Everyone knows that coming to Chicago is an adventure in architecture, food, the arts, shopping and sports! From a tourism perspective, there are endless ways to see all that Chicago has to offer. In the winter time, our options are a bit limited given the weather. Which is why our recent holiday celebration of artisan pizza from Max & Leo’s and a ride aboard the Chicago Trolley Holiday Lights Tour made for such a festive evening.
We started out at Max & Leo’s for its artisan pizza and wings. Made in 900 degree coal fired ovens, the pizza’s char crust is filled with creative ingredients from the always popular Margherita to the Brooksy (Mascarpone and sliced mozzarella, grilled chicken, caramelized onions and wild mushrooms) to L’Umina (ricotta cheese, sliced pears, caramelized onions, basil, fresh sliced prosciutto and drizzled organic wildflower honey) to many other varieties that you can see here.
The benefit of of the coal ovens is that it burns hotter, cleaner and dryer than a traditional wood-fired oven. The pizza’s crust is crispy and flavorful as a result.
(photo courtesy of Max & Leo’s)
Max & Leo’s is located at the entrance to King’s Bowl in the New City development. To learn more about this entertainment space from my visit this summer, take a peek here. As we enjoyed our cocktails from the craft cocktail bar like this homemade Moscow Mule
and dinner in the pizza lounge, we saw our decorated trolley arrive. Time to relax aboard the festively lit trolley. 
(photo courtesy of Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.)
When you come to Chicago any time of year, you can take a guided tour aboard the trolley cars and hear about the different areas of the city.
Until December 26, you have the opportunity to see all the twinkling holiday lights along The Magnificent Mile and Macy’s Holiday Windows with stops at the ChristkindlMarket for a little shopping and to wander The Lincoln Park Zoo to see the beautiful zoo lights and visit the animals. 
A bonus on the holiday tours is a visit from Sprinkles Cupcakes representatives who hand deliver a fresh and so delicious cupcake to enjoy on your tour. 
Tickets for the 2 1/2 hour tour can be found online at ChicagoTrolley.com. Given how popular this is, I would highly recommend you make reservations in advance. All Holiday Lights Tours begin and end at the John Hancock Plaza Tree located at 875 N. Michigan Avenue. If you are looking to do a private party event, the Holiday Lights Tour would be a very memorable option for your guests. For more information about this fun experience for locals and tourists, please visit Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.
Thanks for stopping by!
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What a delightful feast for the eyes and the stomach, Chicago looks beautiful:-)
This is beautiful. I’ve only been to Chicago once, but I’d love to go again. The trolley tour sounds great and the food wonderful! Beautiful photos. They gave a real feel to your article.
I can’t believe I’ve never been to Chicago- you’re making me want to start planning a trip. That pizza looks pretty amazing!!
I have never been to Chicago (at least not to stay – we’ve driven out from the airport), and this trolley tour looks like such a fun way to explore the city at Christmas! I would totally do it just for the cupcake! 🙂 And that pizza sounds awesome. Maybe next Christmas!
Hope you are able to visit. The lights are beautiful and the food in this city is legendary!
Looks like an incredible evening! That pizza looks amazing. Now I am really craving pizza and such a great way to see the lights! I have never been to Chicago before. Definitely need to visit during the holidays.
It’s definitely a wonderful time of year to be in Chicago. Hope you get to come sometime. Thanks!
Wow, these lights are so creative and amazing. It’s great for the holiday season. Hope to see it next year.