Looking forward to holiday magic in Irving Park? Our guide has everything you need! From Irving Park natives to seasonal migrants, our guide illuminates the path to holiday joy.
Popular events abound this season, starting with the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park, where sparkling lights usher in the holiday spirit. With its warm ambiance and stunning decorations, Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier showcases vibrant displays along the waterfront. And don't forget the Wintrust Lights Festival, which offers an impressive parade of lights that captures the essence of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Irving Park
- The Wintrust Lights Festival (Chicago)
- Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park (Chicago)
- Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier (Chicago)
- Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
- Christkindlmarket (Chicago)
- Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour (Chicago)
- One of a Kind Holiday Show (Chicago)
- Winter Lights at Aurora (Aurora)
See these and even more events listed below!
Irving Park Holiday Light Displays
The Wintrust 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. The event includes the illumination of one million lights on 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue, culminating in the Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Wintrust Lights Festival
Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park
What to Expect:
Annual lighting of a 45-foot tall Christmas tree with live performances and fireworks.
Description:
The City of Chicago's official Christmas Tree, a 45-foot tall tree, will be illuminated in Millennium Park. The event features live performances, fireworks, and festive activities. Visitors can enjoy skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink and explore the Holiday Art Market.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
What to Expect:
Dazzling outdoor light displays and ice-skating rink.
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, and weekly fireworks on Saturdays.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
What to Expect:
Immersive light and music displays along a fully ADA-compliant path.
Description:
Explore 50 acres of The Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular light and sound exhibition featuring 17 dazzling displays, including interactive installations and a laser light finale.
Where: Lisle | More Info: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour
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 Christkindlmarket and Zoo Lights, along with complimentary apps, drink deals, and souvenir Santa hats. The tour includes a blend of entertainment, information, and humor with a boozy twist as you drive by iconic spots like The Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park Christmas Tree.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour
Winter Lights at Aurora
What to Expect:
Illuminated parade with Santa and fireworks display.
Description:
Winter Lights in Aurora features a festive parade, tree lighting, and fireworks display, accompanied by Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Mayor Irvin. The event includes food vendors, costumed characters, and musical entertainment in downtown Aurora.
Where: Aurora | More Info: Winter Lights at Aurora
Irving Park Holiday Markets and Shopping
One of a Kind Holiday Show
What to Expect:
Unique handmade gifts from over 600 artists and makers.
Description:
The One of a Kind Holiday Show brings together over 600 exceptional artists, designers, and makers to offer thousands of handmade products across 20 categories, including accessories, gourmet goods, painting, bath and body items, holiday paper, ceramics, home goods, pet products, fashion, jewelry, photography, fiber art, kids' sculpture, furniture, metal, wood, glass, and mixed media.
Where: Chicago | More Info: One of a Kind Holiday Show
Christkindlmarket
What to Expect:
Authentic German holiday market with international and local food options.
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. Visitors can explore the market, participate in special events, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Albany Park (1 miles)
- Portage Park (2 miles)
- Avondale (2 miles)
- Belmont Cragin (2 miles)
- Logan Square (3 miles)
- Lincoln Square (3 miles)
- North Center (3 miles)
- West Ridge (4 miles)
- Edgewater (4 miles)
- Uptown (4 miles)
- Lincoln Park (5 miles)
- West Town (5 miles)
- Rogers Park (5 miles)
- East Garfield Park (5 miles)
- Oak Park (5 miles)
- Skokie (6 miles)
- Niles (6 miles)
- Near North Side (6 miles)
- Morton Grove (6 miles)
- North Lawndale (7 miles)
- Park Ridge (7 miles)
- Chicago Loop (7 miles)
- Melrose Park (7 miles)
- Cicero (8 miles)
- Maywood (8 miles)
- South Lawndale (8 miles)
- Berwyn (8 miles)
- Lower West Side (8 miles)
- Wilmette (8 miles)
- Chicago (8 miles)
- Glenview (8 miles)
- Near South Side (9 miles)
- Bridgeport (9 miles)
- Des Plaines (9 miles)
- Brighton Park (9 miles)
- Douglas (10 miles)
- New City (11 miles)
- Elmhurst (11 miles)
- Gage Park (11 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (11 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (12 miles)
- West Lawn (12 miles)
- Elk Grove Village (13 miles)
- West Englewood (13 miles)
- Englewood (13 miles)
- Mount Prospect (13 miles)
- Northbrook (13 miles)
- Addison (13 miles)
- Hyde Park (13 miles)
- Villa Park (14 miles)
- Woodlawn (14 miles)
- Ashburn (14 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (15 miles)
- Lombard (15 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (15 miles)
- Burbank (15 miles)
- South Shore (16 miles)
- Chatham (16 miles)
- Highland Park (16 miles)
- Wheeling (16 miles)
- Westmont (16 miles)
- Oak Lawn (17 miles)
- Rolling Meadows (17 miles)
- Glendale Heights (17 miles)
- Downers Grove (17 miles)
- South Chicago (17 miles)
- Bloomingdale (18 miles)
- Roselle (18 miles)
- Glen Ellyn (18 miles)
- Buffalo Grove (18 miles)
- Darien (19 miles)
- Morgan Park (19 miles)
- Hoffman Estates (19 miles)
- Palatine (19 miles)
- Wheaton (20 miles)
- Lisle (20 miles)
- Blue Island (21 miles)
- Carol Stream (21 miles)
- Hanover Park (21 miles)
- Woodridge (22 miles)
- Vernon Hills (22 miles)
- Dolton (23 miles)
- Orland Park (23 miles)
- Streamwood (23 miles)
- Bartlett (23 miles)
- Naperville (24 miles)
- Harvey (24 miles)
- Oak Forest (24 miles)
- West Chicago (24 miles)
- Bolingbrook (25 miles)
- South Holland (25 miles)
- Libertyville (25 miles)
- Mundelein (25 miles)
- Calumet City (26 miles)
- East Chicago (26 miles)
- North Chicago (26 miles)
- Tinley Park (26 miles)
- Homer Glen (27 miles)
- Romeoville (28 miles)
- Elgin (29 miles)
- South Elgin (29 miles)
- Lansing (29 miles)
- Carpentersville (29 miles)
- Munster (29 miles)
- St. Charles (30 miles)
- Geneva (30 miles)
- Gurnee (30 miles)
- Lockport (30 miles)
- Batavia (30 miles)
- Grayslake (31 miles)
- Highland (31 miles)
- Chicago Heights (31 miles)
- Gary (32 miles)
- Park Forest (32 miles)
- Algonquin (32 miles)
- New Lenox (33 miles)
- Aurora (33 miles)
- Plainfield (33 miles)
- Crest Hill (33 miles)
- Round Lake Beach (34 miles)
- Lake in the Hills (34 miles)
- Wasco (34 miles)
- Zion (34 miles)
- Joliet (35 miles)
- Crystal Lake (36 miles)
- Schererville (36 miles)
- Oswego (37 miles)
- McHenry (38 miles)
- Hobart (38 miles)
- Huntley (38 miles)
- Merrillville (39 miles)
- Portage (39 miles)
- Crown Point (42 miles)
- Pleasant Prairie (43 miles)
- Kenosha (44 miles)
- Woodstock (44 miles)