The best Christmas things to do during the holidays in Chicago

The iconic German-inspired holiday market at Daley Plaza brings just over a month of Christmassy celebrations to the Loop. Browse stalls stocked with handmade gifts, German food and plenty of hot beverages to keep you warm while you wander around and soak in the festive atmosphere. Don't leave without trying spiced glühwein, a German hot wine concoction that's best enjoyed in the market's famous boot mugs.

Every year, Millennium Park is adorned with an epic Christmas tree that remains on display until the beginning of the new year. The larger-than-life attraction is festooned with twinkling lights and crowned with an illuminated star. Spectators can check out the festive tree near Washington Street and Michigan Avenue through early January. Want to see the tree light up for the first time this season? The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony returns this year on Friday, November 22.

The Cubs may be hibernating for the winter, but Gallagher Way provides some excellent reasons to hang out in Wrigleyville during baseball's offseason. The Wrigley Field-adjacent space hosts a variety of seasonal activities, including photos with Santa, a winter market, carnival rides and holiday movie screenings on select Thursdays in December. Opening on December 6, you'll be able to shop for gifts, sip a hot beverage and enjoy delicious treats through December 22. Visit the Winterland website for hours and additional information about programming.

Navy Pier bring its winter experience back for another year, illuminating the lakefront with an outdoor light display. The dazzling program boasts a host of fun activities, including axe throwing, visits with Santa, an artisan market and cozy fire pits for making s'mores. New this year are holiday drone shows, a two-story-tall ice slide and a high-flying Wave Swinger ride. You can also hop on Navy Pier's 200-foot Centennial Wheel—don't worry, all of the gondolas are fully enclosed and heated!

Support economic and environmental justice at this 11th annual market, which takes place on the Magnificent Mile through December 24. More than 30 Chicago businesses will offer goods from artisans around the world, including glassware, ornaments, sweaters, coffee and candles.

Get ready for a festive ride—the CTA Holiday Train and Bus are coming to town! The train is decked out in twinkling holiday lights, with Santa and his reindeer riding outside to wave at families—you can spot the festive locomotive in CTA stations throughout the city from November 29 through December 23. The CTA Holiday Bus, on the other hand, will hit the road on November 26 and make its rounds through December 21. Check the CTA website for the full schedule of train and bus routes.

The commuter rail system is offering rides on special holiday trains between November 30 and December 21. You'll have six chances to hop on board one of the decorated trains, which will be filled with holiday characters. In addition, Millennium Station is also transforming into a North Pole winter wonderland where guests can enjoy treats, festive music, face painting, games and more. Other downtown stations will be decorated as well, and the holiday trains will be used in regular service throughout December. Visit the Metra website for the full schedule and to purchase tickets.

To see one of the largest displays of holiday lights within city limits, you need to head to Lincoln Park Zoo, where the annual ZooLights display strings up millions of LED blubs. While most of the animals will be keeping warm inside, visitors are welcome to wander through the park, snapping photos of the various displays and taking part in a variety of activities throughout the holiday season. New this year, bask in the holiday spirit in the light lounge; as always, guests will also be able to enjoy hot beverages and snacks at stands throughout the park.

Admission is $7 on most weeknights and Sundays and $10 on Fridays and Saturdays, with free admission tickets on Mondays. Check out the Lincoln Park Zoo website for information on special ticketed events during ZooLights, including Adults Night Out and a musical tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas.

The Chicago Botanic Garden hosts this annual (and quick to sell out) display of festive lights, giving guests a host of shimmering reasons to visit the forest preserve during the holiday season. Set along an illuminated path, the after-dark experience features a series of installations to explore, including a 110-foot tunnel made up of 100,000 lights and a group of trees festooned in bulbs that "sing" holiday songs. This year will feature dazzling installations debuting in the U.S. for the first time, plus weekly theme nights and adults-only evenings on November 21 and December 5.

