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Christmas on State Street (Adults)

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This illustrated talk by historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., traces the history of Christmas celebrations on Chicago's State Street.

For decades, Christmas in Chicago meant a trip or two to State Street to see the big department stores. And the stores went all-out for Christmas! Historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., traces the history of Christmas celebrations on State Street. Photographs, ads, postcards, menus, and memorabilia trace cherished traditions — from the animated window displays and the Christmas parade to beloved characters like Uncle Mistletoe, the Cinnamon Bear, and of course, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It’s a heart-warming, nostalgic look back at the holidays of our youth!

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