Chicago's tallest holiday tree will be the center of the 10th annual Illuminate 900 tree-lighting event, benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation on November 19, 2026, at the 900 N. Michigan Shops in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Get ready for the ultimate holiday extravaganza with music, … [Read more...] about Illuminate 900 Shops Holiday Event
family friendly
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Enjoy all that's jolly and bright during the festive season at the beloved Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier. Slide, skate, ride and soak up holiday fun at this indoor fest from November 27, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Head to Navy Pier's Festival Hall and take in the 420-foot holiday … [Read more...] about Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
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 20-December 31, 2026. Head to the Wrigleyville neighborhood to … [Read more...] about Winterland at Gallagher Way
Millennium Park Holiday Tree Lighting
The beloved Chicago holiday tradition of lighting the City of Chicago Christmas tree that towers over Millennium Park will kick off on November 20, 2026. This live event will fill Millennium 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 20, 2026, through January 31, 2027, weather permitting. Whirling around the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink under the city's official Christmas tree is … [Read more...] about McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
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 13, 2026, through March 7, 2027. Roll around the whimsical ice skating ribbon for a more exciting ride than … [Read more...] about Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
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 20, 2026. 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 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Chicago's iconic Michigan Avenue will shine even brighter during the 35th annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on November 21, 2026. 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
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, which opens on November 7, 2026 and runs through January 3, 2027. This year's display includes Holidays … [Read more...] about Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The Chicago holiday season roars into gear with the 92nd annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, which marches down the heart of downtown on State Street on November 26, 2026. This free family-friendly event is highly anticipated because of the exciting showcase of talented performers from … [Read more...] about Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Free Creatures of the Night at Garfield Conservatory
Visit creepy, crawly critters for the Halloween season while learning about tropical plants and their connection to the animal world at the annual Creatures of the Night free event on October 28, 2026, at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Discover the relationship between animals and plants … [Read more...] about Free Creatures of the Night at Garfield Conservatory
Free Lincoln Park Spooktacular
Join the haunted fun tradition of celebrating Halloween along Clark Street and Lincoln Avenue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood at the annual Lincoln Park Spooktacular on October 24 -25, 2026. Participating businesses on Clark Street and Lincoln Avenue will transform into trick-or-treat stops … [Read more...] about Free Lincoln Park Spooktacular