Ready to get into the holiday spirit? The Morton Arboretum's annual holiday light show returns for its 12th anniversary as a mile-long, walk-through spectacle of LED lights and music, featuring a blend of new and returning light displays set amid 50 acres of trees. Back again this year is "Electric Illumination," a series of late-night parties with DJ-curated playlists that will synchronize progressive house and '80s dance beats with the light shows, as well as "IllumiBrew," a special evening where guests can sample beers and ciders from local breweries. Timed entry tickets for Illumination, which will run from November 16 through January 4, vary in price based on date and time.

More than two million lights cover the trees, fences and structures in the Brookfield Zoo at this annual holiday event, which is open for its 43rd year this season. Guests can walk through a 300-foot-long tunnel featuring colored lights synchronized to music, spot larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures, gaze up at a 41-foot-tall lit tree and warm up with concessions such as funnel cakes, pizza, spiced wine and hot cocoa. New this year are two themed lighting areas and a holiday market stocked with custom ornaments and handmade gifts.

Every year, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry puts up its four-story Grand Tree and surrounds the towering pine with more than 50 trees that represent Chicago's various communities and their respective holiday celebrations. Visitors will be able to take in even more seasonal cheer at the accompanying Holidays of Light exhibit, which recognizes the traditions of Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day and St. Lucia Day. Admission to Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is included with a regular Museum of Science and Industry ticket.

See Christmas lights while staying warm at this pandemic-era innovation that allows visitors to drive through a gleaming tunnel of more than one million LED lights synchronized with holiday music. The show takes place in Bridgeport at Guarenteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox.

Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and a cozy blanket to accompany your ride through Willow Hill Lights, a drive-through holiday light experience in suburban Northbrook. Located at Willow Hill Golf Course, the display stretches over 2.5 miles of glittering lights and stars holiday favorites like Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman, as well as a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree. Proceeds from the show benefit Misericordia, a not-for-profit that supports more than 600 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Load up the family in the car and head to Geneva for a spectacular drive-thru light show that stretches over a mile in length. Guests will journey through light tunnels and gaze at illuminated dinosaurs, polar bears, reindeers, giant emojis, guitar-playing Santas and more, all of which are synchronized to holiday tunes.

Skate under the Chicago skyline and within eyeshot of the Chicago Christmas Tree at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Plus, take advantage of free skating lessons on most Saturdays and Sundays, where you can learn both beginner- and intermediate-level skills. Note that you'll need to make a free online reservation for both regular skating and lessons, and if it seems too warm to skate, call ahead—this rink is open through February 2, weather permitting.

Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago with the city's sweeping skyline as a backdrop, the Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is a winter attraction unlike any other. Skaters can lace up and wind around a winding ice-covered path that's twice the length of a lap around a traditional rink. Reservations for the popular ice rink should be made in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly.

Admission to the Skating Ribbon is free Monday through Thursday and for 11am sessions Friday through Sunday (and $5 for other time slots Friday through Sunday, as well as holidays) if you bring your own skates. No skates? Entry is $17–$23 if you need to rent a pair. The Ribbon stays open through March (weather permitting) and even offers hours on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Slide past an indoor skydiving center and Fogo de Chão on the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park, where you can hit the ice on most days through the end of January. Check the official website for hours. Admission is free, and skate rentals are $8

Located on the terrace of The Peninsula Chicago, the 2,100-square-foot Sky Rink offers ice skating in the shadows of the city's tallest buildings, all while overlooking Michigan Avenue. Show off your skills in a winter wonderland featuring snowflake lighting and festive music, and when you need to warm up, grab a hot drink and snack at the Chalet.

Having retired cofounder Robert Joffrey's production of The Nutcracker after nearly 30 years, the Joffrey Ballet debuted a brand-new version in 2016, set in Chicago against the backdrop of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. This year's production will be staged in the Civic Opera House (where the Lyric Opera also resides), featuring music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra and the stunning choreography of Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon. The Chicago-inspired iteration of the classic Christmas ballet will have you humming “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” for days after you leave the theater.

