Lansing Historical Society Festival of Lights to open

One of the highlights of the season for me is the Festival of Lights exhibit at the Lansing Historical Society. I'm vice president of the society, which means I am the program director and I always enjoy selecting the program for November when our Festival of Lights exhibits opens. For several of the programs, I have booked musical groups that have performed holiday songs. This year the entertainment comes from veteran actor Terry Lynch, who will perform as St. Nick in "The Legend of St. Nicholas." Following the family-friendly program, the museum will be open for viewing of the trees. The exhibit includes nearly 3 dozen trees and holiday scenes.

The Lansing Historical Museum is located in the lower level of the Lansing Public Library at School Street and Indiana Ave. in Lansing, Illinois. For more information, go to www.lansinghistoricalsociety.org.

Dine with Santa on the Spirit of Chicago

Santa will be trading in his sleigh on December 13 in favor of a cruise ship and he's inviting his young fans to sail along with him on a lunch cruise. A newly designed menu will feature a variety of fresh, organic dishes and kid favorites (like meatballs and mini desserts) on the two-hour tour. Check out the press release below for further details.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO LAKE MICHIGAN

Enjoy a Special Family Day Aboard the Spirit of Chicago with Santa

CHICAGO, IL (Nov. 20, 2014) - Christmas is coming early to the Spirit of Chicago. On Saturday, December 13, families are welcome aboard the Spirit of Chicago for a day of Christmas fun on the Santa Lunch Cruise. This cruise is the perfect start to a season full of holiday cheer with DJ entertainment and, of course, a visit from the big man in red. Guests can admire breathtaking views of Chicago's skyline on the Spirit of Chicago's climate-controlled ship and children will make lasting memories with a photo opportunity with Santa. 

The Santa Lunch Cruise will feature the newly redesigned Spirit of Chicago lunch menu that incorporates fresh, organic ingredients to satisfy all cruisers. The menu includes tasty starters like Organic Spinach and Kale Salad, as well as a Mediterranean Couscous and Chickpea Salad. Main course options include Roast Salmon & Tilapia, Chicken Parmesan Meatballs and Roast Broccoli. The meal ends on a sweet note with assorted mini desserts and fresh fruit. 

Don't miss out on this festive family activity for the holiday season. Give your children a special memory and reserve the Spirit of Chicago Santa Lunch Cruise today. 

All prices below are per person and do not yet include taxes and other fees; 40% off for children.  Complete menus, photos and further details are available upon request. 

SPIRIT OF CHICAGO SANTA LUNCH CRUISE 

Board 12:30 p.m., Cruise 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

From $42.90 for adults and $25.95 for children (3-12 years)*

*Prices do not include taxes or fees

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 888.957.2634 or by visiting http://www.spiritcruises.com/chicago/cruises/specialty/santa-lunch.

General Information

Odyssey Cruises, Spirit of Chicago, Mystic Blue Cruises, Seadog Cruises and Chicago Elite Cruises are part of Chicago-based Entertainment Cruises.

The Spirit of Chicago, Seadog, and The Odyssey received the Trip Advisor 2014 Excellence Award

The Odyssey received Illinois Meetings + Events magazine's 2013 readers' choice Best of Award.

The Spirit of Chicago and The Odyssey received a 2014 Editor's Choice for Best in Boats from Chicago Traveler.

Entertainment Cruises' fleet was voted as a "Best of Knot Weddings" for 2012, 2013 and 2014.

The Spirit of Chicago received Chicago Parent's Best Places to Flirt in the Best Places for Chicago Parents in 2013.

Seadog Cruises received top ratings and a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor in 2012 and 2013. 

Odyssey was named the "Best Cruise Line in Chicago" by Destination Guide in 2012. 

Seadog Extreme was awarded the "Best Kid-Friendly Thrill" by Time Out Chicago KIDS in 2012.

Entertainment Cruises received the Silver Award from NTA's Courier Magazine in the "Favorite Sightseeing Cruise Line" category in 2012. 

Odyssey was named a 2012 Top Rated Restaurant & received a certificate of recognition from Restaurant.com.

Odyssey was recognized for having a 4 out of 5 stars from Yelp & received the "People Love Us" award in 2012.

The Odyssey was named the Best of Boats/Charters/Cruises by the Illinois Meetings + Events Magazine in 2011 and 2012.

Odyssey was named a "Concierge Favorite" by Concierge Preferred in 2011. 

About The Chicago Elite

The Elite is Chicago's most innovative dining and entertainment experience. The private charter yacht is available as a private event space for parties of up to 150 guests. Featuring two interior salons, an expansive bar and lounge on main deck and a finely appointed dining room on second deck. Top deck features a contemporary roof top style outside lounge with unparalleled waterfront views of Chicago's award winning skyline and architecture. Chicago Elite offers a completely customizable event on a private yacht for a meeting, wedding or unique gathering. For more information, visit www.eliteprivateyachts.com.

About The Odyssey

The Odyssey's 749-passenger ship, the largest cruise vessel to ply the waters of Lake Michigan, is unrivaled in luxury and recipient of Concierge Favorite and Best of The Knot awards in 2012.  The Odyssey, at 200-ft. long and 55-ft. high, is equipped with three climate controlled decks, an outdoor observation deck, three indoor bars, dance floors, and exceptional skyline views from bow to stern.  Odyssey's distinguished service and experiences cater to all tastes and senses. For more information, visit www.odysseycruises.com.

About Spirit of Chicago

Spirit of Chicago's festive, four-story ship has been creating high-energy fun from beginning to end as it cruises along Chicago's lakefront. The 192-ft. ship sails year-round and features a vibrant interior of three climate-controlled dining decks with new bars and dance floors and panoramic windows.  For more information, visit www.spiritofchicago.com. 

About Mystic Blue

Featuring a contemporary décor with sleek, silvery-blue interiors, Mystic Blue boasts an outdoor lounge with modern furniture, and three enclosed decks with the largest picture windows of any dinner boat on Lake Michigan. From parties of two to 600, Mystic Blue is the place for cool music, delicious food and drinks, top-notch service and unbeatable views from every table. For more information, visit www.mysticbluecruises.com. 

About Seadog 

One of the most popular attractions at Navy Pier, Seadog has thrilled over 1,000,000 people. Seadog offers three turbo-charged excursions from a 30-minute Speedboat Lake Tour, a 75-minute Lake and River Architectural Tour, and the most horse-powered vessel on the water, a 30-minute Extreme Thrill Ride. Dogs cruise free (based on availability). Seadog operates April - October, weather permitting. For more information, visit www.seadogcruises.com.