No matter where or what we were doing, the guide was always teaching us some obscure piece of Chicago holiday trivia, like how the city distributes the Ebenezer Award every year to acknowledge “the most absurd affronts to the Christmas and Hanukah season.”

Kids Corner: Looking for one more fun-filled day with the family in Chicago this summer? We've got ideas

ZooLights includes lights synchronized to holiday music, animal-shaped yard decorations and activities like trains, a Ferris wheel and Undersea Adventure.

Even walking to the front door of RM Champagne Salon seems like you’re privy to a secret place — a gangway that opens up into a courtyard surrounded by veranda banisters!

Chicago Insider: Meredith Franczyk on the allure of Quartino, the beer at Hopleaf and Half Acre and dresses at Bazar

Chicago’s 20th annual Christkindlmarket is officially underway, offering food, drink and handmade ornaments

Chicago Insider: Chris Hynes on rooftop happy hours, the ribs at Chicago Q and State Street shopping