Chicago Holiday season guide 2024
The holiday season in Chicago is a magical time filled with sparkling lights, festive events, and endless opportunities for fun. Whether you're a local looking to embrace the spirit or a tourist visiting the Windy City for the first time, there's something for everyone. Here's your guide to the best of Chicago this holiday season!
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Christkindlmarket Chicago, the city’s beloved European-style Christmas market! Nestled in the heart of downtown at Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville, this festive wonderland offers something for everyone.
Wander through charming wooden chalets brimming with unique handcrafted gifts, festive ornaments, and mouthwatering treats like bratwurst, spiced nuts, and warm, aromatic glühwein served in collectible mugs.
Perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to soak in the holiday spirit, Christkindlmarket is a must-visit destination filled with sparkling lights, live entertainment, and a cozy, joyous atmosphere. Don't miss this cherished Chicago tradition—open now through the holiday season!
LINCOLN PARK ZOO LIGHTS
Brighten your holidays with the enchanting ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, a dazzling spectacle in the heart of Chicago! This beloved seasonal event transforms the zoo into a glittering wonderland with millions of sparkling lights, larger-than-life displays, and festive holiday activities.
Stroll through breathtaking light tunnels, snap photos with Santa, and enjoy seasonal treats like hot cocoa and warm donuts.
With live ice carving, carousel rides, and a holiday gift shop, there’s fun for all ages. Best of all, admission is free on select nights, making it a magical and affordable tradition for families and friends. Don’t miss this iconic Chicago holiday experience!
Ice skating at Millenium Park and Maggie Daley Park
Glide into the holiday spirit with a magical ice-skating experience at Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park in Chicago! Lace up your skates and take in the stunning city skyline as you glide beneath the iconic Bean at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park.
For a unique twist, head to Maggie Daley Park’s Skating Ribbon, where a winding path surrounded by twinkling lights and scenic views offers an unforgettable adventure. Both locations are perfect for family outings, date nights, or just soaking up Chicago's winter wonderland.
Rentals are available, and advanced reservations ensure a seamless experience. Don’t miss this seasonal favorite—it’s winter fun at its finest!
A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre
A cherished Chicago tradition, The Goodman Theatre rings in the holiday season with its enchanting adaptation of Charles Dickens' timeless classic, A Christmas Carol. Audiences eagerly anticipate the iconic "bah humbugs," the thrilling arrival of the ghosts, lively musical numbers, and Scrooge’s heartwarming transformation as he rediscovers the joy of life, love, and the Christmas spirit.
After delighting over a million visitors across four decades, Goodman’s A Christmas Carol continues to captivate hearts and spread holiday cheer.
Hailed by the Daily Herald as “the crown jewel of the holiday season,” this beloved production promises to be more magical than ever. Experience it for the first time—or relive the magic all over again!
THE NUTCRACKER
Immerse yourself in holiday magic with two-time Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon’s reimagined The Nutcracker!
Set on Christmas Eve in 1892, just months before Chicago’s iconic World’s Columbian Exposition, the story follows Marie and her mother, a sculptress working on the fair’s Statue of the Republic. During a lively holiday celebration, they receive a surprise visit from the mysterious Great Impresario. That night, Marie awakens to an epic battle between Toy Soldiers and the Rat King, then embarks on a spellbinding journey with the Nutcracker Prince to the dazzling fairgrounds of the World’s Fair, filled with wonders from around the globe.
Featuring Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, this breathtaking production is brought to life by a world-class creative team, including Wheeldon’s Tony Award®-winning choreography, stunning set and costume designs by Julian Crouch, and captivating contributions from Brian Selznick, Basil Twist, Natasha Katz, and Ben Pearcy. Don’t miss this enchanting twist on a holiday favorite!
Light up the lake at Navy Pier
Navy Pier’s Light Up the Lake returns from Nov. 26 to Jan. 2, offering a magical indoor holiday experience. Enjoy 600,000+ twinkling lights, massive light sculptures, an Alpine ice rink, Santa’s Village, kiddie train rides, a holiday gift market, and festive dining with holiday eats and seasonal brews.
Tickets, available starting Oct. 25 at NavyPier.org, include a free ride on the Centennial Wheel. Catered holiday parties for groups of 20+ can be booked via holidayparties@navypier.org.
Hours:
- Nov. 26 – Dec. 19: Mon/Thu: 3–9 p.m.; Tue/Wed: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri/Sat: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Dec. 20 – Jan. 2: 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily (closing early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve; closed Christmas Day).
Don’t miss this festive tradition filled with fun for all ages!
