'Windy City Weekend' celebrates holidays with favorite gifts, including Harlem Globetrotter tickets
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Friday was the most festive episode of the season. "Windy City Weekend" celebrated the holidays with nonstop giveaways, travel inspiration, delicious food finds and movie picks to help wrap up the year in style.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Holiday Giveaways
Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel
One of Chicago's most historic hotels, Palmer House offers luxury accommodations, iconic dining, a full-service spa and a special package that includes a two-night suite stay, dinner for two at Lockwood Restaurant & Bar, a couples massage, a history tour and Original Brownies.
Navy Pier Flyover Experience
Navy Pier's Flyover is an immersive flight-ride attraction that takes guests soaring over some of the world's most breathtaking destinations using a massive four-story spherical screen, motion seating, spatial audio and sensory effects like wind, mist and scents.
Chicago guests can experience Believe Chicago, a powerful tribute to the city's skyline, neighborhoods and lakefront, or escape to the mountains with Call of the Canadian Rockies, a visually stunning journey through soaring peaks and crystal-blue lakes.
Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour is coming to Allstate Arena in Rosemont on Dec. 28 with shows at 1 and 6 pm. Celebrating a century of breaking barriers, the Globetrotters have entertained families across six continents and more than 150 countries, and they're marking the milestone with brand-new centennial uniforms designed by fashion icon Jeff Hamilton.
Vintrendi Wine
The Vintrendi Seasons Winter Wine Gift Set includes a bottle of spiced Winter Wine, a winter-scented candle and cherry bath bombs (a $65 value). The wine is a sweet red infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and brandy, meant to be gently warmed for a classic mulled wine experience.
Violet Flame Chocolate
Violet Flame Chocolate is the newest brand from Katrina Markoff, founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat. Crafted in Chicago using globally sourced ingredients, these chocolates are luxurious, artistic and designed to tell a story.
Audience members received a two-piece Seeker box, and viewers can take 15% off online purchases with code WINDYCITYLIVE.
Volo Museum
It's the final two weekends of Volo Museum's beloved Time Warp Express, and it's nearly sold out. The one-of-a-kind holiday experience blends a Santa meet-and-greet with live performances, professional improv actors, interactive trolley rides through massive, animated light displays and a surprise ending you won't find anywhere else in the Midwest.
Holiday deals include free admission for children with any adult ticket and free Platinum Pass upgrades for guests 55+ through Christmas Eve.
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge offers a fun-filled, year-round getaway with an 80,000-square-foot indoor water park. Now through Jan. 6, families can enjoy Snowland, the resort's annual holiday celebration, featuring twinkling lights, festive décor, snow flurries, visits with Santa, crafts and family dance parties.
Eli's Cheesecake
It's not a party unless you're serving Eli's Chicago-style cheesecake, and it's one of Val Warner's favorites. Celebrating the bakery's 45th anniversary, Eli's is made in Chicago at a third-generation family-owned bakery. Audience members at the holiday show received an Eli's cheesecake.
The American Club - Kohler, Wisconsin
Kohler is a luxury destination, offering world-class golf, exceptional dining and Wisconsin's only Forbes five-star spa. During the holidays, Frozen Fairways transforms Blackwolf Run into a winter wonderland with ice skating, carriage rides, sledding, s'mores by the fire and dazzling light displays, along with live music and family activities every weekend.
Portillo's
A Chicago classic since 1963, Portillo's is known for its Chicago-style hot dogs "dragged through the garden," slow-roasted Italian beef (dipped or dry), chopped salads, cheese fries and famous chocolate cake. You can also join Portillo's Perks, their loyalty program, and even order select favorites and merch for nationwide shipping through Shop N' Ship.
STK Steakhouse
STK is serving major holiday energy with its Holiday Cheers menu available through Dec. 30, featuring luxe options like A5 Japanese Wagyu Potstickers, Colossal Lobster Tail and King Crab Fondue. They're also offering festive cocktails: the Hot Chocolate Bomb, Toasted Marshmallow Old-Fashioned and Holiday Martini, all $23 each. Hosting at home? STK has premium holiday takeout with turkey starting at $64 and prime rib starting at $69, and they're open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Sanders BBQ Supply
Since opening in 2024, Sanders BBQ Supply has become a standout on Chicago's South Side, serving central Texas-style smoked meats. Led by Chef James Sanders, the restaurant has earned national recognition, including being named one of the New York Times' 50 Best Restaurants of 2025 and Best BBQ in Chicago by the Chicago Tribune.
Kona Grill
Kona Grill's Holiday Cheers menu is available through Dec. 30 and includes seasonal entrées like Bacon Wagyu Meatloaf ($39) and Baked Stuffed Salmon ($39), plus holiday cocktails including Santa's Eggnog ($16) and the Holiday Martini ($16). Kona is also offering a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menu, (Dec. 24-25) featuring Prime Rib with Lobster Tail ($51) and Roasted Turkey Breast ($35).
Jason's Deli
Jason's Deli is celebrating the season with a limited-time fall menu available now through Dec. 31, featuring comfort-forward options made with high-quality ingredients. It's also a great pick for gatherings: the Gather & Graze Charcuterie Box is designed to serve up to 10 people and includes meats, cheeses and elevated accompaniments, perfect for office lunches, game days, Friendsgiving and holiday parties.
Lettuce Entertain You
Lettuce Entertain You is celebrating the season with its holiday gift card promotion: for every $100 in Lettuce Gift Cards purchased, guests receive a free $25 holiday bonus. Gift cards never expire, and the holiday bonus can be used Jan. 2 through April 15.
Roeper's Reviews: Spend or save
The giveaways continued with snacks perfect for movie watching.
Nuts on Clark
A Chicago icon for over 46 years, Nuts on Clark is a three-generation, women-owned family business known for gourmet popcorn, nuts and chocolates. With locations at O'Hare, Midway, Union Station, Soldier Field and national partnerships, their treats make perfect holiday gifts.
Fannie May
Fannie May Pixies are one of the brand's most iconic confections, featuring buttery caramel, fresh roasted pecans, and rich chocolate in every bite. This year, Pixies are available in a ready-to-gift holiday box in 1 lb. ($29.99) and 2 lb. ($55.99) sizes: an easy grab-and-go treat for hosts, gifting and entertaining.
Film critic Richard Roeper reviewed new movies hitting theaters.
'Avatar: Fire and Ash' (in theaters) - SPEND
This film is the third chapter in James Cameron's epic sci-fi saga.
'The Testament of Ann Lee' (in theaters) - SPEND
Amanda Seyfried stars in this historical drama about the founder of the Shakers religious sect.
'Song Sung Blue' (in theaters December 25th) - SPEND
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson star as a husband-and-wife Neil Diamond tribute duo from Milwaukee.
Leo High School Choir
The all-boys choir from Chicago's South Side is known for its powerful, high-energy performances and uplifting message. The group gained national recognition after placing fourth on "America's Got Talent" in 2025, shining a spotlight on their talent, hard work and the community they represent.
Beyond the national stage, the Leo High School Choir continues to inspire through performances at local events, school functions and community celebrations.
