The holidays are upon us!
You know what that means – events, events, and more events. But how could you possibly know everything that’s happening? Where do you even start? There’s only so much one person can take in.
That’s where Chicago’s Ultimate Holiday Guide comes in. Our little Genie elves have wandered around the city in search of the best holiday events around Chicago. Here’s what they had to report.
December 5 – January 10
Navy Pier
With over 24 rides in a 170,000 square-foot space, Winter WonderFest is a children’s paradise. Inflatable slides, tubing hills, and obstacle courses give this jam-packed event an unparalleled indoor winter experience. Check out the indoor Ferris wheel and Blackhawks Ice Skating rink.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
November 20 – December 24
Daley Plaza
The boot-shaped mugs are back, and so is Chicago’s 20th annual open-air Christmas market. Enjoy traditional German cuisine, crafted holiday items, and all the holiday fanfare you can handle. The market itself is free, but the goods are gonna cost ya. Oh, and you NEED to try the hot, spiced wine. Just trust us on that one.
Don’t miss out on the Irish Christmas Market either.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
November 27 – January 3
Lincoln Park Zoo
It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to call ZooLights Chicago’s most captivating light show. If 2 million lights brightening every inch of the zoo wasn’t reason enough to visit – you’ll also have access to ice skating, visits with Santa, and of course, animals. The hype is real, folks.
Ice Skating This Winter?
Times Vary
Locations Around the City
You can’t make a holiday guide without ice skating. Pick a place: Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, Wicker Park – the list goes on and on. The Chicago Park district has 11 different rinks to choose from (and one of them is indoor).
Macy’s Christmas Windows
November 8 – January 11
Macy’s on State
Macy’s holiday window decorating began in 1897 (more info on this in the article). This year’s theme, Santa’s Journey to the Stars. This year’s theme follows the story of Alex, a young boy who receives a telescope with the power to travel between planets to witness their Christmas festivities. Eventually, Alex returns home, just in time for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade of course.
Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry
November 19 – January 3
Museum of Science and Industry
The 74th annual Christmas Around the World exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry is here, and it’s a sight to see. 50 trees, decorated from nations around the world, saturate the museum’s popular exhibit. In the middle, the Grand Tree, a towering, 45-foot goliath decorated by 30,000 lights and hundreds of vividly glowing ornaments.
The CTA Holiday Train
November 21 – December 23
Various CTA Lines
Santa’s taking a short vacation from the North Pole. His home for the next month? The CTA Holiday Train. The train comes equipped with lights, reindeer, garland, decorations, candy, and of course, Santa’s loyal team of elves. (The jolly old soul isn’t going to travel by himself ya know.)
10 Things to Do in Chicago This Winter
Winter
Chicago
Is this guide based off the holidays? Well… no. But hey, why not add in some bonus info on winter as a whole? Winter goes well beyond December.
Have anything to add to Chicago’s Ultimate Holiday Guide? Let us know!