There’s truly no time like the holidays in Chicago. Each winter, the city is filled with the magical hustle and bustle of seasonal celebrations.

You can admire twinkling light displays, go ice skating with skyline views, see the city’s grand Christmas tree, shop for gifts at charming holiday markets, catch a holiday show in a stunning downtown theatre, and so much more.  

Come discover your own holiday magic in Chicago during the Christmas season, including festive light displays, family-friendly activities, and more beloved traditions this winter in Chicago.

Attend a holiday parade

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival; photo by Alex Wroblewski

Kick off the holiday season with these spectacular parades, both taking over the heart of downtown Chicago with whimsical floats, performances, and more.

  • The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: Mark your calendars for this annual family-friendly extravaganza that celebrates the start of the holiday season in Chicago. This magical evening parade culminates in the illumination of the lights along Michigan Avenue and a spectacular riverfront fireworks show.
  • Chicago Thanksgiving Parade: The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, a local tradition for almost 90 years, starts the holiday season with a fun-filled morning in the heart of downtown Chicago. The family-favorite event was even named the #2 Thanksgiving parade in the country by TimeOut Magazine.

See the spectacular Christmas lights

It’s not the holidays in Chicago without dazzling light displays around every corner. Check out some of the city’s most magnificent Christmas light shows and displays:

  • ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo: This beloved Chicago tradition transforms the historic lakefront zoo with millions of colorful lights, including moving displays set to music. Don’t miss special events like holiday concerts, a sensory-friendly evening, an adult’s night out, and more.
  • Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden: Just outside Chicago, this immersive nature-inspired experience allows visitors to explore the scenic garden grounds of the botanic garden after dark. Walk the illuminated trail and admire the various light installations that transform the natural landscape into a dazzling wonderland.
  • Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum: Bundle up and explore this breathtaking outdoor lights 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.

Explore charming holiday markets

Christkindlmarket
Christkindlmarket Chicago

Whether you’re shopping for gifts or a unique Chicago souvenir, the city’s many holiday markets are the perfect place to be. Mark your calendars for these Christmas markets happening this winter in Chicago.

  • Christkindlmarket Chicago: Experience the magic of an authentic German Christmas market in the heart of downtown Chicago. Stroll through rows of charming wooden huts filled with glass ornaments, wooden cuckoo clocks, hand-knit gloves, and other gifts and crafts. Make sure to get a taste of traditional German treats and fill up your souvenir mug with mulled wine or hot chocolate.
  • Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville: This miniature version of the beloved Christkindlmarket pops up in the Lakeview neighborhood in the shadow of iconic Wrigley Field. The family-friendly festivities include an ice rink, Santa’s workshop, holiday movie nights, and more.

Other annual Chicago holiday markets include the local artisan-filled One of a Kind Holiday Show, the vintage treasure trove Randolph Street Market, the Kwanzaa Market at Africa International House, and more charming markets popping up in every corner of the city.

Explore more: Shop for gifts at all the top Chicago holiday markets.

Catch a festive live show

The holidays are the perfect time to plan a memorable night out 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 show for you.

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

Go ice skating

Millennium Park Ice Skating
Millennium Park Ice Skating; photo by Abel Arciniega

On winter days, lace up your skates and hit one of the city’s scenic ice skating rinks. A classic holiday activity in Chicago, the Millennium Park rinks offer stunning views of Chicago landmarks and the surrounding skyline dusted in snow. 

  • Millennium Park ice rink: Glide across the ice in the shadow of Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) on this iconic seasonal rink in the middle of downtown Chicago.
  • Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon: Nearby, this unique ice-covered ribbon at Maggie Daley Park curves through the park’s whimsical landscape. Make sure to reserve a spot in advance. 

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

Explore more holiday fun in Chicago

See the Chicago Christmas Tree

Don’t miss one of Chicago’s biggest and brightest holiday traditions — the City of Chicago’s official Christmas Tree, a local 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 center of iconic Millennium Park, is adorned in twinkling lights and makes the perfect holiday photo op. 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.

Celebrate the holidays at a museum

Chicago museums love to take part in the holiday fun. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry hosts their annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, with 50 elaborately decorated trees that represent holiday traditions from across the globe. The exhibit also 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 each November during the annual Wreathing of the Lions celebration on the museum steps, a tradition for more than 30 years. 

Do some holiday shopping in Chicago

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 top chains — plus tons of holiday lights twinkling from the trees that make the whole area feel merry and bright.

A few blocks away, State Street is another shopper’s paradise where you’ll find the historic Macy’s on State Street. Stroll around the building to admire their annual Holiday Windows, adorned with intricate themed displays, and step inside to dine beneath the Great Tree at 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, artisan crafts, vintage finds, and locally crafted clothing. Check out these top neighborhoods for unique holiday shopping.

Explore more: Find the perfect gifts with our guide to holiday shopping.

Plan a special holiday meal

It doesn’t get much more festive than a meal at the Walnut Room. Located inside Macy’s on State Street, the historic spot is the first restaurant ever opened in a department store and 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. Make sure to try Mrs. Hering’s chicken pot pie, an original recipe from the 1890s. And don’t miss the famed holiday window displays that line the exterior of the landmark building.

Check out other top spots in Chicago for a festive holiday meal, including holiday tea destinations and special Christmas and Hanukkah dinners.

Spot the Chicago holiday train

A beloved Chicago tradition for more than 30 years, the CTA holiday train will once again 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, bringing holiday cheer to neighborhoods throughout Chicago.