Tours & Attractions
The Christmas Tree Crawl: The Magic of Chicago at the Holidays December 10, 2026
“The Christmas Tree Crawl” is a festive 2-hour “Christmas treasure hunt” walking tour through downtown Chicago, hunting stunning holiday trees and decorations at iconic spots like the Christkindlmarkt, the old Marshall Field’s, and hidden indoor gems in grand lobbies. Guides share the history of Christmas traditions, Chicago holiday characters, and global festive lore while visiting both famous displays and secret trees locals often miss.
Tour highlights
- Nostalgic adventure blending twinkling outdoor trees with breathtaking indoor Christmas displays in ornate building lobbies.
- Stops across from the Christkindlmarkt, outside the Marshall Field’s windows and inside to see the Walnut Room tree, plus lesser-known treasures showcasing Chicago’s holiday spirit.
- Learn origins of beloved Christmas characters (some Chicago-born), global traditions, and the city’s festive history.
- Small-group format with engaging storytelling, holiday sweets, and photo ops amid the magic of the season.
- Perfect family-friendly way to celebrate Chicago’s holidays, warming up indoors while soaking in the cheer.
In a nutshell:
- Duration: 2 hours, covering 1.5 miles at an easy pace through crowded festive areas.
- Group size: capped at 20 for a cozy, personal vibe.
- Pricing (USD): 35 general; 30 kids 5+ and seniors 65+; free under 5 (one free child per paying adult).
- Schedule: Limited seasonal pop-up on weekends (Thurs-Sun) from late November to pre-Christmas; check site for dates.
- Start & end: Begins outside the Peet’s Coffee in the Wrigley Building (400 N Michigan Ave); ends at the Palmer House Hotel.
- Weather: Runs rain or shine, though might be cancelled due to extreme weather. Please call if you’re unsure about your tour being cancelled.
