Eager for holiday celebrations in West Chicago? Check out our guide for all the festive activities! From West Chicago aficionados to first-time explorers, our guide is your gateway to seasonal celebrations.
Popular events in the city include the City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, where the iconic tree sparks joy and warmth as it lights up the night. You’ll also find the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, transforming the avenue into a sparkling wonderland with dazzling displays and live entertainment. And the Christkindlmarket is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a taste of European holiday traditions with authentic food, crafts, and festive cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around West Chicago
- Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Chicago)
- City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Chicago)
- Christkindlmarket (Chicago)
- Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
- Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe)
- Winterland at Gallagher Way (Chicago)
See these and even more events listed below!
West Chicago Holiday Light Displays
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Iconic tree lighting ceremony with live performances and fireworks.
Description:
The City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is an annual event where the iconic tree in Millennium Park is illuminated, marking the start of the holiday season. The ceremony includes live performances, fireworks, and festive activities for families.
Where: Chicago | More Info: City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
What to Expect:
Largest nighttime parade in the U.S. with over one million lights.
Description:
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a day-through-night holiday celebration featuring a mile-long extravaganza with over one million lights, the largest nighttime parade in the U.S., and festive activities along North Michigan Avenue.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
What to Expect:
Dazzling light installations and handcrafted drinks along a festive trail.
Description:
Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden is an illuminated trail featuring dazzling installations, handcrafted drinks, and a festive atmosphere.
Where: Glencoe | More Info: Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and immersive winter wonderland experience.
Description:
Explore 50 acres of The Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular display of color, light, and sound. The event features 17 displays of lights and music that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Enjoy immersive installations, warm up by a crackling fire, and roast marshmallows for s’mores. The path is fully ADA compliant, and the event includes interactive light displays and special events like IllumiBrew and Electric Illumination.
Where: Lisle | More Info: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
West Chicago Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket
What to Expect:
Traditional German holiday market with free admission and diverse shopping and dining options.
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 the smell of roasted nuts and fresh pretzels.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket
West Chicago Other Holiday Activities
Winterland at Gallagher Way
What to Expect:
Unique holiday event with private chalets and igloos.
Description:
Wintrust Winterland at Gallagher Way offers a variety of carnival rides, games, and family-friendly activities. Admission to Gallagher Way activities, including Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, is free. The event features private chalet rentals and beach-themed igloos for special experiences.
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!
- Carol Stream (4 miles)
- Wheaton (5 miles)
- Geneva (5 miles)
- St. Charles (6 miles)
- Batavia (6 miles)
- Glen Ellyn (7 miles)
- Naperville (7 miles)
- Glendale Heights (7 miles)
- Bartlett (8 miles)
- Bloomingdale (8 miles)
- Hanover Park (8 miles)
- Lisle (9 miles)
- South Elgin (9 miles)
- Roselle (9 miles)
- Streamwood (10 miles)
- Lombard (10 miles)
- Aurora (10 miles)
- Wasco (11 miles)
- Villa Park (11 miles)
- Downers Grove (11 miles)
- Elgin (11 miles)
- Addison (12 miles)
- Woodridge (12 miles)
- Hoffman Estates (13 miles)
- Westmont (13 miles)
- Elmhurst (14 miles)
- Elk Grove Village (15 miles)
- Bolingbrook (15 miles)
- Darien (15 miles)
- Oswego (16 miles)
- Carpentersville (17 miles)
- Rolling Meadows (17 miles)
- Romeoville (17 miles)
- Plainfield (18 miles)
- Palatine (18 miles)
- Melrose Park (18 miles)
- Maywood (19 miles)
- Mount Prospect (19 miles)
- Des Plaines (19 miles)
- Algonquin (20 miles)
- Park Ridge (21 miles)
- Berwyn (21 miles)
- Lake in the Hills (22 miles)
- Oak Park (22 miles)
- Lockport (22 miles)
- Buffalo Grove (22 miles)
- Wheeling (23 miles)
- Niles (23 miles)
- Belmont Cragin (23 miles)
- Huntley (23 miles)
- Portage Park (23 miles)
- Cicero (23 miles)
- Crest Hill (23 miles)
- Homer Glen (24 miles)
- Morton Grove (24 miles)
- Burbank (24 miles)
- Irving Park (24 miles)
- Glenview (25 miles)
- North Lawndale (25 miles)
- Orland Park (25 miles)
- Crystal Lake (25 miles)
- Albany Park (25 miles)
- South Lawndale (25 miles)
- Northbrook (26 miles)
- Joliet (26 miles)
- Avondale (26 miles)
- East Garfield Park (26 miles)
- Vernon Hills (26 miles)
- Oak Lawn (26 miles)
- West Lawn (26 miles)
- Logan Square (26 miles)
- Skokie (26 miles)
- Brighton Park (26 miles)
- Gage Park (27 miles)
- Ashburn (27 miles)
- Lincoln Square (27 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (27 miles)
- West Town (27 miles)
- North Center (27 miles)
- West Ridge (27 miles)
- Lower West Side (28 miles)
- Wilmette (28 miles)
- Mundelein (28 miles)
- DeKalb (28 miles)
- New Lenox (29 miles)
- Edgewater (29 miles)
- Chicago (29 miles)
- West Englewood (29 miles)
- Bridgeport (29 miles)
- New City (29 miles)
- Lincoln Park (29 miles)
- Uptown (29 miles)
- Rogers Park (29 miles)
- Highland Park (29 miles)
- Near North Side (29 miles)
- Chicago Loop (29 miles)
- Englewood (30 miles)
- Near South Side (30 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (30 miles)
- Douglas (30 miles)
- Libertyville (30 miles)
- Tinley Park (31 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (31 miles)
- Oak Forest (31 miles)
- Morgan Park (31 miles)
- McHenry (31 miles)
- Blue Island (31 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (32 miles)
- Woodlawn (32 miles)
- Hyde Park (32 miles)
- Chatham (32 miles)
- Woodstock (32 miles)
- Grayslake (33 miles)
- South Shore (33 miles)
- Round Lake Beach (34 miles)
- Harvey (34 miles)
- South Chicago (35 miles)
- Dolton (35 miles)
- North Chicago (36 miles)
- South Holland (36 miles)
- Gurnee (37 miles)
- Park Forest (39 miles)
- Chicago Heights (39 miles)
- Calumet City (39 miles)
- Lansing (41 miles)
- Munster (42 miles)
- Belvidere (42 miles)
- East Chicago (42 miles)
- Zion (43 miles)