East Chicago Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in East Chicago and surrounding areas
East Chicago lights up the festive season with Christmas lights, holiday activities, and joyful events throughout its historic downtown and lakefront. Attend Celebrations of Lights & Santa's Workshop for family-friendly attractions and seasonal markets that bring neighbors together. From lights displays to cultural performances and winter festivals, East Chicago offers many things to do that celebrate the season with community warmth.
Find the best East Chicago Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Markets
25 eventsDowntown Valparaiso holiday tradition with Santa and train.
Christmas Lights
17 eventsChicago's largest indoor winter festival
Christmas Shows
14 eventsCirque du Soleil's holiday spectacle based on a classic poem.
Christmas Parties
11 eventsHigh-energy live music and NYE countdown party
Christmas Activities
32 eventsAnnual illuminated holiday parade with Santa Claus
Editor's Picks (6)
-
Holly Days
(Valparaiso)
Downtown Valparaiso holiday tradition with Santa and train.
-
Howl at the Moon New Year's Eve Celebration
(Chicago)
High-energy live music and NYE countdown party
-
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
(Chicago)
Chicago's largest indoor winter festival
-
'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil
(Chicago)
Cirque du Soleil's holiday spectacle based on a classic poem.
-
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
(Chicago)
Chicago's official Christmas tree lighting ceremony
-
ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd
(Chicago)
Millions of lights illuminating a beloved zoo setting.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about holiday events and activities in East Chicago
See All East Chicago Christmas NewsEast Chicago Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near East Chicago
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near East Chicago!
East Chicago Christmas FAQ
The Celebration of Lights and Santa’s Workshop at Block Stadium is one of East Chicago’s biggest annual Christmas events, featuring festive lights and a toy giveaway for local children. Other community gatherings and holiday parties also take place throughout December.
East Chicago’s holiday traditions include community-focused events like the Celebration of Lights and neighborhood displays that foster a strong sense of local spirit. The city also hosts special gatherings for seniors and families that highlight its close-knit community.
Beloved neighborhood favorites throughout East Chicago offer some of the best Christmas light displays, with many residents decorating their homes and yards to create festive walking and driving routes.
Christmas markets and local artisan fairs are typically held at community centers and event spaces within East Chicago and nearby areas, featuring vendor stalls with crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats.
Free neighborhood light displays, community events like the Celebration of Lights, and local holiday markets offer budget-friendly ways to enjoy the season in East Chicago without spending much.
Families with kids will enjoy events like the Celebration of Lights and Toy Giveaway, as well as local markets with family-friendly activities and festive light displays suitable for all ages.