Last updated: November 11, 2024
Welcome to the ultimate guide for holiday fun in Edgewater! Discover all the best festive events and attractions. Whether Edgewater is your home or your holiday stop, our guide showcases the top seasonal events.
This season, experience the stunning sights at the Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, where a magnificent tree and vibrant decorations create a festive atmosphere for all. With a lively ice skating rink nearby, Winterland at Gallagher Way offers family-friendly attractions, including holiday markets and beautiful light displays. And the enchanting Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier is something you definitely don’t want to miss, featuring dazzling light installations and a festive atmosphere by the water. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
Edgewater Holiday Light Displays
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
- Largest indoor and outdoor holiday experience in Chicago with over 600,000 twinkling lights.
- Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier features dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays, an outdoor ice-skating rink, cozy firepits, and a heated Centennial Ferris Wheel. Interactive light displays, local artisan markets, and live music add to the festive atmosphere.
- Chicago | More Info : Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park
- What to Expect
- Towering, preferably Norway Spruce or Fir tree.
- Description
- The Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park is a towering, 45-foot or taller tree, preferably a Norway Spruce or Fir, that will be illuminated on November 22 at 6 PM. The tree will remain lit through January 8, 2025, serving as the centerpiece of the city's beloved holiday traditions.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with synchronized light and animal displays.
- Description
- Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic features over two million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, and immersive light displays. Guests can stroll through 300-foot light tunnels, visit Santa, and enjoy seasonal attractions like the Carousel and virtual reality experiences.
- Where
- Brookfield | More Info : Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light and art installations along a 1.3-mile trail.
- Description
- Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden is an illuminated trail featuring dazzling installations, light, art, and music, showcasing nature's beauty in a festive setting.
- Where
- Glencoe | More Info : Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
- Dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays and an outdoor ice-skating rink.
- Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier features dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays, an outdoor ice-skating rink, and cozy firepits, making it a premier holiday experience in Chicago.
- Chicago | More Info : Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
- What to Expect
- Stunning light displays along a prominent shopping avenue with live entertainment.
- Description
- This annual event features the dazzling illumination of the Magnificent Mile, transforming the famous street into a spectacle of lights. Celebrities, live music, and festive performances enhance the atmosphere, creating an inviting scene for all ages. Stroll along as thousands of twinkling lights are switched on, celebrating the holiday season in downtown Chicago.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Edgewater Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket Aurora
- What to Expect
- Traditional German market with diverse vendors and festive activities.
- Description
- Christkindlmarket Aurora is a German-style outdoor market at RiverEdge Park, featuring international and local vendors offering unique shopping, live entertainment, and original food and beverages.
- Where
- Aurora | More Info : Christkindlmarket Aurora
Edgewater Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
- What to Expect
- Cultural trees adorned with decorations from around the globe illuminate the holiday spirit.
- Description
- This event showcases the diverse holiday traditions celebrated around the world, featuring beautifully decorated trees representing various cultures. The festivities include a dazzling light display, live performances, and interactive activities for all ages, creating an environment filled with joy and learning.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Edgewater Other Holiday Activities
Winterland at Gallagher Way
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of rides, games, and festive food options.
- Description
- Winterland at Gallagher Way offers a variety of rides, games, and family-friendly activities, including ice skating and festive food options. The event features private chalets and igloos for special experiences, and admission to Gallagher Way activities is free.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Winterland at Gallagher Way