The Goodman Theatre’s annual holiday production of the Charles Dickens classic returns to the stage, with Christopher Donahue and Austin Tichenor taking on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. The play has been a staple of the Goodman's calendar for more than 40 years, allowing returning attendees and new generations to see the quintessential Christmas story unfold before their eyes. Prepare to be visited by three spirits—and don't be suprised if A Christmas Carol's touching tale of redemption makes you shed a few tears.

The American Blues Theater has brought the humble story of George Bailey to life in various Chicago venues for more than 20 years, transforming Frank Capra's classic film into an interactive, 1940s-style radio broadcast production. Arrive 15 minutes early to make the most of interactive audience engagement and prepare for original music, holiday carols and plenty of Christmas cheer.

For the 41st year, Southport Corridor’s favorite historic theater brings three weekends of Christmas singing followed by a double feature of classic holiday films to Chicago’s North Side.  Sit back in plush theater seats with snacks and drinks as you belt “Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer” and “It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” and just when you’ve worn yourself down, stay for a showing of White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life.

The Loop’s National Historic Landmark Orchestra Hall is ornate enough to dazzle year-round, but shines extra bright for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Merry, Merry Chicago! holiday concert conducted by Alastair Willis. On a stage decked with—literally—boughs of holly, larger-than-life red bows and wreaths, the acclaimed instrumentalists play tunes ranging from beloved holiday favorites to Christmas in Chicago, a local treasure. Before the show and during intermissions, you’ll even hear pop-up performances from Chicago school choirs and community ensembles throughout the halls.

There’s no better place in Chicago for holiday cheer than under Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate (a.k.a. "The Bean"), where like-minded exhibitionists delight in shared songs amidst the twinkling lights of the city Christmas tree and the sounds of laughter from nearby ice skaters. With some hot cocoa in your hand, join local choirs and bands as they lead attendees in a powerful sing-along of joyful holiday carols. This year, the series takes place Fridays at 6pm from December 6-20, with a different choral group highlighted each week.

Pinkies up! Little ones and their families are invited to ring in the holiday season in style during The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party, an annual trunk and puppet show at the Chicago Children's Theatre that brings Potter's beloved stories to life with whimsy and humor. The play's young viewers get to interact with characters like Tom Kitten, Jeremy Fisher and Peter Rabbit throughout the 60-minute production, which features live music alongside narration and puppetry. Afterwards, audience members can meet the cast while enjoying juice, chocolate milk and holiday treats courtesy of Eli's Cheesecake for a proper tea party celebration.

Feeling nostalgic? Lovers of 1970s folk and John Denver can relive the sights and sounds of late singer-songwriter while also enjoying cheerful Christmas tunes at the Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas. Step into the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Center for tribute singer Rick Schuler’s set of iconic Denver songs, like “Take Me Home Country Roads” and “I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane,” and interpretations of the singer’s renditions of “Joy to the World” and other festive songs.

Chicago’s favorite German-style outdoor holiday market is more than just a delightful place to snack on stinky cheese (technical term: raclette), shop for European-made trinkets and warm up with glühwein. Each year, Christkindlmarket also features heartfelt performances by groups like the Mother McAuley A Cappella Choir, various children’s choirs and Phenix Trio, a group famed for getting audiences to sing with them. So sing along, smile and enjoy the cheer amongst the sparkling holiday decor.

Candlelight concerts are the ultimate multi-sensory experiences for intimate, romantic evenings year-round. This holiday season, listen to string quartets in the glow of thousands of candles at festively decorated venues across the city, including Stan Mansion, Music Box Theater and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Classical music may not be your go-to genre, but hearing live carols with string instruments, Christmas soundtracks on piano or a medley of holiday favorites like “Carol of the Bells” and “December, 1963” will have you swooning.

If your motto is the more saxophone the better, soak up the smooth sounds of Tim Warfield’s Jazzy Christmas show. Joined by a talented band of piano, trumpet, vocalists and more, the American saxophonist embraces the holiday classics you love with new interpretations. Sip a warming cocktail and enjoy the atmosphere at Jazz Showcase, one of Chicago’s most historic clubs. 

