See the essence of the festive season in Hyde Park. Our guide highlights all the key holiday events. Whether you're a Hyde Park veteran or a first-timer, this guide helps you create lasting holiday memories.
Among the highlights is the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, where you can witness a dazzling display of twinkling lights that transform the cityscape. Experience the magic of the season with charming performances and festive attractions. And don't forget the beloved Nutcracker by the Joffrey Ballet, featuring exquisite choreography and enchanting music that capture the spirit of Christmas. Check out the rest of the page for more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Hyde Park Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Hyde Park
- The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Chicago)
- The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet (Chicago)
- McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (Chicago)
- Light Up the Lake (Chicago)
- Winterland at Gallagher Way (Chicago)
- Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville (Chicago)
- Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration (Chicago)
See these and even more events listed below!
Hyde Park Holiday Light Displays
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
What to Expect:
Largest nighttime parade in the United States with over one million lights.
Description:
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a day-through-night, mile-long holiday extravaganza featuring over one million lights illuminating 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue. Led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, the event includes a spectacular parade with floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and musical performances, culminating in the Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Light Up the Lake
What to Expect:
Indoor and outdoor holiday light displays with an ice-skating rink and cozy firepits.
Description:
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier features dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays, an outdoor ice-skating rink, cozy firepits, and the iconic Centennial Ferris Wheel. Enjoy free skating with your own skates or rent them on site.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Light Up the Lake
Hyde Park Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville
What to Expect:
Traditional German market with international flair and local charm.
Description:
The Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville is an authentic German-style Christmas market offering a variety of international and local foods, unique shopping experiences, and festive music in a cozy atmosphere.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville
Hyde Park Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance inspired by Chicago's 1893 World's Fair.
Description:
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker is a holiday performance set in 1892 Chicago, featuring a celebrated creative team and Tchaikovsky's classic score. The story follows Marie and her mother as they prepare for the World's Columbian Exposition, where a mysterious Great Impresario brings magic to their Christmas Eve celebration. The ballet includes an epic battle between Toy Soldiers and the Rat King, culminating in a whirlwind journey with the Nutcracker Prince.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
Hyde Park Other Holiday Activities
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Free ice skating lessons for all ages.
Description:
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park offers free admission with online ticket 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, with snacks and hot drinks available from Momentum Coffee and Millennium Hall.
Where: Chicago | More Info: McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Winterland at Gallagher Way
What to Expect:
Family-friendly carnival with private event options.
Description:
Winterland at Gallagher Way offers a variety of carnival rides, games, and family-friendly activities, including ice skating and Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville. Admission to Gallagher Way activities is free, while carnival rides and games require attraction tickets. Unique features include private chalet rentals and beach-themed igloos.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Winterland at Gallagher Way
Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with live reindeer and ice sculptures.
Description:
Hyde Park Holly-Day is a full day of free, fun holiday activities in downtown Hyde Park, featuring an ice carving demonstration, self-guided ice sculpture stroll, free movie screening, holiday crafts, costumed character meet and greets, dance performances, and photos with Soul Santa & Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, and live reindeer.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Woodlawn (1 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (2 miles)
- South Shore (2 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (3 miles)
- Englewood (3 miles)
- Douglas (3 miles)
- New City (3 miles)
- Chatham (4 miles)
- West Englewood (4 miles)
- Bridgeport (4 miles)
- South Chicago (4 miles)
- Near South Side (5 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (5 miles)
- Chicago (5 miles)
- Gage Park (5 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (5 miles)
- Lower West Side (6 miles)
- Brighton Park (6 miles)
- Chicago Loop (7 miles)
- West Lawn (7 miles)
- Ashburn (7 miles)
- South Lawndale (7 miles)
- Near North Side (8 miles)
- North Lawndale (8 miles)
- West Town (8 miles)
- Morgan Park (8 miles)
- East Garfield Park (8 miles)
- Cicero (9 miles)
- Lincoln Park (9 miles)
- Oak Lawn (10 miles)
- Burbank (10 miles)
- Logan Square (10 miles)
- Blue Island (10 miles)
- Dolton (11 miles)
- Berwyn (11 miles)
- Oak Park (12 miles)
- Avondale (12 miles)
- North Center (12 miles)
- Uptown (12 miles)
- Calumet City (13 miles)
- East Chicago (13 miles)
- Harvey (13 miles)
- Belmont Cragin (13 miles)
- Irving Park (13 miles)
- South Holland (13 miles)
- Lincoln Square (13 miles)
- Edgewater (14 miles)
- Albany Park (14 miles)
- Maywood (14 miles)
- Portage Park (14 miles)
- West Ridge (15 miles)
- Rogers Park (15 miles)
- Oak Forest (15 miles)
- Melrose Park (15 miles)
- Lansing (16 miles)
- Munster (16 miles)
- Orland Park (18 miles)
- Skokie (18 miles)
- Tinley Park (18 miles)
- Highland (18 miles)
- Gary (19 miles)
- Niles (19 miles)
- Elmhurst (19 miles)
- Morton Grove (20 miles)
- Park Ridge (20 miles)
- Westmont (20 miles)
- Darien (20 miles)
- Chicago Heights (20 miles)
- Wilmette (20 miles)
- Park Forest (21 miles)
- Villa Park (21 miles)
- Glenview (21 miles)
- Downers Grove (22 miles)
- Lombard (22 miles)
- Des Plaines (22 miles)
- Homer Glen (22 miles)
- Addison (22 miles)
- Schererville (23 miles)
- Woodridge (24 miles)
- Elk Grove Village (24 miles)
- Lisle (25 miles)
- Glen Ellyn (25 miles)
- Hobart (25 miles)
- Bolingbrook (25 miles)
- Merrillville (25 miles)
- Glendale Heights (26 miles)
- Mount Prospect (26 miles)
- Northbrook (26 miles)
- Portage (26 miles)
- Wheaton (27 miles)
- New Lenox (27 miles)
- Bloomingdale (27 miles)
- Romeoville (27 miles)
- Lockport (28 miles)
- Roselle (28 miles)
- Naperville (29 miles)
- Crown Point (29 miles)
- Highland Park (29 miles)
- Carol Stream (29 miles)
- Wheeling (29 miles)
- Rolling Meadows (29 miles)
- Hoffman Estates (30 miles)
- Crest Hill (31 miles)
- Buffalo Grove (31 miles)
- Joliet (31 miles)
- Palatine (31 miles)
- Hanover Park (32 miles)
- West Chicago (32 miles)
- Bartlett (33 miles)
- Plainfield (34 miles)
- Streamwood (34 miles)
- Valparaiso (35 miles)
- Vernon Hills (35 miles)
- Michigan City (37 miles)
- Geneva (37 miles)
- Batavia (37 miles)
- Aurora (37 miles)
- St. Charles (38 miles)
- Libertyville (38 miles)
- South Elgin (38 miles)
- Mundelein (39 miles)
- North Chicago (39 miles)
- Elgin (39 miles)
- Oswego (40 miles)
- Carpentersville (41 miles)
- Gurnee (43 miles)
- Wasco (43 miles)
- Algonquin (44 miles)
- Grayslake (44 miles)