{"id":1217,"date":"2025-12-04T20:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T02:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arlohotels.com\/chicago-downtown-hotel\/?p=1217"},"modified":"2026-03-17T08:36:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T13:36:35","slug":"christmas-things-to-do-in-chicago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arlohotels.com\/chicago-downtown-hotel\/blog\/christmas-things-to-do-in-chicago\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Chicago Christmas Events, Lights, and Markets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>There\u2019s something magical about Chicago during the holiday season. The twinkling lights that transform the city into a winter wonderland\u2026 The festive markets brimming with unique gifts\u2026&nbsp; Whether you\u2019re a local looking for new holiday traditions or a visitor experiencing Chicago\u2019s festive season charm for the first time, here\u2019s your guide to the best Christmas events, lights, and markets the Windy City has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-holiday-lights-amp-markets\">Holiday Lights &amp; Markets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zoolights-at-lincoln-park-zoo\">ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of Chicago\u2019s most beloved free holiday traditions, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lpzoo.org\/event\/zoolights\"><strong>ZooLights<\/strong><\/a> transforms Lincoln Park Zoo into a dazzling display of more than two million twinkling lights. Stroll through illuminated animal structures and enjoy seasonal treats. The zoo\u2019s historic architecture provides a special backdrop for this enchanting Christmasy experience.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lpzoo.org\/event\/zoolights\">&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lightscape-at-chicago-botanic-garden-nbsp\">Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicagobotanic.org\/lightscape\"><strong>after-dark experience<\/strong><\/a> in Glencoe features a one-mile walking trail beautifully illuminated by imaginative light installations. From the glowing Cathedral of Light to the mesmerizing Fire Garden, each section offers Insta-worthy moments and holiday magic. It\u2019s a perfect date night or festive family outing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-magnificent-mile-lights-festival-nbsp\">The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While this kicked off in November with a parade, the Magnificent Mile remains beautifully lit with more than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themagnificentmile.com\/events\/lights-festival\"><strong>one million lights<\/strong><\/a> along Michigan Avenue throughout the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-christkindlmarket-chicago-nbsp\">Christkindlmarket Chicago&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While primarily known as a market, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.christkindlmarket.com\/locations2025\/\"><strong>Christkindlmarket<\/strong><\/a>\u2019s abundance of twinkling holiday lights create a festive atmosphere in Wrigleyville and downtown. The warm glow of vendor stalls offering food and unique gifts, and the lavish holiday decorations will give you all the vibes of a traditional German Christmas market right here in Chicago. Warm up with Gl\u00fchwein (mulled wine), as well as bratwurst, stollen, and roasted almonds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-family-friendly-fun\">Family-Friendly Fun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-nutcracker-nbsp\">The Nutcracker&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Multiple companies throughout Chicago perform this classic ballet during the holiday season, but the <a href=\"https:\/\/joffrey.org\/\"><strong>Joffrey Ballet<\/strong><\/a>\u2019s production at the Lyric Opera House is particularly spectacular. This treasured tradition is also a perfect introduction to ballet for children.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-holiday-train-rides-nbsp\">Holiday Train Rides&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Wonderland Express at the<strong> <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicagobotanic.org\/\"><strong>Chicago Botanic Garden<\/strong><\/a> features model trains winding through miniature recreations of Chicago landmarks, all delightfully decorated for the holidays.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-christmas-carol-nbsp\">A Christmas Carol&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodmantheatre.org\/show\/a-christmas-carol\/\"><strong>annual production<\/strong><\/a> at<strong> <\/strong>Goodman Theatre has become a Chicago holiday staple. The Goodman\u2019s adaptation brings Charles Dickens\u2019 timeless tale to life with spectacular staging and effects that captivate audiences young and old.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-skating-amp-winter-activities\">Skating &amp; Winter Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-skating-ribbon-at-maggie-daley-park-nbsp\">Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike traditional ice rinks, this quarter-mile skating ribbon winds through <a href=\"https:\/\/maggiedaleypark.com\/\"><strong>Maggie Daley Park<\/strong><\/a>, offering a special skating experience with beautiful park and city views. The park also features a winter climbing wall and warming house.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mccormick-tribune-ice-rink-nbsp\">McCormick Tribune Ice Rink&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Skate in the shadow of <em>Cloud Gate<\/em> (The Bean) at this iconic outdoor rink in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicago.gov\/city\/en\/depts\/dca\/supp_info\/millennium_park.html\"><strong>Millennium Park<\/strong><\/a>. It\u2019s free to skate, though you\u2019ll need to rent or bring your own skates. The backdrop makes for unforgettable holiday photos.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-museums-amp-indoor-attractions\">Museums &amp; Indoor Attractions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-museum-of-science-and-industry-nbsp\">Museum of Science and Industry&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Museum of Science and Industry\u2019s annual exhibit, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.griffinmsi.org\/exhibits\/christmas-around-the-world\"><strong>Christmas Around the World<\/strong><\/a>,&nbsp; showcases holiday traditions from more than 50 countries through beautifully decorated trees. The Grand Tree in the museum;s rotunda stands four stories tall and is adorned with thousands of ornaments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-art-institute-of-chicago-nbsp\">The Art Institute of Chicago&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While not specifically a holiday event, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.artic.edu\/\"><strong>Art Institute<\/strong><\/a> offers a warm respite from winter weather and often features special exhibitions during the season. The Thorne Miniature Rooms are enchanting to visit during the holidays.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-shopping-amp-window-displays\">Shopping &amp; Window Displays<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-state-street-shopping-nbsp\">State Street Shopping&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Historic State Street comes alive during the holidays with elaborate window displays at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.macys.com\/\"><strong>Macy\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> (formerly Marshall Field\u2019s). Don&#8217;t miss the Walnut Room restaurant inside the department store\u2014enjoying a meal there has been a Chicago tradition since 1907.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-holiday-window-displays-nbsp\">Holiday Window Displays&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a walking tour of the city\u2019s most creative holiday window displays, found along Michigan Avenue and State Street. Many of the stores go all out with animated scenes and elaborate decorations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-planning-your-visit\">Planning Your Visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chicago\u2019s holiday season typically runs from late November through early January, with most events and attractions operating from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year\u2019s Day. Many outdoor attractions are weather-dependent, so check websites before visiting and dress warmly in layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the best experience, consider visiting on weekdays when crowds are lighter, especially at popular spots like Christkindlmarket and ZooLights. Many events require advance tickets or timed entry, so booking ahead is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re sipping hot chocolate at a holiday market, marveling at millions of twinkling lights, or skating beneath the Chicago skyline, the city offers countless ways to create cherished holiday memories. Bundle up, embrace the winter chill, and discover why Chicago truly shines during the most wonderful time of the year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking for things to do over Christmas in Chicago? These holiday light displays, markets and other events will put you in a festive mood.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1219,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"placement":[],"class_list":["post-1217","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v22.6 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Best Chicago Christmas Events, Lights, and Markets - Arlo Chicago<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for things to do over Christmas in Chicago? 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