This month in Chicago, enjoy ice skating in the heart of downtown, admire works in one of the world’s top art museums, and explore the largest architecture and design exhibition in North America — all without spending a dime.
Chicago is bursting with free things to do this December 2025, including plenty of holiday celebrations, free museum days, festivals and parades, cultural happenings, and so much more. Start planning your budget trip to Chicago with this round-up of the free things to do and see all month long.
1. Join a historic NYE celebration
Dec. 31, 2025
For the first time ever, Chicago’s New Year’s Eve countdown will be featured live on ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, America’s most-watched New Year’s Eve broadcast.
The evening event, hosted by Chance the Rapper, will take place along the Chicago River and include exciting live performances leading up to the midnight countdown, when a magnificent fireworks display will light up the city’s iconic bridges.
2. Go ice skating in Millennium Park
All month long
Nothing says “winter in Chicago” like gliding around on one of the city’s magical ice skating rinks. One favorite spot is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which is now open for its 23rd season.
This free-admission rink in Millennium Park is nestled in the shadow of “The Bean” and the glimmering lights of Michigan Avenue.
Note that online reservations are required, skate rentals are available for a fee or use your own for free. Check the schedule for free all-ages skating lessons.
Explore more: Find more free ice rinks throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods parks.
3. Experience a traditional Christmas market
Now through Dec. 24, 2025
Christkindlmarket Chicago is back! The beloved winter tradition turns the downtown Daley Plaza into a bustling holiday market, filling the air with the smell of roasted nuts, hot pretzels, and mulled wine.
Admission is free to come in and peruse artisan goods, imported German gifts, and handmade holiday decorations. You can even catch cultural activities and family-friendly events. The market is now open through Christmas Eve.
Also this year, check out the miniature Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, part of the Gallagher Way Winterland celebrations.
Check out more magical holiday markets popping up around Chicago.
4. See the official Chicago Christmas Tree
All month long
For more than 100 years, the city of Chicago has celebrated the holiday season with the the official Chicago Christmas Tree that stands proudly in the heart of downtown Millennium Park.
Admire the towering Norway spruce, decked out in nearly 8-miles worth of glittering lights, snap a few photos, then explore the rest of the park in all its wintry splendor. The tree will stay standing through Jan. 11, 2026.
5. Be dazzled by ZooLights
All month long
More than one million lights make up the mesmerizing displays at ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, a beloved Chicago tradition. This year’s family-friendly holiday event, set in the city’s historic lakefront zoo, includes light shows set to music, an 18-foot tree, and live entertainment.
This season, 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. 4, 2026.
6. Take advantage of free museum days
Select dates in December
There’s no better way to spend a winter afternoon than wandering through the new exhibits in one of Chicago’s world-class museum. And every month brings opportunities for free admission for Chicago and Illinois residents.
Here are the upcoming free museum days for Illinois residents this month:
- Adler Planetarium is free every Wednesday from 4 – 10 p.m.
- Field Museum is free on Wednesdays throughout December
- Art Institute of Chicago is free on weekdays from Dec. 1 – 18
- Shedd Aquarium is free on Dec. 2, 9, and 16 after 5 p.m.
- Chicago History Museum is free on Dec. 4 and 10
You can also check out one of the city’s always-free museums, like the Museum of Contemporary Photography, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Hyde Park Art Center. And check out free museum days throughout the year.
7. Visit the Chicago Architecture Biennial
All month long
The largest architecture and design exhibition in North America is back in Chicago, featuring projects created by contributors from around the globe at free exhibits and events throughout the city.
The Chicago Architecture Biennial is centered around the Chicago Cultural Center, plus a variety of neighborhood sites with related exhibitions and programming all across the city. The Biennial’s free exhibits are now open will run through Feb. 28, 2026.
8. See the winter fireworks at Navy Pier
Saturdays in December
You don’t have to wait for the New Year to catch a dazzling fireworks display on the lakefront. Navy Pier is bringing back its free winter fireworks series this year, with shows on select Saturdays at 8 p.m. this December.
It all culminates with the spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 31. End the year with an unforgettable evening watching the spectacular Navy Pier fireworks light up the lakefront skyline.
9. Admire a winter flower show
All month long
Chicago’s stunning indoors gardens are both hosting their annual winter shower shows this December.
The free Lincoln Park Conservatory will be displaying a fireside-themed show, featuring a cozy ambiance and florals in glowing orange and red hues. The show is open Wednesdays to Sundays through Jan. 4, 2026.
At the stunning Garfield Park Conservatory, the Merry & Bright will showcase an array of cheerful selection of poinsettias. The show is free for Chicago residents and open Thursdays through Sundays until Jan. 2, 2026.
10. Visit the Poetry Foundation
All month long
Come explore a Chicago hidden gem, the Poetry Foundation, which houses a massive library, an exhibition gallery, a tree-lined courtyard, and a performance space. Visitors will find an array of events that are free and open to the public, from readings and lectures to workshops and exhibits like art exhibits and poetry readings.
Bonus! Take a free neighborhood tour
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s always something new to discover in Chicago. Get to know a new neighborhood on a free Chicago Greeter tour, led by a friendly local who will show you each neighborhood’s landmarks, hot spots, and hidden gems.
Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.
