Come discover the magic of Christmas time in Chicago.

The holiday season fills the city with festive excitement, including charming markets, outdoor ice rinks, dazzling light shows, and spectacular holiday events and traditions beloved by generations.

Whether you’re exploring the city for a day or a long weekend, this guide will help you find the most quintessentially Chicago holiday experiences.

Iconic Chicago Holiday traditions

Plan an only-in-Chicago holiday getaway with these unique events and activities.

Unique holiday events in Chicago

Two travelers take in a view of the City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park at night.
City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park

Each winter, beloved holiday events bring glittering lights, colorful performances, and dazzling fireworks to downtown Chicago.

113th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting

Friday, Nov. 20, 2026
6 p.m.
Millennium Park
Kick off the holiday season with this century-old Chicago tradition. Each year, the towering tree in the heart of downtown Millennium Park is illuminated in a special evening ceremony. Get there early for the best views of the proceedings, which end with the tree lighting and a fireworks display.

Insider tip: The main stage will be on Washington Street, right beside the Chicago Cultural Center, but there will be large viewing screens throughout Millennium Park. 

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026
Parade at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks at 7:15 p.m.
Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive
This family-friendly parade officially kicks off the holiday season in Chicago. The festive procession marches down iconic Michigan Avenue, featuring beloved Disney characters, colorful floats, giant balloons, musical sets, and more. The night ends with a spectacular fireworks show over the Chicago River.

Insider tip: If you want to beat the crowds, the best viewing area is on the north end of the parade route on the east side of Michigan Avenue.

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026
7:45 – 10 a.m.
State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street
The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade has delighted generations of spectators for more than 90 years. Watch as Chicago’s historic State Street comes alive with fully decked-out floats, larger-than-life balloons, and cultural performers, and marching bands. Tickets for VIP viewing areas are available.

Holiday light shows

A wide view of Chicago holiday lights at night with the city skyline in the background engulfed by a beautiful sunset.

Chicago shines brightest during the holiday season, with an array of captivating Christmas light displays in the city and beyond.

ZooLights

Nov. 20, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Lincoln Park Zoo
Every winter, ZooLights takes over lakefront Lincoln Park Zoo, located just a few minutes north of downtown Chicago. This holiday tradition illuminates the city’s historic zoo with over three million lights. The festivities also include live ice carving, festive carolers, and cozy holiday treats like hot cocoa, mulled wine, and s’mores by the fire.

Insider tip: Get your tickets ahead of time, as weekends and dates in late December tend to sell out fast.

Lightscape

Nov. 13, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe
Just north of the city, the sprawling Chicago Botanic Garden hosts its annual Lightscape display. This immersive holiday event invites you to wander through an outdoor dreamscape of colorful lights and artistry, including a larger-than-life snowglobe, interactive elements, and the iconic light tunnel.

Illumination: Tree Lights

Nov. 14, 2026 – Jan. 2, 2027
Morton Arboretum
Stroll a radiant one-mile trail lined with creative light displays, playful shadow art, and this season’s newest crowd‑pleaser: a shifting and shimmering Northern Lights installation. Special highlights include the IllumiBrew craft beer event and dog admission nights, where visitors can bring along their fluffy companions.

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

Chicago Christmas markets

Chicagoans enjoy themselves at the Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville at Winterland at Gallagher Way.
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville at Winterland at Gallagher Way

Chicago’s famous Christmas markets are the perfect place to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and soak in the city’s bustling holiday energy.

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Nov. 20 – Dec. 24, 2026
Daley Plaza 
Each winter, Christkindlmarket turns an open-air plaza into an enchanted winter wonderland. Wander through the free-admission market and soak in the Old World charm, with wooden stalls designed like an authentic German Christmas market. Admire artisanal crafts, sample handmade treats, and indulge in a mug of soul-warming glühwein (hot mulled wine).

Insider tip: Enjoy your beverage of choice in a souvenir Christkindlmarket mug, featuring a special design for the 30th anniversary. 

Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville

Nov. 20 – Dec. 31, 2026
Gallagher Way
Nestled beside historic Wrigley Field in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville is a tucked-away pocket of holiday magic. The free outdoor market is a pint-sized version of the downtown Christkindlmarket, with all the same European-inspired charm.

More Christmas markets around Chicago

Explore more: See the full schedule of top Chicago holiday markets.

City of Chicago Christmas Tree

A beautiful Christmas tree in the middle of a park with city buildings in the background and snow falling from the sky.

City of Chicago Christmas Tree

Nov. 20, 2026 – Jan. 10, 2027
Millennium Park

For more than a century, the City of Chicago Christmas Tree has served as the centerpiece of the city’s holiday festivities.

Every November, visitors gather at Millennium Park to watch the unveiling of the massive spruce during the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event kicks off with live performances, creating a festive atmosphere that builds toward the big countdown and fireworks show.

The massive tree will shine brightly on Michigan Avenue and Washington Street through early January, making it a perfect holiday pit stop for anyone visiting Christkindlmarket or the Millennium Park ice rink.

