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Exciting Announcement
Harlem Holiday Lights 2020 is still on!!!

Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azbeoJ2dVCg&t=808s

MANHATTAN BOROUGH PRESIDENT GALE BREWER VIP VIRTUAL LOUNGE

https://harlemlightitup.vamonde.com/posts/hhl-2020-listening-experience/10656/

HARLEM HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2020 LISTENING EXPERIENCE

LIVESTREAM OF CARAVAN OF LIGHTS

https://harlemlightitup.vamonde.com/posts/karaoke-with-nightstar-dj/10464/

VIRTUAL KARAOKE WITH NIGHTSTAR DJ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMN45UPOgx0&feature=youtu.be

MESSAGE FROM 2020 GRAND MARSHAL DR.JOSEPH L. TAIT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHCdJRjUAjs&feature=youtu.be

MESSAGE FROM 2020 GRAND MARSHAL BEVY SMITH

HARLEM HOLIDAY LIGHTS IS STILL ON! From November 16, 2020 through December 31, 2020, the 125th Street Business Improvement District looks forward to (virtually) celebrating the start of the holiday season in Harlem.

Harlem Lights 2020: Spreading Cheer in Harlem

Put your sleuthing skills to the ultimate test in New York's SPYSCAPE, a cutting-edge museum experience dedicated to all things espionage. Whether you fancy yourself a James Bond or a Mata Hari, you'll get to explore all types of undercover infiltration, and learn how to apply these skills in everyday life.

SPYSCAPE

We all know New York for its speeding cabs and towering skyscrapers, but did you know there's also a theme park where thrilling rollercoasters hurtle over the beach? Get a whole day of fun and up to 28 different rides at Coney Island's Luna Park! On summer weekends, this pass is not available onsite - it's ONLY available through Tiqets!

Luna Park in Coney Island

Soak up the magic of Manhattan from the saddle of your bicycle with a Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental. Plan your own itinerary, pick up your wheels at South Bridge Seaport and set off for a day of Big Apple sightseeing! Choose from one hour up to a full 24.

Brooklyn Bridge Sightseeing Bike Rentals

Looking up at New York's skyscrapers is quite an experience. But it's nothing compared to looking _down_ on New York from atop its most famous skyscraper. With ongoing exhibitions and two observation decks, the Empire State Building is the best way to see the Empire State.

Empire State Building: General Admission

Take a trip around the world and back in time, through thousands of pieces of priceless art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (or The Met) is the largest art museum in the United States. Our mobile ticket gets you three-day, fast-track access to all exhibits at all three Met locations!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met): Fast Track

The _Top of the Rock_ is an observation deck smack in the middle of Manhattan. It's perched atop 30 Rock, the famous Art Deco building that's the centerpiece of Rockefeller Center. Skip the ticketing line and go straight entry line to the 70th-floor observation deck for panoramic views of the Big Apple.

Top of the Rock

You want to be a part of it, New York, New York! But after a while all those honking taxi horns and crowded sidewalks can make your brain hurt. Enter Central Park, an emerald green oasis in the middle of the madness. Rent a bike for a day and cruise this urban wilderness. Escape to Strawberry Fields, roll past lakes and lochs, sniff out the hotdog sellers, and become part of Manhattan. The city is yours.

Central Park Bike Rentals

New York City is America’s real land of opportunity, and here’s an opportunity you can’t pass up. With a New York City Explorer Pass you can choose to check out 3, 5 or 7 amazing attractions - from a list of over 60. This convenience will save you time (and more than a good few dollars for your hot dog fund). See the big art museums, take a BEAST speedboat ride, get a tour of Rockefeller and Radio City Music Hall, bike over the Brooklyn Bridge, and more.

New York City Explorer Pass

Events

VIDEOS

Harlem Holiday Lights

Plan your spring break family fun in Chicago! Check it out on the Choose Chicago channel on Vamonde.

Choose Chicago

Plan a family getaway the kids won't soon forget!

Spring Break Family Fun

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues."

