Once again, Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district is filled with holiday decorations, fun activities, the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink and much more. On this day there was also a book signing at Kings Dining & Entertainment. The rest of the outside area has lights and other decorations.

Our day started in the parking garage. Although they weren’t holiday-related, huge murals brightened the usual drab concrete walls.

Wanting to beat the crowds to the ice rink, we actually were the first skaters to take the ice. As I freely admit, I shuffle more than skate, but nobody gives style points; it’s all about fun. The rest of the outside area features a huge Christmas tree illuminated by 80,000 lights. There are visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers, ice sculpting and more.

After several laps, we headed to Kings to meet Nattie Neidhart and buy The Last Hart Beating, her autobiography about her life and the legendary Hart family of Calgary. Kings had an interestingly decorated tree.

Having not yet been to Crust Brewing, we made that our choice for food. Half of the table split the 312 pizza (named for the Chicago area code), topped with Italian beef and spicy giardiniera. The other half, including me, enjoyed The Vodka ‘Za, loaded with cherry tomatoes, basil, shaved Parmesan and burrata. Brewmaster Rob takes pride in his designed beers. Staying in the holiday spirit, Wreck the Halls seemed like a good choice. It was rich and a bit sweet, with hints of cinnamon and ginger.

— John Wroblewski, online writer