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2024 Chicago Holiday Events Guide

Lightscape. (Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden)Lightscape. (Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden)

From light shows to theater, themed bars and dance spectacles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. We’ve rounded up some of the season’s highlights in Chicago and the suburbs. To submit an event for consideration, email us at [email protected].

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Chicago Classics Jump to: Light Shows | Winter Events | Holiday Markets

It wouldn’t be the holidays in Chicago without a trip to the Christkindlmarket or a ride on the CTA Holiday Train. Here’s what to know about some of the city’s most popular wintertime traditions.

Ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park. (Courtesy of Maggie Daley Park)Ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park. (Courtesy of Maggie Daley Park)

Christkindlmarket: The boot mugs are back! From Nov. 22-Dec. 24, the annual German market returns to Daley Plaza and Aurora’s RiverEdge Park. There won’t be a Wrigleyville location this year, however, due to the NHL Winter Classic, organizers said. The game is set for New Year’s Eve at Wrigley Field.

Trees: Visit the official Chicago Christmas Tree (Nov. 22-Jan. 8) in Millennium Park. This year’s tree is a 53-foot Colorado blue spruce from Logan Square; a tree-lighting ceremony is set for Nov. 22. Inside the Walnut Room at Macy’s on State Street you’ll find the Great Tree, a 45-foot tree that hangs from the ceiling (Nov. 2-Jan. 12). No worries if you can’t get a Walnut Room reservation; there’s a selfie spot outside the restaurant with a view of the tree.

Ice Skating: There are a number of ice skating options in and around Chicago, including McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (Nov. 15-Feb. 2), Maggie Daley Park (Nov. 15-March 9), Parkway Bank Park (Nov. 23-Jan. 26) and select Chicago Park District locations throughout the city.

Parades: Grand Marshals Mickey and Minnie Mouse lead the nation’s largest nighttime parade at the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Nov. 23); see more than a million lights illuminate 200 trees along the Mag Mile. The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade (Nov. 28) celebrates 90 years with marching bands, festive floats and equestrian units. And on Dec. 1, check out the Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade, which bills itself as the world’s largest motorcycle parade.

All Aboard: The CTA Holiday Train has brought holiday cheer to Chicagoans for more than three decades. Each train car is wrapped with seasonal images; Santa waves to riders from his sleigh on an open-air flatcar.


Light Shows Jump to: Chicago Classics | Winter Events | Holiday Markets

Light shows across the Chicago area deliver illuminated villages, dazzling LED displays and photo ops galore.

Zoolights. (Brandon Tucker / Lincoln Park Zoo)Zoolights. (Brandon Tucker / Lincoln Park Zoo)

Nov. 15-Jan. 5: Lightscape | Chicago Botanic Garden

Lightscape’s outdoor illuminated trail features fan favorites like the Winter Cathedral and a reimagined version of Singing Trees. This year’s path includes new ways to celebrate with theme nights, 21+ hours and the Submergence walk-through art installation featuring suspended strands of light.

Nov. 15-Jan. 5: ZooLights | Lincoln Park Zoo

Celebrate 30 years of ZooLights with more than 3 million lights and luminous LED displays. Enjoy views from a Ferris wheel, check out the new Light Lounge and watch carolers and professional ice carvers on select nights.

Of note: A sensory-friendly evening is slated for Dec. 4. All blinking or moving lights will remain static or turned off; music will be turned to low volume.

Nov. 16-Jan. 4: Illumination: Tree Lights | Morton Arboretum

Illuminated trees and immersive installations line a 1-mile path that is fully ADA compliant for visitors with limited mobility. This year’s exhibition features 17 displays of lights and music, including a new interactive light display dubbed Celebration Circle, featuring four sets of illuminated three-shaped installations synced to the music of different instruments.

Of note: A new sensory-sensitive evening is slated for Dec. 3. The modified experience will feature static lights and music at low volume.

Nov. 21-Jan. 5: Light of Christmas | Guaranteed Rate Field

This drive-thru light show delivers more than 1 million LED lights. Tune in to a designated radio station for synchronized music; expect colorful archways and installations.

