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 December 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, Dec. 5 – 7, 2025.
The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Experience magic this holiday season with two-time Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon's 'The Nutcracker'. On a magical Christmas Eve, mere months before the opening of Chicago’s…
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…
Indoor Farmers Market
As our outdoor season wraps up, we’re heading inside for the colder months. Come support local vendors and farmers, and stock up on your favorite…
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…
SIX
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration…
Holiday Road
Shop, stroll, and sip your way down the Holiday Road on Saturday, December 6, 2025! Enjoy festivities along a stretch of Western Avenue from 99th…
Wicker Park Bucktown Winter Wonderland
The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce invites the community to kick-off the holiday season with a full-day of activities along Milwaukee Avenue on Saturday,…
Uniting Voices Chicago Presents Winter Glow! a Festive Concert at Chicago Symphony Center
Uniting Voices Chicago performs the festive Winter Glow concert at Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave, on Saturday, Dec. 6 for two shows only,…
Chicago Tap Allstars Returns With “Winter Wonderland”
Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT) is pleased to announce the return of Chicago Tap Allstars’ Winter Wonderland, Saturday, Dec. 6 at 12 p.m., at the Harold…
The Art Deco Nutcracker: Chicago’s Sparkling Holiday Tradition Returns for Its 10th Anniversary
The stage lights are calling, and the magic is about to unfold. The award-winning A&A BALLET announces the return of its critically acclaimed Art Deco…
That’s Weird, Grandma: Holiday Party!
It’s an annual holiday tradition! PlayMakers Laboratory’s is pleased to welcome back its original sketch show That's Weird, Grandma: Holiday Party! Playing five performances only…
Holiday Market at The Digs Chicago
We're so excited to invite you to the Digs Holiday Market! Save the date for Saturday, December 6th, from 2-6pm. Check out new pieces by…
Curvy Con: A Makers Market Built for Curvy Folks by Curvy Folks
12PM / 21+ / Free Curvy Con, presented by Fat Theatre Project, is a makers market built for curvy folks by curvy folks. All items…
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.
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…
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…
South Chicago Dance Theatre’s Lamentations for Peace
The brand new holiday show by breakout artist Kia S. Smith features her acclaimed and versatile South Chicago Dance Theatre dancers along with live musical…
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…
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…
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.
