The start of the holiday season in Chicago brings tons of free things to do and see. This November, enjoy ice skating in the heart of downtown, admire artwork in one of the world’s top art museums, and explore charming holiday markets — all without spending a dime.
Free things to do in November
What are some free things to do in Chicago this month?
Chicago is full of free things to do this November:
- Kick off the holidays at The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
- Take part in a local tradition at the magical Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
- Soak in the festive atmosphere at Christkindlmarket Chicago
- Grab tickets to special free days at ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
- Take advantage of free museum days across the city
Start planning your budget trip to Chicago with this round-up of the free things to do and see all month long.
1. Bask in the glow of ZooLights
Free dates: Nov. 23 and 30, 2026
Lincoln Park Zoo
More than three million lights make up the mesmerizing displays at ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, which opens for the holiday season this month.
This year’s family-friendly holiday event, set in the city’s historic lakefront zoo, includes light shows set to music, a Ferris wheel with skyline views, hot chocolate, and live entertainment.
The zoo will be offering free admission to ZooLights every Monday. Advance reservations are required, so get your free Monday tickets online before you go. ZooLights will run through Jan. 3, 2027.
2. See the lighting of the official Christmas Tree
Friday, Nov. 20, 2026
Millennium Park
For more than 100 years, the city of Chicago has celebrated the holiday season with the lighting of the official Christmas Tree in Millennium Park.
This year’s free tree lighting ceremony will include live music, performances, and a fireworks display as officials flip the switch to illuminate this year’s towering tree.
Also that weekend, swing by the free-admission Millennium Park Holiday Market from Friday, Nov. 20 through Sunday, Nov. 22.
The Christmas tree will remain lit in Millennium Park through Jan. 10, 2027.
3. Attend a magical holiday parade
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026
Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive
The country’s largest nighttime parade, The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival marks the official start of the holiday season in Chicago.
This classic celebration is a packed day of free, family-friendly activities leading up to the famous tree-lighting parade on Michigan Avenue.
The spectacular procession features Santa Claus, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and celebrity guests, all leading up to an evening fireworks show over the Chicago River.
4. Get free admission at Chicago museums
Multiple days in November
Museums across Chicago
Spend an afternoon wandering through a Chicago museum, where you can dive into fascinating history, artistic masterpieces, and galaxies far, far away.
Here are the upcoming free museum days in Chicago during November 2026 for Illinois residents:
- Art Institute of Chicago is free on Nov. 11 and after 5 p.m. on Nov. 19, 2026
- Field Museum is free on Wednesdays throughout November
- Chicago History Museum is free on Nov. 11 and 19, 2026
- Shedd Aquarium is free after 5 p.m. on Nov. 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2026
- Adler Planetarium is free on Nov. 9, 10, 16, 17, and 18, 2026
Explore more: Mark your calendar for free museum days throughout the year.
5. Visit Chicago’s famous Christkindlmarket
Opens Nov. 20, 2026
Daley Plaza
Christkindlmarket arrives in Chicago this month! The beloved tradition transforms downtown Daley Plaza into a bustling holiday market, filling the air with the smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, and hot spiced wine.
Admission is free to come in and peruse artisan goods, imported German gifts, and handmade holiday decorations.
If you can’t get enough Christkindlmarket, the Wrigleyville version is back in action this year as part of Winterland at Gallagher Way. This miniature market and winter festival offers free admission for the whole family, with tons of kid-friendly fun.
6. Attend the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026
State Street
The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, a local tradition for more than 90 years, kicks off Thanksgiving day with a fun-filled morning in the heart of downtown Chicago.
Watch the colorful procession make its way up State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive north to Randolph Street at this free, all-ages event.
7. See the winter fireworks
Nov. 21 and 28, 2026
Navy Pier
The free winter fireworks are back at Navy Pier! Admire dazzling pyrotechnics with a skyline backdrop from anywhere on the Pier. Admission is free for all.
Catch the spectacular nighttime display every Saturday this winter from Nov. 21 through Dec. 26, all leading up to the New Year’s Eve display on Dec. 31.
8. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
Throughout November
Citywide
The 36th annual First Nations Film and Video Festival is the only event of its kind to solely showcase the works of Indigenous/Native American directors. The fall edition, which runs from Nov. 3 – 10, 2026, includes a variety of free screenings in venues all around the city.
Take an Open Beadwork Class at the American Indian Center in Albany Park. These weekly workshops are free and open to the public. No registration is required and all supplies are provided.
Plus, Chicago Public Library branches are offering a wide variety of free activities and events throughout the month. Check out film screenings, arts and crafts, book discussions, storytelling, and more.
Explore more things to do during Native American Heritage Month in Chicago.
9. Go ice skating in Millennium Park
Opens Nov. 20, 2026
Millennium Park
Nothing says “winter in Chicago” like gliding around on one of the city’s magical ice skating rinks.
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink opens for the winter season in late November. This free-admission rink in Millennium Park is surrounded by views of “The Bean” and the glimmering lights of Michigan Avenue.
Note that free online reservations are required, bring your own skates or rent them for a fee. The rink will remain open through February 2027, weather permitting.
10. Admire outdoor gardens
Nov. 2 – 6, 9, 11, and 26, 2026
Chicago Botanic Garden and Morton Arboretum
The stunning Chicago Botanic Garden is free for Illinois residents this month on select dates. Explore more than 380 acres of natural beauty, including an English walled garden, a Japanese garden, and native plant area. Make sure to register in advance for your free admission.
On Thanksgiving Day, the Morton Arboretum is offering free admission for everyone. Enjoy the changing colors, crisp air, and crunch of leaves underfoot as you meander through 1,700 acres of trees and plant life.
Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.