Chicago History Museum

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues." Southern black migrants brought the blues to Chicago, where the music helped them forge connections and transform an unfamiliar, often inhospitable city into a new home. The music was also transformed—electrified and amplified to compete with urban noise. The photography of Raeburn Flerlage captures the streets, clubs, homes, and studios where a community of musicians defined the Chicago blues sound.

AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues

From a 20th century resurgence that rivaled the Harlem Renaissance, to spectacular displays of Victorian Era architecture, this South Side neighborhood is responsible for tremendous cultural and social advances that are not to be missed.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. Discover why Bronzeville is more than just an artsy pocket on the South Side.

Bronzeville and Beyond

"How can I possibly be expected to handle school on a day like this?" We've all been there, even if we're not Ferris Bueller. After your mornings stretch, you look outside at the shining sun, soft breeze, and then wonder, "How can anyone expect me to handle work on a day like this?" So take the day off! While you're at it, follow in Ferris Bueller's footsteps too as Choose Chicago takes you through the film locations that made Ferris Bueller's Day Off such a wonderful adventure (but make sure Ed Rooney isn't on your tail).

It’s Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Take a day to explore the city, but don't get caught by the incredulous Principal Rooney! Kick it like a couple of wise-cracking high school kids at The Art Institute of Chicago and peer down from over 100 stories in the air with the Skydeck at Willis Tower. (Cover photo from @thiswashollywood via Instagram)

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Chicago’s legendary Second City comedy troupe and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Join us as we explore the historic neighborhood and discover its many claims to fame.

As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Discover why this neighborhood has been home to immigrant families, gays, hippies and young professionals alike over the years.

Quintessential Old Town

The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company team up with Choose Chicago to how you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Join us as we show you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

Hyde Park: Obama's Neighborhood

The Budget Savvy Travelers

Temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer. This is a sure sign that schools will soon be out for summer vacation. Families looking for fun, affordable ways to keep kids busy during hot days will appreciate this guide that shares some great ways to cool off around Chicago—most are even free.

Best Places to Cool Off in Chicago

Craving a getaway, but short on vacation time or extra travel funds? Why not consider embarking on a culinary adventure? Chicago is a great city to experience the world through food! There are over 100 different neighborhoods in the city, each with its own unique flavors and traditions to share. Chicago has always celebrated a diverse array of people, cultures, and cuisines. Therefore, it's not surprising that Chicago consistently ranks high in top foodie destinations in the United States. For those of us that can’t book a plane ticket to satisfy our travel “craving,” taking a culinary adventure is truly the next best thing. Chicago offers a great opportunity to be carried away to a dreamy, distant place–if only through our palates alone.

Traveling the World Through Food | Chicago

Haley Guidry

Only have a short time to visit Chicago? No problem! With this guide, you can fit it all in - in just a weekend!

Spending a Weekend in Chicago

Looking for some free activities to explore in Chicago? You'll be surprised to learn that there are many things to do around the city that are absolutely free of charge!

6 Chicago Hidden Gems to Explore For Free

Wrigley Field holds the very identity of the Chicago Cubs. But Wrigley isn’t the only spot that embodies the spirit of the Cubbies. Lakeview is home to so many rich businesses that are full of North side pride!

Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce

Wrigleyville isn’t the only haven for fans of the Chicago Cubs. Take an adventure “Beyond Wrigley” into West Lakeview to explore some of the neighborhood icons and local businesses that are full of Cubbies pride!

Beyond Wrigley

Glessner House

Glessner House -

An architectural treasure in Chicago

Glessner House - An architectural treasure in Chicago

Welcome to the Chicago Cultural Center, a landmark home of the arts.

The People's Palace

CAC Open House

Chicago has long been a laboratory for architectural innovation and experimentation. Let the Chicago Architecture Center lead you through the stories behind some of the city’s most significant skyscrapers. Come on an adventure to unlock the secrets of 10 iconic Chicago Buildings.

Cover photo courtesy of Jessica Cabe

10 Iconic Chicago Buildings

Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

An Adventure through all the Best Spots in the City

Must Visit Attractions in Chicago

Chicago has one of the most iconic skylines in the world. This insider guide shows you the best vantage points to capture a memorable photo of the skyline of Chicago. Best of all? These are all places that you can visit that are all free of charge.

