The area known as ‘the Loop’ is the central business district of Chicago, and hosts places and groups like the Board of Trade, the Mercantile Exchange, the State Street shopping district, Joffrey Ballet, the Orchestra Hall, the Harold Washington Library, the Lyric Opera, the Goodman Theatre, and City Hall.

The area is far more than just another urban business area, though – it’s a vast, dynamic gallery that showcases a wealth of outdoor sculptures, including works by works by Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Alexander Calder, Henry Moor, Magdalena Abakanowicz and Jean Dubuffet.

The Loop got its nickname in 1882, from a streetcar that circled the city. Eventually, the “el” (otherwise known as the elevated rapid transit system) was built, and this system also looped around the center of the city, providing easy access to all of the growing neighborhoods and entertainment options.

Entertainment in the Central Loop

The central area of the Loop is one of the best places to find entertainment in all of Chicago. Popular options include:

• The theater district offers a multitude of performances for individuals and families to enjoy. Some – such as the famed Goodman Theater – have been operating continuously for decades and become an integral part of the region’s upscale style.
• The Christkindlmarket – yes, it’s spelled that way – is an annual month-long outdoor market that runs from late November to late December. Featuring everything from candles and jewelry to freshly baked treats and warm winter wear, this popular holiday event is a must-see for many of the residents of Chicago and a great place to find truly thoughtful gifts for the holidays.
• Chicago also plays host to several Farmers Markets, and some of these are within – or are easily accessed from – the central Loop. This means fresh fruits and vegetables for individuals and businesses alike, sold directly by the people who grow them, and there’s a good chance you’ll make these a regular part of schedule once you realize how delicious and affordable visiting them can be.
• Some forms of entertainment are a little more temporary, though – like the parades that go down State Street. From Chicago’s Memorial Day parade in spring to the winter festivities to the Columbus Day Parade and McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade in autumn, it feels like the whole world is changing when the floats start passing by.
• Other entertainment is a bit more modern. A new movie theater is coming to the Block 37 area to provide even easier access to the hottest hits coming out of Hollywood. Whether you’re going on your own time or arranging for a trip as part of a business strategy, you won’t need to travel very far to enjoy the cinema.

What Does This Mean For Your Employees?

Working in the Loop means having easy access to a lot of entertainment. For employees, that means working in a vibrant, upscale area that helps them feel truly successful in their lives. This positive attitude is almost infectious, and helps motivate employees to work harder than ever before – after all, people who are happy to be in the office are rarely slacking off!

Profits are important, and you’ll never hear us pretending otherwise – but what’s the point of life if you don’t have at least a little fun along the way? Whether you and your employees just want to have walking meetings (and the entirety of the Loop is very walkable indeed) or dive right into the upscale lifestyle that the area promotes, you’ll be able to do it. Many of the best forms of entertainment in the district are provided free of charge, so all you have to do is get out and enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

The Loop is the heart of Chicago – quite literally, since the intersection of State Street and Madison Avenue is the reference point for every address in the city. Entertainment has shaped the Central Loop district into an artistic paradise where people come to live, work, and play – and this excitement has spread to the rest of the Loop, which has been eagerly joining in and supporting the district’s efforts to grow.

When you’re working in the Loop, you’re supporting a district that has a huge influence over the rest of the city… and as the second-largest commercial district in the nation, what happens in the Loop has a big impact elsewhere. Moving your business here means moving to a district that wants to succeed, and we’re ready to help you find the perfect place to set up your new office.

And who knows? You might even be able to see those parades just by looking out the window…