Chicago Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Chicago and surrounding areas
Chicago welcomes the festive season with downtown cheer from Millennium Park to the Magnificent Mile, where Christmas markets and holiday activities light up the city. Cherished events like Christkindlmarket Chicago, The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol fill the calendar with seasonal performances and family-friendly festivities. Plan for lights displays at the park, ice skating, holiday shopping and plenty of family fun that showcase Chicago’s winter charm.
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Christmas Markets
30 eventsTour four decorated homes and shop a curated holiday market.
Christmas Shows
15 eventsAcclaimed adaptation of Dickens' classic holiday tale.
Christmas Parties
14 eventsHigh-energy live music and NYE countdown party
Christmas Lights
13 eventsChicago's largest indoor winter festival
Other Christmas Activities
27 eventsChicago's official Christmas tree lighting ceremony
Editor's Picks (6)
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Howl at the Moon New Year's Eve Celebration
High-energy live music and NYE countdown party
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Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Chicago's largest indoor winter festival
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A Christmas Carol
Acclaimed adaptation of Dickens' classic holiday tale.
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The Nutcracker
Nutcracker reimagined at 1893 Chicago World's Fair
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'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil's holiday spectacle based on a classic poem.
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City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Chicago's official Christmas tree lighting ceremony
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Also Near Chicago
Chicago Loop
See all in Chicago Loop →Near North Side
See all in Near North Side →West Town
- Holiday Gift Market at The Salt Shed
- Randolph Street Holiday Market
- Renegade Craft Fair Chicago Winter
Lower West Side
See all in Lower West Side →Chicago Christmas FAQ
Key annual events include the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Christkindlmarket downtown. These events draw large crowds and offer a mix of lights, shopping, and holiday entertainment.
Chicago’s holiday traditions include the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade and the German-inspired Christkindlmarket. The city also embraces large-scale zoo light displays and drive-through light shows in nearby suburbs.
Downtown areas like the Magnificent Mile and Lincoln Park are popular for their light displays. Nearby suburbs such as Aurora and Naperville also offer notable neighborhood displays and drive-through light experiences.
You can find Christmas markets and local artisans at Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza and the Randolph Street Market Festival. These venues showcase a variety of handmade goods, crafts, and seasonal foods.
Free activities include strolling the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, visiting neighborhood light displays, and attending open-air markets. Many parks and public spaces also host free holiday light installations.
Family-friendly options include ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier, and the Aurora Festival of Lights drive-through display. These events offer interactive activities, rides, and festive entertainment suitable for children.