Nov. 22-Dec. 30: Big & Bright Trail of Lights Festival | Sonny Acres Farm

The West Chicago farm will transform into a winter wonderland for the holiday season with a lights display along a mile-long walking trail. Starting Nov. 25, guests will be able to shop for a farm-fresh Christmas tree. The farm will also host a holiday market with local artisans on select Saturdays, and professional photos with Santa are available by appointment.

Nov. 22-Dec. 31: Santa’s Rock N Lights | Kane County Cougars Stadium

Lights dance in sync to music at the drive-thru show, which has moved to a new location this year. Expect 1,000 feet of dancing light tunnels, a forest of Christmas trees, and lights sculptures of dinosaurs, reindeer, polar bears and more.

Nov. 22-Dec. 31: Holiday Magic | Brookfield Zoo

Festive scenes come to life with a light festival featuring more than 2 million twinkling LED lights. Expect Santa, walk-through displays, illuminated animals and a tunnel show. Two new immersive displays and a holiday market round it out.

Nov. 22-Jan. 5: Winter Lights at Central Park | Oak Brook

Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate a half-mile loop through Oak Brook’s Central Park. You’ll see rainbow arches, colorful butterflies, cascading snowflakes and twirling icicles.

Nov. 29-Dec. 22: Kohlights | Kohl Children’s Museum

Explore indoor and outdoor exhibits in a holiday light experience designed for young children. Kids can experience a holiday lightwalk, kiddie train rides on the Twinkle Train and a meet-and-greet with Anna and Elsa from “Frozen.”

Nov. 29-Jan. 5: Light Up the Lake | Navy Pier

Stroll through a free outdoor light spectacle and race down a new ice slide. Expect axe throwing, local holiday artisan markets and new holiday-themed drone shows. Saturdays bring fireworks shows.


Winter Events, Performances & Parades Jump to: Chicago Classics | Light Shows | Holiday Markets

From live music and theater to kids’ activities and adults-only evenings, the Chicago area offers a treasure trove of holiday events.

People roasting marshmallows at Lightscape. (Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden)People roasting marshmallows at Lightscape. (Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden)

Nov. 14: Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays | Rosemont Theatre

Derek Hough and his cast of dancers bring your favorite holiday tunes to life through dance. Music ranges from the well-sung classics to modern pop hits.

Nov. 15: IllumiBrew | Morton Arboretum

Get a sneak peak of Illumination: Tree Lights while sipping local beers, ciders and meads. The 21+ event includes 15 3-oz pours and a tasting glass; designated driver tickets are also available.

Nov. 15-Dec. 31: Frosty's Christmas Bar | Near North Side

This holiday pop-up bar features specialty cocktails and mocktails, festive photo opportunities, themed nights and immersive decorations. You might even see Santa.

Nov. 15-Feb. 2: McCormick Tribune Ice Rink | Millennium Park

Admission is free, but reservations are required. Free skating lessons will once again be available. Reservations open two weeks ahead of a session date, and wheelchairs are allowed on the ice.

Nov. 15-March 9: Ice Skating Ribbon | Maggie Daley Park

Tickets are available on a staggered schedule, with release dates slated for select Mondays from Nov. 4-Feb. 24. Bring your own skates for a free or discounted session; rentals are available.

Nov. 16-Dec. 30: “A Christmas Carol” | Goodman Theatre

The Goodman Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” has been a beloved Chicago tradition for decades. Accessible performances include a touch tour and audio-described show; an ASL-interpreted performance; a show with open captioning; a show with Spanish subtitles; and a sensory-friendly performance.

Nov. 16-Jan.6: “Christmas Around the World” and “Holidays of Light” | Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

More than 50 trees and displays showcase cultures from around the globe. The season kicks off with a Tree Lighting & Cultural Festival (Nov. 16), which includes performances, activities and the lighting of the museum’s four-story Grand Tree.

Nov. 21: Zoo After Dark: Holiday Sip & Stroll | Brookfield Zoo

Get a sneak peek of Brookfield Zoo’s holiday light show at this 21+ event. Take a spin on the carousel, dance at the Swan Pavilion and sample warming drinks like spiced rum cider or spiked hot chocolate.

