Make your holidays in South Shore unforgettable with our event guide. For South Shore devotees and casual admirers, this guide is your passport to seasonal splendor.
Start your festive journey at the Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park, where the twinkling lights bring joy to the city skyline. The Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier transforms the waterfront into a dazzling experience, featuring vibrant displays and seasonal activities. And the Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a stunning array of illuminated trees set against the backdrop of nature. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around South Shore
- Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier (Chicago)
- Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park (Chicago)
- Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
- Christkindlmarket (Chicago)
- Winterland at Gallagher Way (Chicago)
- The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet (Chicago)
- One of a Kind Holiday Show (Chicago)
- Hammond’s Holiday Parade (Hammond)
- “A Christmas Story” Comes Home exhibit (Hammond)
See these and even more events listed below!
South Shore Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park
What to Expect:
Live performances and fireworks accompany the tree lighting.
Description:
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park features a 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, live performances, fireworks, and Santa Claus. The event includes a pre-show at 5 p.m. and the tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., followed by post-show activities.
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 a heated Centennial Ferris Wheel. Enjoy live music, artisan markets, and thrilling axe throwing activities.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays synchronized to music in a fully ADA-compliant environment.
Description:
Explore 50 acres of The Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular light and sound display featuring 17 displays of lights and music that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Enjoy immersive installations, warm fires, and delicious meals while experiencing a unique and dynamic light show.
Where: Lisle | More Info: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
South Shore Holiday Markets and Shopping
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's cozy atmosphere, enjoy roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and hot spiced wine, and participate in special events like scavenger hunts and glassblowing workshops.
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 provides unique, handmade gifts for everyone on your list.
Where: Chicago | More Info: One of a Kind Holiday Show
South Shore 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 Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet is a holiday performance set in 1892 Chicago, where Marie and her mother prepare for the World's Columbian Exposition. The story unfolds with a surprise visit from the Great Impresario, leading to an epic battle and a whirlwind journey with the Nutcracker Prince. Featuring Tchaikovsky's classic score and a celebrated creative team, this production blends historical charm with timeless ballet.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
Hammond’s Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with festive floats and Santa's visit.
Description:
The Hammond Holiday Parade is a vibrant celebration featuring floats, marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The event showcases community spirit and festive decorations.
Where: Hammond | More Info: Hammond’s Holiday Parade
South Shore Other Holiday Activities
Winterland at Gallagher Way
What to Expect:
Unique group experiences with private chalets and igloos.
Description:
Winterland at Gallagher Way offers a variety of rides, games, and family-friendly activities, including ice skating and international food options. The event features Maker's Mark Chalet Rentals and the U.S. Virgin Islands Igloo Experience, providing unique group experiences. Admission to Gallagher Way activities, including Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, is free.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Winterland at Gallagher Way
“A Christmas Story” Comes Home exhibit
What to Expect:
Interactive animatronic window displays and Santa photo opportunities.
Description:
The "A Christmas Story" Comes Home exhibit at the Indiana Welcome Center features six animatronic window displays from Macy's Department Store in New York, recreating iconic scenes from the holiday classic. Visitors can also take photos with Santa on Santa's Mountain and participate in special events like the Mommy's Little Piggy Contest.
Where: Hammond | More Info: “A Christmas Story” Comes Home exhibit
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Woodlawn (2 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (2 miles)
- South Chicago (2 miles)
- Chatham (2 miles)
- Hyde Park (2 miles)
- Englewood (4 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (4 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (4 miles)
- West Englewood (5 miles)
- New City (5 miles)
- Douglas (5 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (6 miles)
- Bridgeport (6 miles)
- Gage Park (7 miles)
- Morgan Park (7 miles)
- Ashburn (7 miles)
- Near South Side (7 miles)
- Chicago (7 miles)
- Brighton Park (7 miles)
- West Lawn (7 miles)
- Lower West Side (8 miles)
- Dolton (9 miles)
- Chicago Loop (9 miles)
- South Lawndale (9 miles)
- Blue Island (9 miles)
- North Lawndale (10 miles)
- Oak Lawn (10 miles)
- Near North Side (10 miles)
- West Town (10 miles)
- Calumet City (10 miles)
- East Garfield Park (10 miles)
- Burbank (11 miles)
- East Chicago (11 miles)
- Cicero (11 miles)
- Harvey (11 miles)
- South Holland (11 miles)
- Lincoln Park (12 miles)
- Berwyn (13 miles)
- Logan Square (13 miles)
- Oak Park (14 miles)
- Lansing (14 miles)
- Oak Forest (14 miles)
- Avondale (14 miles)
- Munster (14 miles)
- North Center (14 miles)
- Uptown (15 miles)
- Belmont Cragin (15 miles)
- Irving Park (16 miles)
- Highland (16 miles)
- Lincoln Square (16 miles)
- Maywood (16 miles)
- Edgewater (16 miles)
- Albany Park (16 miles)
- Portage Park (17 miles)
- Gary (17 miles)
- Tinley Park (17 miles)
- Orland Park (17 miles)
- Melrose Park (17 miles)
- West Ridge (17 miles)
- Rogers Park (18 miles)
- Chicago Heights (18 miles)
- Park Forest (19 miles)
- Skokie (20 miles)
- Darien (20 miles)
- Schererville (21 miles)
- Westmont (21 miles)
- Elmhurst (21 miles)
- Niles (21 miles)
- Homer Glen (22 miles)
- Park Ridge (22 miles)
- Morton Grove (22 miles)
- Downers Grove (23 miles)
- Wilmette (23 miles)
- Villa Park (23 miles)
- Hobart (23 miles)
- Merrillville (23 miles)
- Lombard (24 miles)
- Glenview (24 miles)
- Addison (24 miles)
- Woodridge (24 miles)
- Portage (24 miles)
- Des Plaines (24 miles)
- Bolingbrook (26 miles)
- Lisle (26 miles)
- Elk Grove Village (26 miles)
- Crown Point (26 miles)
- Glen Ellyn (26 miles)
- New Lenox (26 miles)
- Glendale Heights (27 miles)
- Lockport (27 miles)
- Romeoville (28 miles)
- Mount Prospect (28 miles)
- Wheaton (28 miles)
- Northbrook (28 miles)
- Bloomingdale (29 miles)
- Naperville (29 miles)
- Roselle (30 miles)
- Crest Hill (30 miles)
- Carol Stream (30 miles)
- Joliet (31 miles)
- Highland Park (31 miles)
- Rolling Meadows (32 miles)
- Wheeling (32 miles)
- Hoffman Estates (32 miles)
- Buffalo Grove (33 miles)
- Valparaiso (33 miles)
- West Chicago (33 miles)
- Hanover Park (33 miles)
- Palatine (34 miles)
- Plainfield (34 miles)
- Bartlett (35 miles)
- Michigan City (35 miles)
- Streamwood (36 miles)
- Vernon Hills (38 miles)
- Aurora (38 miles)
- Batavia (38 miles)
- Geneva (38 miles)
- St. Charles (39 miles)
- South Elgin (40 miles)
- Oswego (40 miles)
- Libertyville (41 miles)
- Elgin (41 miles)
- Mundelein (41 miles)
- North Chicago (41 miles)
- Carpentersville (43 miles)
- Wasco (44 miles)