Washington Post travel reporter Natalie Compton joins Pete McMurray to talk about the hottest destinations for Spring Break and the tips and tricks for saving big money when you want to get away.

Washington Post travel reporter Natalie Compton joins Pete McMurray to talk about the hottest destinations for Spring Break and the tips and tricks for saving big money when you want to get away.

When our regular hosts are away, the fill-in hosts will play. Enjoy the content of the pinch hitters from Garry Meier to Ray Stevens to Rob Johnson and more.

When our regular hosts are away, the fill-in hosts will play. Enjoy the content of the pinch hitters from Garry Meier to Ray Stevens to Rob Johnson and more.

PINCH HITTERS

Is It Too Late to Save on Spring Break Travel?

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN: Check out Santa’s Trolley Express at the Fox River Trolley Museum in Elgin. Celebrate the season with a heartwarming holiday train ride that’s bursting with nostalgia, joy, and festive wonder! Climb aboard our beautifully decorated 1950s vintage elevated cars and journey down an authentic train line dating back to 1896—an unforgettable adventure your entire family will cherish. As the train rolls along, the magic continues with a very special guest—Santa Claus himself—who will visit each family for merry chats, posing for cheerful selfies, and spreading holiday cheer that will delight both kids and grown-ups alike.
Before your ride begins, cozy up and sip a steaming cup of delicious hot chocolate served from our historic 1924 train car, brimming with vintage holiday décor. The station is beautifully adorned with twinkling lights, holiday melodies, and timeless Christmas charm, creating the perfect atmosphere to kick off your festive adventure.

Each day has several rides from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more info: go to @exploreelgin
IF YOU'RE FEELING OUTDOORSY:  Check out the Winter Walk and Bonfire at Big Marsh Park in Chicago. Join Big Marsh staff for a journey through the beautiful landscape of Big Marsh Park followed by hot cocoa around an outdoor fire. You will walk 2-3 miles on mostly paved paths but will be ready to adapt the route and pace based on weather conditions and group needs. Come dressed in layers, ready to be outside for 2 hours. For more info: @chicagoparks

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A FEEL-GOOD HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE: Check out Operation North Pole Returning to DES Convention Center this Saturday! Founded in 2009, Operation North Pole is a volunteer-based public charity that provides a magical holiday experience for families with children battling life-threatening illnesses. This year’s event will once again transform 28,000 square feet of the Convention Center into a winter wonderland filled with joy, laughter and the true spirit of the season. For more info: https://www.facebook.com/ONPChicago/

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN: Check out Santa&rsquo;s Trolley Express at the Fox River Trolley Museum in Elgin. Celebrate the season with a heartwarming holiday train ride that&rsquo;s bursting with nostalgia, joy, and festive wonder! Climb aboard our beautifully decorated 1950s vintage elevated cars and journey down an authentic train line dating back to 1896&mdash;an unforgettable adventure your entire family will cherish. As the train rolls along, the magic continues with a very special guest&mdash;Santa Claus himself&mdash;who will visit each family for merry chats, posing for cheerful selfies, and spreading holiday cheer that will delight both kids and grown-ups alike. Before your ride begins, cozy up and sip a steaming cup of delicious hot chocolate served from our historic 1924 train car, brimming with vintage holiday d&eacute;cor. The station is beautifully adorned with twinkling lights, holiday melodies, and timeless Christmas charm, creating the perfect atmosphere to kick off your festive adventure.
Each day has several rides from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more info: go to <a>@exploreelgin</a> IF YOU'RE FEELING OUTDOORSY:&nbsp; Check out the Winter Walk and Bonfire at Big Marsh Park in Chicago.&nbsp;Join Big Marsh staff for a journey through the beautiful landscape of Big Marsh Park followed by hot cocoa around an outdoor fire. You will walk 2-3 miles on mostly paved paths but will be ready to adapt the route and pace based on weather conditions and group needs. Come dressed in layers, ready to be outside for 2 hours. For more info:&nbsp;<a>@chicagoparks</a>
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A FEEL-GOOD HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE: Check out Operation North Pole Returning to DES Convention Center this Saturday! Founded in 2009, Operation North Pole is a volunteer-based public charity that provides a magical holiday experience for families with children battling life-threatening illnesses. This year&rsquo;s event will once again transform 28,000 square feet of the Convention Center into a winter wonderland filled with joy, laughter and the true spirit of the season. For more info: <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FONPChicago%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMichael.Garay%40cumulus.com%7C494efc0d7d424f352bee08de3bfab47a%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C639014145142405927%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=sFGgxcEnK6i2FTk8h2l%2B0K4KN5JWw2PrkhRBOXdEkWM%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://www.facebook.com/ONPChicago/</a>

Social with Steph - 12/19/25 - It's Almost Christmas - Some Suggestions for Holiday Fun!

