Illinois , USA

Ugly Sweater Food Tour

Active

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We invite you to join us on a holiday themed, festive and fun foodie adventure! This tour is just like our normal food tour, but with a holiday twist! Dig out those ugly Christmas sweaters and get ready to see the Hallmark of the Midwest in a new and foodie way. PLUS, rock out that ugly sweater and you will be in our contest to win a free tour! You will join your festive foodie guide down the famous Main Street of Galena enjoying some of the best food and drinks the town has to offer. Definitely bring an empty stomach and your holiday cheer!

Available options

Ugly Sweater Food Tour

What's included

All food is included in ticket price.

Water

5 Foodie Stops! Locations listed are subject to change.

Up to 3 alcoholic tastings! 21+ only can consume alcoholic beverages.

Gratuities for restaurant staff.

Holiday gift from Galena Foodie Adventures

Custom lanyard

Up to 10 tastings!

Detailed itinerary

Guests will enjoy a festive stroll through the Hallmark of the Midwest, Downtown Galena! Guests will see how the holidays bring the town to life all while enjoying the best food and drinks the town has to offer!

Guests will sample a flaky and soft empenada while learning about Alex and Geoff who now run the bakery.

Guests will enjoy a secret menu item. Guests will also get to try extra bonus tastings, holiday shopping and a special spirits and wine tasting.

Guests will explore the popular Root beer soda while digging dip into the rise of the specialty sodas taking the USA by storm.

Guests will enjoy a beer of their choosing while learning about the rich history of brewing here in Galena. Guests will also get the biggest food tastings at this location.

Guests will enjoy a locally craft tap beer while indulging in coastal delights and dessert!

What's not included

Gratuities for your Foodie Guide

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

There is one stair and one slight incline on the tour.

Late arrivals, in most cases if you can join by our first stop you can join the tour, afterwards you forfeit your tour without refund.

All guests will be asked to sign a General Liability Waiver at the meeting location prior to the tour starting.

At this time, we cannot accommodate those who are gluten free, dairy free or any other dietary restrictions or allergies. We can accommodate vegetarians if you let us know beforehand.

There is alcohol served on this tour. If someone in your party does not or cannot drink alcohol, please let us know beforehand.

Tastings are preset and cannot be changed unless for vegetarians and alcohol free guests. If you don’t let us know before hand, we cannot guarantee we can accommodate those two requests. We exclusively partner with all restaurants on the tours and have set menus to make the tour process easier.

Tastings and locations are subject to change without notice.

Meeting point

Your guide will be in a festive sweater of their own at Galena Bakehouse. Please meet at the stairs next to the Bakehouse.

About Illinois

Illinois is a state in the Midwestern United States known for its vibrant cities, rich history, and diverse landscapes. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the serene landscapes of Shawnee National Forest, Illinois offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Cloud Gate (The Bean)

Cloud Gate, also known as 'The Bean,' is a iconic public sculpture located in Millennium Park in Chicago. The reflective surface of the bean-shaped sculpture creates a distorted reflection of the city skyline and visitors.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It is the home of the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere and experience for baseball fans.

Sports 2-4 hours (depending on the game) Ticket prices vary

Shawnee National Forest

Shawnee National Forest is a beautiful natural area in southern Illinois, offering hiking, camping, and scenic drives. The forest is known for its diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and unique rock formations.

Nature Multiple days for a full experience Free or low-cost

Must-Try Local Dishes

Deep-Dish Pizza

A thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. It's a Chicago staple and a must-try for any visitor.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

A steamed all-beef hot dog topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, served on a poppy seed bun.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Italian Beef Sandwich

Thinly sliced beef cooked in its own juices and served on an Italian roll. It can be dipped in the juices for extra flavor.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Shawnee National Forest Rock climbing at Starved Rock State Park Kayaking on the Chicago River Spa treatments in downtown Chicago Picnicking in Millennium Park Yoga classes in Lincoln Park Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago Exploring the Museum of Science and Industry

Best Time to Visit

May to October

This period offers warm weather and is ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The summer months are particularly popular for beach visits and city events.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Polish, Chinese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Illinois is generally safe for travelers, with most visits being trouble-free. However, like any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Some areas, particularly in Chicago, can be more dangerous, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night

Getting there

By air

O'Hare International Airport • 26 km from downtown Chicago
Midway International Airport • 13 km from downtown Chicago

By train

Chicago Union Station

By bus

Chicago Bus Terminal, Peoria Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The 'L' is a convenient and affordable way to get around Chicago, with eight color-coded lines serving the city and its suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

The Loop Wicker Park Lincoln Park

Day trips

Naperville

45 km from Chicago • Half day to full day

Naperville is a charming suburban town located just outside of Chicago. It offers a mix of historic architecture, beautiful parks, and a vibrant downtown area with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Starved Rock State Park

130 km from Chicago • Full day

Starved Rock State Park is a beautiful natural area located in northern Illinois. The park is known for its stunning sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Galena

260 km from Chicago • Full day to overnight

Galena is a charming historic town located in northern Illinois. It's known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, wineries, and scenic views of the Mississippi River. Galena is a popular destination for those interested in history, wine, and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Lollapalooza • Early August Chicago Jazz Festival • Late August to early September Chicago Marathon • Early October

Pro tips

Visit the Skydeck at Willis Tower for a breathtaking view of the city, especially at sunset
Take an architecture boat tour to learn about Chicago's iconic buildings and their history
Explore the diverse neighborhoods of Chicago, each with its own unique character and attractions
Try deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and other local specialties at iconic eateries
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States