Nov. 21-Jan. 5: Santa Baby Christmas Bar | Bamboo Club

This holiday pop-up bar experience features three floors of bars, photo opportunities and immersive holiday decorations. Enjoy seasonal cocktails, themed trivia nights on Mondays and music bingo on Tuesdays.

Nov. 22: Tree Lighting Ceremony | Millennium Park

Kick off the holiday season in Millennium Park with the 2024 Chicago Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Expect live performances and fireworks.

Nov. 22-24: Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” | McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn

The treasured tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is brought to life in a family-friendly 70-minute show adapted for the College of DuPage theater department. The show features a cast of local actors and children.

Nov. 22-Dec. 24: Christkindlmarket Chicago | Daley Plaza

Christkindlmarket returns to Chicago for the 28th season with more than 50 vendors and everyone’s favorite collectible boot mugs. Get a sneak peak of this year’s market at ‘Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket (Nov. 21), and go behind the scenes with German-speaking guides during Culture and Cheer Tours, new this year.

Nov. 22-Dec. 24: Christkindlmarket Aurora | RiverEdge Park

The German market will transform RiverEdge Park for the third year with more than 55 vendors, a scavenger hunt, family-friendly activities and plenty of photo ops. Special events include German Wine Tastings (Dec. 7 or 21), the Children's Lantern Parade (Dec. 6 or 14) and Holiday Glass Ornament Making.

Nov. 22-Dec. 31: Jack Frost Christmas Holiday Pop-Up | Fulton Market

The festive pop-up features ice skating, bumper cars, holiday-themed cocktails, photo ops, holiday movies, ice curling and a market.

Nov. 23: Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade | Michigan Avenue

Start your day with free family-friendly activities and wrap things up with an evening parade featuring illuminated floats and marching bands from across the country. A fireworks display rounds it out.

Nov. 23: Light Up the Park | Parkway Bank Park

Kick off the holiday season in Rosemont with ice skating, a tree lighting and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free horse-drawn sleigh rides, caroling and ice sculpture viewing round it out.

“Christmas Around the World” and “Holidays of Light.” (Heidi Peters / Griffin Museum of Science and Industry)“Christmas Around the World” and “Holidays of Light.” (Heidi Peters / Griffin Museum of Science and Industry)

Nov. 23-24, Dec. 7-8, 21-22: “Ruth Page’s The Nutcracker” | Various Venues

Transport yourself to a world of enchantment as the Ruth Page original full-length production is recreated this year at Governors State University, Northeastern Illinois University and College of Lake County. Performances are a collaboration of seasoned professionals, international guest artists and emerging talent.

Nov. 23-Dec. 29: The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party | Chicago Children’s Theatre

Four Beatrix Potter tales come to life in an interactive trunk and puppet show with original music. After the show, kids can play with puppets and join a communal holiday party. This year’s stories are “The Tale of Tom Kitten,” “The Tailor of Gloucester,” “The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher” and “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.”

Nov. 23-Jan. 26: Skating in the Park | Parkway Bank Park

Free ice skating returns to the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink. Bring your own skates or rent a pair for $8.

Nov. 27: Housegiving | Navy Pier

Spend the night before Thanksgiving at Navy Pier for a house music party featuring the sounds of both emerging artists and house music legends. The event is open to all ages, but some areas are 21+.

Nov. 27-Jan. 5: “Snowflakes” Winter Flower Show | Garfield Park Conservatory

Enjoy colorful poinsettias and winter flowers and plants, such as dusty miller, snowbush and evergreens. Photographs of magnified snow crystals will twirl above the floral displays.

Nov. 27-Jan. 5: “Champagne Toast” Winter Flower Show | Lincoln Park Conservatory

Apricot, gold and pink poinsettias are the stars of the show at “Champagne Toast.” Fir trees line the room, and hanging baskets of dichondra float throughout the space.

Nov. 28: Turkey Trot 5K & 8K | Lakefront Trail

The annual Thanksgiving race benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The course is wheelchair and stroller friendly. This year’s Turkey Trot Tailgate includes treats, games, a Kids Zone and a costume contest.

Nov. 28: Chicago Thanksgiving Parade | State Street

The parade celebrates its 90th anniversary with marching bands, floats, equestrian units and cultural performance troupes. Can’t make it? The festivities will air live on Pluto TV.

Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Lunch Cruises | Locations Vary

Spend part of Thanksgiving on the water with a two-hour lunch cruise. Go casual with a buffet menu on Lake Michigan, or bust out the cocktail attire for a three-course meal on either Lake Michigan or the Chicago River.

Nov. 29-Dec. 22: “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” | American Blues Theater

For more than two decades, American Blues Theater has put on this annual live retelling of the classic Frank Capra film in a 1940s radio broadcast style.

Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1-2, 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-31: Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire | UP Comedy Club

Festive family gatherings, office parties, classic holiday movies and Mariah Carey’s entire catalog will all be lampooned in this fast-paced, interactive comedy revue stuffed with seasonal songs, sketches and Second City’s famous improv comedy. Contains adult themes and language.

Nov. 30: Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna | Symphony Center

Ring in the holiday season with this program of Austrian folk tunes, classical masterpieces and Yuletide favorites. The Vienna Boys Choir conjures an Austrian landscape of snow-covered mountains and twinkling Christmas markets.

Nov. 30-Dec. 1 and Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22: Polar Express | Blackhawk Station in South Elgin

“The Polar Express” train ride will not operate in Chicago’s Union Station this year due to extensive city street reconstruction above Union Station, according to organizers. Families can still hop aboard a train and experience the classic children’s story come to life in South Elgin. The event includes a ride along Fox River in a restored trolley car, a visit from Santa, live performances and hot chocolate and cookies.

Dec. 1: Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade | Western Avenue

Every year, thousands of motorcycle riders come to Chicago to ride together and donate toys for families in need.

Dec. 1: The Second City: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Sweater | McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn

This fast-paced, interactive comedy revue is stuffed with seasonal songs, sketches and improv comedy. Topics range from festive family gatherings to classic holiday movies; nothing is off limits. May contain adult themes and language.

Dec. 4-5: A Nativity Tribute | Driehaus Museum

This tribute is derived from the timeless Langston Hughes gospel song-play, “Black Nativity,” featuring music and holiday cheer from the African American Museum of Performing Arts.

Zachary Manske, Yumi Kanazawa and Hyuma Kiyosawa in Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” (Katie Miller)Zachary Manske, Yumi Kanazawa and Hyuma Kiyosawa in Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” (Katie Miller)

Dec. 5-22: “Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs ‘A Christmas Carol’ Again” | Den Theatre

This unique holiday show had its Chicago debut in 2011. Now, more than a decade later, Jeff Award-winner Blake Montgomery is reviving his solo performance of Charles Dickens in a production that imagines a still-living Dickens forced to perform “A Christmas Carol” for the 171st straight year. The show is recommended for ages 15+.

Dec. 6: A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin Following a Screening of “Home Alone” | Rosemont Theatre

Relive the iconic scenes and heartwarming moments from the holiday classic on the big screen, followed by a moderated interview and audience Q&A with actor Macaulay Culkin.

Dec. 6-7: “The Nutcracker” | North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

Salt Creek Ballet’s production of the classic story features new sets, vibrant costumes and international guest dancers. The cast of 100 includes children and young adults from the school of the Salt Creek Ballet.

Dec. 6-14: Holidays A Cappella | Various Venues

The nostalgia and magic of Christmas come to life in a program of timeless carols such as “Carol of the Bells” and “Good King Wenceslas,” woven between a retelling of Dylan Thomas’ “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” Note: A special family performance will take place at Old Town School of Folk Music on Dec. 7.

Dec. 6, 13, 20: Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs | Millennium Park

Bundle up and join in on your favorite holiday songs. Each week features a local Chicago choral group leading guests in song. See performers from the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (SRBCC), Leo High School and the Chicago Chamber Choir.

Dec. 6-8, 12-15, 19-22: Winterland | Gallagher Way

Located next to Wrigley Field, Winterland delivers a host of family-friendly activities, including photos with Santa, wreath-making classes, holiday movie nights and bumper cars. New this year is a winter market and carnival. A tree lighting ceremony is set for Dec. 6.

Dec. 6-28: “The Nutcracker” by Joffrey Ballet | Lyric Opera House

This production of the holiday classic takes inspiration from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Follow young Marie and the Nutcracker Prince in choreography from Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon.

