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
holiday events
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
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
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
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
Ride the Holly Jolly Trolley for Ravenswood Events
Hop aboard the Ravenswood Holly Jolly Trolley and roll through the neighborhood for Small Business Saturday holiday shopping and three pop-up markets on November 25, 2023. Feel the spirit of the season as you ride on three different trolleys across the neighborhood from 11 am- 5 pm. Stops … [Read more...] about Ride the Holly Jolly Trolley for Ravenswood 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
