(Photo by Heidi Peters / Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
1. Sparkle
More than 50 trees have been gussied up with decorations showcasing the traditions of cultures around the globe at Christmas Around the World. Snap a photo with Santa (additional cost) for some extra holiday fun.
Details: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily except Friday when it’s open till 4 p.m.; closed Christmas Day; 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Jan. 1 through Jan. 3 at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive. Included with general admission $21.95; $12.95 for kids ages 3-11 / MAP
2. Blossom
Brighten up those dreary, gray winter days with a pair of flower shows. Garfield Park Conservatory’s Serenity Winter Flower Show features pink poinsettias, hyacinths, zinnias, salvias and cosmos. Lincoln Park Conservatory’s Candy Cane Winter Flower Show includes red and white poinsettias, holiday lights and a 12-foot poinsettia tree.
Garfield Park Conservatory details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, except Wednesday when it’s open till 8 p.m., through Jan. 9 at 300 N. Central Park Ave. Free / MAP
Lincoln Park Conservatory details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily through Jan. 9 at 2391 N. Stockton Drive. Free / MAP
3. Mingle
Ice skating, seasonal drinks, holiday lights and trees, and bumper cars are among the festivities on tap at Jack Frost Winter Walk & Christmas Tree Farm.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Monday-Friday; 2-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with some exceptions through Jan. 2 at 1265 W. Le Moyne St. $25; $19 for kids ages 5-13; free for kids 4 and under / MAP
4. Tune in
The Oil Lamp Theater is transformed into the New York radio station WBFR on Christmas Eve 1946 for “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” A cast of seven actors bring the entire town of Bedford Falls to life in this adaptation of the famous Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed film.
Details: 8 p.m. Sunday with additional performances through Dec. 30 at the Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview. $28-$45 / MAP
5. Glow
The indoor, temperature-controlled Light Up the Lake features large-scale light displays, an ice rink, holiday beer garden, train rides for kids and Santa’s village and gift market.
Details: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 2 with some exceptions, including closed Christmas Day, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. $15-$26 / MAP
(Courtesy of Navy Pier)
6. Immerse
“The Snow Queen“ brings Hans Christian Anderson’s fable to life. This adaptation focuses on the Snow Queen, her seasonal relationships with the earth and the power she’s learning to wield.
Details: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday with additional performances through Jan. 2 at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. $20-$50 / MAP
7. Cruise
Enjoy holiday lights from the comfort of your own car at Willow Hill’s Winter Magic Drive, featuring over a million lights, 50 lit Christmas trees, drive-thru light tunnels and illuminated seasonal characters like snowmen.
Details: 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 2 at Willow Hill Golf Course, 1350 Willow Road, Northbrook. $40 / MAP
8. Hunt
The Greek tradition of decorating karavakia (little boats) comes to Chicago via the Holiday Karavakia Display. More than 30 local artists decorated little boat models, which are now displayed in businesses throughout the neighborhood.
Details: Various locations through Jan. 15
9. Uncover
The exhibit “Chicago: Where Comics Came to Life“ illustrates the Windy City’s role in the development of the early comic strip and showcases works from the late 19th century through the 1950s. Get a sneak peek via our “Chicago Tonight” story.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, closed on holidays through Jan. 9 at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Free / MAP
10. Stroll
Get festive with wildlife in the city at the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights as millions of lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Highlights include a light maze, enchanted forest, light shows and carousel rides.
Details: 4-10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday through Jan. 2 at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. $5 timed reservations / MAP
(Credit Lincoln Park Zoo)
Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.
