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 20, … [Read more...] about Chicago’s Christkindlmarket
holiday events
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 Artisan Valentine Market
Embrace the love holiday and discover the best in Chicago's handcrafted goods for your sweetheart at the Valentine's Day weekend Chicago Artisan Market on February 14-15, 2026, in Ravenswood. Shop for one-of-a-kind fashion, food, jewelry, art and home goods at this curated specialty marketplace. … [Read more...] about Chicago Artisan Valentine Market
Rudolph’s Rooftop
Enjoy holiday festivities with the dramatic backdrop of the Chicago skyline at Rudolph's Rooftop at the LondonHouse Chicago. Take in twinkling lights, nostalgic decor,heated igloos, holiday cocktails and spectacular views of the Chicago River through January 25, 2026. Head to the … [Read more...] about Rudolph’s Rooftop
Free Tuba Christmas at the Palmer House
Enjoy the sounds of the holiday on the biggest scale ever at the 52nd annual Tuba Christmas at the historic Palmer House Hotel on December 20, 2025. Tuba players from around the world will descend upon the Grand and State Ballroom in the Plamer House to perform a spirited concert of holiday … [Read more...] about Free Tuba Christmas at the Palmer House
Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration and Marketplace
Chicago celebrates the seven-day, African American holiday of Kwanzaa with performances, plays, story-times and festivals throughout the city. Head to the Washington Park refectory for a free day of music, cultural experiences and a marketplace with the Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Celebration and … [Read more...] about Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration and Marketplace
Music Box Annual Christmas Sing A long
Celebrate the holiday season in the old school style with classic Christmas movies and a fun-filled sing-along. One of Chicago's most unique holiday traditions is enjoying classic Hollywood holiday movies, singing along to the beloved tunes and accompanying a live organist to sing Christmas carols … [Read more...] about Music Box Annual Christmas Sing A long
Free Sauced Night Market
Welcome the holiday season with shopping, food, music and vibes at Sauced Night Market, on December 12-13, 2025, at the Chicago Athletic Association downtown. This free roving market supplies over three dozen vendors selling hand-crafted artisan goods and food. The holiday festivities … [Read more...] about Free Sauced Night Market
Ride the CTA Holiday Train
One of the things that makes the holidays in Chicago extra special is the CTA Holiday Train. For 34 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 through … [Read more...] about Ride the CTA Holiday Train
