Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your holiday fun in Gage Park with our detailed guide. Whether you're a familiar face in Gage Park or a new visitor, our guide leads you to the holiday highlights.
This season, experience the festive charm of the Christkindlmarket, where you can stroll through artisan stalls filled with unique gifts and traditional treats. The vibrant Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier offers a winter wonderland with its enchanting displays and family-friendly activities. And the Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a beautifully decorated tree in a stunning atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Synchronized light and sound show in a botanical garden setting.
Explore a spectacular display of lights and sound at the Chicago Botanic Garden, featuring intricate designs and vibrant colors that transform the garden into a breathtaking winter wonderland.
Where: Glencoe | More Info: Wonderland Express & Lightscape
Dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays and ice-skating rink.
Light Up The Lake at Navy Pier features dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays, an outdoor ice-skating rink, and cozy firepits, with the Ferris Wheel offering a scenic ride.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Immersive drive-through light show with synchronized music and winter characters.
At Arctic Adventure, immerse yourself in a drive-through light show featuring over one million colorful lights, larger-than-life trees, and a mesmerizing snowflake tunnel. Hosted by Beti the Yeti, this immersive experience is choreographed to favorite holiday tunes, offering a delightful holiday treat for the whole family.
Where: Gurnee | More Info: Arctic Adventure
Interactive holiday light display with ice skating and tubing.
Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont features a brand new, completely redesigned layout with an added ice skating rink. Visitors can stroll through five illuminated villages, visit Santa Claus, enjoy free train rides, and go tubing down the Alpine Slide. Festive food and beverage options are also available.
Where: Rosemont | More Info: Sparkle Light Festival
Synchronized light and sound show with a 30-foot Christmas tree.
Willow Hill Lights is a drive-thru holiday light show featuring over one million LED lights, a 2.5-mile route, and three drive-through tunnels. The event includes a 30-foot Christmas tree and various themed displays like dinosaurs and the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Where: Northbrook | More Info: Willow Hill Lights
Largest nighttime parade in the United States with over one million lights.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a day-through-night holiday extravaganza featuring a spectacular parade led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and musical performances. The event includes the illumination of one million lights on 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue, culminating in the Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Iconic tree lighting ceremony in a prominent public park.
The City of Chicago's official Christmas Tree will be illuminated in Millennium Park, near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street, as part of the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The tree, which must meet specific criteria, will be lit on Friday, November 22 at 6pm and remain illuminated through January 8, 2025. The event includes live performances and festivities, making it a significant part of Chicago's holiday traditions.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park
Global holiday traditions showcased in a festive tree display.
Explore rich holiday traditions from around the globe at the Museum of Science and Industry, featuring a four-story Grand Tree surrounded by over 50 trees decorated by volunteers to represent diverse cultural celebrations.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry
Horse-drawn carriage rides through historic downtown.
Vintage Holidays in Long Grove features horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, and merchant specials in historic downtown Long Grove.
Where: Long Grove | More Info: Vintage Holidays in Long Grove
Traditional German-style holiday market with international and local vendors.
Christkindlmarket is a traditional German-style holiday market offering a wide array of international and local foods, unique shopping experiences, and festive events. Visitors can explore vendor products, participate in special events, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere filled with the smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, and hot spiced wine.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket
Grammy-winning duo performs Christmas classics and new hits.
for KING & COUNTRY brings their A Drummer Boy Christmas Tour to NOW Arena, featuring classic Christmas songs and new hits.
Where: Hoffman Estates | More Info: for KING & COUNTRY: A Drummer Boy Christmas Concert
Free ice skating with optional skate rentals and beginner lessons.
Ice skating at Millennium Park features a free ice rink with sessions starting at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, and 9pm. Free skating lessons are available for beginners and intermediate skaters on most Saturdays and Sundays.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Ice Skating at Millennium Park
Unique holiday activities with private event options.
Winterland at Gallagher Way offers a variety of carnival rides, games, and family-friendly activities. Admission to Gallagher Way activities, including Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, is free. The event features private chalet rentals and beach-themed igloos for special experiences.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Winterland at Gallagher Way