Festive holiday shows

Performers do ballet on the stage in a blue and purple hue with a majestic background behind them.

Embrace the holiday spirit with an impressive lineup of live shows — from classic holiday tales to breathtaking reimaginings.

A Christmas Carol

Nov. 13 – Dec. 31, 2026
Goodman Theatre
This long-running play has charmed millions of the theatre-goers over the past five decades. The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is guaranteed to put the whole family into the Christmas spirit.

The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet

Dec. 4 – 27, 2026
Lyric Opera House
This spellbinding version of The Nutcracker reimagines the classic story to be set during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The mesmerizing show weaves in fantastical elements, ornate sets, and global dance traditions.

Insider tip: Arrive early so you have time to snap some photos in the gilded Art Deco lobby.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

Nov. 28 – Dec. 27, 2026
Raven Theatre
This intimate neighborhood venue stages its ninth annual version of this family-friendly tale, an adaptation of the classic children’s book.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live at The Auditorium

Dec. 12, 2026
The Auditorium Theatre
This unique show brings the iconic tale of Charlie Brown to the stage, using a blend of animation, live performances, and a stunning score performed by Chicago Philharmonic.

More holiday shows around Chicago

Explore more: Book your tickets today for these must-see holiday shows in Chicago this year.

Ice skating rinks

A group of three friends enjoy a night of ice skating at the Millennium Park Ice Skating rink.
Millennium Park Ice Skating; photo by Abel Arciniega

Trade your boots for skates and glide across one of Chicago’s scenic ice skating rinks, surrounded by the snow-dusted skyline.

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Nov. 20, 2026 – February 2027
Millennium Park
Take in postcard‑perfect scenery with every lap at this iconic downtown ice rink next to Cloud Gate (better known as “The Bean”). Admission is free, skate rentals are available for a fee.

Insider tip: Join a free lesson on weekend mornings and enjoy complimentary skate rentals. 

Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon

Nov. 13, 2026 – March 7, 2027
Unlike a traditional rink, the Skating Ribbon meanders gently through the park’s wintry landscape. The ribbon is located a short walk from Millennium Park.

Insider tip: Make sure to reserve your timed tickets ahead of time, spots fill up fast.

More ice rinks around Chicago

Explore more: Find more ice rinks in parks and neighborhoods around the city.

Holiday museum exhibits

An incredible tall Christmas Tree surrounded by smaller sized trees and holiday chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

During the winter, Chicago’s award-winning museums get into the holiday spirit with festive exhibits and fun seasonal events.

Holiday festivities at Art Institute of Chicago

Wreathing of the Lions, Nov. 27, 2026
Loop
The Art Institute of Chicago starts the holidays with the annual Wreathing of the Lions, when the museum’s bronze lions are adorned with massive evergreen wreaths. It makes for a stunning photo just steps from Millennium Park. Inside, the Neapolitan Crèche is a spectacular 18th-century nativity scene that is so delicate it’s only displayed a few weeks a year.

Christmas Around the World at Museum of Science and Industry

Opens Nov. 7, 2026
Hyde Park
Each winter, this massive science museum hosts the seasonal Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit. Stand in awe of more than 50 festive trees, each adorned with culturally inspired decorations to reflect holiday customs from every corner of the world.

Drie-cember at Driehaus Museum

Dec. 5 – 13, 2026
River North
This Gilded Age mansion transforms for the holidays, with ornate decorations and cozy events. Check the calendar for the annual Drie-cember Market, weekend visits from Santa, and Carols & Cocoa.

Macy’s on State Street

A huge Christmas tree inside of a banquet hall with a bright, shining star at the very top.

Experience peak holiday magic at the legendary Macy’s on State Street.

Originally known as Marshall Field’s, this historic department store building keeps the classic holiday magic alive each year.

The Great Tree at the Walnut Room

Nov. 7, 2026 – Jan. 17, 2027 
This timeless restaurant — the country’s first-ever department store dining room — has remained a cherished holiday landmark for generations. The towering Great Tree stands at the center, framed by chandeliers and elegant decor that set the stage for an unforgettable holiday meal.

Insider tip: Grab your reservations early and check for fun events like the popular drag brunch.

Macy’s on State Street holiday windows

Opening November 2026
Macy’s iconic holiday windows transform the building’s exterior into a charming seasonal display. Each year, the windows are dedicated to a different theme, keeping visitors and locals coming back year after year.

Shoppers can also make Christmas memories at the annual Santaland or shop for gifts and decor in the French-inspired Holiday Square.

Explore more: Let our guide to holiday shopping in Chicago lead you to the perfect gifts.

Chicago holiday train

The CTA train adorned in holiday lights glides across its rails throughout the city of Chicago.

For over 30 years, the CTA Holiday Train has delighted thousands of riders every winter. The decked-out train features rail cars covered in glittering lights and ornaments, plus elves greeting passengers with candy canes and Santa’s sleigh at the head of the train.

On the city’s streets, the festive Holiday Bus is covered in lights, bringing cheer to Chicago neighborhoods one stop at a time.

Explore more holiday fun in Chicago