With the holidays in full swing, December is a magical month packed with things to do throughout Chicago. There’s plenty to keep you busy as we wrap up the year, including beloved plays and concerts, ultra-festive pop-up bars, holiday markets full of unique made-in-Chicago gifts,New Year’s Eve celebrations, and more. Check out our list of favorite Chicago activities and events to enjoy this December 2025.
Top events in Chicago this December
Christkindlmarket Chicago (through Dec. 24): The classic German-inspired holiday market is back in the heart of downtown Chicago. Sip on a mug full of hot wine, enjoy traditional treats, and stock up on handmade gifts beneath the twinkle of holiday lights.
The Nutcracker at the Joffrey Ballet (Dec. 5 – 28): Head to the Lyric Opera House for a special holiday performance of The Nutcracker.
Winter Walk in Wilson (Dec. 5): Stroll through Uptown and discover sweet treats, warm drinks, live holiday music, a pop-up market, and more.
La Villita Navideña (Dec. 5): Join with the Little Village community at Manuel Perez Jr. Plaza for music, piñatas, gifts, food, and a special appearance from Santa.
St. Lucia Festival of Lights in Andersonville (Dec. 13): Join a beloved Andersonville tradition that showcases the neighborhood’s Swedish roots with an evening candlelit procession.
Holiday Candlelight House Tour in Pullman (Dec. 14): For one night only, Pullman’s historic homes open their doors to showcase their holiday decorations by the glow of candlelight.
Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory (through December): The Garfield Park Conservatory’s annual Winter Flower Show is a feast for the senses (and a great way to warm up on a winter day).
City of Chicago Christmas Tree (through December): The brightly decorated tree, a Chicago tradition for more than 100 years, will stand tall in the heart of Millennium Park through the new year.
CTA Holiday Train and Bus (through December): Each winter, the decked-out CTA holiday train travels through the city, with Santa and his elves in tow.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo (through December): Head to Lincoln Park Zoo for a celebratory holiday tradition beloved by so many, and explore the hundreds of lights scattered across the zoo.
Winterland at Gallagher Way (through December): The all-ages Winterland experience returns to Wrigleyville with an ice skating rink, Santa’s workshop, festive food and drinks, and a miniature Christkindlmarket.
Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden (through December): Explore the Chicago Botanic Garden’s trails with a magical twist for the holidays, filled with new light installations, holiday music, and more.
Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Lights (through December): The spirit of the season is on display at the Museum of Science and Industry with this special exhibit featuring holiday traditions from around the world.
Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley (through December): Lace up your skates and hit the ice at Maggie Daley Park, home to a whimsical ice skating ribbon.
A Christmas Carol at The Goodman (through Dec. 31): A classic Chicago tradition, the Goodman is staging its annual production of this Charles Dickens tale.
Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier (opens Dec. 5): Step into a sprawling indoor holiday playground at Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest, featuring family-friendly train rides, bumper cars, ice skating, and many more activities for kids of all ages.
Illumination Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum (through December): This popular annual event fills the sprawling Morton Arboretum with a spectacle of light, sound, and color.
New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Chicago (Dec. 31): Ring in 2026 with a historic live broadcast and countdown on the Chicago River, hosted by Chance the Rapper.
Navy Pier New Year’s Eve Fireworks (Dec. 31): On the lakefront, Navy Pier will host their annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display along with celebrations throughout the pier.
More events in Chicago this December
One of a Kind Holiday Show (Dec. 4 – 7): Browse handmade art, jewelry, and more from over 500 artists at this annual holiday market celebrating its 24th year in Chicago.
Holly-Days in Hyde Park (Dec. 6): In the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, enjoy a day of festive celebrations, including ice skating, an ice-carving demonstration, holiday crafts, live reindeer, and more.
Winter Wonderland in Wicker Park/Bucktown (Dec. 6): Spend a day enjoying festive, family-friendly activities, retail specials, live entertainment, and a tree lighting in Wicker Park.
Let it Snow Show Sing-Along (Dec. 6): Bring the family for a festive sing-along of iconic holiday songs at the Let it Snow Show at Old Town School of Music.
Annual Music Box Christmas Sing-A-Long & Double Feature (Dec. 6 – 24): For more than 40 years, the landmark Music Box Theatre has been spreading holiday cheer with the annual back-to-back showing of White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life.
Western Avenue Holiday Road (Dec. 6): Explore the Beverly neighborhood during this seasonal event showcasing local businesses with shopping deals, treats, and much more.
