or for more information, please call the hotel direct at +1 (312) 337 2888, e-mail diningPCH@peninsula.com or visit TOCK. Ongoing restaurant reservations for The Lobby and Shanghai Terrace may be made via OpenTable.