The Peninsula Chicago Rolls Out the Holiday Red Carpet for Guests Around the World

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 almost a century. 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 favourites. 

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 organisations 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 The Chicago Public Library Foundation, which supports children’s welfare through literacy efforts and youth empowerment programs as the beneficiary. For every festive season Afternoon Tea, a donation of US$ 10 will be made to the Library Foundation. Additionally, guests are invited to bring a new or gently used children’s book for the Book Drive which will be donated to the organization.

The Peninsula Chicago Sky Rink

Returning for its tenth season, The Peninsula Chicago Sky Rink opens Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2022. 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 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, and is available for groups to rent or for private events (such as marriage proposals). All monies collected for skate rental (US$ 20 for adults and US$ 10 for children 12 and under) 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 the following stations: a carving station of heirloom turkey, prime rib roast and rack of lamb; a seafood station with Gulf shrimp, crab, oysters and imported and domestic caviar; a global cheese and charcuterie station, with local and global cheeses, sliced house cured charcuterie; Shanghai Terrace station, features Peking Duck, handmade dim sum and stir-fried favorites. A decadent dessert buffet rounds out the brunch selections. Entertainment features a string quartet and a magician for children. Brunch seatings are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Brunch is priced at US$ 295 per adult for the first seating and US$ 325 per adult for the second and third seatings. The price for children 5 to 12 years is US$ 85 per person. Prices exclude tax and gratuity. Reservations are accepted via TOCK.

Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday Sale: 

Cyber Sale Dates:  Thursday, November 24 through and including Tuesday, November 29, 2022

• Offers
  • 20% off Best Available Rate on Guestrooms
  • 25% off Best Available Rate on Suites 
  • 10% off Gift Card Purchases up to $1,999; 15% off Gift Card purchases $2,000 - $4,999; 20% off Gift Card purchases over $5,000

• Details: 
  • For Stay from December 1, 2022, through and including April 16, 2023 
  • Blackout Dates apply   
  • Booking Channels: Hotel Direct (312-337-2888) and Booking Engine with promo code 
  • Booking Code is CHCYBER
  • Sale is on Room Rate only
  • Deposit:  Full prepayment, non-refundable (note: Deposit is required upon booking confirmation)
  • Cancellation:  Cancellations are not permitted, however if guests wish to amend their bookings, they may do so within 12 months of the original arrival date.  Rates and room type are based on the prevailing offers at the time of the amendment.

To take advantage of these offers, guests should call the hotel direct at (312) 337 2888.

Festive Holiday Afternoon Tea 

The Lobby is nothing short of spectacular during the holiday season. Enjoy Festive Afternoon Tea surrounding the 20-foot Christmas tree—which 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; 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. Festive Afternoon Tea is offered daily from November 25, 2022, to January 8, 2023, with seatings at 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm for US$ 135 for adults Monday through Thursday, including a glass of Champagne and US$ 55 per child (aged 5-12). From Friday through Sunday, the price is US$ 150 per person including a glass of Champagne; and US$ 75 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 third annual ugly sweater soirée on Saturday December 17, 2022.  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$ 25 per person, includes one glass of Champagne or a selected 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 sumptuous menu is planned in The Lobby in honor of this special night. Guests will savor a five-course prix fixe dinner 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$ 75 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 at The Peninsula Chicago this holiday 

Christmas Day Brunch in The Lobby features an extravagant buffet along with a selection of a-la-carte plated options. The buffet will feature the following stations: A carving station with prime beef Wellington, heirloom turkey, Ora king salmon en croûte; A seafood station with Gulf shrimp, Alaskan king crab, east and west coast oysters and imported and domestic caviar; A global cheese and Iberian ham station, with a variety of local and global cheeses, and sliced to order acorn fed ham. A decadent dessert buffet with live action station 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, includes a glass of Champagne for the first two seatings; US$ 85 per child (aged 5 to 12). Price for the third seating is US$ 295 per person. For large parties, the hotel will assist in customizing a menu and experience for your attendees. 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 2023 in Peninsula style at The Lobby’s New Year’s Eve Gala. Guests will be greeted with a welcome cocktail at 6:00 pm, followed by five-course prix-fixe dinner and dancing at 7:00 pm. Entertainment will be provided by a band. A midnight countdown and party favors are included. The event is black tie optional and is priced at US$ 275 per person. An additional US$ 95 can be added for guests interested in wine pairings. Price excludes tax, gratuity, and alcoholic beverages. Must be 21 years or older to attend. 
Z Bar rings in 2023 with a ticketed soirée starting at 9:00 pm with an open bar and abundant passed hors d’oeuvres. A DJ will keep the celebration lively, and guests can say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023 with a Champagne toast at midnight. The party concludes at 1:00 am. Tickets for this event are US$ 195 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.  Guests must be 21 years or older to attend. Reservations available via TOCK. 

Shanghai Terrace is the perfect backdrop to celebrate the arrival of 2023 in a more intimate setting. The à la carte menu will be served.

Holiday Rates and Winter Packages

An array of special rates and packages 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 

Rates start at US$ 1,625 for a Michigan Avenue suite. Prices exclude tax. This package is offered for stay dates between November 25, through December 30, 2022.

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

Rates start at US$ 1,575 for a Michigan Avenue suite. Prices exclude tax.  This package is offered for stay dates between November 25, through December 30, 2022.

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.