CHICAGO, IL – September 23, 2019 – Modern life can often feel busy, with time seemingly passing at an ever-faster rate. With the approach of the festive season, The Peninsula Hotels – the home of Christmas – is encouraging guests and visitors alike to practice mindfulness by slowing down, reflecting and enjoying the present moment while surrounded by those they love. To help, the luxury hotel brand today announced a calendar of fun activities and experiences for all to enjoy – including bountiful brunches brimming with festive fare; celebratory cocktails crafted by on-site mixologists; gingerbread making classes led by each hotels’ professional pastry chefs; and live story-telling sessions of The Peninsula’s digital storybook for children ‘The Gingerbread Man’s Tale,’ available to download on a complimentary basis via Peninsula.com’s festive webpage from mid-October this year.
Putting the spice back into life
The protagonist of this year’s story – which has been specially written for The Peninsula Hotels – is the Gingerbread Man. A familiar sight hanging within decorated trees, the Gingerbread Man represents the ‘Stories from within the Tree’ chapter of The Peninsula Hotels’ three-year festive campaign titled ‘Stories from the Tree’. After kicking-off ‘Stories from Under the Tree’ last year and closing with ‘Stories from the Tree Top’ next year, this year’s theme is about sharing the joy and fun of the season. In line with this, the magic of the festive season is celebrated at each of the ten Peninsula hotels around the globe with giant Christmas trees erected in the grand lobbies, and resplendent decorations on view for all to enjoy.
A time of reflection
Often, the joy and fun of the season is felt most strongly by the children in our lives. In support of those less fortunate, the six ‘Stories from the tree’ characters will be available to purchase at each hotel in the form of tree decorations and pins, with US$ 5 from each purchase being donated to a local youth charity with a focus on empowerment programs. This year, The Peninsula Chicago has chosen the Chicago Public Library Foundation, which supports literacy efforts and empowerment programs in the local community.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
This legendary annual parade in Chicago celebrates one of the ‘Great Avenues of the World.’ The parade started 28 years ago and illuminates the buildings and trees that line Michigan Avenue 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 23, 2019, 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), concluding 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 join in:
- Z Bar, overlooking Michigan Avenue, is an ideal rooftop location from which to view the Magnificent Mile parade. Guests may contact Z Bar’s private events team via events@zbarchicago.com to secure the private space for up to 12 guests for this annual tradition.
- Pierrot Gourmet, the European-style, street-side cafe located on The Peninsula Chicago’s ground floor, will offer 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 with warm beverages and snacks, including: hot chocolate, coffee, candied apples, turkey drumsticks, and chocolate and caramel spiced beignets. 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
Returning for its eighth season, The Peninsula Sky Rink opens Saturday, November 23, 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. 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 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.
Thanksgiving Brunch and Dinner
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 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 Lobby will offer four seatings from 10:30am to 8:00pm (last seating at 8:00pm). The first and fourth seatings are priced at US$ 195 per adult and US$ 55 per child (5-12 years), while the second and third seatings are priced at US$ 245 per adult and US$ 65 per child (5-12 years). Prices do not include tax and gratuity.
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 for 8 to 10 guests. Priced at US$ 395, the meal comes complete with a whole Amish turkey with hearty side dishes including mashed potatoes, gravy, chicken andouille-apple stuffing, candied sweet potatoes with marshmallows, braised collard greens with smoked turkey, and organic green side salad with Champagne dressing. A personal turkey dinner for one is available for US$ 55, while whole pies featuring pumpkin, apple crumble or pecan fillings are available at US$ 32, and individual tarts in the same flavors are available for US$ 9 each. Pre-order dinners and desserts by 3:00 pm on November 22, 2019. Please note, there is limited availability for To-Go orders—interested guests should place orders early. Pick up will take place on Thursday, November 28, 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, which features 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, plus holiday treats. The hotel also offers vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea options. Commencing Friday, November 29, 2019 the price of the holiday Afternoon Tea, including a glass of prosecco, on Monday through Thursday is US$ 95 per adult and US$ 45 per child 12 years and under; while Friday through Sunday the Afternoon Tea is priced at US$ 115 per adult and US$ 45 per child 12 years and under. With each Afternoon Tea, a donation of US$ 5 will be made to a local literacy charity, the Chicago Public Library Foundation
Children’s Holiday Tea Events with Mrs. Claus
Holidays are a time for families to make lasting memories, with The Peninsula Chicago pleased to help create 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 a sparkling cocktail 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 Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons November 29 through December 22, 2019 and are priced at US$ 125 per adult and US$ 110 per child 3 years to 12 years, plus tax and gratuity.
