When it comes to the holidays, Rosemont becomes Chicagoland’s playground.
It’s intentional as the village rolls out the welcome mat and pulls out all the stops to give everyone the holiday feels since Mayor Brad Stephens says he really loves how the holidays bring everyone together and kindness rules. Whether families visit Rosemont to play, find great deals and unique finds at Fashion Outlets of Chicago, enjoy all that the Parkway Bank Park entertainment district offers or see the sights at AMAZE Light Festival, there’s something to fit everyone’s interest.
Stephens says he’s especially proud the Public Safety Department and the rest of the village of Rosemont staff works so hard to make it a safe, welcoming place where people are sure to have a good time.
He says he sees the efforts this time of year as a way to show visitors gratitude for coming back again and again. “We’re happy you visited us once, we’re glad you are coming back and hopefully you’ll leave with a great story at the end of your visit.”
Read on to find what awaits you.
Fun for all and food for every taste
Visit for a few hours, spend the entire day or make it a staycation weekend because Rosemont has it all, no matter what you might be looking for.
Free is a great word for the family budget, especially at the holidays. That’s why families love the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink, which is free to skate if you bring your own skates (skate rental is $8). It’s open daily through Jan. 4, plus select Sundays and holidays through Feb. 27.
Rosemont itself has more than 80,000 holiday lights to see throughout the village, sure to put families in the holiday mood. But this year, the village upped the ante when Impact Field converted into a holiday wonderland for families with AMAZE Light Festival, featuring more than 1 million lights, trackless train and tubing hill. It is one of the largest in the nation.
In the entertainment district, families also can check out indoor skydiving at iFLY, do a little bowling and or catch a show at the Rosemont Theatre. Little bellies will be happy with the variety of food to choose from, too, in the 200,000-square-foot complex, covering the gambit from upscale international to pub eats to pizza to sweet treats. Another bonus: Parking is easy and free with validation for any of the park’s venues.
Holiday shopping made easy
Santa loves the award-winning Fashion Outlets of Chicago and he’s set up shop to visit all the good girls and boys until Dec. 24, with options to socially distant if parents desire. Plus, on Mondays through Dec. 20, even the furry members of the family can see the big man. For each photo purchased during Pet Nights, Fashion Outlets of Chicago donates $5 to Friends of Animal Care & Control, who work to save Chicago’s neediest animals.
While there, help Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago by donating a gently used or new coat and accessories through Dec. 15. In exchange, get a $10 treat at one of four places in the food court (Haagen-Dazs, Cinco De Mayo, Freshii and Cinnabon, yes please!).
While the two-story mall is decked out for the holidays, it’s a great place to bring the family when Old Man Winter brings on cabin fever. Go for a stroll around the mall and try the fun, free scavenger hunt created, snapping a few pics along the way, or visit one of the more than 130 designer outlets, all in warm, bright space, says Katie L. Walsh, Senior Marketing Manager at Fashion Outlets.
Fun fact: It clusters all of the child-focused stores together in the children’s wing to make finding something special all that much easier. Still, moms won’t want to pass up peeking at some of the world-class brands in the mall, such as Prada, Versace and the newly expanded lululemon. Dads can even visit Tapville Social to try regional beers and ciders and take their beverage with them as they shop.
Parking is free in the “smart” garage that makes it so easy to find a spot. Another bonus, sign up for the Fashion Outlets Savings Pass for $5 and get up to $800 in special offers and incentives for the entire year.
“I really feel we have a diverse mix of stores here, so there’s really something for everyone,” Walsh says. “You can really bring the whole family here for an experience.”
Content sponsored by Village of Rosemont and Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Learn more at rosemont.com and fashionoutletsofchicago.com.
