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Christmas in Chicago: Top 15 Festive Activities
The Christkindlmarket Christmas Market
The Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza brings a European Christmas to the city, inspired by Nuremberg’s 16th-century market. Since 1996, it’s offered artisan gifts, live music, and festive food like currywurst and pretzels.
Sip hot mulled wine in a boot-shaped mug and enjoy the holiday cheer—all with free admission! Running from November 22 to Christmas Eve, this year’s calendar is packed with magical events, cultural tours, live music, and festive pop-ups!
Head to Navy Pier for Christmas fun
Celebrate the holiday season at Navy Pier’s Light Up the Lake and Winter Wonderfest, offering endless festive entertainment from November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Stroll through dazzling outdoor light displays, race down the thrilling ice slide, and enjoy iconic attractions like the Centennial Wheel.
Experience exciting activities such as curling, axe throwing, and artisan markets, or cozy up by the Beer Garden firepits. Highlights include drone and fireworks shows, a magical Tunnel of Lights, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and unique immersive experiences like Legendary Iceland and Winterland. Don’t miss this enchanting lakeside holiday adventure!
Talking about Light Shows
You can’t visit Chicago at Christmas and miss viewing a dazzling light display. These electrifying experiences not only capture the season’s beauty but also offer an unmissable holiday activity in the city. Tickets for these events often sell out quickly, so plan ahead!
MORTON ARBORETUM ILLUMINATION
This annual holiday light show transforms 50 acres (over 10,000 trees!) of the Morton Arboretum into a mile-long, walk-through spectacle of LED lights synchronized with music, celebrating the beauty of trees in winter.
The event (click here for the official site) features unique displays, activities like marshmallow roasting, and special evenings with DJ-curated music and beer and cider sampling. Running from November 16 to January 4, timed-entry tickets are required.
Lightscape offers a dazzling trail of light installations, including a 110-foot tunnel of 100,000 lights and musical Christmas trees. Featuring both new U.S. debut installations and returning favorites, the display runs through January 7, 2024. Weekly themed events add unique experiences to this popular event.
Chicago’s Festive Lights: A Magical Christmas Journey
Icy Adventures for Winter Warriors
Winter in Chicago brings a host of thrilling outdoor activities to keep your holiday spirits high. From gliding on iconic ice rinks to zipping down snowy hills and trying your hand at curling, there’s no shortage of frosty fun this season.
ICE SKATING
A visit to Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink is a must for Christmas in Chicago. Open from November to March, this free rink offers all-day skates under the snow-dusted Bean.
Nearby, Maggie Daley Park’s Ice-Skating Ribbon offers a unique experience, with its winding, scenic path twisting around a 40-foot climbing wall. Admission is free with your own skates Monday through Thursday.
CURLING
Chicago takes curling to new heights with festive venues offering unique spins on this Olympic sport. Enjoy skyline views, craft cocktails, and cozy vibes while curling with friends at Kaiser Tiger, guided by a Curling Master on non-slip mats in a beer garden. You can also try Christmas curling at Navy Pier and Gallagher Way.
SLEDDING
For a classic winter thrill, sled down Cricket Hill at Montrose Harbor, the Dan Ryan Woods’ 200-foot hill, or the steep incline at Soldier Field Sled Hill. Each spot is family-friendly and offers unforgettable views of Chicago’s wintry charm.
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
The Museum of Science & Industry: Christmas Around the World
The Museum of Science and Industry hosts its annual “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” event from November through January. The exhibit features over 50 Christmas trees, each decorated to represent different cultural traditions, surrounding a magnificent four-story Grand Tree.
Visitors can learn to wish “Merry Christmas” in multiple languages and explore the diverse holiday customs that reflect Chicago’s rich cultural makeup. This beloved tradition has been a city and family favorite for over 75 years.
Christmas River Cruises
Experience Chicago’s stunning holiday lights from the water on a Christmas River Cruise. Sail through the city’s three river branches and take in iconic sights like Willis Tower & Navy Pier, all shining in festive lights.
Learn about Chicago’s exquisite architecture history while enjoying breathtaking views of the illuminated skyline. Explore the top-rated cruise options in Chicago below and book today for an enchanting winter experience!
Take a Festive Ride on the CTA Holiday Train
The CTA Holiday Train is a one-of-a-kind seasonal tradition in Chicago, transforming public transit into a festive spectacle. Sponsored by Allstate, the trains and buses are adorned with elaborate holiday decorations, thousands of multicolored Christmas lights, and cheerful music that spreads the holiday spirit across the city.
One highlight of the train is the open-air flatcar featuring Santa Claus, surrounded by glowing Christmas trees and accompanied by his reindeer. For Chicagoans and visitors alike spotting this decked-out train on the tracks or bus on the streets is a source of holiday excitement.
Whether you’re commuting or hopping on for fun, it’s a cherished way to embrace the season, offering unexpected magic and a reminder of community warmth during the holidays.