Dec. 7: “Duke It Out! Nutcracker” | Nichols Concert Hall

This one-hour family-friendly take on “The Nutcracker” alternates between Tchaikovsky’s original score and the jazz version by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Before the show, kids are welcome to try out instruments featured in the Tchaikovsky score.

Dec. 7: “Love Actually” in Concert | Auditorium Theatre

An orchestra performs Craig Armstrong’s score as the film projects onto the big screen. Set in London in the weeks before Christmas, this romantic comedy weaves together love stories and features an all-star ensemble cast.

Dec. 7: Irish Christmas in America | Old Town School of Folk Music

This touring showcase features musicians, singers and dancers from Ireland. The long-running show highlights Irish Christmas traditions and storytelling.

Dec. 7: Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration | Hyde Park

A free day of family-friendly activities includes ice carving demonstrations, an ice sculpture stroll, holiday crafts, a book giveaway, costumed characters and live reindeer.

Dec. 7-24: Christmas Sing-A-Long & Double Feature | Music Box Theatre

The Music Box Theatre has been delivering its own brand of holiday cheer for more than 40 years. Before watching the classics “White Christmas” or “It’s a Wonderful Life” (or screening both in a double feature), you’ll be greeted by Santa Claus and sing-alongs to popular Christmas carols.

Dec. 8: Chris White Jazz Trio Tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” | Lincoln Park Zoo

Experience the Chris White Jazz Trio’s take on one of the season’s classic soundtracks, Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” from 1965, taking place during ZooLights.

Dec. 8: The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show | Auditorium Theatre

The latest edition of the holiday show features whip-smart comedy, brand new songs and annual favorites from drag queens Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme.

Dec. 8: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet | Rosemont Theatre

Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international cast in a show that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes and acrobatics.

Dec. 8: The Let It Snow Show! | Old Town School of Folk Music

An inclusive sing-along for kids of all ages. Follow along with Anne-Marie Akin and Bill Brickey as they share songs of the season with melodies both familiar and new.

Dec. 10: A Chanticleer Christmas | Symphony Center

Featuring ethereal chants and buoyant gospel music, Chanticleer’s annual holiday programs have been a treasured part of the season for decades. The men’s vocal ensemble will perform this year at Symphony Center for one night only, offering arrangements of carols and other festive classics.

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along featuring the Chicago Children’s Choir, 2019. (Patrick L. Pyszka / City of Chicago)Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along featuring the Chicago Children’s Choir, 2019. (Patrick L. Pyszka / City of Chicago)

Dec. 10-15: The Hip Hop Nutcracker | CIBC Theatre

Tony Award-nominated choreographer Jennifer Weber reimagines the Christmas classic with hip-hop dance moves set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. Digital graffiti helps set the tale in contemporary New York City. The show opens with a short set from MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip-hop’s founding fathers.

Dec. 12: Holidaze | Lincoln Park Zoo

Enjoy ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo in an adults-only setting. The 21+ event features festive music, warm food and drinks, games, photo ops, holiday characters and rides on the Ferris wheel and carousel.

Dec. 12: Naughty or Nice | Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Explore the museum after hours at this 21+ event. Check out the “Christmas Around the World” and “Holidays of Light” exhibits, sip seasonal drinks and take selfies with Santa Claus and Krampus.

Dec. 12: Holiday Spirits: A Collection of Victorian Yuletide Ghost Stories | Driehaus Museum

In collaboration with the theater company Ghostlight Ensemble, this performance is an immersive, site-specific adaptation of classic Victorian ghost stories. The stories unfold over three floors of the museum. Be prepared to move with the actors as they uncover any otherworldly visitors.

Dec. 12-15: Songs of Good Cheer | Old Town School of Folk Music

The holiday caroling party, hosted by Eric Zorn and Mary Schmich, is celebrating its 26th year. A house band of folk, country and jazz musicians leads songs both familiar and new. Songbooks will be provided for the festive sing-along.

Dec. 13-15: “The Nutcracker” | Mandel Hall

The Hyde Park School of Dance presents its take on the classic musical, with 11 choreographers integrating ballet, hip-hop, breakdancing, West African dance and more. The battle scene sends a message of peace: Instead of using swords, mice and soldiers work out their differences through dance.

