If you’re looking for holiday cheer in Chicago you go to Michigan Ave, in New York to Times Square, in San Francisco to Union Square and in South Bend…Winding Brook. Although it’s technically in Mishawaka, this neighborhood is the area’s epicenter of holiday decorations. Thousands of cars will file through to marvel at the dozens of homes that have been decorated with lights, snowmen, Santas, sleighs and more. I drove through it last night when there were carolers singing to the traffic. For an even more memorable visit, go at dusk on Christmas Eve, when the streets will be lined with thousands of paper-bagged candles, known to the residents as “luminaries.”
Winding Brook is indeed nice. I drove through there last night as well (with my husband – the writer of this blog). I have to point out though that the drive over there from our South Side home was just as nice. In fact, Christmas lights are great in many areas. Maybe the mild winter we’ve been blessed with has allowed more people the time to get out and become their own “Griswolds”. I’m not taking away from the traditional drive through Winding Brook that many families have adopted as part of their Christmas tradition, but don’t discount any of the numerous other festive neighborhoods around town.
Happy Holidays!