Have your kids ever wondered where Santa stays when he comes to Chicago? Now you can SHOW them! The Santa Suite is located in the Presidential Suite on the 41st floor of the Swissotel Chicago, and all families are invited free of charge to view and visit the Big Guy this season. Kick off your ultimate holiday experience in Chicago with a visit to Santa’s HQ, check out the schedule here!
This lavishly-decorated suite pays attention to every single Santa-related detail, and kids will delight in discovering Santa’s closet stocked with spare suits, table places set for characters from the Island of Misfit Toys, and a letter writing station for holiday wish lists.
Twelve uniquely decorated Christmas trees are scattered throughout, as well as a massive gingerbread house and a roaring fireplace. They also have rotating pop up shops so you can cross some shopping off your list! These adorable items are from Lola and the Boys:
My family and I had the honor of a private morning to spend in the Santa Suite together, complete with a mimosa bar, hot chocolate station, and an amazing array of holiday cookies and sweet treats. We had Santa all to ourselves, which allowed little Miss Charlotte to sneak peeks around the corner multiple times until she was ready for a visit.
Her brother eventually held her hand and walked with her to see Santa, standing by her side the whole time. There is no better Christmas gift than seeing kindness among your own children, and the experience we had at the Swissotel Santa Suite allowed for this incredible moment to occur.
If you would like to start a holiday tradition with friends and family, the Santa Suite is an incredible option. They offer private events up to 90 minutes in the 5-room 2,000 ft. Presidential Suite with views of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier.
Add a visit from Santa Claus and allow your children a moment that they will remember forever. Packages for 12 people (90 minutes) start at $500 inclusive of tax and gratuity, and you can add a Santa visit for an additional $200.
Imagine starting here and continuing on to other Chicago holiday traditions like the Christkindlmarket or ice skating at Millenium Park. Book your private party here! They can accommodate up to 100 people, so book that holiday party here instead of the same old restaurant or bar.
Want to make a night of it? Book an Elf-Decorated Room complete with milk & cookies and a personalized letter from Santa himself.
The Swissotel is a four-diamond all-glass award-winning luxury hotel and features wrap-around views and top-notch European-style service.
In addition to the fantasty land that is the Swiss Santa Suite, they also have Pop-Up Events for kids to enjoy. My kids were treated to crafts from Make to Celebrate, a local brand known for creating stylish craft activities with kids in mind.
Here is your itinerary for the Ultimate Holiday Experience in Chicago:
10am- Ice Skating in Millenium Park
11am- Santa Suite at the Swissotel with a visit from Santa (Santa visits on Saturdays from 11am-4pm; check schedule for dates and times)
12pm- Lunch, Glühwein, and shopping at the Christkindlmarket
2pm- Walk by the Macy’s windows, pop inside and view the 45 ft. tall tree from the 8th floor
4pm- Head to Lincoln Park Zoo for ZooLights or Museum of Science and Industry for Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
I sincerely hope you enjoy the holiday experience in Chicago. I am constantly finding new ways to feel the special joy that comes in December…ok, maybe the Glühwein helps 😉
Cheers to celebrating holiday traditions with your family!
Disclosure: The Swissotel hosted my family and I for a private event for review purposes. All opinions are honest and my own as always.