Where to Find Chicago's Best Skyline Views for Free

Start on Chicago's South Side and travel back in time as you explore visit the homes of some of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in the city's vibrant history. Make your way through Washington Park and Woodlawn moving north towards Rogers Park.

Learn about Chicago's vibrant LGBTQ+ history on this cultural excursion through various parts of the City. This tour covers the historic markers and residences of some of Chicago's top LGBTQ+ luminaries. Find out how they left their marks from Washington Park and Woodlawn all the way up north to Rogers Park.

Explore Gay Chicago History: LGBTQ+ Landmarks Tour

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago.

The Magnificent Mile

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago. Unexpected turn-of-the-century ballrooms, lavish chandeliers, stained glass fit for royalty, atlases of the Renaissance, former mansions of America's elite, eclectic bars, iconic burger joints, classic cocktails, and unbeatable views make up our guide to the top hidden gems around the district.

The Magnificent Mile's Hidden Gems

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture.

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture. Hop on the Red Line, a bus, or even a water taxi and discover one of Chicago's most unique neighborhoods.

Chicago's Chinatown

This adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968," invites you to explore some of the locations Dr. King frequented in Chicago.

A Baptist minister and champion of nonviolent activism, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential figures of the civil rights movement. He spent considerable time in Chicago protesting racial discrimination, particularly in housing and education.
This VAMONDE adventure is based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929-1968," and invites you to explore in person some of the locations King frequented in the city and to consider how Dr. King’s work remains relevant today, 50 years after his assassination.

Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago

Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian, on a journey through Humboldt Park to learn more about the role the 150-year-old park served as key experimental grounds for Jens Jensen's Prairie style of landscape architecture.

Julia Bachrach

Established 150 years ago, Humboldt Park can be thought of as a living landmark with layers of history that reflect contributions by important landscape designers, architects, and artists. The most noteworthy, Danish immigrant Jens Jensen (1860 – 1951), revered the indigenous scenery of the Midwest and created the Prairie style of landscape architecture. Humboldt Park provided important grounds for his process of experimentation. Jensen went on to design estates for prominent businessmen such as Julius Rosenwald, Harold Florsheim, and Henry Ford. Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian and author of "The City in a Garden: A History of Chicago’s Parks," on a journey to learn more about how Humboldt Park served as Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds.

Humboldt Park: Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds

The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. Get inspired by these galleries and their collections

Chicago Scene

Chicago is home to countless world renowned cultural institutions. The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. There’s something for everyone at these galleries, whether you’re simply an appreciator of art or a seasoned collector.

Art Galleries: Beyond The Museum Campus

Not your everyday Chicago adventure, these unique outings go inside, behind-the-scenes, and even underground to show off a different side of the city.

VAMONDE

From the lair of a notorious Chicago gangster to the infectious groove of a legendary blues club, this adventure will have you socializing, singing, and exploring the city all day (and night!) long. Personally curated by the Vamonde team (a group of foodies, architecture buffs, music fanatics and bar-hopping explorers) this adventure will provide you with the incredible stories and secrets behind some of Chicago’s notorious and renowned spots. Did we mention gingerbread cookies at the Waldorf Astoria?

A Chicago Insider’s Adventure

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks.

American Writers Museum

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks. A special adventure created in honor of the 2017 American Library Association Annual Exhibition and Conference.

Chicago Literary Landmarks Hunt

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. Paul speaks with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Paul Natkin

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. In this adventure,  Paul goes beyond the Chicago Blues Festival to speak with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Beyond the Blues

The Gathering Spaces are a series of artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning Lake Shore Drive. Travel along the corridor to discover how the artists linked nature and culture.

Chicago Park District

The Gathering Spaces are a series of five artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor (BWC), a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning both sides of Lake Shore Drive. The five Gathering Spaces reflect the nature and culture of the area and serve as assembly grounds and rest areas for people exploring the Corridor. The spaces were designed and created by teams of local artists in partnership with community-based organizations in the Chinatown, Bronzeville, and Pilsen neighborhoods. On this adventure, we'll travel along the BWC to get the inside scoop on the creative process, community goals, and environmental context of each Gathering Space.

