Cubs fans can welcome holiday season at Wrigley Field this year

Fans like me grew up dreaming of the day they could walk up the dugout steps to take the field with the Chicago Cubs on the surface of beautiful and historic Wrigley Field. That dream is coming true (kind of), with the Friendly Confines hosting Winterland at Gallagher Way again this winter both outside and inside the ballpark. That's right, the gates will be opened and you can walk onto the field itself.

Cubs cranking up the holiday spirit at Wrigley Field this year

In previous years, the Winterland was limited to the Gallagher Way green area next to the third base side gates just outside the front office complex. This year, they are expanding the fun onto the playing surface, where there will be ice skating and winter tubing in the outfield and a train ride in the infield. And yes, alcoholic beverages will be served.

Let's remember that Wrigley Field is a unique ballpark with features most stadiums can only dream of possessing. It is in the dead center of a neighborhood just north of downtown Chicago. When you are in Wrigleyville, it can truly feel like a gathering with your neighbors at the park in the suburbs. This is a great expansion job by the Cubs to use their property to the fullest and give fans and neighbors a memorable and extremely unique experience.

Admission to the Gallagher Way activities outside of the stadium will be free and opened to the public. To get into the Wrigley Field activities, it is $5 to enter plus cost of tickets to partake in the activities within. The event is open to the public starting Friday, Nov. 18.