Allison Yates

Welcome to another weekend! The holiday season is here, and you can get into the spirit at Christkindlmarket or festive Christmas-themed pop-ups. Twinkling Christmas lights, holiday concerts and ice skating at Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park also provide plenty of family-friendly fun. If you're looking to do some holiday shopping, there are artisan markets happening as well, including Marché de Noël and the Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar. So ready to make the most of your time off? Check out the rest of the best things to do in Chicago this weekend. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago right now

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You've come to the right place! As winter approaches and the temperatures drop, find fun things to indoors. The holiday season is also here, offering the opportunity to check out dazzling Christmas lights, go ice skating or grab a festive drink at a themed pop-up bar. There’s even more on our list below, so scroll through the roundup of the best things to do in Chicago this week and start planning your calendar. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago this weekend

The arrival of December sends the holiday season into full swing—prepare yourself for a jam-packed roster of glittering Christmas lights, festive holiday pop-ups and plenty of glühwein to be sipped at Christkindlmarket locations in both Daley Plaza and Aurora. As the month draws to a close, bid adieu to 2024 at New Year's Eve events and parties happening at Chicago hotels, clubs and other hotspots, where you'll find Champagne towers and other special ways to welcome 2025 in style. So make the most of the final month of the year with our guide to the best events in Chicago this December. RECOMMENDED: Check out our 2024 Chicago events calendar

Baby, it's cold outside! When you're not shopping at Christkindlmarket or taking a spin on local ice skating rinks, warm up this holiday season with the help of some festive live music. Whether you're hoping to test your caroling skills with a sing-along at Millennium Park, catch Mariah Carey belting "All I Want For Christmas Is You" or watch the Joffrey Ballet's classic production of The Nutcracker, you'll find plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas in Chicago thanks to these holiday concerts spanning a wide variety of musical genres.  RECOMMENDED: Check out even more things to do for Christmas in Chicago

There’s no Chicago Christmas experience more authentic than bracing the chill of winter to cut down your own Christmas tree. Though Chicago offers plenty of dazzling light displays and holiday-themed experiences, you’ll need to head outside of the city for the perfect pine, spruce or fir. Whether you want to travel 30 minutes or two hours, there are plenty of spots ranging from muddy and rustic BYOS (bring your own saw) farms with house-made cookies and hot chocolate to elaborate, Instagram-worthy holiday backdrops and tractor rides. No matter what holiday movie you’re envisioning yourself in this season, you’ll enjoy holiday cheer and beautiful scenery while cutting down your own tree.  RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Christmas in Chicago

Chicago’s meatpacking roots have made it a hub for beef for more than 150 years, and our steakhouses are some of the best in the world. Those looking for perfectly cooked filets and enormous porterhouses served with indulgent sides can visit old school institutions like Gene & Georgetti and Gibsons, while diners looking for more than just steak can get pristine seafood at Joe’s Seafood or Kindling. The city’s reputation as a haven for carnivores has also led to a boom in newcomers offerings traditions from around the world, like Bonyeon's Korean beef omakase and British Sunday roast at Hawksmoor. So whether you’re looking for wagyu by the ounce or steak frites, check out our guide to the best steakhouses in Chicago for a hearty meal. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best restaurants in Chicago

Hot people get eight hours of sleep, at least according to sober party organizer Daniela Cabada of Lez Get Together Collective. We come from a city of with an amazing bar scene, filled with breweries, wine bars and cocktail lounges, but today, many Chicagoans crave both social interaction and healthier lifestyles—and yes, sleep. As folks increasingly ditch dancing until dawn for reasonably scheduled, alcohol-free parties, Eventbrite says sober events in Chicago saw a 450% increase between 2021-2023, and an attendance surge of 771%. The popularity of these events and pop-up parties show that dancing, drinking, flirting and great music don’t necessarily have to go hand-in-hand with alcohol. So if you're looking for a good time sans drinking, here are the best sober parties in Chicago.

Chicago has no shortage of spectacular hotels—even if you’re traveling on a budget. You’ll find hip and affordable accommodations year-round in the Loop and throughout the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. While some no-frills hotels simply offer a cozy bed (with so much to explore, you won’t spend much time inside anyway), others feature social events like yoga and happy hours, ideal for solo travelers looking to mingle. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, passing through for work or you’re a local ready for a well-deserved staycation, the best cheap hotels in Chicago balance cost and quality, allowing you to get on with exploring the world-renowned Chicago museums, restaurants, summer festivals and Chicago attractions. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in Chicago. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Chicagoans will eagerly tell anyone willing to listen there’s nothing like summer in the Windy City. From urban outdoor adventures and stunning rooftop bars to the countless street festivals and outdoor concerts that compile our jam-packed summer bucket lists, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your calendar. But if you’re ready to soak up the culture of a nearby Midwestern town, there are plenty of destinations just a few hours away from the city by car. We love these summer getaways from Chicago for their history, great food and drinks and relaxing waterfronts, and we know you will, too. RECOMMENDED: The best weekend getaways from Chicago

