Here is a list of Free things to do in Chicago this Holiday Season:

1. Christkindlmarket - A slice of Old World Germany smack dab in the center of the city, this holiday market is a feast for the senses, with unique gifts, warm mugs of Gluhwein, and the aromas of roasted nuts and potato pancakes. Through Dec. 23. Washington and Dearborn Streets.

2. Caroling at Cloud Gate - Chicago’s newest Holiday tradition, now in its third year. Join the crowd of carolers for a festive sing-along at everyones favorite big bean in Millenium Park. Fridays through Dec. 19, 6-7pm. Randolph Street at Michigan Avenue.

3. Zoolights - Two million twinkling lights make for the ultimate enchanted evening at Lincoln Park Zoo. Even the animals stay awake late for the occasion, so pop into the indoor habitats for a quick thaw before heading back out the watch ice carvers, make holiday crafts and pay a visit to Santa. Weekends through Dec. 14; nightly Dec. 15-Jan4. Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive.

4. Macy’s Holiday Windows - These elaborately designed Holiday windows have been a tradition for more than 40 years. This time around, seven whimsical panes tell a magical story of how Macy’s famous Great Tree gets its trimmings. Through January 11. 111 N State St.

5. Ice Skating at Millennium Park - Surrounded by skyscrapers and in the shadow of the park’s “Bean”, its a perfectly picturesque spot to take a twirl. Through March 15, Skate Rental $10. Michgan Ave. between Washington and Madison St.

 If there are three foods that Chicago is famous for, they are pizza, hot dogs and Italian Beef. Talk about a “taste” of Chicago and yet still reasonably priced.

Al’s Italian Beef located two blocks from River North is Chicago’s #1 Italian Beef since 1938. A regular (6″) Italian Beef is only $3.59.  Visit www.AlsBeef.com.

At Portillo’s Hot Dogs a Chicago Style Dog starts at $2.45. Portillo’s is located just one block from River North Hotel.

A deep dish Chicago Style Pizza, while worth every penny, can sometimes become costly. We’ve found the perfect solution: At Pizzeria Ora,  located at 545 N LaSalle, you can get traditional deep dish pizza by the slice. The right amount of food at the right price! Visit www.pizzeriaora.com.

Start your day off right at the Ohio House diner. Just across the street from River North Hotel you can enjoy a breakfast of two eggs, two pancakes, two sausages and two bacon strips for only $4.55.

Historic Navy Pier® is Chicago’s lakefront playground. And it’s the Midwest’s #1 tourist and leisure destination, attracting more than 8.6 million visitors a year.
Navy Pier is the place where all of Chicagoland and tourists from around the world have come together since 1995 to enjoy the beauty and the thrills of a day on Lake Michigan. From rides to restaurants, exhibitions to entertainment, shopping to dining cruises and tour boats Navy Pier has it all - in a location unlike any other!
There’s so much to do in our 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and attractions.

There is no admission to Navy Pier you are free to stroll about as you please. All summer long Navy Pier offer twice weekly free fireworks displays.  Chicago’s FREE Navy Pier trolley can be boarded just three blocks from Best Western River North Hotel. There is a charge for some Navy Pier rides and attractions. The food court at Navy Pier offers a variety of affordable selections.

Lincoln Park Zoo is a world of wildlife in the shadow of skyscrapers. Located within a verdant park just minutes north of Chicago, the zoo has been a natural, free oasis for generations of animal lovers, who come to hear a lion’s roar echo off nearby apartment buildings, see gorillas climb trees as the Sears Tower looms in the distance, or forget where they are as they immerse themselves in tropical rainforests, dry-thorn forests or spacious savannas.

We invite you to the wildest spot in Chicago, where each year millions of visitors marvel at wild wonders as they play and learn about the natural world in a living, breathing, roaring classroom. Visit lpzoo.org for more information. Lincoln Park Zoo is a short bus or taxi ride from Best Western River North Hotel.

Millennium Park is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. The park is open daily from 6am-11pm. Admission is always free. The Welcome Center has information about the park, including maps and program schedules. The Welcome Center is located at 201 E Randolph St.  A variety of free Summer Activites has been planned.

Family Fun Festival - June 3-September 1, 2008 The Family Fun Festival will include kids and family performances, hand-on activites and theatrical special events.

Grant Park Music Festival In Millennium Park - June 11-August 16, 2008 Set in one of the world’s best outdoor summer concert venue’s, add to that the thrill of hearing the great classics of the symphonic repertory, the Chicago skyline in full view and all for free.

Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz - July 24 -August 25, 2008 - Six Free concerts culminating with the Chicago Jazz Festival August 28-31.

Many of Chicago’s world-class museums offer time slots where general admission is free. General Admission does not always include all exhibits, fees may apply for certain exhibits.

Chicago Childrens Musuem - Thursday Evenings Free. First Monday of each month children 15 and under are free.

Art Institute of Chicago - Tursdays 5pm-9pm

Museum of Contemporary Art - Tuesdays Free.

Shedd Aquarium - June 15-20, 2008 General Admission Free.

Museum Of Science and Industry - June 17-22, 2008 General Admission Free.

Field Museum of Natural History - June 9, July 14, August 11, 2008 General Admission Free.