There’s no time like Christmas in Chicago, where you can’t help but feel the magic of the holiday season. The city is full of bustling excitement and seasonal celebrations, from The Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park to our vibrant neighborhoods.

And no matter what holidays you observe, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate. You can admire twinkling light displays in a historic zoo, lace up your ice skates and glide around in the shadow of “The Bean”, catch a holiday show in a stunning downtown theatre, or sip hot cocoa while strolling our charming snow-dusted streets.  

Here are a few of our favorite holiday events, Christmas light displays, family-friendly activities, and beloved traditions this winter season in Chicago.

Explore the zoo at night

It’s not the holidays in Chicago without dazzling light displays around every corner. Check out ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, when the historic zoo is illuminated by more than 2.5 million colorful lights, including moving displays set to music. Don’t miss special events like a themed pop-up bar, an adults night out, and more.

In the nearby suburbs, Brookfield Zoo is hosting their annual Holiday Magic display, a local tradition for more than 40 years. Zoo-goers can stroll along the many pathways lit with more than two million twinkling LED lights, including the 600-foot-long Tunnel of Lights with thousands of colored lights all synchronized to music.

Get a taste of Christkindlmarket

Photo by Abel Arciniega

Experience the magic of an authentic German Christmas market at the always-buzzing Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. This annual, free-admission event features vendors selling beautiful glass ornaments, wooden cuckoo clocks, hand-knit gloves, hot mulled wine, and other traditional German crafts and treats.

Other Chicago holiday markets include a miniature version of Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville, the local artisan-filled Renegade Craft Fair, the Kwanzaa Market at Africa International House, and more holiday markets popping up in every corner of the city.

Explore more: Shop all the top Chicago holiday markets.

See the holiday lights

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Just outside the city, Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden is an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore the scenic botanic garden after dark. Bask in the glow of twinkling lights and admire the various light installations inspired by the natural surroundings. 

And in nearby Lisle, Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum is another dazzling outdoor experience. The one-mile paved path winds through the sprawling arboretum and offers views of captivating lighting designs. Afterward, cozy up by the fire to make s’mores and head to the concessions tent.

Explore more: Check out all our favorite spots to see Christmas lights in Chicago.

Lace up some skates

Ice Skating at Millennium Park
Photo by Abel Arciniega

On winter days, lace up your skates and hit one of the city’s charming ice skating rinks. The scenic rink at Millennium Park offers panoramic views of Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) and the surrounding city skyline dusted in snow. The rink is open daily from November through March, weather permitting. Skate rentals are available, or you can bring your own.

Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon

Nearby, Maggie Daley Park is known for its one-of-a-kind Skating Ribbon, an icy path that curves through the park’s whimsical landscape. The Skating Ribbon is open from November through March. You can reserve skate rentals ahead of time or use your own.

There are also charming neighborhood rinks throughout Chicago, like the Midway Plaisance in Hyde Park, or the Gallagher Way rink in Wrigleyville. 

See the official Christmas Tree

Don’t miss one of Chicago’s biggest and brightest holiday traditions — the City of Chicago’s official Christmas Tree, a tradition for more than 100 years. Don’t miss the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in November, which includes live performances and a fireworks display.

The massive tree, which will light up the heart of iconic Millennium Park, is adorned in twinkling lights and makes the perfect holiday photo opp. The tree shines brightly near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street through January. Make sure to stop by one of the magical ice skating rinks while you’re there.

Explore a holiday exhibit

Chicago museums love to take part in the holiday fun. The Museum of Science and Industry hosts their annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Lights, with 50 elaborately decorated trees that represent holiday traditions from across the globe. In Holiday of Lights, the museum honors the traditions of Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day, St. Lucia Day, and more.

Share in the joy of art with family and friends at the Art Institute of Chicago. The museum’s beloved lions receive the holiday treatment during the annual Wreathing of the Lions celebration on the museum steps. Inside, a world of treasures awaits — the soaring Tiffany Window, the ever-popular 18th-century Neapolitan crèche, and visitor favorites from Rembrandt and Van Gogh to O’Keeffe and Warhol.

Catch a festive live show

The holidays are the perfect time to experience the thrill of live musicals, dramas, ballets, and more. Whether you’re drawn to our bustling downtown theatre district (home to Broadway in Chicago) or more intimate neighborhood venues, there’s a holiday show for you.

Grab your seats today for limited-time productions, including:

Do some holiday gift shopping

Pick up some gifts for loved ones (and maybe something for yourself) in Chicago’s many shopping districts. The Magnificent Mile, one of the world’s most iconic retail destinations, is a good place to start. You’ll find famous department stores, luxury showrooms, and favorite chains — plus tons of twinkling light bulbs that dazzle shoppers throughout the holiday season.

A few blocks away, State Street is another shopper’s paradise where you’ll find the iconic Macy’s on State Street, with their annual Holiday Windows and the Great Tree inside the historic Walnut Room.

And if you’re looking for something truly unique, don’t miss Chicago’s many neighborhood boutiques. That’s where you’ll find a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind gifts, like custom-made leather goods, vintage finds, artisan goods, and locally crafted denim. Check out these top neighborhoods for boutique shopping.

Explore more: Our guide to holiday shopping in Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Visit the Walnut Room

It doesn’t get much more festive than a meal from the Walnut Room. Located inside Macy’s on State Street, the historic restaurant is an essential holiday destination. The stately interior is adorned with elegant decor and sparkling chandeliers, with the towering Great Tree in the center of it all. And don’t miss the famed holiday window displays that line the exterior of the historic building.

See a holiday movie at the drive-in

Get nostalgic at an old-fashioned drive-in theatre, where you can enjoy holiday movies from the comfort of your own car. Catch Christmas classics like Love Actually, Elf, The Polar Express, and more at ChiTown Movies in Pilsen.

Spot the holiday train

A beloved Chicago tradition, the CTA holiday train will make its way through the city this December. Marvel at the six-car train decorated with holiday scenes and thousands of sparkling lights then hop on board to meet the elves handing out candy. Don’t forget to wave to Santa, whose sled replaces the head car. There’s also a holiday bus that will traverse the city streets.