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A Chocolate-Lover’s Holiday Dream on Wheels: My Night Aboard the Fannie May Jolly Trolley

Last night felt like stepping straight into a Chicago holiday movie—except this one came wrapped in twinkling lights, vintage charm, and the irresistible aroma of chocolate.

I was invited to an exclusive influencer preview of the Fannie May Jolly Trolley, and let me tell you: this festive ride is pure magic.

A Warm Welcome on Michigan Avenue

Our evening began at the beautifully decorated Fannie May flagship store at 343 N. Michigan Ave. (at Wacker), where the team greeted us with contagious enthusiasm and trays of nibbles and chocolate tastings. Before we even boarded the trolley, we had fallen headfirst into the holiday spirit.

And yes—because I wondered, too—the trolley is fully enclosed and heated. A must during Chicago December!

A Holiday Experience That Moves (Literally)

Once aboard, the trolley came alive with shimmering garlands, nostalgic holiday décor, and the kind of cozy glow that makes the city feel like home. It’s a moving winter wonderland, and it’s impossible not to smile.

What makes the Jolly Trolley special is that it’s not just a ride—it’s a guided chocolate experience. Along the route, we stopped at four “Chocolate Stops” to sample some of the brand’s most iconic treats:

✨ Vanilla Buttercream — Fannie May’s very first candy, created by founder H. Teller Archibald in 1920 right here in Chicago

✨ Peanut Butter Truffle — made with their own house-made peanut butter

✨ Pixies® — their beloved take on the classic turtle

✨ Trinidad® — my personal favorite, with that perfect hint of coconut

Between tastings, we were treated to stories, music, and delightful surprises. The “Taste Conductor” guiding the experience added a joyful energy that made the ride feel intimate and whimsical all at once.

The Best Part? It’s FREE.

Yes—you read that right. The Fannie May Jolly Trolley is entirely free and runs now through December 21, Wednesdays through Sundays.

You can:

• Hop on and off at any of the designated Chocolate Stops

• Enjoy free samples along the way

• Explore iconic Chicago sights

• Make memories

If you prefer guaranteed boarding, you can reserve a spot on Eventbrite—but walk-ups are welcome when space allows.

A Perfect Outing for Locals & Visitors

Whether you’re planning a festive night with friends, entertaining out-of-town guests, or simply wanting a moment of holiday joy in the middle of the city—this experience is a must.

And before you leave Michigan Avenue, be sure to visit the flagship store to browse their gorgeous holiday gifts. The selection this year is exceptional—beautifully boxed chocolates, seasonal treats, corporate gifts, stocking stuffers, and classic favorites that never disappoint.

Chicago, This Is One You Don’t Want to Miss

The Jolly Trolley captures everything we love about the holidays here: community, nostalgia, creativity, and of course… chocolate. It celebrates Fannie May’s 105 years as a Chicago icon—and invites all of us to be part of that story.

All aboard the sweetest ride in the city!

For schedules, reservations, and pop-up locations:

👉 https://FannieMayJollyTrolley.eventbrite.com

A Chocolate-Lover’s Holiday Dream on Wheels: My Night Aboard the Fannie May Jolly Trolley

Last night felt like stepping straight into a Chicago holiday movie—except this one came wrapped in twinkling lights, vintage charm, and the irresistible aroma of chocolate.

I was invited to an exclusive influencer preview of the Fannie May Jolly Trolley, and let me tell you: this festive ride is pure magic.

A Warm Welcome on Michigan Avenue

Our evening began at the beautifully decorated Fannie May flagship store at 343 N. Michigan Ave. (at Wacker), where the team greeted us with contagious enthusiasm and trays of nibbles and chocolate tastings. Before we even boarded the trolley, we had fallen headfirst into the holiday spirit.

And yes—because I wondered, too—the trolley is fully enclosed and heated. A must during Chicago December!

A Holiday Experience That Moves (Literally)

Once aboard, the trolley came alive with shimmering garlands, nostalgic holiday décor, and the kind of cozy glow that makes the city feel like home. It’s a moving winter wonderland, and it’s impossible not to smile.

What makes the Jolly Trolley special is that it’s not just a ride—it’s a guided chocolate experience. Along the route, we stopped at four “Chocolate Stops” to sample some of the brand’s most iconic treats:

✨ Vanilla Buttercream — Fannie May’s very first candy, created by founder H. Teller Archibald in 1920 right here in Chicago

✨ Peanut Butter Truffle — made with their own house-made peanut butter

✨ Pixies® — their beloved take on the classic turtle

✨ Trinidad® — my personal favorite, with that perfect hint of coconut

Between tastings, we were treated to stories, music, and delightful surprises. The “Taste Conductor” guiding the experience added a joyful energy that made the ride feel intimate and whimsical all at once.

The Best Part? It’s FREE.

Yes—you read that right. The Fannie May Jolly Trolley is entirely free and runs now through December 21, Wednesdays through Sundays.

