The exuberant seven-day African American tradition of Kwanzaa will be celebrated with eight hours of free music, dance, workshops and presentations by Chi-Village in the Roseland community on December 26, 2024. The second annual Chi-Village Kwanzaa Celebration weaves the past and … [Read more...] about Chi-Village Kwanzaa Celebration
Most Recent
Free Adler Planetarium at Night
Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you!
Read full disclosure here.
Take your day to another dimension with a visit to Adler Planetarium on Wednesday nights. For Adler at Night, the planetarium is open late, from 4-10 pm so that visitors can experience the excitement of the sky and the cosmos at night. Illinois residents can explore the planetarium … [Read more...] about Free Adler Planetarium at Night
Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar
For ten years, the free Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar has supplied a monthly pop-up of hand-crafted goodies beloved by loyal customers. Don't miss the holiday bazaar on December 22, 2024, at The Promontory. This eclectic indoor market serves up one-of-a-kind finds like funky … [Read more...] about Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar
Handmade Market at Empty Bottle
Head to a classic Chicago tradition to supply your shopping for the holidays and beyond at Handmade Market at the Empty Bottle. This month's market opens on December 14, 2024, but the market returns on the second Saturday of the month through April 2025. Handmade Market connects the makers of … [Read more...] about Handmade Market at Empty Bottle
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, 2024. Starting at sunset around 4:45 pm, specially selected St. Lucia girls" wearing long … [Read more...] about St. Lucia Festival of Lights
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
Free Winter Weekdays at Art Institute of Chicago
Just in time to add to holiday excursions, the Art Institute of Chicago has returned the museum fun of Free Winter Weekdays at the Art Institute of Chicago on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays through December 13, 2024. Warm up from the freezing weather and roam through one of the best art … [Read more...] about Free Winter Weekdays at Art Institute of Chicago
Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs
Celebrate the season with festive live concerts every Friday with the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along starting on December 6, 13 and 20, 2024. Join a diverse group of choirs and ensembles as they light up the park with music. The holiday Sing-Along kicks off on Fridays from 6-7 … [Read more...] about Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs
Sauced Night Market Before Christmas
Welcome the holiday season with shopping, food, music and vibes at Sauced Night Market Before Christmas, on December 13-14, 2024 at the Chicago Athletic Association downtown. This roving market supplies over three dozen vendors selling hand-crafted artisan goods and food. The holiday … [Read more...] about Sauced Night Market Before Christmas
Free Pasta Dishes with Barilla Connection Kitchen Food Truck
Enjoy delicious pasta dishes while making a difference at the Barilla Connection Kitchen Food Truck, which will partner with Meals on Wheels to encourage volunteer sign-ups at the Merchandise Mart on December 6, 2024. Chase the freezing temperatures away with a warm bowl of pasta and consider … [Read more...] about Free Pasta Dishes with Barilla Connection Kitchen Food Truck
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
Earlybird Discount Tickets at Holidaze Lincoln Park Zoo
Stroll around Lincoln Park Zoo under the glow of millions of lights while enjoying a live DJ during the annual Adults Night Out event, Holidaze, on December 12, 2024. Feel jolly as you dive into the spirit of the season with live ice carvings, pop-up bars and food carts, free rides on the … [Read more...] about Earlybird Discount Tickets at Holidaze Lincoln Park Zoo
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
