Make the most of your holiday season in Uptown with our guide. From Uptown old souls to fresh faces, our guide illuminates the path to seasonal joy.
Popular events bring the spirit of the season to life, starting with the dazzling Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park, where the community gathers to celebrate the holidays with festive cheer. Featuring breathtaking light displays, the Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier offers a stunning lakeside experience that captures the essence of winter wonder. And definitely don't forget the beloved Christkindlmarket, a charming holiday market showcasing traditional crafts and seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Uptown
- Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park (Chicago)
- Christkindlmarket (Chicago)
- Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier (Chicago)
- Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
- Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour (Chicago)
- Winterland at Gallagher Way (Chicago)
- Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory (Chicago)
- One of a Kind Holiday Show (Chicago)
- Winter Lights at Aurora (Aurora)
- Renegade Craft Fair (Chicago)
See these and even more events listed below!
Uptown Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park
What to Expect:
Annual holiday tradition with live performances and fireworks.
Description:
The City of Chicago's 111th Christmas Tree will be illuminated in Millennium Park, featuring live performances, fireworks, and festive 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 the heated Centennial Ferris Wheel. Enjoy live music and discover unique finds at local artisan markets.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
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 celebration of holiday lights and attractions. Enjoy express entry into Christkindlmarket and Zoo Lights, along with complimentary apps, drink deals, and souvenir Santa hats. The tour includes visits to The Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park Christmas Tree, State Street, and Macy's Holiday Display.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour
Illumination: Tree Lights at The 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, or dine at the Ginkgo Restaurant while viewing a laser light finale.
Where: Lisle | More Info: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Winter Lights at Aurora
What to Expect:
Illuminated parade and fireworks display.
Description:
Winter Lights in Aurora is a free family-friendly event featuring an illuminated parade, tree lighting, and fireworks display. The evening includes visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, food vendors, and musical entertainment in downtown Aurora.
Where: Aurora | More Info: Winter Lights at Aurora
Uptown Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket
What to Expect:
Traditional German holiday market with international and local vendors.
Description:
Christkindlmarket is a German-style Christmas market offering a variety of vendor products, festive events, and a cozy atmosphere. Visitors can explore international and local goods, enjoy live entertainment, and experience unique shopping.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket
One of a Kind Holiday Show
What to Expect:
Unique, handmade gifts from over 600 artists and makers.
Description:
One of a Kind Holiday Show brings together over 600 exceptional artists, designers, and makers showcasing thousands of handmade products across 20 categories, including accessories, gourmet items, painting, bath and body products, holiday paper, ceramics, home goods, pet products, fashion, jewelry, photography, fiber art, kids' items, sculpture, furniture, metal, wood, glass, and mixed media.
Where: Chicago | More Info: One of a Kind Holiday Show
Renegade Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Celebrating local artisans with a curated marketplace.
Description:
Renegade Craft Fair is a premier event showcasing over 170 curated artists and small businesses, offering handmade goods and creative gifts. The fair supports local and national artisans while promoting sustainable and inclusive practices.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Renegade Craft Fair
Uptown Other Holiday Activities
Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
What to Expect:
Commemorating 25 years of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance with stunning winter flora.
Description:
The Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. The event features beautiful silver foliage, lush poinsettias in pink and white hues, and other winter flowers and plants.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
Winterland at Gallagher Way
What to Expect:
Unique blend of carnival rides and international food in a historic ballpark setting.
