The holidays in Chicago are my favorite time of year. You can feel the magic of the season throughout the city and sometimes in the most unexpected ways. The city and suburbs have no shortage of activities that can get you into the holiday spirit. I can attest to all of these and I’m already planning to take part in a few this year.
Explore the Zoo at Night
Now if you walk around the city at night, there is no shortage of lights. To experience the zoo at night with lights is a memorable experience. Both Chicago area zoos have exhibits. At Lincoln Park Zoo, you can experience ZooLights and at Brookfield Zoo, you can experience Holiday Magic.
ZooLights (2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614): November 19 – January 1 ($5 Tuesdays – Sundays, Free Mondays)
Holiday Magic (3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, IL 60513): November 25-27, 30, December 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 26-31 ($24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children)
Check Out the Different Light Shows
Did I mention that there are lights everywhere you turn in Chicago? If animals aren’t your jam and you prefer gardens, then there are two options for you. The Chicago Botanic Garden hosts Lightscape, an after-dark illuminated trail. Morton Arboretum hosts Illumination, a one-of-a-kind spectacle of color light and sound.
Lightscape (1000 Lake Cook Road ,Glencoe, IL 60022): November 11 – January 8 ($32 for adults, $16 for children)
Illumination (4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532): November 19-January 7 (Up to $27 for adults, up to $19 for children)
Transport to a European Christmas Market
I had the privilege in 2019 to going to holiday markets in London, Edinburgh, and Copenhagen. Chicago’s Christkindlmarket brings me back to those memories every time. This authentic German Christmas market is perfect to get your mulled wine, fresh pretzels and explore vendors from around the world. There are three locations across Chicagoland.
Chicago (50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602): November 18 – December 24 (Free entry)
Wrigleyville (3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613): November 18 – December 31 (Free entry)
Aurora (360 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505): November 18 – December 24 (Free entry)
Visit the Walnut Room
The Walnut Room is a personal favorite. I have gone pretty much every single year since I was a child. Located in the historic Marshall Fields building, the Walnut Room is the first ever restaurant located in a department store. It is the 115th year! You have the opportunity view and dine around a two-story tree in an elegant setting. Reservations are recommended.
Walnut Room (111 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602): November 5 – January 8 ($$$)
Grab Your Skates
In the heart of Grant Park, you can find the Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park. You can ice skate with the most incredible views of the city skyline and Cloud Gate. Reservations are recommended.
Ice Skating Ribbon (337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601): November 18 – March 5 (Mondays-Thursdays free with own skates, Fridays-Sundays $5 with own skates)
Attend a Sing-A-Long
There is nothing like watching an old movie during the holiday season. The Music Box Theater hosts The Christmas Sing-A-Long and Double Feature. With Santa and Christmas carols, viewers have the option to sing-a-long with White Christmas and/or cheer for It’s a Wonderful Life. The Tivoli Theater hosts a viewing of It’s a Wonderful Life accompanied by organ music and Christmas carols.
The Music Box Theater (3733 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613): December 9-11, 16-18, 21-24 ($21 for the double feature, $14 for a single show)
Tivoli Theater (5021 Highland Avenue, Downers, Grove, IL 60515): Dates and prices not yet released for 2022
View Christmas Around the World
The Museum of Science & Industry is a museum well worth a visit at any time of year. During the holidays, they host Christmas Around the World that highlights trees from over 50 countries and cultures. They also host an exhibit called Holidays of Light that explores global holidays that honor light and enlightenment. What’s even better is both are included in the museum’s general admission.
Museum of Science & Industry (5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637): November 16 – January 8 ($21.95 for adults, $13.95 for children)
Commute in the Holiday Spirit
Commuting in Chicago, especially during the winter, can sometimes be a drag. Nothing is more fun than being surprised with the CTA Holiday Train. Decked out with lights, music, and Santa, this train makes travel during the holidays in Chicago more fun.
CTA (Multiple locations): Dates and times not announced yet for 2022
I hope you have the best holidays in Chicago! If you are looking for more guides in Chicago, read more here.
Xoxo
Janelle
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