If you can’t make it to the magic of the CTA Train, you might be interested in this unique and original experience of beer sampling and tour: Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour.
Cozy Up in Chicago’s Rooftop Igloos
Experience Christmas in Chicago like never before with cozy rooftop igloos offering warmth, charm, and breathtaking skyline views.
At London House Chicago’s Rooftop, immerse yourself in holiday splendor with heated igloos adorned with playful décor, twinkling lights, and festive vibes.
Similarly, the Godfrey Hotel’s rooftop transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring see-through, heated igloos that seat up to six people, perfect for sipping cocktails and indulging in seasonal treats.
Complete with firepits, live entertainment, and a retractable roof, these rooftops promise an unforgettable blend of comfort and panoramic views, making them must-visit destinations this holiday season.
Christmas Performances in Chicago
Chicago’s vibrant theater scene comes alive during the holiday season, offering festive shows and performances to delight audiences of all ages. Local historic theaters host a range of productions, including holiday classics and new plays.
A standout is A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theatre, a beloved Chicago tradition running for over 40 years, bringing the timeless tale to life with warmth and charm.
For ballet lovers, The Nutcracker is must-see. From December 6th to 28th, venues like the Lyric Opera House and Harris Theater showcase this enchanting story of mice, fairies, and holiday magic, featuring dazzling performances and live orchestras. The Joffrey Ballet’s reimagined production, choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon, continues to captivate audiences with its stunning artistry.
For a mix of history and entertainment, the Auditorium Theatre, a grand venue dating back to 1889, offers an elevated cultural experience. This year, it features The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show on December 8th, a blend of comedy, music, and fabulous spectacle by the self-proclaimed “Queens of Christmas”, promising an evening of laughter and holiday cheer.
Wrigleyville’s Winterland at Gallagher Way
Step into the holiday magic at Wrigleyville’s Winterland at Gallagher Way, where the neighborhood transforms into a vibrant winter wonderland. Beyond the ice skating, ice bumper cars, and rentable private chalets, Wrigleyville boasts over 25 holiday-themed bars decked out in extravagant décor, offering festive drinks and cheerfulness at every turn.
These pop-ups, all within walking distance, create a vibrant scene perfect for bar hopping and spreading holiday cheer. Enjoy curling classes, workshops, and free Christmas performances. With Christmas parties, festive games, and seasonal treats, Wrigleyville Wonderland is the ultimate destination for holiday fun this season.
Christmas at the Zoo
Experience the magic of Christmas at Chicago’s zoos, where stunning light displays transform the holiday season into a spectacular adventure for all ages.
BROOKFIELD ZOO
Celebrate the holidays at Brookfield Zoo, where over two million lights transform the space into a festive wonderland. Stroll through a dazzling 300-foot light tunnel, see giant animal sculptures, and enjoy seasonal treats like hot cocoa and spiced wine. This year, enjoy new themed light displays and a Christmas market featuring unique gifts.
LINCOLN PARK ZOO
Lincoln Park Zoo shines with 2.5 million lights, 3D displays, a fairytale forest and a labyrinth of lights. Enjoy activities for all ages, Christmas drinks and budget friendly entertainment with $5 nights and free Mondays on select dates. Boutique shops nearby offer unique holiday gifts.
Holiday Shopping in Chicago
Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is the ultimate holiday shopping destination, blending festive magic with premier retail experiences. Step into the season with the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, featuring a family-friendly winter wonderland, fireworks displays and parades over the Chicago River.
Stroll down Michigan Avenue to explore luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, department stores like Nordstrom, and festive toy stores offering unique collectibles. The Macy’s window displays are consistently lavish and truly mesmerizing.
Don’t miss Macy’s Walnut Room, a historic gem where holiday meals are served beneath a stunning 45-foot Christmas tree. Extended shopping hours and festive decorations make Christmas in Chicago a shopper’s paradise.
Christmas Delights Tasting
Experience the cozy and delicious side of Chicago’s holiday season with indulgent dining and drinks. From fondue to festive drinks and sugar-filled delights, Chicago offers the ultimate holiday dining experience.
Geja’s Cafe is a perfect spot to book a snug and enjoy award-winning cheese fondue paired with fine wine. With over 50 years of history, it’s a holiday treat you won’t want to miss.
For a more spirited celebration, visit The Aviary, renowned for its luxury cutting-edge cocktails. During Christmas, their menu features festive creations like cocktails with spices and holiday punches, served in a chic and modern atmosphere.
Warm up with a sweet indulgence at Bombobar, where monster hot chocolates steal the show. These decadent drinks come piled high with treats like donuts, whipped cream, or any other delightful treat you can imagine, making them as Instagram-worthy as delicious.
If you’re already looking for the next winter wonderland to visit in 2025, be sure to check out our article on London’s Winter Wonderland.
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