Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get a snapshot of the holidays in Portage Park! Our guide covers all the key festive events and activities. For Portage Park residents and guests, our guide showcases the top holiday events.
Popular Events: Start your holiday experience with the Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park, where the city’s iconic tree glimmers with thousands of lights. Featuring a scenic backdrop, Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier offers a dazzling display of holiday lights set against the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan. And you definitely don't want to miss The Wintrust Lights Festival, a parade filled with vibrant floats and enchanting illumination. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Iconic tree lighting ceremony with live performances and fireworks.
The City of Chicago's official Christmas Tree in Millennium Park is a towering symbol of the holiday season, illuminated annually with a grand ceremony featuring live performances and fireworks.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park
Interactive light displays and outdoor ice skating.
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 and discover unique finds at local artisan markets.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Largest nighttime parade in the U.S. with over one million lights.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a day-through-night holiday extravaganza featuring a spectacular nighttime parade with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and one million lights illuminating 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue. The event includes live music, balloon twisting, and complimentary photos with Santa Claus.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Wintrust Lights Festival
Interactive light displays synced to different instruments.
Explore 50 acres of The Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular event featuring 17 displays of lights and music that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Enjoy immersive installations, warm fires, and festive music along a one-mile ADA-compliant path.
Where: Lisle | More Info: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Dazzling light and art installations along a 1-mile outdoor path.
Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden features an illuminated trail with dazzling installations, light, art, and music, transforming the garden into a vibrant winter celebration.
Where: Glencoe | More Info: Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Boozy twist on a holiday lights tour with express entry to top attractions.
Join Chicago's exclusive BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour for a 4.5-hour celebration featuring entertainment, information, and humor with a boozy twist. Enjoy express entry into Christkindlmarket and Zoo Lights, and visit iconic holiday attractions like The Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park Christmas Tree.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour
Grand fireworks display along the Fox River.
Winter Lights in downtown Aurora features a tree lighting, fireworks display, and an illuminated parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event includes food vendors, costumed characters, and musical entertainment.
Where: Aurora | More Info: Winter Lights at Aurora
German-style Christmas market with international vendors and festive activities.
Christkindlmarket is a German-style Christmas market offering a safe outdoor experience for the whole family. Visitors can explore vendor products from around the world, participate in special events, and enjoy unique shopping experiences. The market features a variety of festive food, drinks, and holiday decorations, creating a cozy atmosphere that engages all senses.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket
Unique, handmade gifts from over 600 artists and makers.
The One of a Kind Holiday Show brings together over 600 exceptional artists, designers, and makers, offering thousands of handmade products across 20 categories. This premier holiday shopping destination in Chicago provides unique, handmade gifts for everyone on your list.
Where: Chicago | More Info: One of a Kind Holiday Show
Live holiday music in a candlelit setting.
A Christmas Candlelight Concert features a live performance of classic holiday music by a talented ensemble in a beautifully candlelit setting, creating an intimate and memorable experience.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christmas Candlelight Concert
Commemorating 25 years of connecting people to nature through public programming and exhibits.
The Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. The event features beautiful silver foliage, lush poinsettias in pink and white hues, and other winter flowers and plants, providing a rich history and natural beauty.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
Free skating lessons for all skill levels.
Ice skating at Millennium Park offers free admission with online reservations required. Free skating lessons are available for beginners and intermediate skaters, made possible by the McDonald’s Active Lifestyles Endowment. The rink is open daily from November 17 through March 3, weather permitting, and features snacks and hot drinks available from Momentum Coffee and Millennium Hall.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Ice skating at Millennium Park
Holiday-themed cocktails and heated igloos.
Surrounded by whimsical décor and twinkling lights, Rudolph’s Rooftop at London House Chicago offers panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. Enjoy a selection of holiday-themed hot and cold cocktails in a cozy atmosphere with numerous photo spots. Book a heated igloo for an intimate setting.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Rudolph’s Rooftop at London House Chicago
Interactive Santa meet-and-greet in a luxury shopping environment.
Meet Santa at Chicago Fashion Outlets, where families can take photos and share holiday moments in a stylish and festive setting.
Where: Rosemont | More Info: Visit with Santa at Chicago Fashion Outlets
Unique blend of community participation and festive floats.
The Hammond Holiday Parade is a vibrant community event featuring floats, marching bands, and decorated vehicles, celebrating the holiday season with festive spirit.
Where: Hammond | More Info: Hammond’s Holiday Parade
Animatronic window displays from Macy's Department Store.
The "A Christmas Story" Comes Home exhibit features six animatronic window displays from Macy's Department Store in New York, showcasing scenes from the holiday classic. The exhibit is centered around Jean Shepherd's experiences growing up in Hammond, Indiana, and includes a gift shop with items like leg lamps, stockings, and ornaments.
Where: Hammond | More Info: “A Christmas Story” Comes Home exhibit
