Things to do in Chicago

Things to do

Celebrate Christmas in Chicago

We've found all the holiday markets, festive concerts, ice skating and more activities to make the season bright

Things to do

47 amazing things to do in Chicago

From world-class museums to chef-driven restaurants and iconic attractions, these are the all-time best things to do in Chicago right now.

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Things to do

Experience holiday magic at Christkindlmarket Chicago

No matter how many twinkling lights or decorated trees you encounter, the holidays in Chicago don't really start until Christkindlmarket arrives.

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Things to do

Beat the winter blues by visiting these Chicago attractions

Winter in Chicago can be cold and downright brutal, but it doesn't have to be a dreary experience.

Things to do

10 things to do during the holidays in Chicago

When the city morphs into a magical winter wonderland, your calendar is gonna be packed

The best things to do in Chicago

Things to do

Best things to do in Chicago that locals and tourists will love

We've searched the city to assemble this list of the best things to do in Chicago

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Things to do

Free museum days at the best Chicago museums

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend a fortune in order to visit some of Chicago's best museums and cultural institutions. If you're willing to plan ahead, you can take in masterpieces at the Art Institute or gaze at tropical fish while strolling through Shedd Aquarium without spending a dime. You'll need to be an Illinois resident to take advantage of many of these offers, but that's one of the perks of living in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Complete guide to Chicago museums

Shopping

The best Chicago flower shops

It can be tough to "pick" the best of the best flower shops

Restaurants

Cheap eats guide to Chicago

Your wallet will love these cheap eats almost as much as your taste buds will

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Events and festivals

Music

Concerts in Chicago in December

December brings anticipated appearances from the likes of rapper Travis Scott, rocker Kurt Vile and a special solo set from Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke.

Bars

The best Chicago beer festivals

Here's where you can try a bunch of new beers in the span of a few hours

Things to do

The best comic book conventions in Chicago

Find your tribe at some of the best comic book and fan conventions in Chicago

Sports and fitness

Chicago Bulls: A guide for the basketball fan

The glory days of the '90s may be over, but the Bulls are still loved in Chicago

Sports and fitness

Chicago Blackhawks: A guide for the hockey fan

Everything you need to know about cheering on our Stanley Cup-winning boys in red

See more Chicago events & festivals

Best sellers

Theater Buy tickets

Hamilton

Don't miss your chance to see the smash hit Broadway musical in Chicago

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Dance Buy tickets

The Nutcracker

The latest iteration of the classic Christmas will have you humming “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” for days

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Theater Buy tickets

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Acrobats, illusionists, dancers, jugglers and stilt-walkers take the stage in this kinetic holiday show, which channels European cirque performances and Broadway glitz. Cirque Dreams Holidaze features more than 300 festive cotumes, 20 acts and original music that celebrates important dates throughout the holiday season, presented over through course of a two-hour show.

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Comedy Buy tickets

Amy Schumer

I Feel Pretty star, podcast host and activist Amy Schumer brings comes to the Chicago Theatre for two nights of delightfully dirty stand-up comedy. Schumer recently announced her pregnancy (at the end of an Instagram post encouraging her fans to vote), so some characteristically graphic material about morning sickness and childbearing is pretty much guaranteed.

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The latest Chicago news

News

6 things we know about Stephanie Izard’s new rooftop restaurant

Chicago chef Stephanie Izard is making moves once again, this time with a Peruvian rooftop restaurant in Fulton Market. The forthcoming eatery, named Cabra,...

News

12 top Chicago chefs share their go-to delivery orders

Chefs—they’re just like us. When the temperature drops and snow begins piling up outside, even the city’s most accomplished cooks cruise apps like Grubhub...

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‘The Office’ pop-up bar returns to Replay with five holiday-themed parties

The Party Planning Committee at Replay Lincoln Park is reviving its wildly popular The Office-themed pop-up bar for the holiday season. Drawing inspiration...

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News

Look around Hogsalt’s sophisticated new food hall, now open in Gold Coast

Holiday shopping just got a delicious upgrade. Earlier today, Brendan Sodikoff's food hall at 900 North Michigan Shops opened its doors, introducing shoppers...

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