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
holiday events
Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs
Celebrate the season with festive live concerts every Friday with the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along starting on December 5, 12 and 19, 2025. 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 pm, right … [Read more...] about Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs
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
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’s Christkindlmarket
You don't need to travel to visit a charming European Christmas market because Chicago hosts the most authentic European holiday market outside of Europe. Christkindlmarket brings the sights, scents and sounds of a German holiday market to Chicago, opening on November 21, … [Read more...] about Chicago’s Christkindlmarket
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
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
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
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
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
