One of the things that make the holidays in Chicago extra special is the CTA Holiday Train. For 33 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
Holidays
Millennium Park Holiday Tree Lighting
The beloved Chicago holiday tradition of lighting the Christmas tree that towers over Millennium Park will kick off on November 22, 2024. This live event will fill Millenium Park with music, fireworks and thousands of twinkling lights. A 53-foot-tall Colorado blue spruce was … [Read more...] about Millennium Park Holiday Tree Lighting
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Glide under the sparkling beauty of the Chicago skyline at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. The free rink is open from November 15, 2024, through February 2, 2025, weather permitting. Whirling around the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink under the city's official … [Read more...] about McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Mercado Navideno at Museum of Mexican Art
Add the colors and traditions of Mexico to your holiday shopping with a visit to the Mercado Navideno at the National Museum of Mexican Art on November 29-December 1, 2024. Explore hand-crafted gifts from Mexico including ornaments, nativity scenes, art, jewelry, apparel and toys. You won't have … [Read more...] about Mercado Navideno at Museum of Mexican Art
Randolph Street Market Holiday Markets
In honor of the holiday season, Chicago's signature open-air market, the Randolph Street Market is hosting its annual holiday markets (indoors) on November 16-17 and December 14-15, 2024. Celebrating 21 years, the Randolph Street Market Festival features an intriguing mix of … [Read more...] about Randolph Street Market Holiday Markets
Chicago’s Christkindlmarket
You don't need to travel to visit a charming European Christmas market because Chicago hosts the most authentic European holiday market outside of Europe. Christkindlmarket brings the sights, scents and sounds of a German holiday market to Chicago, opening on November 22, 2024. Since … [Read more...] about Chicago’s Christkindlmarket
Book Your Santa Photos in Chicago – Free Photo
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Celebrate the magic of the season with an unforgettable photo experience. With a jolly, authentic Santa and a friendly team that knows how to make families feel at home, you can skip the long lines and stress. The company behind the photos, Cherry Hill Programs, has been taking … [Read more...] about Book Your Santa Photos in Chicago – Free Photo
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 Griffin 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
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The Chicago holiday season roars into gear with the 90th annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, which marches down the heart of downtown on State Street on November 28, 2024. This free family-friendly event is highly anticipated because of the exciting showcase of talented performers from … [Read more...] about Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Chicago's iconic Michigan Avenue will shine even brighter during the 31st annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival On November 23, 2024. This beloved holiday tradition combines a parade, lights, music, tree lighting and family activities for joy-filled holiday fun. The event … [Read more...] about Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
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 15, 2024. 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
Chicago Free and Cheap Halloween Events
Whether you like parades, tours, parties or old school trick or treating, there are lots of free and cheap Halloween events to explore all over Chicago. Check out everything from boat rides to shopping and fall fests in our round up below. Chicago Halloween Cruises Float … [Read more...] about Chicago Free and Cheap Halloween Events
