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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Feel the holiday buzz in Lower West Side! Discover all the festive events and activities with our guide. Whether you're a Lower West Side native or a seasonal visitor, this guide helps you navigate the festive landscape.

In this vibrant season, the Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park stands out with its dazzling display of twinkling lights and joyful atmosphere. The beloved Christkindlmarket offers a taste of traditional German holiday cheer, featuring handcrafted gifts and delicious seasonal treats. And the Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a spectacular light display that brings the zoo to life. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Lower West Side Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Live performances and fireworks accompany the tree lighting.

Description:

The City of Chicago's official Christmas Tree in Millennium Park is a 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce that will be illuminated on November 17 at 6 p.m. The event features live performances, fireworks, and Santa Claus. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating and explore the Chicago Christkindlmarket.

Where: Chicago | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park

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What to Expect:

Synchronized light and sound show with giant illuminated animals.

Description:

Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic features over two million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, and immersive light displays. Guests can explore 300-foot light tunnels, visit Santa, and enjoy festive shopping and dining options.

Where: Brookfield | More Info: Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

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What to Expect:

Interactive light displays synchronized with music in the Grand Garden.

Description:

Explore 50 acres of The Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular light and sound display. The 2024 exhibition features 17 displays of lights and music that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Enjoy immersive installations, warm fires, and delicious meals while strolling along a one-mile ADA-compliant path.

Where: Lisle | More Info: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

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What to Expect:

Largest indoor and outdoor holiday experience in Chicago with over 600,000 twinkling lights.

Description:

Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier features dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays, an outdoor ice-skating rink, cozy firepits, and the heated Centennial Ferris Wheel. Enjoy live music, local artisan markets, axe throwing, and award-winning fireworks on Saturdays.

Where: Chicago | More Info: Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier

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What to Expect:

Dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays and ice-skating rink.

Description:

Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier is the largest indoor and outdoor holiday experience in Chicago, featuring dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays, an outdoor ice-skating rink, cozy firepits, and the enclosed Centennial Ferris Wheel.

Where: Chicago | More Info: Light Up the Lake

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What to Expect:

2.5-mile drive-through light display with synchronized music.

Description:

Willow Hill Lights is a premier drive-thru holiday lights show featuring over one million LED lights, a 2.5-mile journey, and festive displays including dinosaurs, Toy Land, and holiday favorites.

Where: Northbrook | More Info: Willow Hill Lights

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What to Expect:

Immersive holiday decor experience with augmented reality.

Description:

Holiday Magic in Motion at The Promenade Bolingbrook features vibrant open-air retail and entertainment with sparkling lights, augmented reality, and interactive elements. Visitors can stroll through twinkling lights, see illuminated displays, and encounter Santa. The event includes local entertainment, photos with Santa, and vendors selling food, coffee, and sweets.

Where: Bolingbrook | More Info: Holiday Magic in Motion

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What to Expect:

Boozy twist on a holiday lights tour with express entry to top attractions.

Description:

Join Chicago's exclusive BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour for a 4.5-hour journey through the city's top holiday attractions. Enjoy express entry into the Christkindlmarket and Zoo Lights, along with complimentary apps, drink deals, and souvenir Santa hats. The tour includes visits to The Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park Christmas Tree, State Street, and Macy's Holiday Display, all while enjoying music playlists provided by DJ Tecknique.

Where: Chicago | More Info: Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour

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What to Expect:

Illuminated parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Description:

Winter Lights in downtown Aurora features a festive parade, tree lighting, and fireworks display, along with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event includes food vendors, costumed characters, and musical entertainment, making it a fun-filled evening for the entire family.

Where: Aurora | More Info: Winter Lights at Aurora

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Lower West Side Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

German-style holiday market with free admission and diverse shopping and dining options.

Description:

Christkindlmarket is a traditional German-style holiday market offering a variety 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.

Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket

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Lower West Side Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

World-class ballet performance blending historical and fantastical elements.

Description:

The Nutcracker at Lyric Opera of Chicago is a holiday ballet performance by the Joffrey Ballet, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. Set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, it takes inspiration from Chicago's 1893 World's Fair, featuring a celebrated creative team and a whirlwind journey through dreamlike fairgrounds.

Where: Chicago | More Info: The Nutcracker at Lyric Opera of Chicago

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Lower West Side Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Horse-drawn carriage rides through historic downtown Long Grove.

Description:

Vintage Holidays in Long Grove features a classic holiday small town experience with quaint shops, old-world charm, and family memories. The event includes a new Holiday Walk, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa in the village, and caroling around town. Merchants will offer decorations, specials on merchandise, seasonal food, and drinks.

Where: Long Grove | More Info: Vintage Holidays in Long Grove

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