Christmas 2026
Christmas in Chicago
The markets, the lights and the parties — and when each is worth it.
4 days to go16 Nov – 26 Dec · 22 ideas
- 2 nights out
- 2 costume parties
- 17 for families
- 9 free
Don't miss
113th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade
The Joffrey Ballet: The Nutcracker
Friday 20 November
Millennium Park Holiday Market
A curated tented holiday market on the North Promenade featuring over 40 Chicago-area artisans, crafters, food purveyors, and live seasonal entertainment over tree-lighting weekend.
FamilyFreeSource: City of Chicago DCASE
113th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The city's official Christmas tree lighting near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street. Festivities feature a main stage with live choral and musical acts next to the Chicago Cultural Center, followed by the illumination at 18:00 and fireworks over Millennium Park.
FamilyFreeSource: City of Chicago DCASE
Saturday 21 November
Michigan Avenue Street Closures
North Michigan Avenue closes to vehicular traffic between Oak Street and Wacker Drive, along with adjacent cross streets, for parade staging and spectator safety through the evening fireworks.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade
The 35th annual evening parade down North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street south to Wacker Drive, lighting more than 200 trees along the avenue, accompanied by marching bands, giant balloons, and a 19:30 fireworks show over the Chicago River.
FamilyFreeSource: The Magnificent Mile Association
Thursday 26 November
Thanksgiving Day — Public Holiday Closures
Federal, state, and city government offices, banks, post offices, and Chicago Public Library locations are closed. CTA and Metra run reduced Sunday/holiday transit schedules; major retail centers remain largely closed while some seasonal rinks and markets operate on limited holiday hours.
Friday 27 November
Wreathing of the Lions at the Art Institute of Chicago
The 35th annual day-after-Thanksgiving ceremony where the Art Institute's historic bronze lion statues on Michigan Avenue are crowned with giant holiday evergreen wreaths, accompanied by hot cocoa and brass caroling.
FamilyFreeSource: The Art Institute of Chicago
Saturday 12 December
TBOX: 30th Annual Twelve Bars of Xmas Bar Crawl
The 30th and final edition led by founder Christopher Festa of Chicago's massive holiday costume bar crawl, spanning over a dozen Wrigleyville bars along Clark Street with opening ceremonies at Cubby Bear.
Night outCostumeSource: TBOX Bar Crawls
Friday 25 December
Christmas Day — Public Holiday Closures
Widespread commercial, civic, and museum shutdowns across Chicago. CTA trains and buses operate on Sunday schedules, retail stores are shuttered, and Christkindlmarket sites are closed for the day.
All season
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
A curving ribbon of ice winding around rolling lawn contours, climbing towers, and pine trees against the Chicago skyline. Timed reservations are mandatory for each two-hour session.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
A curated 1.3-mile after-dark trail through botanic grounds featuring custom kinetic light sculptures, musical accompaniment, the iconic Winter Cathedral, and the Fire Garden.
Santa Baby Christmas Bar Pop-Up
Wrigleyville's vibrant multi-floor holiday pop-up bar featuring wall-to-ceiling ornaments, holiday-themed cocktails, boozy shakes, photo ops, and late-night holiday music sessions.
Night outCostumeSource: Santa Baby Christmas Bar
Neapolitan Crèche Display at the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute's exquisite 18th-century Neapolitan crèche (presepio), featuring over 200 hand-carved figures, animals, angels, and detailed vignettes of everyday life in historic Naples.
FamilyFreeSource: The Art Institute of Chicago
The Joffrey Ballet: The Nutcracker
Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's Tony Award-winning staging reimagines Tchaikovsky's ballet during the construction of the Chicago 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, performed with live orchestra at the Lyric Opera House.
Merry, Merry Chicago! with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The CSO's premier holiday musical tradition at Symphony Center, performing carols, festive orchestral classics, and guest vocal performances in Orchestra Hall.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
An annual Chicago custom running since 1942, featuring a 45-foot Grand Tree surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees decorated by volunteer groups representing customs and light traditions across the globe.
A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre
Chicago's hallmark staging of Charles Dickens' holiday masterpiece in the Albert Theatre, directed by Malkia Stampley and featuring Tim Hopper as Scrooge. Children under 5 are not permitted.
FamilySource: Goodman Theatre
Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along
Community choral celebrations held under Cloud Gate in Millennium Park on consecutive Friday evenings, led by diverse local Chicago choral ensembles inviting the audience to sing holiday standards.
FamilyFreeSource: City of Chicago DCASE
Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza
Chicago's 30th annual German-style outdoor Christmas market underneath the Picasso sculpture, complete with traditional timber booths, glühwein, imported roasted nuts, handmade wooden toys, and blown-glass decorations.
FamilyFreeSource: Christkindlmarket Chicago
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way
The north-side outpost of Christkindlmarket set in Gallagher Way beside Wrigley Field, running alongside Winterland skating, festive photo backdrops, and seasonal refreshments.
FamilyFreeSource: Christkindlmarket Chicago
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Open-air ice skating directly beneath Cloud Gate (The Bean) and the towering city Christmas tree. Entry is free with online reservation; skate rentals and weekend morning lessons are offered on site.
FamilyFreeSource: City of Chicago DCASE
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo transformed by over 3 million glowing LED holiday lights, light tunnels, ice-carving demonstrations, a 65-foot Ferris wheel, and festive warm beverage bars.
FamilySource: Lincoln Park Zoo
Christkindlmarket Glühwein Mug Deposit Tradition
Hot spiced Glühwein and cocoa at Christkindlmarket locations are served in an annual commemorative souvenir mug. Visitors pay for the beverage including the mug and keep it as a collectible or return it for a deposit refund depending on the vendor booth.
Times and prices change, so check with the organiser before you go. Updated 11 Nov