Explore the natural beauty of the winter season during the annual Polar Adventure Days on January 20, and February 17, 2024. Bundle up and enjoy chilly fun on the 300 acres of Big Marsh Park in the South Deering neighborhood. Connect with nature during a day of winter adventures from noon to … [Read more...] about Free Polar Adventure Days
Kids' Activities
Free and Cheap Martin Luther King Day Chicago Events
Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers opportunities to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by supporting racial justice causes, giving back to the community, and attending events that reflect his fight for equality and civil rights. Chicago boasts a particular connection with the icon because it was here … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Martin Luther King Day Chicago Events
Pop-Up Concerts at Driehaus Museum
Journey back into the opulence of the Gilded Age at Chicago's own Downton Abbey at the Driehaus Museum, a restored 19th-century mansion just steps from the Magnificent Mile. The museum will host a series of holiday pop-up concerts on December 16, 2023, and December 21, 2023. Enjoy … [Read more...] about Pop-Up Concerts at Driehaus Museum
Skate in the Clouds at Peninsula Sky Rink
Ice skating is a beloved Chicago winter tradition with rinks all over the city but one of the most scenic skating experiences is at The Peninsula Chicago's Sky Rink, perched above the Magnificent Mile with sparkling lights and pine trees. The rink is open through January 28, 2024. Ride up to … [Read more...] about Skate in the Clouds at Peninsula Sky Rink
St. Lucia Festival of Lights
Celebrate the beautiful Swedish tradition of St. Lucia Day at the Swedish American Museum in the Andersonville neighborhood. The annual candlelit procession down Clark Street will take place on December 13, 2023. Starting at sunset around 4:45 pm, specially selected St. Lucia girls" wearing long … [Read more...] about St. Lucia Festival of Lights
Jack Frost Fulton Market
Stroll under 100,000 holiday lights and dive into seasonal fun including holiday pop-up shops, ice skating and bumper cars at the Jack Frost Holiday Pop-Up at Fulton Market through December 31, 2023. Journey into the ultimate holiday adventure with a … [Read more...] about Jack Frost Fulton Market
Ride the CTA Holiday Train
One of the things that make the holidays in Chicago extra special is the CTA Holiday Train. For 31 years, a festive train carrying Santa and his reindeer runs through all of the CTA lines carrying joy and food baskets to Chicago community organizations. The train runs … [Read more...] about Ride the CTA Holiday Train
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
One of Chicago's most iconic holiday traditions is viewing the holiday trees from around the world at the Christmas Around The World exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry. This year's display includes Holidays of Light, a celebration of global holidays that honor light and … [Read more...] about Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo $7 plus free nights
Lincoln Park Zoo's annual Zoo Lights is the highlight of Chicago's holiday season with hundreds of lights twinkling across the grounds. Tickets are on sale now for the event which opens on November 17, 2023. Stroll through the zoo and enjoy an illuminated holiday wonderland of animal displays and … [Read more...] about ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo $7 plus free nights
Winterland at Gallagher Way
Dive into a quintessential Chicago holiday experience by skating around the iconic Wrigley Field as well as enjoying live music, holiday decor, classic holiday movies and more at Winterland at Gallagher Way, November 21, 2023, through January 7, 2024. Head to the … [Read more...] about Winterland at Gallagher Way
Light up the Lake at Navy Pier
Chicago's largest indoor light experience is a family fun tradition. Light Up The Lake returns to Navy Pier from November 24 to December 31, 2023, for lots of interactive activities. Dive into twinkling holiday magic with Light Up The Lakes light displays, games, visits with Santa and more. This … [Read more...] about Light up the Lake at Navy Pier
Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Chicago's iconic Michigan Avenue will shine even brighter during the 31st annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival On November 18, 2023. This beloved holiday tradition combines a parade, lights, music, tree lighting and family activities for joy-filled holiday fun. The event kicks off at 11:00 … [Read more...] about Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival