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 … [Read more...] about Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
family friendly
Free Adler Planetarium at Night
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 … [Read more...] about Free Adler Planetarium at Night
Chicago Artisan Market
Start shopping for the holidays and discover the best in Chicago's handcrafted goods at the Chicago Artisan Market on November 16, 2025, in the West Loop. Shop for one-of-a-kind fashion, food, jewelry, art and home goods at this curated specialty marketplace. The Chicago Artisan Market … [Read more...] about Chicago Artisan Market
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, opening on November 15, 2025. Journey into the ultimate holiday adventure with a … [Read more...] about Jack Frost Fulton Market
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 21, 2025. Stroll through the zoo and enjoy an illuminated holiday wonderland of animal … [Read more...] about ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo $7 plus free nights
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 27, 2025. This free family-friendly event is highly anticipated because of the exciting showcase of talented performers from … [Read more...] about Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
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 23-December 31, 2025. Head to the Wrigleyville neighborhood to … [Read more...] about Winterland at Gallagher Way
Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Chicago's iconic Michigan Avenue will shine even brighter during the 31st annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on November 22, 2025. This beloved holiday tradition combines a parade, lights, music, tree lighting and family activities for joy-filled holiday fun. The event kicks off at … [Read more...] about Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
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 21, 2025. This live event will fill Millennium Park with music, fireworks and thousands of twinkling lights. A 53-foot-tall Colorado blue spruce was selected for … [Read more...] about Millennium Park Holiday Tree Lighting
New Flyover in Chicago Attraction
Chicago's iconic skyline and skyscrapers got a little closer since the opening of the Flyover in Chicago immersive flying experience at Navy Pier. This exciting attraction that soars over downtown Chicago just added another experience: Call of the Canadian Rockies. Leave the city and fly … [Read more...] about New Flyover in Chicago Attraction
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 14, 2025, through March 8, 2026. Roll around the whimsical ice skating ribbon for a more exciting ride than … [Read more...] about Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Free Meet Me on Milwaukee
Roaming through car-free streets is one of the joys of Chicago street fests and just because the summer is over doesn't mean you can't still experience this favorite pastime. Head to the Wicker Park neighborhood for the Meet Me on Milwaukee event, where the busy intersection of Milwaukee at … [Read more...] about Free Meet Me on Milwaukee
