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
holiday events
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
Mercado Navideno at Museum of Mexican Art
Add the colors and traditions of Mexico to your holiday shopping with a visit to the Mercado Navideno at the National Museum of Mexican Art on November 29-December 1, 2024. Explore hand-crafted gifts from Mexico including ornaments, nativity scenes, art, jewelry, apparel and toys. You won't have … [Read more...] about Mercado Navideno at Museum of Mexican Art
Randolph Street Market Holiday Markets
In honor of the holiday season, Chicago's signature open-air market, the Randolph Street Market is hosting its annual holiday markets (indoors) on November 16-17 and December 14-15, 2024. Celebrating 21 years, the Randolph Street Market Festival features an intriguing mix of … [Read more...] about Randolph Street Market Holiday Markets
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 22, 2024. Since … [Read more...] about Chicago’s Christkindlmarket
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 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
Moe’s Cantina Holiday Pop Up
Travel to Whoville, sip themed cocktails and grab photos with the Grinch himself during a high-spirited holiday pop-up, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas at Moe's Cantina in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. The festivities run through December 30, 2023. Get ready for a jolly time that … [Read more...] about Moe’s Cantina Holiday Pop Up
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
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
