Last updated: November 11, 2024
Prepare for an exciting holiday adventure in Albany Park! Our guide has all the best festive events and activities. Whether you're an Albany Park local or a globetrotter, this guide unlocks the city's festive potential.
One highlight of the season is the Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park, where families gather to witness the city's majestic tree illuminated against the winter sky. Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier offers breathtaking light displays over the water, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages. And the One of a Kind Holiday Show is something you definitely don’t want to miss, showcasing unique handmade goods perfect for holiday gifts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Albany Park Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park
- What to Expect
- Iconic tree lighting ceremony with live performances and festivities.
- Description
- The City of Chicago's Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park features a towering tree illuminated in a festive ceremony, accompanied by live performances and festivities.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
- Dazzling outdoor light displays and ice-skating rink.
- Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier features dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays, an outdoor ice-skating rink, cozy firepits, and the heated Centennial Ferris Wheel. Enjoy live music, local artisan markets, and thrilling activities like axe throwing.
- Chicago | More Info : Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour
- What to Expect
- Boozy twist on a holiday lights tour with express entry to top attractions.
- Description
- Join Chicago's exclusive BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour for a 4.5-hour celebration of the season. Explore top holiday attractions like Christkindlmarket and Zoo Lights with express entry, enjoy drink deals, and festive music.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic features over two million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, and immersive light displays. Guests can explore indoor and outdoor habitats, meet Santa, and enjoy seasonal attractions like the Elf Power Virtual Reality Experiences and the Anniversary Ferris Wheel.
- Where
- Brookfield | More Info : Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Winter Lights at Aurora
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with a parade, tree lighting, and fireworks.
- Description
- The Winter Lights event in Aurora features a festive parade, tree lighting, and fireworks display. Santa and Mrs. Claus lead the illuminated parade filled with reindeer, elves, and special guests. Following the parade, the city's holiday tree is illuminated, and a grand fireworks display lights up the downtown Aurora sky. The event concludes with food vendors, costumed characters, and musical entertainment on Stolp Avenue.
- Where
- Aurora | More Info : Winter Lights at Aurora
Wintrust Lights Festival
- What to Expect
- Features a stunning tree lighting ceremony with live performances and local food vendors.
- Description
- The Wintrust Lights Festival showcases a dazzling display of lights and entertainment in the heart of Chicago. Families gather to experience the festive atmosphere, featuring live performances, appearances by beloved characters, and a spectacular tree lighting ceremony. Local vendors add to the charm with delicious food options and holiday treats, creating a community celebration that brings people together.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Wintrust Lights Festival
Albany Park Holiday Markets and Shopping
One of a Kind Holiday Show
- What to Expect
- Showcase of over 600 local artists and makers.
- Description
- One of a Kind Holiday Show brings together over 600 exceptional artists, designers, and makers, offering thousands of handmade products across 20 categories. This is Chicago's premier holiday shopping destination for unique, handmade gifts.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : One of a Kind Holiday Show
Albany Park Other Holiday Activities
Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
- What to Expect
- Commemorating 25 years of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance.
- Description
- The Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. Enjoy beautiful silver foliage, lush poinsettias in pink and white hues, and other winter flowers and plants.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
Ice Skating at Millennium Park
- What to Expect
- Free ice skating lessons for beginners and intermediate skaters.
- Description
- Ice skating at Millennium Park features a free, open-air rink in the heart of Chicago, offering free skating lessons and rentals available for a fee. The rink is surrounded by iconic landmarks like Cloud Gate and the Chicago skyline.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Ice Skating at Millennium Park