
The 15 best things to do during the holidays
Looking for classic holiday season traditions in Chicago?
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Celebrate Christmas in Chicago with light displays, holiday theater and more festive events.
You know that winter in Chicago is just around the corner when you begin to see holiday light displays and decorated trees popping up throughout the city. Christmas in Chicago begins before thanksgiving arrives, as Christkindlmarket returns to Daley Plaza (and Wrigleyville), the Lincoln Park ZooLights are illuminated and the city's official Christmas Tree goes up in Millennium Park. In the weeks leading up to the festive holiday, you can go ice skating, sing seasonal songs around the Bean or track down amazing gifts at local shops. It won't be long before New Year's Eve arrives, so here's how to celebrate Christmas in Chicago with the appropriate amount of cheer.
Christmas always falls on December 25th. In 2021, the exact date will be Saturday, December 25.
Looking for classic holiday season traditions in Chicago?
Find some twinkling bulbs near you.
Sure, you could spend the days leading up to Christmas in Chicago laboring over a supply chain-proof grocery list—or you could abandon elaborate cooking...
There more to Christkindlmarket than gluwein and ornaments.
All aboard the most festive modes of public transportation.
Planning something special for Christmas in Chicago this year? Consider an evening (or afternoon matinee) at the theater. After a year of mostly virtual...
Chicago's German-inspired holiday market is back in the Loop and Wrigleyville!
Enjoy skating, towering light sculptures and Ferris wheel rides at this indoor display.
Rosemont sets up an outdoor display inside the Chicago Dogs ballpark.
Find out when you can see the city's tree and sing songs around the Bean.
Chicago is a popular setting for seasonal cinema.
Outdoor rinks are still welcoming a limited number of skaters this year.
Don't let the cold and snow keep you cooped up in your apartment.
Nothing beats walking throughout a winter landscape covered in tiny, glimmering lights
Take a short day trip from Chicago to chop down your own tree.
Our favorite go-to gift shops, stocked with clever items for any budget.
We’re making a list, checking it twice, of the best Christmas films.
These toys aren't just for kids!