Celebrate the best of the holidays in North Center with our detailed guide. From North Center residents to seasonal tourists, our guide is your gateway to holiday magic.
One of the highlights of the season is the iconic 110th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting, where the heart of the city sparkles with festive cheer. Visitors can also enjoy the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, offering a charming outdoor skating experience with stunning views. And definitely don't forget the enchanting Christkindlmarket, where you can find artisanal gifts and delicious seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around North Center
- 110th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting (Chicago)
- The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet (Chicago)
- Christkindlmarket (Chicago)
- McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (Chicago)
- Chicago Cultural Center Holiday Open House (Chicago)
- One of a Kind Holiday Show (Chicago)
- Holiday Sing-Along Series (Chicago)
- Illuminations at Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
- Randolph Street Market (Chicago)
- The Nutcracker by Schaumburg Dance Ensemble (Schaumburg)
See these and even more events listed below!
North Center Holiday Light Displays
Illuminations at Morton Arboretum
What to Expect:
Immersive light and music displays highlighting tree beauty in winter.
Description:
Explore 50 acres of the Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular light and sound display. The event features 17 dazzling light and music displays, including new exhibits like Starlit Trail and Winter Radiance, along a one-mile ADA-compliant path. Enjoy warm beverages and snacks at concession tents, and a delicious meal at the Ginkgo Restaurant while viewing the laser light finale at Meadow Lake.
Where: Lisle | More Info: Illuminations at Morton Arboretum
North Center Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket
What to Expect:
Traditional German holiday market with over 55 vendors.
Description:
Christkindlmarket is a German-style Christmas market offering a variety of international and local foods, unique shopping experiences, and festive events. Visitors can explore vendor products, enjoy live music, and experience a cozy atmosphere filled with roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and hot spiced wine.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket
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, offering thousands of handmade products across 20 categories. This premier holiday shopping destination in Chicago features unique, handmade gifts for everyone on your list.
Where: Chicago | More Info: One of a Kind Holiday Show
Randolph Street Market
What to Expect:
World-class urban antiques market with a diverse array of vintage and modern items.
Description:
Randolph Street Market is a premier destination for antique, vintage, and designer goods, featuring a curated selection of art, jewelry, fashion, and home decor from over 125 vendors.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Randolph Street Market
Kwanzaa Market at Africa International House
What to Expect:
Cultural celebration with local vendors and artistic performances.
Description:
The Kwanzaa Market at Africa International House is a vibrant celebration of African culture and creativity, featuring local vendors, indigenous dishes, and artistic performances.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Kwanzaa Market at Africa International House
North Center Holiday Shows and Entertainment
110th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Traditional tree lighting ceremony with holiday performances and fireworks.
Description:
The 110th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting features a 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce illuminated during a festive ceremony with performances, fireworks, and holiday activities in Millennium Park.
Where: Chicago | More Info: 110th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
Holiday Sing-Along Series
What to Expect:
Local choral groups lead festive holiday sing-alongs.
Description:
Join local Chicago choral groups in Millennium Park's Wrigley Square for a series of holiday sing-alongs celebrating Chicago's diverse traditions. Each week features a different group leading guests and families in song, starting at 6 p.m.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Holiday Sing-Along Series
Chicago Cultural Center Holiday Open House
What to Expect:
Celebrating the 2024 World Music Festival with live music, dance, and visual arts.
Description:
The Chicago Cultural Center Open House celebrates the 2024 World Music Festival with live activities, transformative visual arts exhibitions, and a preparty kickoff event featuring Ragamala. The event includes music, dance, films, and food, welcoming all Chicago residents and visitors who are interested in the arts.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Chicago Cultural Center Holiday Open House
The Nutcracker by Schaumburg Dance Ensemble
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker by Schaumburg Dance Ensemble is a classical ballet production that has become a seasonal regional favorite, featuring thousands of dancers including students and professionals.
Where: Schaumburg | More Info: The Nutcracker by Schaumburg Dance Ensemble
The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance inspired by Chicago's 1893 World's Fair.
Description:
The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet is a holiday performance set in 1892 Chicago, featuring a celebrated creative team and Tchaikovsky's classic score. It tells the story of Marie and her mother as they celebrate Christmas Eve with a surprise visit from the Great Impresario, leading to a whirlwind journey to the World's Columbian Exposition.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
North Center 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 reservations required. Enjoy ice skating sessions daily from November 15 to February 2, weather permitting, with free skating lessons available for beginners and intermediate skaters.
