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, 2024. Starting at sunset around 4:45 pm, specially selected St. Lucia girls" wearing long … [Read more...] about St. Lucia Festival of Lights
Kids' Activities
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 February 2, 2025. Ride up to the … [Read more...] about Skate in the Clouds at Peninsula Sky Rink
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, December 6-21, 2024. Head to the Wrigleyville neighborhood to … [Read more...] about Winterland at Gallagher Way
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Whirl around the twirling ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park for the ultimate winter season experience. The Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon is open every day from November 26, 2024, through March 9, 2025. Roll around the whimsical ice skating ribbon for a more exciting … [Read more...] about Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
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 29 to January 5, 2025, 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
Ride the CTA Holiday Train
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
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
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 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
Autumn Fest at Gallagher Way
The pleasures of the season will fill the field around Wrigley Stadium in celebration of the cooler temperatures and bright foliage, Autumn Fest at Gallagher Way will run from October to November 2024. The Autumn Fest includes activities and offerings like seasonally themed food and drinks, … [Read more...] about Autumn Fest at Gallagher Way
Free Pumpkin Party at Gallagher Way
Go pumpkin hunting, dance to live music, create arts and crafts and enjoy the season at Gallagher Way's annual Pumpkin Party on October 26, 2024, in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. Bring the kids for a fun-filled day of costumes, trick-or-treating and non-stop activities. The Old Town School … [Read more...] about Free Pumpkin Party at Gallagher Way