Gingerbread Decorating Class
Families are also welcome to experience a private gingerbread decorating class. The 90-minute experience begins with a kitchen tour followed by the chance to decorate your own gingerbread cookies with instruction from The Peninsula Chicago’s pastry team, while enjoying festive Afternoon Tea. Classes are available between 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm throughout the festive season (based on availability) and are US$ 695 for a family of 4 people, plus tax and gratuity. Additional guests can be added for US$ 90 per child and US$ 170 per adult.
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 second annual ugly sweater soiree on Friday, December 13, 2019. Festive 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. As there is limited availability, it is recommended guests arrive early.
Christmas Eve Dinner
A very special menu is planned in The Lobby in honor of this auspicious day. Guests will savour a five-course prix fixe dinner featuring Royal Ossetra caviar or Winter truffle celeriac salad followed by Hudson valley foie gras torchon, ginger bread, kumquat an intermezzo, then for entrée a choice of Japanese Kobe beef or Herb oil confit John Dory, followed by The Lobby’s famous Chocolate Bar for dessert. Christmas Eve dinner is US$ 185 per person, with an option to add wine pairings for US$ 65 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
An exquisite Christmas Day brunch buffet will be offered in The Lobby, featuring a 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, along with a children’s station with child-friendly delicacies. Entertainment includes a live string quartet, a children’s lounge and a magician for young patrons, and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus near The Lobby’s magnificent tree. The Lobby will offer three seatings between 10:00 and 5:00 pm, priced at US$ 245 per adult and US$ 65 for children 12 years and under (not including tax and gratuity). Z Bar will be open from 3:00 pm on Christmas Day, offering cocktails and snacks.
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 with horseradish crème, available at US$ 400 or whole spiral ham with bourbon cider jus available at US$ 365 (each option serves 6 to 8 guests). Both entrée options include a variety of side dishes such as country mashed potatoes, dill roasted baby turnips and carrots, mushroom and leek bread pudding, Brussels sprouts with caramelized pearl onions, and an organic green 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 the yule log at US$ 8. Pre-order the To-Go meal by 3:00 pm on Monday, December 16. 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 live entertainment. 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$ 285 per person. A vegetarian menu is available at US$ 215 per person. An additional US$ 95 will be charged for guests interested in wine pairings. Prices do not include tax and gratuity. A limited number of tickets are available for Z Bar’s fire and ice-themed celebration, starting at 8:00 pm. A DJ and live entertainment will keep the party going all night, helped along by a passed hors d’oeuvres and a Champagne toast at midnight. Tickets for this event start at US$ 150 per person, including 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 savoring 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 favorite recovery foods including a Bloody Mary Bar served from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm and priced at US$ 155 per person and US$ 55 for children 12 years and under. Prices do not include tax and gratuity.
Cyber Monday
Kick off your holiday shopping on Friday, November 29, 2019 with the hotel’s Cyber Monday offers. Guests will receive 30% off best available rates on hotel bookings for stay dates of December 15, 2019 through April 30, 2020. Those who wish to purchase a gift certificate will receive 10% off certificates of US$ 350 or above and 15% off certificates of US$ 1,500 and above. The Spa will also offer 15% off the Ultimate Indulgence Package. All offers will be available from 12:00 am November 29 to 11:59 pm December 2, 2019, on peninsula.com.
Holiday Rates and Winter Packages
An array of special rates and packages featuring a variety of seasonal themed amenities have been created for guests looking to enjoy all that Chicago has to offer:
- 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
- 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 four 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$ 1,200 for a Junior Suite and above, plus tax. This room offer is available for stay dates of November 23 through December 31, 2019, based on availability
To make room 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 6685, 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 on the ground level lobby throughout the holiday season. Guests interested in purchasing a holiday gift card may contact the Holiday Desk directly at +1 (312) 573 6235.
The Peninsula Chicago looks forward to welcoming guests from near and far this festive season.
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