When winter weather arrives, Chicago does not slow down. The city comes alive with lights, music, markets, and seasonal attractions that draw visitors from across the country. From outdoor traditions unfolding in parks and along garden paths to indoor destinations offering festivities inside cultural landmarks, the holiday season spreads across the city in every direction.
From downtown to the lakefront and beyond, here are some of the most popular and enduring ways to experience the holidays in Chicago.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Christkindlmarket remains one of the city’s most recognizable holiday traditions. The German inspired outdoor market returns with locations in Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville, offering handmade ornaments, artisan gifts, festive food, and the collectible souvenir mug filled with mulled wine or hot cider. Crowds return year after year for both the shopping and the atmosphere.
Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along
The Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along invites Chicagoans and visitors to gather at Cloud Gate for community singing at 6 p.m. on Fridays between December 5 and December 19. Presented by the Millennium Park Foundation with support from the Pritzker Foundation, the free program celebrates Chicago’s diverse holiday traditions. Songbooks, including large print editions, are available onsite or by download, and American Sign Language interpretation is provided at every event.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Millennium Park also offers free ice skating lessons for kids at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. Penguin shaped skating aids are available to help young skaters build confidence and stability on the ice, making the rink a welcoming option for families experiencing skating for the first time.
Maggie Daley Park Ice Ribbon
The Ice Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park offers a unique skating experience that winds through the park with views of the city skyline. Its looping path and festive setting have made it one of the most popular outdoor winter attractions in Chicago.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
ZooLights transforms Lincoln Park Zoo into a glowing winter landscape with millions of LED lights, creative installations, and seasonal treats. With a mix of free and ticketed nights, the long running event continues to be a favorite for families, couples, and visitors of all ages.
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
Winter WonderFest turns Navy Pier’s Festival Hall into an indoor holiday destination filled with rides, slides, oversized decorations, and an indoor ice rink. It remains one of the city’s most reliable weather proof options for families looking to spend a full day celebrating the season.
Lightscapes at Chicago Botanic Garden
Lightscapes at the Chicago Botanic Garden offers an illuminated outdoor trail featuring large scale light installations, music, and interactive displays woven into the natural landscape. Timed entry helps create a relaxed experience, making it a popular choice for visitors seeking a quieter holiday outing.
CTA Holiday Train and Holiday Bus
The CTA Holiday Train and Holiday Bus continue to bring seasonal cheer to daily commutes. Decorated with lights, garland, and holiday music, both feature appearances by Santa and costumed helpers as they travel across rail lines and bus routes throughout the city.
Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry’s Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibition fills the rotunda with more than 50 decorated trees and displays representing global holiday traditions. First presented in 1942, the exhibit remains one of Chicago’s most visited indoor holiday attractions.
Holiday strolls at the Art Institute
The Art Institute adds seasonal touches to the Thorne Miniature Rooms, and its iconic bronze lions are decorated each year with holiday wreaths. Exhibitions continue through the winter months, making the museum a popular indoor destination for art, culture, and a break from the cold.
A season that spans the city
Whether gathered under the open sky or inside Chicago’s landmark institutions, the holiday season unfolds across neighborhoods, parks, and cultural spaces throughout the city. Together, these experiences reflect the creativity, tradition, and energy that define winter in Chicago.
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