[quote]By Stephanie Sorich
Profiles Editor
Graphic by Drew Danko
Photo courtesy of Alanscottwalker (Wikipedia)[/quote]

As we approach what will hopefully be a quick and painless final exam season, we can all see the light at the end of the stu(dying) sessions and scantrons: winter break.

However, for all of the hype and excitement winter break gets, too many of us seem to come back and laugh a little when we tell people “I just stayed home.” But we all silently fill with envy at those who either went to a gorgeous tropical location and returned with a tan, or somehow stayed and home and returned with more stories than you.

But for those of us staying home tend to forget that, just a train ride away, is a city full of holiday celebrations of all kinds. And between time with your friends, family, and maybe even someone you plan to kiss under the mistletoe, there’s a whole two weeks of fun to be had this winter break in the Windy City.

Things to do with family

If you’re anything like my family, you decorate the tree, watch “Elf” once or twice, and that is the basic extent of your holiday celebrations. Here are some things to try to get your family out and having fun.

The Morton Arboretum Illumination: Take your family’s illuminated tree and multiply it by the hundreds of thousands of trees and plants at the Morton Arboretum. Head here one night between Nov. 20 and Jan. 2 for a walk through a sparkling forest, and head to their delicious and natural cafe for a hot chocolate treat.

Museum of Science and Industry’s Christmas Around the World: MSI celebrates with a huge Christmas tree dedicated to the allies of WWII, as well as a “snow fall” every half an hour. Running through Jan. 3, let out your inner science nerd as well as your childhood Christmas spirit.

Things to do with friends

Ditch sitting around with your friends avoiding the cold and go out and make some memories this winter break. Train tickets are only seven bucks, after all.

Chicago window shopping: With the big tree up and lots of Secret Santa presents to buy, this is the perfect opportunity to get a cute holiday city picture with your friends while also finding presents for your friends and family.

Jingle Ball: Dec. 16 marks the night that Selena Gomez, Shawn Mendes, Fifth Harmony, and so many more will be playing right here in Chicago. The tickets can be on the pricier side, but if you were of the few students that worked Black Friday, you deserve the splurge.

Things to do with a date

Do you have a bae this holiday season? You are one of the lucky ones, so don’t waste it! 

Skating at the Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon: Who hasn’t dreamed about going on the date that Buddy and Jovie go on in New York City? Skate around this ice rink, with someone who’ll think the many times you slip and fall are actually cute, and you will be living the holiday date dream. The big Daley Plaza Christmas Tree was moved to Millennium Park this season, so it couldn’t be a more perfect opportunity. And don’t forget to stop for a cup of coffee (it won’t be the world’s best, but still).

Take a chocolate tour: That’s right, you can tour all of the best chocolate shops in Chicago. Through Groupon it’s $25 per person, and you and your date can spend the night having some of the tastiest treats in the city.