Chestnut Stand, Chicago, 1977Christmas shoppers buy chestnuts, Chicago, 1977. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Loop Alliance Collection, Box 6, Folder 11, Image 6.
Christmas Music Broadcast, 1940Mayor Edward J. Kelly (right) and State Street Council President David Mayer, Jr. looked on as Douglas Beattie, Basso of the Chicago Opera Company, opened the State Street Council’s broadcasting of Christmas music for shoppers, 1940. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Loop Alliance Collection, Oversize Box 2, Folder 4.
Christmas Caroling, Chicago, 1978Christmas carolers sing for shoppers, Chicago, 1978. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Loop Alliance Collection, Box 6, Folder 17, Image 12.
Christmas Shoppers, Chicago, 1979Christmas Shoppers, Chicago, 1979. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Loop Alliance Collection, Box 6, Folder 17, Image 13.
Christmas will be here in just a few days. Have you finished your shopping?
These days, last-minute Christmas shopping usually involves a click on a screen and waiting for the items to arrive at your house. Not so long ago, though, Chicagoans got all dressed up and traveled downtown to do their holiday shopping.
Take a break from your digital to-do list and check out these images of holiday shopping on Chicago's State Street from our Chicago Loop Alliance Collection. You can even stay in your pajamas. Share your own memories of downtown holiday shopping in the comments below.
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