TRAVELERS’ CHECKS

We stayed at the centrally located, five-star Peninsula Chicago, with convenient access to the shopping on the Magnificent Mile and the Chicago Transit Authority. The hotel celebrates the holidays with a popular afternoon tea and an outdoor skating rink that’s open to the public for a donation to local children’s charities. We parked our car upon arrival and did not retrieve it until it was time to head home. We relied on the city’s safe and efficient public transportation system and Uber to get around. If you plan to visit multiple attractions, consider purchasing a CityPASS — $99.75 for adults and $84.75 for children — which covers admission to many of the city’s attractions. Members of the Great Lakes Science Center and Cleveland Museum of Natural History can visit The Field and Museum of Science and Industry for free.

5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, msichicago.org, 773-684-1414.

architectural boat tour, 112 E. Wacker Drive, cruisechicago.com, 847358-1330.

multiple locations, loumalnatis. com.

929 W. Belmont Ave., 773-5498080, cszcomedy.com.

180 N Michigan Ave., 312-374-8790, americanwritersmuseum.org.

chicagogreeter.com, register in advance for a tour or meet a guide for one of their weekend public tours.

Daley Plaza, christkindlmarket. com.

Willis Tower, 233 S Wacker Drive, theskydeck.com, 312-8759447.

112 E. Wacker Drive, cruisechicago.com, 847358-1330.

Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., navypier.org, 800 595-7437.

1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, fieldmuseum. org, 312-922-9410.

1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, sheddaquarium.org, 312-9392438.

its eclectic mix of big-city sophistication and grandeur, and down-to-earth, Midwestern warmth. Yes, warmth — even as we hurried back to the car, leaning into the first icy breaths of winter blowing off of Lake Michigan.