Dec. 13-15: “Elf” in Concert | Symphony Center

Relive the heartwarming holiday classic on the big screen as members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra play the score composed by John Debney.

Dec. 13-15: Dinner With Santa | Brookfield Zoo

Indulge in a holiday buffet and meet Santa Claus before exploring Brookfield Zoo’s annual Holiday Magic light show. Two seatings are available each day.

Dec. 13-29: Manual Cinema’s “Christmas Carol” | Studebaker Theater

With hundreds of handmade puppets, immersive sound design and live music, Manual Cinema promises a one-of-a-kind rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic tale.

Dec. 13-Jan. 5: Rudolph The Red-Hosed Reindeer (An Unauthorized Musical Parody) | Center on Halsted

Hell in a Handbag Productions’ season kicks off this winter with the 25th anniversary edition of this musical parody of the holiday classic, featuring Rudolph, a cross-dressing reindeer with a penchant for red hose and heels.

Dec. 14: “Winter Wonderland” by Chicago Tap Allstars | Harold Washington Cultural Center

Catch some of Chicago’s best tap dancers in a showcase from M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Chicago Tap Theatre. It’s an opportunity to see new, young and professional dancers on the same stage.

Dec. 15: A Mariachi Christmas | Thalia Hall

Dec. 20-21: A Mariachi Christmas | Old Town School of Folk Music

Celebrate the holidays with the Latin Grammy-nominated Mariachi Herencia de México in this special Christmas edition of the group’s world tour. The band blends beloved holiday classics with mariachi traditions.

Dec. 17-18: Fairytale of New York | Broadway Playhouse At Water Tower Place

Imagine a St. Patrick’s Day party… on Christmas Day. The Irish-inspired Christmas concert features sing-along songs from joyous jigs to powerful ballads in a rich tapestry of Irish culture performed by singers, musicians and dancers.

Dec. 18-23: Merry, Merry Chicago! | Symphony Center

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Chorus perform familiar carols and festive holiday songs, including “Joy to the World,” “Sleigh Ride” and “Somewhere in My Memory” from “Home Alone.”

Dec. 22: The Nut Tapper | Old Town School of Folk Music

Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin recreates Tchaikovsky's “Nutcracker Suite” with the rhythms of tap, Spanish flamenco and Mexican zapateado. In celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary, a special exhibit will display items from Reggio’s Tap History Archive.

Dec. 24-25: Christmas Dinner Cruises | Various Locations

Take in views of the city from Lake Michigan or the Chicago River while enjoying a three-course dinner. Keep warm with climate-controlled interiors or grab some fresh air on a rooftop deck.

Dec. 29: Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert | Symphony Center

The Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert has delighted audiences in Chicago for more than 25 years. Every holiday season, Orchestra Hall is filled with music, bright costumes and lush flowers.

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Fireworks | Navy Pier

Ring in the new year with Navy Pier’s popular fireworks show. Be sure to arrive early to get a good spot.


Holiday Markets Jump to: Chicago Classics | Light Shows | Winter Events

Support local artists and makers this holiday season.

(Courtesy of One of a Kind Holiday Show)(Courtesy of One of a Kind Holiday Show)

Nov. 13: Candy Cane Holiday Bazaar

Nov. 16-17: Randolph Street Holiday Market

Nov. 16-17: Lycée French Market

Dec. 6-7: Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace

Dec. 6-8: Tinley Park Holiday Market

Dec. 7-8: Holiday Art and Craft Market

Dec. 7-8, 14-15: Drie-cember Holiday Market

Dec. 14-15: Randolph Street Holiday Market

Nov. 17: Chicago Artisan Market (Fulton Market)

Nov. 22-24: Millennium Park Holiday Market

Nov. 29-30: The Trashy Holiday Market

Nov. 30-Dec. 1: Chicago Artisan Market (Ravenswood)

Dec. 5-8: One of a Kind Holiday Show

Dec. 6-8: Julmarknad: Swedish American Museum Christmas Bazaar

Dec. 14-15: Chicago Art Girls Holiday Pop-Up

Dec. 15: Chicago Artisan Market (Fulton Market)


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