CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The pandemic has touched every aspect of city living, but few areas of Chicago have been hit harder by the economic fallout of COVID-19, like downtown Chicago.
Work from home rules have cleared out Loop skyscrapers of the estimated 370,000 people who used to work downtown before the pandemic. The cancellation of conventions and trade shows has hurt restaurants and hotels. Many holiday traditions, like the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza have been postponed or pushed online because of COVID. That means fewer tourists shopping on North Michigan Avenue, holiday dinners at restaurants, and office holiday parties.
The Chicago Loop Alliance wants people to know that some holiday traditions are still happening. The group has curated a list of events that are still operating within the parameters of the new statewide COVID-19 restrictions that took effect Friay.
Kiana DiStasi of the Chicago Loop Alliance said it's a way to help the Loop during a trying time.
"We like to say The Loop is everyone's neighborhood. It truly is. It is where people from all over the city come to work and play and visit. If it's not thriving, we're feeling that from throughout the entire city," DiStasi said.
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Some holiday traditions do persist in this time of social distancing. For example, the holiday window displays at the old Marshall Field's store on State Street will be up and running.
"Macy's is still doing their historic State Street holiday windows. That's been a tradition since 1870," DiStasi said.
You can find the list at loopchicago.com/holidays.