Hey Chicago! Feeling the chill? YOU can still be merry! Here's your weekend roundup: 

IF YOU'RE FEELING FESTIVE AND SPOOKY: Check out 13th Floor Chicago's Krampus: The Fright Before Christmas Haunted House! This haunted house is ONLY open this weekend! For tix and more info: @13thfloorchicago

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A HOLLY JOLLY DATE NIGHT: Check out Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs 'A Christmas Carol' Again at Theatre Wit in Chicago! This Jeff Award-winning solo show presents an intimate and slightly absurd portrayal of the famous author: now over 200 years old, Dickens finds himself once again booked to perform his overly familiar Christmas tale — just as he has every December since 1853. This show is only 1 hour 35 minutes with no intermission. For tix and more info: @theaterwit

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOME MERRY SIPS: Check out the Holiday High Tea in Highland Park-  Join Secret World Books and Love That Spice at Curt’s Cafe (1766 Second St.) on December 13 for Holiday High Tea! Enjoy health-boosting teas from Love That Spice & Tea alongside savory and sweet treats from Curt’s Cafe. Discover the health benefits and ideal pairings of different teas, and grab some tea-related books from Secret World Books. This will be a delightful afternoon to spend with friends, family, and neighbors. For tix and more info: @enjoyhighlandpark

Hey Chicago! Feeling the chill? YOU can still be merry! Here's your weekend roundup:&nbsp;
IF YOU'RE FEELING FESTIVE AND SPOOKY: Check out 13th Floor Chicago's Krampus: The Fright Before Christmas Haunted House! This haunted house is ONLY open this weekend! For tix and more info: @13thfloorchicago
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A HOLLY JOLLY DATE NIGHT: Check out <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaterwit.org%2Ftickets%2Fproductions%2F564%2Fperformances%23top&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMichael.Garay%40cumulus.com%7C1a00acf31b3941960c6608de38c6ad3a%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C639010623176204451%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=NhTmd%2Fx%2FUW8bK02%2BWT%2FpDWpnBOkViHV%2FeZvEdrvupZU%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs 'A Christmas Carol' Again</a>&nbsp;at Theatre Wit in Chicago! This Jeff Award-winning solo show presents an intimate and slightly absurd portrayal of the famous author: now over 200 years old, Dickens finds himself once again booked to perform his overly familiar Christmas tale &mdash; just as he has every December since 1853. This show is only 1 hour 35 minutes with no intermission. For tix and more info:&nbsp;<a>@theaterwit</a>
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOME MERRY SIPS: Check out the Holiday High Tea in Highland Park-&nbsp;&nbsp;Join Secret World Books and Love That Spice at Curt&rsquo;s Cafe (1766 Second St.) on December 13 for Holiday High Tea! Enjoy health-boosting teas from <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovethatspice.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMichael.Garay%40cumulus.com%7C1a00acf31b3941960c6608de38c6ad3a%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C639010623176226747%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=TTxCy%2FAlmzEFXIfXH3Rm1%2Bbfz3%2FsjQO1klvVPRQ765U%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Love That Spice &amp; Tea</a>&nbsp;alongside savory and sweet treats from&nbsp;<a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcurtscafe.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMichael.Garay%40cumulus.com%7C1a00acf31b3941960c6608de38c6ad3a%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C639010623176243339%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=aZy3QaH3nkBTWruvWv9lY9I%2BH9GwBsDwU9cAU53mMTQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Curt&rsquo;s Cafe</a>. Discover the health benefits and ideal pairings of different teas, and grab some tea-related books from&nbsp;<a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.secretworldbooks.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMichael.Garay%40cumulus.com%7C1a00acf31b3941960c6608de38c6ad3a%7Ce5d6709fbecf4b058cee37f5a62617c4%7C0%7C0%7C639010623176259945%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=48Uw%2BheE2h7nHb%2BhE%2Bao%2FcM1HHAigizYQJCRdh9p2jU%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="3">Secret World Books</a>. This will be a delightful afternoon to spend with friends, family, and neighbors. For tix and more info:&nbsp;<a>@enjoyhighlandpark</a>

Social with Steph - 12/12/25 - Chill Out Indoors this Weekend!!

