2008 Toys for Tots Campaign,
originally uploaded by Best Western River North Hotel Chicago.

Thanks to the generousity of many River North Hotel guest and staff members, many kids will be having a happy holiday season. Best Western River North was able to donate a full box of new toys.

Best Western River North started the 2008 Holiday Season with a roar. The roar of an engine that is. In this years 2008 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade, almost 1 million spectators viewed Best Western’s #99 NASCAR street car and our 10 foot Best Western helium balloon as Mickey Mouse lit up the famed Michigan Avenue. The parade was prodcast live on ABC7, and then syndicated to 44% of the nation. Other parade sponsors included, Walt Disney World, Harris Bank, American Girl Store and more!

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.

On April 14, 2007 the United States Olympic Committee selected Chicago as the US Bid City for the 2016 Games. Chicago will now compete with other international cities for the honor of the Official 2016 Host City. The final decision on which city will host the 2016 Games will be made in October 2009. Learn more about Chicago’s bid for the Olympics at www.chicago2016.org

NASCAR Street Tour at River North,
originally uploaded by Best Western River North Hotel Chicago.

This July the NASCAR Street Tour makes River North Hotel it’s home away from home while in Chicago. The NASCAR Street Tour visits festivals and events to expose and educated attendees about the excitement of NASCAR. Here we see River North Hotel employee Antonio Enochs with the Street Tour Ford F150.

Best Western is the Offical Hotel of NASCAR.

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Rejuvenate your spirit and soothe your senses with a healing treatment at one of Chicago’s world-renowned spas. After an exciting day of shopping and sightseeing, indulge in a therapeutic massage or body wrap . . . and feel your stress melt away. Can you say “Chicaaaaahhhhhhhgo?”

From Oprah Winfrey to Vince Vaughn, Chicago is a celebrity rich town and the production site of some of the best-known movies to be filmed east of Hollywood, including “The Blues Bothers” and “Ocean’s Eleven.” Come experience Chicago, and you may get a peek at the stars!