Chicago is full of festivals, attractions and top-notch restaurants to keep you occupied, but sometimes we all need a little escape. However, figuring out driving and lodging can often prevent that group trip from making it out of the group chat. Fortunately, a day-trip reprieve from the bustle of the city is just a short train ride away. Whether you live a car-free life or simply hate traffic, good news: Chicagoland’s Metra rail system isn’t just for suburban commuters. Shake up your routine with an adventure outside city limits, from exploring art sculpture gardens to playing games at the largest arcade in the country. So when you've had your fill of fun in Chicago, head to the nearest Metra station for an exciting suburban excursion. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips you can take from Chicago

Bored of your average sourdough baking class? Then look no further than Chicago's assortment of out-of-the-ordinary offerings. There are many benefits to learning a new skill as an adult, whether it’s for career advancement, making friends, meeting singles or simply being creative—and the nicher the class, the more memorable. Our city’s top  libraries, museums, art studios and other cultural institutions feature class topics ranging from our cultural obsession of Mars to daring rodeo tricks. So swallow your fear of heights and grab your tarot deck: Here are eight unique and compelling classes to sign up for in Chicago.

Deep dish pizza is one of the most iconic Chicago foods, and if you eat like a local, you'll likely be pulled into the debate over who makes the tastiest pie. Chicago’s best pizza spots include institutions that have been using the same recipes for decades as well as newcomers putting their own spins on the indulgent dish. There are tiny mom-and-pop spots, big chains that ship pies across the country and even vegan and gluten-free options that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re ordering takeout or delivery, or catching up with friends while digging into a cheesy slice, these are the best places in Chicago for deep dish pizza. RECOMMENDED: Find more of the best restaurants in Chicago

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. 

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.

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.

A lot of song and a little dance: Experience upbeat jazz and exhilarating tap dance performances at the Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP)’s annual Holiday Rhythms concerts. Groove to invigorating holiday beats from artists Jumaane Taylor, Stone Soup Rhythms and the Eric Hochberg Trio featuring Dee Alexander. The show is filled with music, dance and joy—and even a complimentary drink and dessert bar so get ready for a holiday celebration (and accompanying treats) like no other. Proceeds benefit the CHRP Mayfair Arts Center, an arts incubator-education space.

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.

Holidays, but make it gay: That’s what Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus’s annual concert does best. This year, the 200-person choir’s show Totally ‘80s HoliGAY takes you back to the sparkliest decade. Immerse yourself in the action-packed, dance-filled performance featuring neon lights, big hair and unforgettable 1980s favorites. Whether you’re craving heart-pumping holiday cheer or can’t get enough of retro vibes, you’ll be tapping along to tunes—and maybe even singing along yourself. 

Gezelligheid is a Dutch word that loosely translates to “cozy,” and as the darkest days approach, any Chicagoan knows we need all the comfort we can get. Award-winning singer-songwriter Andrew Bird conjures the sentiment in his 14th annual Gezelligheid concerts at Fourth Presbyterian Church, a holiday concert tradition aiming to bring us together with cheerful, moving music. With a mix of instrumental violin, Victrola horns and other instruments, expect holiday favorites, Bird’s classic hits and songs from his latest album Sunday Morning Put-On.

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.

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.

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.

Fresh, organic and local aren’t just buzzwords at this Chicago fast-casual eatery and grocery store, which sources the majority of its food from local organic farms. Real Good Food serves both plant-based and animal meat dishes with accommodations for a variety of dietary needs. While they’re known for their hearty juices and smoothies with creative names–like the Bluice Wayne or Kale E. Kopowski–their vegan breakfast options of bagels, bowls, burritos, and sweet toasts are worth a try.

Lucy’s Cafe is great any day of the week, but it holds a special charm on slow, cheerful weekend mornings spent with family and friends. The extensive menu of American-style breakfast is exclusively vegetarian, and  most items can be prepared vegan upon request. Order standout dishes like vegan waffles or the southwest skillet—a medley of veggies, plant-based meat, black beans and cilantro—and grab a seat on the sunny front patio when weather allows.

Last summer, Chicago couple Emma and Blair Sheade were celebrating their one-year anniversary with a camping trip. Though they’re frequent campers, they jokingly refer to themselves as amateurs because they always seem to forget something or have trouble starting their campfire. On that particular trip, “everything that could go wrong, went wrong,” says Emma. She went to bed that night thinking that there must be an easier way for people to camp. And if there were, perhaps more people would want to do it. That was the genesis of Pitch, the pair’s recently-launched on-demand camping concierge service catering to Chicagoans who want to experience nature, but might not have the tools or time to organize a camping trip on their own. Emma considers Pitch to be an authentic outdoor experience that provides a middle ground between traditional, do-it-yourself camping—which can be intimidating to novices—and the often pricier glamping. When you book a night with Pitch, the service sets up your campsite and stocks it with the essentials—a tent, sleeping pads and bags, a lantern, a welcome cooler stocked with essentials, water, snacks, games and a fire log—and tears it all down after you leave. If you have questions about the area or the equipment during your stay, a “scout” is on-call to help you. Outdoor recreation has become extremely popular as a safe and easy travel option throughout the pandemic, but it’s still not as easy an option as it could be. “So many people want to try [ca