Are you planning on spending the holiday season in Chicago? As a native Chicagoan, there’s nothing quite like the bite of chilly air as you stroll down Michigan Avenue.
Imagine twinkling holiday light displays as you stroll with hot chocolate along the Mag Mile and gaze upon Macy’s State Street holiday windows. The holiday lights in Chicago are some of the most special events since it gets cold in winter.
One of my favorite holiday traditions as a kid was ice skating at Maggie Daley Park’s Ice Skating Ribbon. This is fun for the whole family, so bring your hot beverages and get ready to be dazzled by twinkling lights.
Alas, Chicago is my kind of town for a reason. Chicagoans love their city despite it getting “God doesn’t love you cold.” You’ll find us toughing it out and braving the below-freezing temperatures for some holiday cheer.
Blog Posts You Might Like
Map Of Christmas Lights in Chicago
Just to note, many of the outdoor Christmas lights don’t go up until late November. Make sure you check the event calendars for free nights to see lights and enjoy light tunnels on a budget.
Chicago Christkindlmarket
When: November 22, 2023 – December 24, 2024
The fabulous Chicago Christkindlmarket is back for its 28th season. This is a Chicagoland favorite, and it doesn’t quite feel like Christmas without a visit here.
There are two locations in the city—Wrigleyville and downtown Chicago. The holiday spirit is with you in Aurora, for all you kids in the burbs. Inspired by the 16th century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, the Christkindlmarket is well-known for its vendors’ high-quality gifts and food and holiday cheer.
Address: 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Holiday Magic at the Brookfield Zoo
When: November 22-24, 29-30 and December 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-31, 2024
Holiday Magic at the Brookfield Zoo has returned for its 43rd year! This is Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival, featuring over two million twinkling LED lights!
As a special treat for 2024, the Wild Encounters pathway will be transformed into Candy Cane Lane. They will also have a new holiday market with unique shopping alongside seasonal food and beverages.
Address: 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513
Macy’s On State Street
When: November 2, 2024 – January 12, 2025
Macy’s on State Street invites all you kids from 1 to 92 to visit the busiest man of the year. Reservations are required to visit the Holiday Celebrations.
For 117 years, Macy’s Department Store has delighted Chicagoans and tourists alike with the unveiling of their annual Great Tree lighting and holiday displays.
This year, their theme is “the ways we give.” Make a reservation for the world-famous Walnut Room and enjoy their adorable grand tree!
If you’re feeling kinda bougie, I also recommend having festive afternoon tea nearby at LondonHouse Chicago.
Address: 111 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602
Chicago Water Tower
The Water Tower Place may be one of the most haunted places in Chicago, but that doesn’t stop them from getting decked out with the ultimate holiday cheer and specials. Fun fact, this was one of the very few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
This year, they will have pictures with Santa on level two. Make your reservations ahead of time due to limited capacity.
Address: 835 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park
When: November 15, 2024 – February 2, 2025
During the winter season, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park becomes one of Chicago’s largest outdoor ice skating rinks. It draws more than 100,000 skaters annually.
Admission is free free (not inclusive of skate rental) and open to the public, weather permitting. Free Ice skating lessons are offered each weekend from 9 am to 10 am.
Address: 1 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60602
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
When: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Lincoln Park ZooLights is presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ. The festivities include strolling carolers, live ice carving, cookie decorating, photos with Santa, and treats like warm spiced wine, craft beer, and seasonal snacks.
Create lasting memories with free admission on Monday nights, and weeknights are $7. Their adult-only events feature a bright trail of lights while you get boozy.
Address: Chicago, IL 60614
Lightscape Chicago Botanic Garden
When: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Just outside Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden is bringing back the Lightscape. It will feature brand-new works and crowd favorites like the illuminated trail.
The one-mile path lets visitors admire multi-sensory light installations from international artists. Grab your hot cocoa and warm boots because you’re in for holiday treats with the dazzling light shows!
Address: 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe IL 60022
Light of Christmas Drive-Thru at Guaranteed Rate Field
When: November 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
If you’re trying to escape Chicago’s harsh winters try the drive-through Christmas lights at Guaranteed Rate Field. Home to the Chicago White Sox, enjoy their premier Christmas lights for the best holiday celebration!
Stay warm in your car while keyed into their radio station as you enjoy the interactive displays. The last entry is at 9 pm.
Address: 333 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616
Millennium Park Christmas Tree
When: November 22, 2024 – January 8, 2025
The Millennium Park Christmas tree lighting is one of the most well-known in the Chicago area and my favorite annual event. This year marks the city’s 111th Christmas tree.
The Holden-Shaddick family of Logan Square donated a 53-foot Colorado Blue Spruce. Check the City of Chicago government site for details.
Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
When: November 23, 2024
Returning for its 33rd year, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a feast for the eyes. The event begins at 11:00 am starting in Lights Festival Lane (401 North Michigan Avenue) with a festive thoroughfare of booths and family activities, including photos with Santa Claus, until 4:00 pm.
Best of all, Mickey Mouse himself and his wifey Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will also be making an appearance. Gotta love that Disney magic, am I right?
Jack Frost Winter Village Pop-Up
When: November 29, 2024 – January 2024
Following Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up in Autumn, we now have the Jack Frost Winter Village Pop-Up in Winter. They offer visitors an ice skating rink, plenty of photo opportunities, tasty seasonal drinks, and games.
Address: 170 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60642
Light Up The Lake
When: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Light Up The Lake is Navy Pier’s take on holidays of light. Stroll through their free, dazzling outdoor lights and race down the new exhilarating ice slide!
Try your hand at axe throwing, take a spin on Pier Park rides like the iconic Centennial Wheel, and cozy up by firepits in the Beer Garden.
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
CTA Holiday Train 2024
When: November 30, 2024 – December 21, 2024
Did you know 2024 is the 33rd year of the CTA holiday train by Allstate? This Chicago Christmas train is decked out with Christmas decorations.
Legit, your train ride just got a whole lot more festive. It’s available on select dates so check their website when planning your visit.
If you’re lucky, you’ll see Santa Claus “steering” the train from various locations on the L. This year, they also have a CTA holiday bus.
MOSAI Christmas Around The World
When: November 18, 2023 – January 2024
As a kid, some of my fondest memories were visiting Chicago’s world-class museums. One of my favorites, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, is presenting Christmas Around The World this year.
For all the Korea lovers still reading the blog, Korea’s tree is covered in paper ornaments (종이접기), which is one of the country’s popular crafts. The MOSAI has been thrilling their museum-goers with Christmas specials for over 80 years.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
When: November 18, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Explore 50 acres of the Morton Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound. Warm up by a cozy fire pits and roast marshmallows for s’mores, stop in at the concession tent on Frost Hill for snacks and beverages.
Sit down and relax to a delicious meal at the Ginkgo Restaurant to view a laser light finale on Meadow Lake.
World of Illumination: Arctic Adventure Six Flags Great America
When: TBA 2025
Like all amusement parks in America, we go all out for Christmas. Each section of Six Flags Gurnee is exquisitely decorated with its own vibe and color palette.
Some rides are still open although most of them are closed. Don’t let this stop you as they have tasty seasonal treats and a bunch of Christmas shows to help you be merry.
Now you know where to spend Christmas in Chicago 2024. This list is Gina Bear’s top picks of Christmas activities in Chicago. Enjoy the immersive display, the towering Christmas tree at Millennium Park.
This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!
Solo Female Travel E-Book
Want to take that solo trip?
In this book you’ll get access to the top solo female travel tips, safety advice, and three destinations perfect for solo female travelers!
