Christmas at Butch McGuire’s

Chicago’s First Christmas Pop-Up!

In the late 1960’s, Butch McGuire purchased all the old window decorations from Goldblatt’s department store.

At first, the employees used a great combination of intoxicated creative minds and ladders (not always the best combination) to decorate the bar. The real magic and tradition began when a group of Chicago Firefighters volunteered their time and creativity. It was their idea to hang the decorations from the ceiling in order to conserve space around the bar.

Eventually, after 30 years, the artificial garland began to deteriorate and the 10lbs/foot of decoration were no longer easy to hang. A few of Butch’s friends suggested lights and a train and everything began to take shape. Today two tiers of track circumnavigate the entire establishment with model trains.

Butch was instrumental in starting “Santa Claus Anonymous” to ensure kids had warm clothing and holiday cheer. While Santa Claus Anonymous is no longer around, Bobby, Butch’s son, continues to focus his efforts on the Chicago Mercy Home for Boys and Girls to help kids in need. Every train you see running above your head at Butch McGuire’s today is sponsored with generous donations to Mercy Home.