CHICAGO – Two Magellanic penguins from the Shedd Aquarium’s FANTASEA show joined representatives from Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA), Shedd Aquarium and the Illinois Bureau of Tourism today to announce the first-ever Winter WonderLoop celebration.
 
Organized by CLA, Winter WonderLoop is a seven-week collection of about 100 new holiday Loop events, traditional festivities and special discounts and packages at participating stores, restaurants, hotels and cultural institutions.

“We designed Winter WonderLoop to acknowledge and celebrate the scores of holiday events and offerings in the Loop,” said Ty Tabing, executive director of CLA. “Building upon traditional holiday favorites, our retail, restaurant, hotel and cultural members have created special discounts and promotions, which will attract visitors from the Chicago region and beyond to the Loop during the celebratory season.”

Beginning November 14, Loop visitors can participate in amusing holiday events, such as “Merry Mistletoe.” Elves will roam the Loop to take pictures of people kissing under a ball of mistletoe. Kissers can then view their photos at the Merry Mistletoe online gallery at winterwonderloop.com.

In addition to treasured holiday festivities, such as the The Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker and Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Daley Plaza, many Loop retailers are offering special holiday events. Macy’s on State Street will host Santa Breakfasts, where children will enjoy festive entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus himself.

Several hotels and restaurants are offering special packages and promotions. Hard Rock Hotel Chicago’s “Hard Rock for the Holidays” package includes a Macy’s gift card and a slew of in-room treats. The Palmer House Hilton’s “Holiday Tea in Lobby and Special Chocolate Lounge” includes tea and specialty chocolate creations with the Palmer House chef. Chicago’s Essex Inn’s “Holiday Shopping Getaway” features special accommodations, holiday savings from Loop retailers and a free shuttle.

Some of the holiday offerings are FANTASEA-related to highlight the special partnership between CLA and Shedd Aquarium, which will bring the FANTASEA-themed Streetscape Program to State Street with eye-catching models of dolphins and penguins in planters. Additionally, Shedd is partnering with State Street retailers to offer special discounts and surprises to those who text SHEDD to 69866 throughout the holiday season.

“For those who are looking for something fun to do with their friends and family in the city this holiday season, and to save some money, we encourage taking advantage of these many special events, discounts and offerings which are available through the end of December,” said Tabing.

For a full listing of the Loop’s holiday offerings, special discounts and daily promotions, please visit www.winterwonderloop.com.

Shedd Aquarium’s new multi-species show, FANTASEA is designed to connect guests to the animals and the living world at the highest level. FANTASEA brings together for the first time beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, penguins, sea lions, and birds of prey in a single show experience. Opened October 16, 2009, FANTASEA, Powered by ComEd, runs several times daily and is included with the purchase of a Shedd Pass. For more information about Shedd Aquarium, the Oceanarium and FANTASEA, visit www.sheddaquarium.org.

About Chicago Loop Alliance
The mission of Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) is to strengthen the Loop’s competitive position as a mixed-use destination and contribute to Chicago’s standing as a world-class city and tourist attraction. CLA supports and advances the interests of its members through advocacy, networking, partnerships and promotions. For more information, visit www.chicagoloopalliance.com.