Celebrate the holidays in Chicago with our ultimate event guide. From Chicago regulars to holiday explorers, our guide highlights the season's top events.
One of the standout attractions during this festive time is the Christkindlmarket, a charming German-style market brimming with handcrafted gifts, delicious food, and seasonal treats. Also, the City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting features a stunning display of lights and holiday cheer in the heart of the city. And the ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo offers a magical experience with dazzling light displays throughout the zoo. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Chicago
- Christkindlmarket
- ZooLights
- City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
- Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
- Lightscape (Glencoe)
- Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry
- Illumination: Tree Lights (Lisle)
- The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
- Winterland at Gallagher Way
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
See these and even more events listed below!
Chicago Holiday Light Displays
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Traditional tree lighting ceremony with fireworks and live performances.
Description:
The City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting features a 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce illuminated with fireworks and live performances in Millennium Park, celebrating the holiday season with festive entertainment and holiday cheer.
Where: Chicago | More Info: City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
ZooLights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a dazzling spectacle with over 3 million lights, featuring hundreds of LED displays, a thrilling holiday light tunnel, and a 65-foot Ferris wheel. Guests can indulge in hot chocolate and roast s’mores by an open fire, sing alongside carolers, and be amazed by professional ice carvers.
Where: Chicago | More Info: ZooLights
Lightscape
What to Expect:
Dazzling light and art installations along a 1.3-mile trail.
Description:
Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden features an illuminated trail with dazzling installations, light, art, and music, creating a captivating winter experience.
Where: Glencoe | More Info: Lightscape
Illumination: Tree Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays synchronized to different musical instruments.
Description:
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum features 17 displays of lights and music highlighting the beauty of trees in winter. The event includes a secluded glade with fairy lights, kinetic LED tall grasses honoring Midwest native species, and an interactive light display in the Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden. Guests can enjoy warm beverages, snacks, and meals while viewing laser light finales and interacting with dynamic light installations.
Where: Lisle | More Info: Illumination: Tree Lights
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
What to Expect:
Largest nighttime parade in the United States.
Description:
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a day-through-night holiday extravaganza featuring a spectacular parade with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and musical performances. Over 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue are illuminated with one million lights, culminating in the Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Light Up the Lake
What to Expect:
Dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays and an outdoor ice-skating rink.
Description:
Light Up the Lake is the largest indoor and outdoor holiday experience in Chicago, featuring dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays, an outdoor ice-skating rink, and cozy firepits.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Light Up the Lake
Chicago Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket
What to Expect:
German-style Christmas market with free admission.
Description:
Christkindlmarket is a traditional German-style holiday market offering a unique shopping experience with international and local foods, festive music, and a wide array of vendor products.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket
Chicago Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with historical and cultural themes.
Description:
The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet is a holiday ballet performance set in 1892 Chicago, featuring a celebrated creative team and Tchaikovsky's classic score. The story follows Marie and her mother as they host a festive celebration, which is disrupted by the mysterious Great Impresario. The ballet takes inspiration from Chicago's 1893 World's Fair, showcasing a whirlwind journey to the dreamlike fairgrounds.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
The Nutcracker by Ruth Page Civic Ballet
What to Expect:
Full-length staging of the original Nutcracker ballet.
Description:
Ruth Page's The Nutcracker is a full-length holiday classic featuring international guest artists and local dance students. The production recreates the original staging with exquisite performances, Tchaikovsky's score, stunning costumes, and imaginative settings. It is a cherished piece of Chicago history, originally choreographed by Ruth Page herself.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Nutcracker by Ruth Page Civic Ballet
The Art Deco Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Elaborate Art Deco costumes and sets.
Description:
The Art Deco Nutcracker is a fresh, traditional take on the classic holiday ballet, set in 1920s America with vibrant costumes and stunning choreography inspired by the Art Deco era. This production features an international, multicultural cast and the historic Tchaikovsky score, making it a visually stimulating and fun experience for all ages.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Art Deco Nutcracker
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
What to Expect:
Heartwarming adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic tale with live music and narration.
Description:
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical is a heart-warming holiday classic featuring hit songs "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. This show is praised for its extraordinary performance, being 100 times better than any bedtime story, and is a total delight for both kids and adults.
Where: Chicago | More Info: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Hip Hop Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the classic Nutcracker story into contemporary New York City.
Description:
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle blending hip-hop dance with Tchaikovsky's timeless music. Directed by Jennifer Weber, it features a powerhouse cast of all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. The show transforms the classic Nutcracker story into a vibrant, diverse celebration of love, community, and the holiday season.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Hip Hop Nutcracker
Chicago Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry
What to Expect:
One-of-a-kind holiday celebration with over 50 culturally diverse trees.
Description:
Explore rich holiday traditions from around the globe at the Museum of Science and Industry. This annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers to represent holiday traditions from cultures worldwide.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry
Winterland at Gallagher Way
What to Expect:
Private chalet rentals and beach-themed igloos.