Lakefront Gathering Spaces

Broadway in Chicago

With more than 200 theaters, Chicago is home to a rich and varied theater community, well known for a diverse mix of original productions that began here and then went on to Broadway and the world. Broadway In Chicago currently own many of the anchor theatres in Theatre District, including the CIBC Theatre (home of Hamilton), the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and the James M. Nederlander Theatre which broke records when it housed Wicked from 2005-2009. Let Broadway In Chicago take you through a tour of the theatres that make up the Chicago Theatre District.

Chicago Historic Theatre District

Jason Brammer is known for his distinctive mixed media assemblage based works, surreal paintings and drawings, murals and site-specific installations. Join us as we take you across the city and unearth how some of your favorite works came to be.

Jason Brammer

Portals, Pyramids, & Octopods: The Art of Jason Brammer

You might have already heard about a few of these destinations, consider this your local guide to the Wicker Park bars that are in some way (think hidden entrance) or another (think no address) -- secret.

Holiday Jones Hostel

Because we’re terrible at keeping secrets and because Wicker Park has too many cool off-the-beaten-track places to explore, Holiday Jones Hostel has created this adventure to give you the inside scoop on the best lounges, dive bars, and speakeasies to visit and pretend like you’re a regular.

Wicker Park's Best Kept Secrets

The story of public housing is the story of America. Explore the untold stories of people who created community across racial and economic divides and confronted social injustice.

National Public Housing Museum

​The story of public housing is the story of America. This tour, curated by the National Public Housing Museum, introduces you to the heart of Chicago’s Near West Side with its vibrant communities, diverse cultures, and history of activism and resistance. Explore fascinating sites where public housing residents built community across racial and economic divides, restaurants and bakeries that continue to create delectable food from various cultures and learn about overlooked and invisible stories about where people studied, organized, and confronted social injustice. We recognize this land as being indigenous, and we follow the lead of the first peoples who, despite massive genocidal violence, have never relinquished the struggle for land, water, culture, their people.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

The Near West Side and The Jane Addams Homes: Chicago's Ellis Island

The story of literary Chicago is one of overlapping communities; avant-garde, intellectuals, journalists, activists, artists, and migrants from places near and far.

​The story of literary Chicago is one of overlapping communities: ​avant-garde, intellectuals, journalists, activists, artists, and migrants from places near and far. The city's many newspapers, magazines, and literary journals have offered experience and exposure for aspiring writers. Programs at local libraries, bookstores, and cafes have connected writers with the reading public.

City of Writers

The American Writers Museum is the first national museum in the United States dedicated to engaging the public in celebrating American writers. Tap GO and check out 'Writers Hall' for a preview of the museum, but like any good page-turner, it‘ll only leave you wanting more. Plan a visit to unlock the exclusive, behind-the-scenes content for each exhibit.

Tucked away in the West Ridge community is a treasured place— Indian Boundary Park.  The 13-acre park was developed in two major phases—the first in 1916 and the second in the early 1920s. Plans for both phases were created by Richard Gloede, a landscape gardener and horticulturalist from Evanston.  Unlike other parks of the era that accommodated numerous athletic activities, Gloede and the Park Board sought to create a beautiful landscape for rest and relaxation.  The park has always had a seamless relationship with the adjacent neighborhood, and despite various changes over the years, Indian Boundary Park has always retained its special character.

Indian Boundary Park

Liz Garibay uses taverns, beer history, and drinking culture as familiar tools to teach about the city’s past to a diverse audience. Researching records, collecting oral histories and collaborating with experts she’s been able to provide factual historic information to anyone wanting to learn about history in a fun and social way.

Liz Garibay

Chicago Beer History takes you to pivotal  points in time in Chicago’s history where beer is often the common denominator. This adventure takes you through time and places in the city with touching on topics that range from infrastructure to politics. Curated by Liz Garibay, a self-proclaimed beer and tavern history; join as she takes you on a trip through time. Pull up a stool, grab a beer, and let’s talk history.