Holiday prog-rockers Trans-Siberian Orchestra make their annual trip to Rosemont, arriving just before Christmas with an all-new, over-the-top light show set to overwrought versions of seasonal songs. If you're still not tired of hearing the band's inescapable high-octane rendition of "Carol of the Bells," snag a seat and warm yourself in the glow of crackling pyrotechnics and gleaming lasers at one of TSO's Allstate Arena gigs.

It’s not the holidays until you’ve heard “All I Want For Christmas Is You” a thousand times, so it only makes sense that a Mariah Carey-themed pop-up bar is coming to Chicago this season. Set inside the Virgin Hotels Chicago, Black Irish by Mariah Carey is a winter wonderland experience where guests can recreate the iconic cover photo from Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special, write letters to Carey herself and sip cocktails made with Black Irish, the Irish cream liqueur inspired by the singer’s heritage.

This immersive, multi-level Christmas pop-up bar boasting wall-to-wall holiday decor returns to Wrigleyville, taking over Bamboo Bar during the most festive time of the year. You'll find photo-ops galore as well as drinks decked out with decorative garnishes and garlands, including large-format cocktails like the Tropical Sleigh Ride and Moët Mistletoe. Feeling hungry? Feast upon festive options like Santa's Smash Burger, Festive Fry Flight and Grinch Shake. Don't forget to snag a reservation before you head to Santa Baby—families are welcome to stop by during the day, but after 8pm it's 21+. For full holiday hours, check Santa Baby's website.

If you're jonesing for an outdoor Christmas adventure this year, the folks behind Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up are bringing back its winter sibling in Fulton Market. The sprawling two-acre attraction boasts a Christmas market, photo opportunities and a variety of activities like ice skating, bumper cars, axe throwing, curling and more. You'll also have the opportunity to sip on boozy hot cocoa and other holiday cocktails while wandering through a light-filled Christmas tree walk.

The 2003 holiday movie Elf takes center stage at this Wrigleyville pop-up located inside of Stretch Bar & Grill, which gets dressed up with more than 1,000 decorative elves, Christmas trees and plenty of festive Christmas lights. Take a seat at tables stocked with the four main food groups (candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup) and treat yourself to a plate of Buddy's breakfast pasta (spaghetti loaded with maple syrup, chocolate fudge and syrup, mini marshmallows and strawberry frosted pop tarts) or a beer served in a 36-ounce elf boot. Want to catch a glimpse of Buddy the elf himself? Visit the pop-up between Thursday and Sunday, when he's known to make appearances from time to time. 

Frosty's Christmas Bar near Goose Island brings three levels of festive fun, four bars, two dance floors, life-size toy soldiers and a themed soundtrack that keeps the crowd bumping well past midnight every night of the week. Don your favorite holiday attire and enjoy a glass of something boozy and marshmallow-topped while eating Christmas cookies amid the twinkling lights, tinsel and over-the-top decorations.

The weather outside might be frightful, but you'll be plenty cozy inside JoJo's Shake Bar, which has transformed every inch of its outdoor patio into a Winter Wonderland decorated with an eight-foot tall nutcracker, giant ornaments and thousands of string lights. Treat yourself to over-the-top shakes—such as the Winter Wonderland Biggie Shake, which is peppermint flavored and topped with cookies, marshmallows, a candy cane and a snowman made of donut holes—and fanciful seasonal cocktails like Santa's Sangria, and be sure to grab a table close to the pop-up's Christmas tree. You can also sign up for festive events, including mixology classes, ornament painting and gingerbread house decorating workshops.

Logan Square cocktail bar Pink Squirrel has been given a full makeover for the holidays. The space is decked out with festive ornaments, providing guests an immersive experience as they sip on milkshakes and cocktails while enjoying activities like cookie decorating and duckpin bowling. Reservations are only required for the bowling lanes.

