See all Chicago Christmas happenings this year!
Chicago welcomes Christmas 2025 around Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile, where sparkling displays and city concerts set a festive scene. Winter parades, holiday shows and seasonal celebrations offer enchanting lights, markets and music for families and visitors to enjoy.
Find the best Chicago Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Chicago
- Christkindlmarket Chicago - Wrigleyville
- Christkindlmarket Chicago
- A Christmas Carol
- Allstate CTA Holiday Train & Bus
- The Hip Hop Nutcracker
- The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
- Jack Frost Christmas Holiday Pop-Up
- The One of a Kind Holiday Show
- Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
- City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Chicago Christmas Events
Chicago Christmas Markets and Shopping
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Immerse yourself in the magic of the Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville, a cherished holiday tradition. This authentic German-style market offers a delightful outdoor experience for the entire family. Wander through stalls filled with unique gifts, handmade crafts, and sparkling ornaments, all while savoring the aromas of roasted nuts, pretzels, and warm Glühwein. Enjoy festive music and a truly enchanting atmosphere.
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Step into a magical European winter wonderland at the Christkindlmarket Chicago. This beloved holiday tradition transforms Daley Plaza into a bustling marketplace filled with over 100 vendors offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and festive treats. Savor the flavors of Germany with authentic food and warm Glühwein while enjoying live entertainment. It's the perfect place to find unique holiday treasures and soak in the festive spirit.
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Get ready for a magical holiday experience as Jack Frost returns in November 2025. This festive pop-up event promises to bring the enchantment of the North Pole to life. Join their VIP list for exclusive updates and surprises, ensuring you don't miss out on the holiday cheer.
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Discover Chicago's premier holiday shopping destination at The One of a Kind Holiday Show. This highly anticipated event brings together over 600 talented artists, designers, and makers, offering a vast array of unique, handmade gifts. Browse thousands of handcrafted items across 20 categories, ensuring you'll find the perfect present for everyone on your list.
Chicago Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
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Step into the magic of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at the Goodman Theatre. This critically acclaimed production, hailed as a "perfect Chicago holiday tradition," offers a heartwarming and visually stunning adaptation of the classic tale. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge's journey from miserly disdain to holiday cheer, brought to life by a "first-rate cast and marvelous staging." It's an unforgettable theatrical experience that promises to ignite your holiday spirit.
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This holiday season, experience a groundbreaking fusion of Tchaikovsky's classic score and electrifying hip-hop dance. The Hip Hop Nutcracker reimagines the beloved tale with a contemporary New York City vibe, featuring a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, and a live violinist. It's a heart-stirring, inspirational event perfect for the whole family.
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Step into a spellbinding holiday adventure with The Joffrey Ballet's "The Nutcracker." Set during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, this Tony Award-winning production follows Marie on a fantastical journey. Experience Tchaikovsky's beloved score as you're transported through dreamlike fairgrounds, encountering dazzling international attractions and a thrilling battle between toy soldiers and the Rat King.
Chicago Other Christmas Activities
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Embark on a magical journey with the Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus, a cherished Chicago tradition. Ride through festive neighborhoods aboard a train and bus adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, featuring Santa and his reindeer. Capture memorable photos with Santa on select dates and witness the heartwarming tradition of food basket deliveries to local charities.
Christmas Events Near Chicago
Chicago Loop Christmas Events
Near North Side Christmas Events
West Town Christmas Events
North Center Christmas Events
Evanston Christmas Events
Park Ridge Christmas Events
Tinley Park Christmas Events
Highland Park Christmas Events
Arlington Heights Christmas Events
Wheaton Christmas Events
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Our goal is complete coverage—from major festivals to small community celebrations, ensuring you never miss anything happening in your area.
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