You can:

• Hop on and off at any of the designated Chocolate Stops

• Enjoy free samples along the way

• Explore iconic Chicago sights

• Make memories

If you prefer guaranteed boarding, you can reserve a spot on Eventbrite—but walk-ups are welcome when space allows.

A Perfect Outing for Locals & Visitors

Whether you’re planning a festive night with friends, entertaining out-of-town guests, or simply wanting a moment of holiday joy in the middle of the city—this experience is a must.

And before you leave Michigan Avenue, be sure to visit the flagship store to browse their gorgeous holiday gifts. The selection this year is exceptional—beautifully boxed chocolates, seasonal treats, corporate gifts, stocking stuffers, and classic favorites that never disappoint.

Chicago, This Is One You Don’t Want to Miss

The Jolly Trolley captures everything we love about the holidays here: community, nostalgia, creativity, and of course… chocolate. It celebrates Fannie May’s 105 years as a Chicago icon—and invites all of us to be part of that story.

#fanniemay #jollytrolley #thingstodoinchocago #kurmanpr #cindykurman #chicagoinfluencers #chicagomade #chicagochristmas #chicagogifts #cindykurman

All aboard the sweetest ride in the city!

👉 https://FannieMayJollyTrolley.eventbrite.com

For schedules, reservations, and pop-up locations:

Lincoln Park’s Verzênay, the French bakery and patisserie led by executive chef Arshiya Farheen, took first place (Challah) at the Tiptree World Bread Awards USA 2025. Judged blind against entrants from across the United States and abroad, the bakery also earned distinctions as runner-up—baguette and flatbread; Gold Certificate for cheese sourdough bread; and Silver Certificate for sourdough oat porridge. More Verzênay here. https://www.newcity.com/2025/10/21/today-in-culture-tuesday-october-21-2025-the-salt-shed-expanding-the-rens-bowling-benefit-george-wendt-way/

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We are so proud of our client Verzênay Chicago for taking First Place for Challah and earning Multi-Category Honors at the 2025 Tiptree World Bread Awards USA at IBIE, Las Vegas.

Verzênay Chicago Wins First Place for Challah and Earns Multi-Category Honors at the 2025 Tiptree World Bread Awards USA at IBIE, Las Vegas

Verzênay Chicago (2507 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago; 773-799-8312; https://verzenaychicago.com),  the French bakery and patisserie led by Executive Chef Arshiya Farheen, won First Place (Challah) at the Tiptree World Bread Awards USA 2025 during IBIE in Las Vegas. Judged blind against entrants from across the U.S. and abroad, the bakery also earned distinctions across multiple categories. Head Bread Baker Kathryn Buck participated alongside Executive Chef Farheen in preparing and presenting the entries.

Awards & Recognitions (Judged September 16, 2025)

First Place — Challah

Runner-Up — Baguette

Runner-Up — Flatbread (Lachcha Paratha)

Gold Certificate of Excellence — Specialty: Savory (Cheese Sourdough Bread)

Silver Certificate of Excellence — Sourdough Oat Porridge

Verzênay's delicious Challah earned first place at the Tiptree World Bread Awards USA 2025 Photo courtesy of Verzênay

Competition Journey. With the goal of offering freshly baked breads, Arshiya and Kathryn took their starter, ingredients, and tools to Las Vegas, and over two days, they mixed, fermented, braided, shaped, and baked multiple entries, balancing their craft with the constraints of a trade-show environment.

“This win is as much about the community of bakers and vendor collaborations as it is about bread,” said Executive Chef Arshiya Farheen. “It’s also an honor to stand alongside talented professionals, including Ceor bread, Wynn hotel, Epicerie Boulud, and many more. I’m especially proud of Head Bread Baker Kathryn Buck, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me and adapted to every challenge.” About the Tiptree World Bread Awards USA @ IBIE

Scale: 170 product submissions across 12 categories from artisan and professional bakers.

Judging: Blind tasting by an independent expert panel, scored on appearance, bake quality, crumb structure, and taste/flavor.

Standards: The USA edition follows the UK-established World Bread Awards methodology, ensuring consistent, internationally recognized scoring.

Results & score bands: Category First Place and Runner-Up were announced live at IBIE on September 16, 2025; Gold/Silver Certificates of Excellence were subsequently issued to entrants, reflecting the scores achieved in blind judging.

About Verzênay Chicago Founded in 2014 and based in Lincoln Park, Verzênay Chicago is a French bakery and patisserie owned and led by South Indian Executive Chef Arshiya Farheen. The bakery is known for artisan breads, viennoiseries, and refined pastries rooted in seasonal Midwestern ingredients with subtle Indian influences expressed through classical French techniques.

Verzênay is open everyday except Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about Verzênay, please visit the website at https://www.verzenaychicago.com, send an email to [email protected], or call (773) 799-8312. Follow Verzênay on Social Media:

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Verzênaychicago/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Verzênaychicago/

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Certificate of Excellence for Verzenay's Challah