Chicago transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering a wide range of festive activities and experiences that delight both locals and visitors. Immerse yourself in the charm of Christkindlmarket, where you can explore traditional German wooden stalls and savor delightful treats. Marvel at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, illuminating Michigan Avenue with over one million sparkling lights and a grand parade.
Experience the magic of ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo with its stunning animal-shaped light sculptures and vibrant displays. The holiday season in Chicago promises memorable moments and enchanting adventures for everyone to enjoy.
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The Top Christmas Events in Chicago
- Christkindlmarket
- Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
- ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
- Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
- The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
- Christmas Around the World at MSI
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Merry, Merry Chicago!
- Holiday Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
- CTA Holiday Train
- Ice Skating at Millennium Park
Chicago Holiday Light Displays
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
What to Expect:
Grand illumination parade along Michigan Avenue
Description:
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival ignites Chicago's most iconic shopping district with a dazzling display. Marvel at the grand illumination parade as it winds down Michigan Avenue, featuring floats, marching bands, and beloved characters. This event kicks off the holiday season by illuminating over one million lights along the Magnificent Mile. You can join the crowd in counting down to the moment when the switch is flipped, bathing the street in a sea of twinkling lights. The festival has been a Chicago tradition since 1992, transforming the city's bustling commercial hub into a luminous celebration of the season.
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Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays at a free zoo
Description:
ZooLights transforms Lincoln Park Zoo into a luminous winter spectacle. Wander through a menagerie of animal-shaped light sculptures, each one bringing the zoo's inhabitants to life in glowing form. The event illuminates the night with over 2.5 million lights. You can glide across the zoo's ice skating rink, surrounded by the glow of twinkling displays. As one of the nation's oldest zoos, founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern holiday cheer, all while maintaining its commitment to free admission for all visitors.
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Chicago Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket
What to Expect:
Authentic German-style outdoor holiday market
Description:
Chicago's Christkindlmarket transports visitors to a traditional German holiday bazaar. Stroll through rows of charming wooden stalls, where artisans showcase intricate ornaments and handcrafted gifts. The air fills with the aroma of roasted nuts and spiced wine. You can sip Glühwein from a collectible boot-shaped mug, a cherished tradition since the market's inception in 1996. This open-air market pays homage to the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, bringing a slice of European holiday culture to the heart of the Midwest.
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Chicago Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
What to Expect:
Chicago-specific reimagining of the classic ballet
Description:
The Joffrey Ballet presents a uniquely Chicago version of The Nutcracker. Set during the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, this reimagined production weaves local history into the beloved holiday tale. Dancers gracefully bring to life the story of an immigrant family's journey through the White City. The choreography incorporates elements of the city's diverse cultural heritage, reflecting Chicago's melting pot nature. Lavish costumes and intricate set designs transport audiences to a bygone era. Experience a fresh take on this classic that celebrates the Windy City's rich past.
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The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Merry, Merry Chicago!
What to Expect:
World-class orchestra performing holiday classics
Description:
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, one of the "Big Five" American orchestras, presents Merry, Merry Chicago! This annual concert series features the renowned musicians performing beloved holiday tunes and classical pieces. The majestic sound of the orchestra fills Symphony Center, a National Historic Landmark designed by Daniel Burnham. Guest vocalists join the ensemble, adding rich harmonies to familiar melodies. The program includes a mix of traditional carols and contemporary holiday compositions. Revel in the exceptional musicianship of this world-class orchestra as they bring holiday classics to life.
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Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Merry, Merry Chicago!
Chicago Other Holiday Activities
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
What to Expect:
Indoor winter carnival with rides and attractions
Description:
Navy Pier transforms into a frosty paradise during Winter WonderFest. This sprawling indoor carnival boasts over 170,000 square feet of rides, games, and attractions. Visitors can glide across the indoor ice skating rink or challenge themselves on the towering climbing wall. The event pays homage to Chicago's maritime history, with nautical-themed decorations adorning the historic pier. Twinkling lights illuminate the space, creating a captivating atmosphere. You'll find yourself immersed in a winter spectacle unlike any other in the city.
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Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Christmas Around the World at MSI
What to Expect:
Display of international holiday traditions
Description:
The Museum of Science and Industry hosts a global celebration with Christmas Around the World. This 80-year-old tradition showcases over 50 trees decorated to represent holiday customs from various cultures. Visitors can explore the diverse displays, each telling a unique story of international festivities. The exhibit originated in 1942 as a United Nations Day salute to American allies during World War II. Demonstrations of traditional dances and crafts from different countries occur throughout the event. Immerse yourself in a multicultural holiday experience that broadens your understanding of global traditions.
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Christmas Around the World at MSI
Holiday Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
What to Expect:
Tropical plants and flowers in holiday-themed displays
Description:
The Garfield Park Conservatory bursts with color during its annual Holiday Flower Show. This unique exhibition combines lush tropical plants with holiday-themed displays, creating a verdant oasis in the heart of winter. The conservatory, one of the largest in the nation, opened in 1908 and was dubbed "landscape art under glass" by its designer, Jens Jensen. Visitors can wander through rooms filled with vibrant poinsettias, fragrant evergreens, and exotic blooms. Admire the skillful integration of holiday elements with the conservatory's permanent collection of rare and unusual plants.
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Holiday Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
CTA Holiday Train
What to Expect:
Festively decorated train that runs on regular routes
Description:
The Chicago Transit Authority's Holiday Train brings cheer to commuters throughout the city. This uniquely decorated train, adorned with thousands of lights and holiday scenes, operates on all CTA rail lines during the season. The tradition began in 1992 when a "Season's Greetings from the CTA" sign was placed on the front of an out-of-service train delivering food to various charities. Today, Santa rides along in his sleigh on an open-air flatcar. Catch a glimpse of this rolling spectacle as it makes its way through Chicago's neighborhoods, spreading joy to passengers and onlookers alike.
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Ice Skating at Millennium Park
What to Expect:
Outdoor skating rink with iconic city skyline views
Description:
Millennium Park's McCormick Tribune Ice Rink offers a quintessential Chicago winter experience. Skaters glide across the ice surrounded by the city's iconic skyline and the reflective surface of Cloud Gate, affectionately known as "The Bean." The rink sits on the former site of Park Row, which housed some of Chicago's most luxurious mansions in the late 19th century. Free skating lessons are available on weekends, helping novices find their footing on the ice. The crisp winter air invigorates as you twirl and spin beneath the towering skyscrapers, creating lasting memories in the heart of downtown.
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Ice Skating at Millennium Park
Nearby Events
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield)
What to Expect:
Zoo animals in winter habitats with holiday lights
Description:
Brookfield Zoo sparkles with over two million lights during Holiday Magic. This long-running tradition began in 1981 and has grown into the largest lights festival of any zoo in the Chicago area. Visitors can observe animals in their winter habitats while strolling through illuminated pathways. The zoo's commitment to conservation shines through educational displays about endangered species. Carolers serenade guests with holiday tunes, adding a melodious touch to the evening. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa as you explore this unique blend of wildlife and holiday cheer.
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Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape (Glencoe)
What to Expect:
Artistic light installations in a natural setting
Description:
The Chicago Botanic Garden's Lightscape transforms the grounds into a luminous canvas. This after-dark trail features innovative light art installations created by international artists, seamlessly blending technology with nature. Visitors traverse a mile-long path, encountering dazzling displays that highlight the garden's natural beauty. The event draws inspiration from similar light shows at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in England. Interactive elements allow guests to become part of the art, creating a truly immersive experience. Discover how light and landscape intertwine to create a breathtaking winter spectacle in this horticultural haven.
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Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape