holiday events

Kwanzaa Celebration at Garfield Park

Chicago celebrates the seven-day, African American holiday of Kwanzaa with performances, plays, story-times and festivals throughout the city. Garfield Park will honor Kwanzaa with a free day of music, dance and art on December 31, 2022. Kwanzaa commemorates African traditions within African … [Read more...] about Kwanzaa Celebration at Garfield Park

Discount House Music New Years’ Eve Party

There's no better way to celebrate New Years' Eve in Chicago than with the house music that was birthed here. Jack your body to grooves from legendary house DJs at Bourbon on Division on December 31, 2022, in the Wicker Park neighborhood. Dance into the new year with Chosen Few DJs Wayne … [Read more...] about Discount House Music New Years’ Eve Party

Free Puerto Rican Christmas Market

Chicago's first Puerto Rican Christmas Market arrives in Humboldt Park with artisan goods, traditional gifts from 15 artists, and free workshops. The market runs every Saturday through January 6, 2023. Hosted by the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, the Puerto Rican Christmas Market highlights … [Read more...] about Free Puerto Rican Christmas Market

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 … [Read more...] about Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

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 through January 7, 2022, for lots of interactive activities. Dive into twinkling holiday magic with Light Up The Lakes light displays, games, visits with Santa and more. This year, a new … [Read more...] about Light up the Lake at Navy Pier

Free Tuba Christmas at the Palmer House

Enjoy the sounds of the holiday on the biggest scale ever at the 49th annual Tuba Christmas at the historic Palmer House Hotel on December 18, 2022. 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

Chicago Toy & Game Fair

Tis' the season to be jolly and there's nothing jollier than the largest gathering of toy and game enthusiasts in North America. Join the 20th annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair at the Stephens Convention Center on December 10-11, 2022. Experience a wonderland of play and games including … [Read more...] about Chicago Toy & Game Fair

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, 2022. Starting at sunset around 4:45 pm, specially selected St. Lucia girls" wearing long … [Read more...] about St. Lucia Festival of Lights

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

Free Santa Photo at Pet Smart

Make sure your pet joins in on the holiday fun with a free photo with Santa at Pet Smart. Bring your pet in for a heartwarming photo at participating stores through December 18. 2022. During the first three weeks of December, make an appointment at your local Pet Smart and bring your fur … [Read more...] about Free Santa Photo at Pet Smart

Jack Frost Winterfest

Stroll under 10,000-holiday lights and dive into seasonal fun including a Christmas tree farm, ice skating and snow tubing at the Jack Frost Winterfest at Goose Island, from December 3, 2022-January 1, 2023. Journey into the ultimate holiday adventure with a … [Read more...] about Jack Frost Winterfest

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, 2022. Get ready for a jolly time that … [Read more...] about Moe’s Cantina Holiday Pop Up