The best Christmas things to do during the holidays in Chicago

Chicago winters can be a bit of a drag, to say the least, but the holidays offer a shimmering diversion from long nights and frosty weather. Starting in November, you'll find plenty of festive events and celebrations to put you in a holiday mood as temperatures start to drop, from glittering Christmas lights in Chicago and Christkindlmarket Chicago villages in Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville to sing-alongs at the Music Box and Millennium Park. You can even take a spin around the City of Chicago Christmas tree at ice skating rinks downtown and warm up afterwards with a hot cocktail at holiday pop-up bars scattered throughout the city, or plan a festive night of Christmas theater thanks to annual performances of shows like The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. Whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year, you'll find plenty of ways to feel festive with our list of the best things to do during the holidays in Chicago. 

RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Christmas in Chicago