Description:
Winterland at Gallagher Way offers a variety of rides, games, and activities, including ice skating, international food, and festive drinks. The event features private chalet rentals and beach-themed igloos, making it a unique and family-friendly holiday experience.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Winterland at Gallagher Way
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Edgewater (1 miles)
- North Center (2 miles)
- Lincoln Square (2 miles)
- Rogers Park (3 miles)
- Lincoln Park (3 miles)
- West Ridge (3 miles)
- Avondale (4 miles)
- Albany Park (4 miles)
- Logan Square (4 miles)
- Irving Park (4 miles)
- Near North Side (5 miles)
- West Town (5 miles)
- Chicago Loop (6 miles)
- Portage Park (6 miles)
- Skokie (6 miles)
- Belmont Cragin (6 miles)
- East Garfield Park (6 miles)
- Near South Side (8 miles)
- Lower West Side (8 miles)
- Chicago (8 miles)
- North Lawndale (8 miles)
- Wilmette (8 miles)
- Morton Grove (8 miles)
- Niles (9 miles)
- Oak Park (9 miles)
- Bridgeport (9 miles)
- South Lawndale (9 miles)
- Douglas (9 miles)
- Cicero (10 miles)
- Glenview (10 miles)
- Park Ridge (10 miles)
- Brighton Park (10 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (11 miles)
- Berwyn (11 miles)
- New City (11 miles)
- Melrose Park (11 miles)
- Maywood (11 miles)
- Gage Park (12 miles)
- Hyde Park (12 miles)
- Des Plaines (13 miles)
- Englewood (13 miles)
- West Englewood (13 miles)
- Woodlawn (13 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (13 miles)
- West Lawn (14 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (14 miles)
- Northbrook (14 miles)
- South Shore (15 miles)
- Ashburn (15 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (15 miles)
- Elmhurst (15 miles)
- Chatham (16 miles)
- Mount Prospect (16 miles)
- South Chicago (16 miles)
- Elk Grove Village (17 miles)
- Highland Park (17 miles)
- Burbank (17 miles)
- Addison (17 miles)
- Villa Park (18 miles)
- Oak Lawn (18 miles)
- Wheeling (19 miles)
- Morgan Park (19 miles)
- Lombard (19 miles)
- Rolling Meadows (20 miles)
- Buffalo Grove (20 miles)
- Westmont (20 miles)
- Blue Island (21 miles)
- Downers Grove (21 miles)
- Glendale Heights (21 miles)
- Palatine (22 miles)
- Roselle (22 miles)
- Bloomingdale (22 miles)
- Glen Ellyn (22 miles)
- Darien (22 miles)
- Hoffman Estates (23 miles)
- Dolton (23 miles)
- Vernon Hills (24 miles)
- Wheaton (24 miles)
- Lisle (25 miles)
- Harvey (25 miles)
- East Chicago (25 miles)
- Calumet City (25 miles)
- Carol Stream (25 miles)
- South Holland (25 miles)
- Hanover Park (25 miles)
- Orland Park (25 miles)
- Woodridge (25 miles)
- Oak Forest (26 miles)
- North Chicago (27 miles)
- Libertyville (27 miles)
- Mundelein (27 miles)
- Streamwood (27 miles)
- Bartlett (27 miles)
- Tinley Park (28 miles)
- Bolingbrook (28 miles)
- Naperville (28 miles)
- Lansing (28 miles)
- Munster (29 miles)
- West Chicago (29 miles)
- Homer Glen (29 miles)
- Gary (30 miles)
- Highland (30 miles)
- Gurnee (31 miles)
- Romeoville (31 miles)
- Chicago Heights (32 miles)
- Elgin (33 miles)
- Park Forest (33 miles)
- Carpentersville (33 miles)
- Grayslake (33 miles)
- South Elgin (33 miles)
- Lockport (33 miles)
- St. Charles (34 miles)
- Geneva (34 miles)
- Zion (34 miles)
- Batavia (35 miles)
- Schererville (35 miles)
- New Lenox (35 miles)
- Algonquin (36 miles)
- Round Lake Beach (36 miles)
- Hobart (36 miles)
- Portage (36 miles)
- Crest Hill (37 miles)
- Plainfield (37 miles)
- Aurora (37 miles)
- Merrillville (37 miles)
- Joliet (38 miles)
- Lake in the Hills (38 miles)
- Wasco (39 miles)
- Crystal Lake (39 miles)
- McHenry (40 miles)
- Crown Point (41 miles)
- Oswego (41 miles)
- Huntley (42 miles)
- Michigan City (43 miles)
- Pleasant Prairie (43 miles)
- Kenosha (44 miles)