Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all over the city this month in Chicago.
This weekend in Chicago is jam-packed with dazzling holiday light displays, artisan markets, jaw-dropping art exhibits, riveting live theatre, family-friendly fun, exciting cultural events, and so much more.
Check out just a few of the top things to do this weekend in Chicago, Nov. 21 – 22, 2025.
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree, the 112th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and…
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival®
Your holiday cheer starts here! The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® is Saturday, November 22nd! Come feel the magic of this dazzling holiday parade, brought…
Millennium Park Holiday Market
Enjoy shopping, live entertainment, and concessions at the Millennium Park Holiday Market! The opening of the market is aligned with the 112th Annual Christmas Tree…
Lincoln Park ZooLights
Chicagoland’s favorite holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever! ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd twinkles with more than 3 million lights, hundreds…
Christkindlmarket
What can you expect at the market? The German-style Christmas Market provides a safe outdoor experience for the whole family. All Christkindlmarkets are always free admission. The smell of roasted nuts,…
Winterland at Gallagher Way
Winterland returns to Wrigleyville this season with ice skating, ice bumper cards, Santa’s workshop, and a miniature Christkindlmarket.
Lightscape
Tickets are on sale now for all. Book in advance and secure your preferred slot; popular dates and times go fast! Step into an enchanting…
North Suburbs
Event details
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park begins Nov. 21 (weather permitting). Admission to the ice rink will be free, but…
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Bring family and friends to see Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum and be amazed by how light, color, and music transforms a magnificent landscape of trees.
Rogers Park hosts Holiday Mercadito Market
Rogers Park Business Alliance is excited to host a Holiday Mercadito, which will be held at RPBA’s GROW/PROGRESANDO entrepreneurial training center (7056 N. Clark St.)…
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
George Bailey – the Everyman from small town Bedford Falls whose dreams of escape and adventure were stopped by family obligation and civic duty –…
A Christmas Carol
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” Rediscover a Dickens’ classic with an adaptation that “makes you…
The Joffrey + Ballet in the U.S.
The Joffrey + Ballet in the U.S. is a large-scale exhibition celebrating the rich history of The Joffrey Ballet and the life of Robert Joffrey. The…
Paris in Black Exhibition Opening at the DuSable Museum
Join us at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center for the opening of Paris in Black: Internationalism and the Black Renaissance. Discover the…
JASC Holiday Delight & Kodomo Matsuri
Holiday Delight & Kodomo Matsuri is a holiday festival that celebrates Japanese American traditions while welcoming the broader Chicago community. It brings together longtime participants…
Chicago River Sleigh Rides with Santa!
🎅🚢 Set sail on the iconic Chicago River this holiday season with our Santa Claus Sleigh Ride Cruises! 🌟 Join us for an unforgettable experience…
Premier League Watch Party @ Guinness Chicago Brewery
With Guinness being the official beer partner of the Premier League, and specifically Newcastle United, Open Gate Brewery is hosting an early-day watch party Saturday, November 22, for Newcastle’s matchup against Manchester United!
It’s shaping up to be one of the most spirited soccer gatherings of the season, with the event opening up at 9:30 AM CT ahead of the official kickoff at 11:30 AM CT.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Season 48 Fall Series
Returning to the Steppenwolf Theatre stage after taking it by storm last year with a sold-out 2-week run, Season 48’s Fall Series showcases the full…
The Taming of the Shrew
Deception, disguise, and desire. What if we want to be tamed? The richest man in town has two daughters and one big problem: he refuses to marry…
Dia de Los Muertos Window Walk
Pilsen-based nonprofit organization, Pilsen Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Benito Juarez Community Academy and Pilarte to kick off their first Dia De Los Muertos…
Siskel & Ebert at 50
A month-long screening series and live performance will honor the 50th anniversary of “Siskel & Ebert,” revisiting their favorite “hidden gems” and celebrating the critics…
Holiday Magic
We’re lighting up the night this holiday season! Returning with a brand new light display, celebrate more than 40 years of Holiday Magic. Now with…
Ruth Page’s “The Nutcracker Suite”
The Ruth Page Center for the Arts is proud to present its annual live production of “Ruth Page’s The Nutcracker” featuring original choreography by the…
The House That Will Not Stand
In early nineteenth-century New Orleans, widowed mother Beartrice struggles to manage her headstrong daughters after the death of her second husband. But as the matriarch…
Film Workers Holiday Market
It’s our 3rd annual film workers holiday market. Started after the strikes. Our market showcases film worker from the city of Chicago. We have over…
Balloon Museum: EmotionAir
The Pop Air and Let’s Fly exhibitions continue to thrill and engage a participative audience, but EmotionAir sets an even more ambitious goal. This latest…
Día de Muertos: A Celebration of Remembrance
The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most extraordinary traditions, which celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen is holding their 39th annual exhibit dedicated to Day of the Dead customs and traditions.
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind presents one of the most comprehensive exhibitions to date of Yoko Ono, the trailblazing artist, celebrated musician, and formidable campaigner…
Chicago Architecture Biennial
Explore cutting-edge projects and ideas from global contributors at North America’s largest architecture and design festival. All events are free and open to the public.
Explore our events calendar for more Chicago events and happenings.
Please note that all events are subject to change.