🎄IF YOU'RE FEELING FIT: CHECK OUT THE SANTA HUSTLE IN CHICAGO!  The Santa Hustle at Soldier Field offers a variety of races, including a kids’ dash at 8 a.m., a 5K at 8:15 a.m. and a 10K at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds will help Cal’s Angels, a pediatric cancer foundation. For registration and more information, check them out at @santahustle

🎄IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FESTIVE FAMILY FUN: CHECK OUT THE HAMMOND HOLIDAY PARADE! The City of Hammond and Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. will be hosting their annual Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 6 at 10:00 am. The Holiday Parade will start at Gavit High School and ends at the Hammond Sportsplex. For more info: @alongthesouthshore

🎄 IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT: CHECK OUT MIDWEST FUR FEST!  The Midwest FurFest and the Fursuit Dance Competition has been a premiere event at the convention since 2011. It’s a place for the best dancers in the fandom to strut their stuff and entertain a massive audience while they compete for the glory of coming out on top. For tix and more info: @furfest

🎄 IF YOU'RE FEELING JOLLY AND SPORTY: CHECK OUT THE UGLY SWEATER ROUND ROBIN PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT in Highland Park at Club Pickle & Padel. Bring your holiday spirit and your ugliest sweater to the courts for a fun-filled round robin pickleball tournament! Players will rotate through matches in a social, competitive format while showing off their festive attire. Prizes will be awarded for play as well as for the ‘best’ ugly sweater. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the season with laughter, friendly competition and plenty of holiday cheer! Must sign up with a partner.  Price: $25/player ($50/team) For more info: @parkdistrictofhighlandpark

👹 IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SPOOKY: Check out the Krampus Bazaar Presented by The World Oddities Expo. The World Oddities Expo is a traveling oddities festival- a peculiar paradise where weird thrives! We pride ourselves on being an all-inclusive artisan and small business fueled mega-convention. We feature artists, vendors, performers, educators, and guest speakers to create a macabre and magical experience for all! For more info: @desconventioncenter

🎄 IF YOU WANT TO RAISE YOUR HOLIDAY SPIRITS: CHECK OUT THE SOUTHPORT HOLIDAY COCKTAIL CRAWL! Kick off your Holiday Season on the Southport corridor! Stroll to different businesses tasting cocktails along the way. This ticketed Cocktail Crawl features two routes and takes place alongside some great Holiday festivities like carolers, photos with Santa, holiday treats, and other surprises. For more info: @lakeviewroscoevillage

🎄IF YOU'RE FEELING FIT: CHECK OUT THE SANTA HUSTLE IN CHICAGO!&nbsp;&nbsp;The Santa Hustle at Soldier Field offers a variety of races, including a kids&rsquo; dash at 8 a.m., a 5K at 8:15 a.m. and a 10K at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds will help Cal&rsquo;s Angels, a pediatric cancer foundation. For registration and more information, check them out at&nbsp;<a>@santahustle</a>
🎄IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR FESTIVE FAMILY FUN: CHECK OUT THE HAMMOND HOLIDAY PARADE! The City of Hammond and Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. will be hosting their annual Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 6 at 10:00 am. The Holiday Parade will start at Gavit High School and&nbsp;ends&nbsp;at the Hammond Sportsplex. For more info:&nbsp;<a>@alongthesouthshore</a>
🎄 IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT: CHECK OUT MIDWEST FUR FEST!&nbsp;&nbsp;The Midwest FurFest and the Fursuit Dance Competition has been a premiere event at the convention since 2011. It&rsquo;s a place for the best dancers in the fandom to strut their stuff and entertain a massive audience while they compete for the glory of coming out on top. For tix and more info:&nbsp;<a>@furfest</a>
🎄 IF YOU'RE FEELING JOLLY AND SPORTY: CHECK OUT THE UGLY SWEATER ROUND ROBIN PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT in Highland Park at Club Pickle &amp; Padel. Bring your holiday spirit and your ugliest sweater to the courts for a fun-filled round robin pickleball tournament! Players will rotate through matches in a social, competitive format while showing off their festive attire. Prizes will be awarded for play as well as for the &lsquo;best&rsquo; ugly sweater. Don&rsquo;t miss this chance to celebrate the season with laughter, friendly competition and plenty of holiday cheer! Must sign up with a partner.&nbsp; Price: $25/player ($50/team) For more info: @parkdistrictofhighlandpark
👹 IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SPOOKY: Check out the Krampus Bazaar Presented by The World Oddities Expo. The World Oddities Expo is a traveling oddities festival- a peculiar paradise where weird thrives! We pride ourselves on being an all-inclusive artisan and small business fueled mega-convention. We feature artists, vendors, performers, educators, and guest speakers to create a macabre and magical experience for all! For more info: @desconventioncenter
🎄 IF YOU WANT TO RAISE YOUR HOLIDAY SPIRITS: CHECK OUT THE SOUTHPORT HOLIDAY COCKTAIL CRAWL! Kick off your Holiday Season on the Southport corridor! Stroll to different businesses tasting cocktails along the way. This ticketed Cocktail Crawl features two routes and takes place alongside some great Holiday festivities like carolers, photos with Santa, holiday treats, and other surprises. For more info: @lakeviewroscoevillage

Is It Too Late to Save on Spring Break Travel?

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