Holiday House Party at the Shedd (Dec. 6): Head to the Shedd Aquarium for its annual adults-only holiday house party, featuring a Chicago local live DJ spinning house music.
Chicago Tap Allstars Winter Wonderland (Dec. 6): Celebrate the season with a performance from Chicago Tap Allstars, blending world-class tap choreography with holiday classics at the Harold Washington Cultural Center.
Holiday Market at Stan Mansion (Dec. 7): Shop local makers inside the historic Stan Mansion in Logan Square, including artisan goods, festive décor, and seasonal treats.
Holiday Party with The Dredge (Dec. 11): Sing along to classic carols at the Chicago History Museum during this annual event of local caroling groups.
The Nutcracker at the Hyde Park School of Dance (Dec. 12 – 14): The Hyde Park School of Dance puts its own spin on the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, featuring student dancers and magical storytelling.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Dec. 12 – 31): Experience the timeless holiday classic reimagined as a 1940s live radio play, complete with dynamic performances that bring the whole Bedford Falls community to life.
Elf the Musical (through Dec. 14): Based on the iconic holiday film, Elf the Musical brings Buddy the Elf’s heartwarming journey to the mainstage with big laughs, catchy songs, and festive charm for the whole family.
Home Alone in Concert (Dec. 12 – 14): Enjoy a screening of this classic holiday film while the delightful score is performed live by the acclaimed Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Rudolph Runs Wild at The Second City (through December): This family-friendly comedy show is packed with silly sketches, musical moments, and plenty of seasonal spirit.
Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Clowns (starts Dec. 12): City Lit Theater Company will stage this Christmas whodunnit featuring the antics of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
Holiday Hurrah in Morgan Park (Dec. 13): Celebrate the season on Chicago’s South Side with a neighborhood-wide shopping event featuring deals, live music, family-friendly activities, and holiday cheer.
A South Asian Christmas at Kalapriya (Dec. 14): Kalapriya, a South Loop arts organization, celebrates the holidays with a multicultural Christmas show blending dance, music, and storytelling.
Chicago Artisan Market (Dec. 14): The flagship artisan market returns to Fulton Market, featuring handcrafted gifts, gourmet foods, and artisanal finds from Chicago’s most talented makers.
Renegade Craft Fair (Dec. 20 – 21): The Renegade Craft Fair returns for a holiday edition, showcasing plenty of independent makers offering creative gifts just in time for last-minute shopping.
Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration (Dec. 20): Honor Kwanzaa in Washington Park with family-friendly cultural programming around Umoja, the first principle of Kwanza. There will be live music, food and drink, community activities, and more.
Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar (Dec. 21): Support local artisans in Hyde Park at this community-centered holiday bazaar featuring unique crafts, workshops, festive cocktails, food, and much more.
Kwanzaa Celebration in Bronzeville (Dec. 26): The Bronzeville Children’s Museum honors the first day of Kwanzaa with a community gathering full of storytelling, face-painting, crafts, music, and much more.
Ice Skating at the Peninsula Hotel (through December): The picture-perfect rooftop ice rink is back at the Peninsula Hotel, featuring Mag Mile views and warm drinks rinkside.
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol (through December): Grab your tickets for this one-actor show spanning an impressive 19 characters at Lifeline Theatre.
Not a Soft Thing at the Chicago Cultural Center (through December): The newest exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center tells the story and stages of caregiving, showcasing an array of women artists.
Beatrix Potter Holiday Party at the Chicago Children’s Theatre (through December): The Chicago Children’s Theatre brings the beloved children’s book to the stage, complete with an interactive puppet show, music, and more.
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind (through December): The Museum of Contemporary Art hosts this once-in-a-generation Yoko Ono retrospective, featuring an array of interactive installations.
Light of Christmas Show (through December): Rate Field, the home of the White Sox, will host this drive-through holiday light display that includes over one million string lights.
Jack Frost’s Holiday Pop-Up (through December): The massive holiday pop-up transforms Fulton Market into a winter wonderland featuring ice skating, cocktails, ax-throwing, bumper cars, and more.
Hot Tub Boats (through December): This winter, grab some friends and float your way along the Chicago River in these one-of-a-kind hot tub boats.
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo (through Dec. 31): Head to the Brookfield Zoo for a colorful display of over two million lights, a skating rink, illuminated animal sculptures, and more.