Where: Chicago | More Info: McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Uptown (2 miles)
- Lincoln Square (2 miles)
- Avondale (2 miles)
- Edgewater (2 miles)
- Logan Square (2 miles)
- Albany Park (2 miles)
- Lincoln Park (3 miles)
- Irving Park (3 miles)
- West Ridge (3 miles)
- Rogers Park (4 miles)
- West Town (4 miles)
- Near North Side (4 miles)
- Portage Park (4 miles)
- Belmont Cragin (5 miles)
- East Garfield Park (5 miles)
- Chicago Loop (5 miles)
- Skokie (6 miles)
- North Lawndale (7 miles)
- Lower West Side (7 miles)
- Oak Park (7 miles)
- Near South Side (7 miles)
- Chicago (7 miles)
- Niles (8 miles)
- South Lawndale (8 miles)
- Morton Grove (8 miles)
- Bridgeport (8 miles)
- Cicero (8 miles)
- Wilmette (8 miles)
- Douglas (9 miles)
- Park Ridge (9 miles)
- Berwyn (9 miles)
- Brighton Park (9 miles)
- Glenview (10 miles)
- Melrose Park (10 miles)
- Maywood (10 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (10 miles)
- New City (10 miles)
- Gage Park (11 miles)
- Des Plaines (12 miles)
- Hyde Park (12 miles)
- Englewood (12 miles)
- West Englewood (12 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (12 miles)
- West Lawn (13 miles)
- Woodlawn (13 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (14 miles)
- Elmhurst (14 miles)
- South Shore (14 miles)
- Northbrook (14 miles)
- Ashburn (14 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (15 miles)
- Chatham (15 miles)
- Elk Grove Village (15 miles)
- Mount Prospect (15 miles)
- Addison (16 miles)
- Burbank (16 miles)
- South Chicago (16 miles)
- Villa Park (17 miles)
- Highland Park (17 miles)
- Oak Lawn (17 miles)
- Lombard (18 miles)
- Wheeling (18 miles)
- Morgan Park (18 miles)
- Westmont (19 miles)
- Rolling Meadows (19 miles)
- Downers Grove (20 miles)
- Buffalo Grove (20 miles)
- Glendale Heights (20 miles)
- Blue Island (20 miles)
- Darien (21 miles)
- Glen Ellyn (21 miles)
- Bloomingdale (21 miles)
- Roselle (21 miles)
- Palatine (21 miles)
- Hoffman Estates (21 miles)
- Dolton (22 miles)
- Wheaton (23 miles)
- Lisle (23 miles)
- Carol Stream (24 miles)
- Harvey (24 miles)
- Woodridge (24 miles)
- Vernon Hills (24 miles)
- Orland Park (24 miles)
- Hanover Park (24 miles)
- Oak Forest (24 miles)
- Calumet City (25 miles)
- East Chicago (25 miles)
- South Holland (25 miles)
- Streamwood (26 miles)
- Bartlett (26 miles)
- Bolingbrook (27 miles)
- Libertyville (27 miles)
- Naperville (27 miles)
- Tinley Park (27 miles)
- North Chicago (27 miles)
- Mundelein (27 miles)
- West Chicago (27 miles)
- Lansing (28 miles)
- Homer Glen (28 miles)
- Munster (28 miles)
- Romeoville (30 miles)
- Highland (30 miles)
- Gary (30 miles)
- Gurnee (31 miles)
- Chicago Heights (31 miles)
- Elgin (31 miles)
- South Elgin (32 miles)
- Lockport (32 miles)
- Carpentersville (32 miles)
- Park Forest (32 miles)
- St. Charles (32 miles)
- Geneva (33 miles)
- Grayslake (33 miles)
- Batavia (33 miles)
- New Lenox (34 miles)
- Algonquin (35 miles)
- Schererville (35 miles)
- Zion (35 miles)
- Crest Hill (35 miles)
- Plainfield (35 miles)
- Aurora (36 miles)
- Round Lake Beach (36 miles)
- Joliet (36 miles)
- Hobart (36 miles)
- Portage (37 miles)
- Lake in the Hills (37 miles)
- Merrillville (37 miles)
- Wasco (37 miles)
- Crystal Lake (38 miles)
- Oswego (39 miles)
- McHenry (40 miles)
- Crown Point (40 miles)
- Huntley (41 miles)
- Pleasant Prairie (43 miles)
- Michigan City (44 miles)
- Kenosha (44 miles)