Journey back into the opulence of the Gilded Age at Chicago's own Downton Abbey at the Driehaus Museum, a restored 19th-century mansion just steps from the Magnificent Mile. The museum will host a series of holiday pop-up concerts on December 16, 2023, and December 21, 2023. Enjoy … [Read more...] about Pop-Up Concerts at Driehaus Museum
Family Friendly
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 January 28, 2024. Ride up to … [Read more...] about Skate in the Clouds at Peninsula Sky Rink
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, 2023. Starting at sunset around 4:45 pm, specially selected St. Lucia girls" wearing long … [Read more...] about St. Lucia Festival of Lights
Free Museum Days for December
When the weather outside is frightful, head to Chicago museums for an indoor cultural adventure. In December, many museums offer free days for Illinois residents to enjoy the exhibits so mark these dates on your calendar. The Field Museum will offer free admission for Illinois residents on … [Read more...] about Free Museum Days for December
Garfield Park Conservatory Winter Flower Show
The Chicago holiday season is never complete without the natural beauty of the Garfield Park Holiday Flower Show. This year's theme is Celebrating Silver , commemorating the conservatory alliance's 25th anniversary with silver foliage through January 7, 2024. Stroll through the displays of … [Read more...] about Garfield Park Conservatory Winter Flower Show
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 through December 31, 2023. Journey into the ultimate holiday adventure with a … [Read more...] about Jack Frost Fulton Market
Ride the CTA Holiday Train
One of the things that make the holidays in Chicago extra special is the CTA Holiday Train. For 31 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
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 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
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 17, 2023. 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 November 25-26, 2023, in the Ravenswood neighborhood and December 3, 2023, in the West Loop. Shop for one-of-a-kind, fashion, food, jewelry, art and home goods at this curated … [Read more...] about Chicago Artisan Market
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 17, 2023. This live event will fill Millenium Park with music, fireworks and thousands of twinkling lights. A 55-foot-tall Colorado blue spruce was selected for this … [Read more...] about Millennium Park Holiday Tree Lighting
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The Chicago holiday season roars into gear with the 88th annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, which marches down the heart of downtown on State Street on November 23, 2023. This free family-friendly event is highly anticipated because of the exciting showcase of talented performers from … [Read more...] about Chicago Thanksgiving Parade