Description:
Winterland at Gallagher Way offers a variety of carnival rides, games, and family-friendly activities, including Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville. The event features private chalet rentals and beach-themed igloos, providing unique experiences for groups. Admission to Gallagher Way activities is free, while carnival rides and games require attraction tickets.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Winterland at Gallagher Way
Hyde Park Holly-Day
What to Expect:
Interactive ice sculpture stroll with live reindeer.
Description:
Hyde Park Holly-Day offers a variety of free family activities, including an ice carving demonstration, self-guided ice sculpture stroll, and meet-and-greets with costumed characters like Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event also features holiday crafts, dance performances by local schools, and live reindeer.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Hyde Park Holly-Day
Santa Hustle
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed running event with festive music and decorations.
Description:
The Santa Hustle is a holiday running event featuring a 5K and Kids Dash, with participants dressed as Santa Claus. The event includes festive music, holiday decorations, and a finisher's medal. Participants also receive a long-sleeve ugly sweater and Santa Hustle embroidered beanie.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Santa Hustle
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Bridgeport (1 miles)
- Lower West Side (1 miles)
- Near South Side (1 miles)
- Douglas (2 miles)
- Chicago Loop (3 miles)
- New City (3 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (3 miles)
- South Lawndale (3 miles)
- West Town (3 miles)
- Brighton Park (3 miles)
- East Garfield Park (3 miles)
- Near North Side (4 miles)
- North Lawndale (4 miles)
- Gage Park (4 miles)
- Hyde Park (5 miles)
- Englewood (5 miles)
- Lincoln Park (5 miles)
- West Englewood (5 miles)
- Cicero (5 miles)
- Woodlawn (6 miles)
- Logan Square (6 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (6 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (6 miles)
- West Lawn (7 miles)
- Avondale (7 miles)
- South Shore (7 miles)
- Oak Park (7 miles)
- North Center (7 miles)
- Berwyn (7 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (7 miles)
- Ashburn (8 miles)
- Chatham (8 miles)
- Uptown (8 miles)
- Belmont Cragin (8 miles)
- Irving Park (8 miles)
- Lincoln Square (9 miles)
- Albany Park (9 miles)
- South Chicago (9 miles)
- Edgewater (9 miles)
- Portage Park (10 miles)
- Maywood (10 miles)
- Burbank (10 miles)
- West Ridge (11 miles)
- Rogers Park (11 miles)
- Morgan Park (11 miles)
- Oak Lawn (11 miles)
- Melrose Park (11 miles)
- Skokie (13 miles)
- Blue Island (13 miles)
- Niles (14 miles)
- Dolton (15 miles)
- Morton Grove (15 miles)
- Park Ridge (15 miles)
- Elmhurst (15 miles)
- Wilmette (16 miles)
- Harvey (17 miles)
- Glenview (17 miles)
- Westmont (17 miles)
- Calumet City (17 miles)
- South Holland (17 miles)
- Des Plaines (17 miles)
- Villa Park (18 miles)
- East Chicago (18 miles)
- Oak Forest (18 miles)
- Darien (18 miles)
- Addison (18 miles)
- Orland Park (18 miles)
- Lombard (19 miles)
- Downers Grove (19 miles)
- Elk Grove Village (20 miles)
- Tinley Park (20 miles)
- Lansing (21 miles)
- Munster (21 miles)
- Mount Prospect (21 miles)
- Northbrook (21 miles)
- Glen Ellyn (22 miles)
- Glendale Heights (22 miles)
- Woodridge (22 miles)
- Lisle (22 miles)
- Homer Glen (23 miles)
- Highland (23 miles)
- Bloomingdale (23 miles)
- Wheaton (24 miles)
- Gary (24 miles)
- Chicago Heights (24 miles)
- Bolingbrook (24 miles)
- Roselle (24 miles)
- Highland Park (24 miles)
- Wheeling (25 miles)
- Rolling Meadows (25 miles)
- Park Forest (25 miles)
- Carol Stream (25 miles)
- Hoffman Estates (26 miles)
- Naperville (26 miles)
- Buffalo Grove (26 miles)
- Romeoville (27 miles)
- Palatine (27 miles)
- Hanover Park (27 miles)
- Schererville (28 miles)
- Lockport (28 miles)
- New Lenox (28 miles)
- West Chicago (29 miles)
- Bartlett (29 miles)
- Streamwood (30 miles)
- Hobart (30 miles)
- Merrillville (30 miles)
- Vernon Hills (31 miles)
- Crest Hill (31 miles)
- Portage (31 miles)
- Joliet (32 miles)
- Plainfield (32 miles)
- Crown Point (33 miles)
- Libertyville (34 miles)
- Geneva (34 miles)
- Mundelein (34 miles)
- Batavia (34 miles)
- St. Charles (34 miles)
- North Chicago (34 miles)
- South Elgin (34 miles)
- Elgin (35 miles)
- Aurora (35 miles)
- Carpentersville (36 miles)
- Oswego (38 miles)
- Gurnee (38 miles)
- Wasco (39 miles)
- Algonquin (40 miles)
- Grayslake (40 miles)
- Valparaiso (40 miles)
- Michigan City (40 miles)
- Lake in the Hills (42 miles)
- Zion (42 miles)
- Round Lake Beach (43 miles)
- Crystal Lake (44 miles)