Chicago's Beer History

In Millennium Park, you’ll find a new kind of town square – a lively, spectacular gathering spot located in the heart of the city and a destination for Chicagoans and visitors alike.

Millennium Park

Botanical brews, pizza pairings and revolution in beer. Discover the craft brews of Milwaukee Avenue.

Clustered around Milwaukee Ave are a collection of Chicago craft breweries that are taking the world of Chicago brewing by storm. Take a wild journey through the unique and wondrous world of Chicago brewing.

Milwaukee Avenue Craft Brews

A National Historic Landmark, the Auditorium Theatre is known internationally for its perfect acoustics, innovative architecture, and stunning design.

Auditorium Theatre

Dive into the rich history of the 128 year-old National Historic Landmark that is the Auditorium Theatre! In this adventure, you'll learn a little about how we came about, what we've done over the years, and how you can get involved.

Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

Hotel Versey

Hotel Versey, a local hotel in your favorite neighborhood. Experience a local feel with locally-designed art through the hotel.

Hotel Versey Art Walk

Hotel Versey is located in the center of the Belmont Theater District, you can catch a show by local upcoming artists while in Chicago.

Belmont Theater District

Chicago is a city beaming with theatrical art. Beyond the professional
theaters of the city lie dozens of storefront theaters that offer a more close-up experience
for audience members.

Black Box Theaters

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Situated on the Chicago River, the historic Lyric Opera House is just as beautiful as the performances that take place on its stage.

Travel down memory lane with a visit to the South Side spots most frequented by former US president, Barack Obama.

Footsteps of Obama

Design Museum of Chicago

Chicago has a long, complicated relationship with the bicycle. In the first Bicycle Boom in the 1890s, more than 2/3rds of American-made bicycles were manufactured here in Chicago. Today, we are seeing more examples of how the bicycle highlights inequity in the city, and discussing broader social issues, like gentrification and policing, through the lens of the bicycle. This adventure focuses on the early years of the bicycle and the innovations and innovators that came from Chicago.

Keep Moving: Designing Chicago's Cycling History

The Second City

Just a quick walk from Lincoln Park in Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood, The Second City has kept audiences laughing for nearly 60 years. Come take in a show at the legendary comedy theater credited with launching the careers of comedy history's biggest superstars, including Bill Murray, Joan Rivers, John Belushi, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Keegan-Michael Key, and Stephen Colbert...just to name a few.

The Second City: The First Name in Comedy

Chicago has had their share in pop culture as many movies and TV shows used the Windy City as their setting. A lot of those movies actually had their set in Chicago so you can visit some of the places you saw in your favorite film! From Ferris Buller's Day Off to The Blue's Brothers to Dark Knight, your inner fan will be ecstatic to snap a picture where your favorite actors were!

Famous Movie Spots in Chicago

When visiting the city or doing something with your friends on the weekends, there are bound to be pictures taken for Instagram. While anywhere in Chicago can be perfect for a selfie, there are certain locations that are more popular than others. Here are the most Instagrammable spots in Chicago.

Most Instagrammable Spots in Chicago

Choose Chicago® is the official destination marketing organization for Chicago, Illinois. When you’re in Chicago, you’re home. With the countless experiences there are to have here, you're absolutely welcome to do any and all of them.

Get Involved

Learn more about how to get involved with the 125th Street Business Improvement District and our annual event, Harlem Holiday Lights.

Become a BID Member

Sponsors

BID Niche Markets

Apollo Theater Gift Shop

Rainbow

OshKosh B'gosh

Old Navy

My Kids

Marshalls

Lane Bryant

Kids Foot Locker

K & G Fashion Superstore

New York and Company

Jimmy Jazz

Family Pharmacy And Surgical Inc

Rite Aid

CVS Pharmacy

Designer Shoe Warehouse

Chuck E. Cheese

GameStop

Chase

Bank of America

Champ Sports

Staples

Party City

Verizon

Watkins Products

St. Luke's Hospital