River Grove tiki bar Hala Kahiki has transformed into Sippin’ Santa, a famed holiday pop-up with locations across the country. The tropical experience features over-the-top, kitschy decor and a themed cocktail menu, including new and returning drinks like Sugar Plum Mai Tai, Merry Spritzmas and Frosty the Merman.

Lettuce Entertain You’s popular tropical bar is transforming from a sandy paradise to a snowy winter escape for the season. Sip on special holiday cocktails, like the Mistletoe Mai Tai, Hot Buttered Rum and Eggnog Grasshopper, served in charming and festive vessels and glassware. Guests can even pick up their own mugs to take home or gift from the bar’s retail shop.

River West bar The Dandy Crown is transforming into a festive pop-up, complete with yuletide cheer and deliciously decadent cocktails. Sip both boozy and non-alcoholic concoctions made with seasonally-tinged ingredients and served in cheerful glassware. The bar will also host themed events, such as holiday trivia and an ugly sweater night, throughout December.

Taking over River North’s Tree House Chicago, this whimsical winter wonderland is filled with festive touches, enchanting decor and hidden surprises. Guests can step through ivy-covered doors and indulge in a curated menu of holiday cocktails while snapping pics in photo-ready spots.

Moe’s Cantina in Wrigleyville celebrates the spirit of Noche Buena with a Latin-themed holiday pop-up. The multi-sensory experience is infused with Latin music, holiday-inspired drinks and festive decorations reminiscent of a traditional Latin Christmas. Stop in for weekly themed programming like tropical nights—featuring salsa, cumbia, merengue, bachata and more—and loteria brunch on Sundays.

Located right across from Gallagher Way (and its winter wonderland), Wrigleyville cocktail spot Mordecai is spreading holiday cheer by decorating its second floor bar with festive string lights, hanging ornaments, colorful tinsel, mounted wreaths and more. The mixologists are complementing the space with creative libations like a winter-inspired old fashioned and gingerbread milk punch. Reservations are required so don’t forget to secure a spot before swinging by.

If you want some fun and games to accompany your holiday festivities, look no further than Headquarters Beercade. Expect over-the-top photo ops, like a full-sized Santa sleigh and naughty or nice thrones, plus a selection of themed holiday drinks.

Immerse yourself in a picture-perfect whimsical décor, sparkling lights and breathtaking Chicago skyline views from the 22nd floor and indulge in a delightful selection of holiday-themed cocktails, including steaming spiced mulled wine and chilled festive drinks. LondonHouse Chicago's rooftop also offers cozy heated igloos, which can be booked by contacting rsvp@londonhouse.com; reservations require a $600 food and drink minimum.

There’s plenty of cold weather fun to be had on the Art Deco-inspired terrace at the Gwen Hotel, which offers curling lanes plus fire pits and hot cocktails so you can warm up between rounds. Heat lamps are set up around the perimeter to keep things toasty and you can also hang out with a group around one of the fire tables.

The Godfrey’s rooftop becomes a winter wonderland when the temperatures plunge, featuring clear heated igloos decorated with festive lights that can be booked for groups of up to 10 people indulging in bottle service. Even if you’re not going all out, you can hang out at a booth under the retractable roof or gather around an outdoor fire pit for s’mores and a hot cocktail.

Look out over Lake Michigan and Millennium Park from the glass atrium on top of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel. The outdoor terrace is accessible year round and features fire pits to keep you toasty while you sip drinks. Cindy’s is running an après ski-inspired pop-up, with classic cold weather cocktails and themed decorations that transport guests to a snowy mountain getaway, daily through February 28.

Fairmont Chicago has brought back its seasonal experience, Fairmont Lodge, for another year of wintry fun. The hotel’s lobby is transformed into a wonderland featuring themed décor, festive programming and seasonal menus. Guests can reserve a Lodge experience and indulge in hand-crafted cocktails and sweet and savory fondue, capped off with some tabletop s'mores. There’s also live entertainment Thursday through Saturday.