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
family friendly
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
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
Free Time Out Market Fifth Anniversary Party
Join the all-day celebration for five years of food, drinks and events during the Fifth Anniversary Celebration of Time Out Market, on November 16, 2024. Enjoy food and drink specials and live DJs in the West Loop neighborhood. Head to Time Out Market for festivities filled … [Read more...] about Free Time Out Market Fifth Anniversary Party
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 Artisan Market
Start shopping for the holidays and discover the best in Chicago's handcrafted goods at the Chicago Artisan Market on October 13, 2024, 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
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 National Museum of Mexican Art Dia de los Muertos Chicago
Celebrate the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos or Day of The Dead with the free "Dia de Los Muertos Xicago" event organized by the National Museum of Mexican Art on October 26, 2024, in the Pilsen community. Honoring loved ones who have passed away with ofrendas or altars … [Read more...] about Free National Museum of Mexican Art Dia de los Muertos Chicago
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