Polar Express
Through December 29th
Union Station at Jackson Boulevard
This festive one-hour train ride will take you round trip from Union station as you sip from hot coach just like you were on the Polar Express.
Christkindlmarket
Daley Plaza Through December 24th
Wrigleyville Through December 31st
Shop and eat at this open-air European holiday market. Peruse traditional art, handmade gifts and German foods, while choirs and carolers sing. The Christkindlmarket open to all next week it will be available in Naperville as well.
Christmas Trees from Around the World
Through January 2nd
Cook County treasurer’s office: 118 N. Clark Street
Check out this display of 90 Christmas trees from (you guessed it) around the world! The free display will be open to the public daily except for Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Holiday Flower Show
Through January 5th, 2020
Lincoln Conservatory
Lincoln Park is the place to be this holiday season especially for the model train fans in your life. When you’re done at ZooLights, head over to the Lincoln Conservatory where you will be able to see a very festive display featuring model trains wind their way through a miniature village among poinsettias.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Through January 5th, 2019
Museum of Science & Industry
Head to the museum to see trees decorated to represent many cultures. Weekends will feature ethnic song-and-dance performances.
Illumination
Through January 5th, 2020. Closed November 25th & 28th, December 24th & 25th
Morton Arboretum
Head to the massive nature park in the burbs to see colorful tree lights and projections on a one-mile walk. Fire pits will be set up to warm you up along the way.
Lightscape
Through January 5th, 2020. Closed November 28th and December 24th & 25th
Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe
The brand new light event at the garden that you’ll want to check out. Walk down a mile-long path and see lights in the trees and hear the music of the season.
One of a Kind Holiday Show
December 6th – 8th
The Mart in Chicago
Sometimes the best gift is one of a kind… This is the craft show to find that gift! 600 artists will have their handmade works for sale at this festive event that will also feature food and live entertainment.
Holiday Lights Gift and Craft Fair
December 6th – 8th
Arlington International Racecourse
This weekend-long fair in the burbs features many, many vendors selling a huge variety of inters from food, to toys, to holiday decorations.
Christmas Walk
December 6th (5PM to 8PM)
Hinsdale’s Burlington Park
Santa arrives in Burlington Park, bringing with him a walk-to-remember. The Christmas Walk includes holiday staples such as carolers, live reindeer and a tree lighting.
Southport Holiday Stroll & Cocktail Crawl
December 6th
Southport
A festive and free 21+ bar crawl that will feature over 15 different holiday-themed cocktails and gift bags!
Elf Invasion Pub Crawl
December 7th
Highwood
This 21+ event invites you to get ‘Elfed up’ as you tour 28 Mile Vodka & Distillery, The Humble Pub, The Toadstool Pub, Teddy O’Brian’s and The Wooden Nickel. There will be drink specials and an elf costume contest with prizes!
Holiday Season Events
December 6th through 8th
Throughout Chicagoland
The Chicago Park district has several family-friendly events going on throughout the weekend including Cocoa with Santa in Armour Square, a Gingerbread Workshop in Holstein and Cookies with Santa at Vittum.
Caroling at Cloud Gate
Fridays through December 20th
Millennium Park
Hear, or even sing with, this festive choir that will liven up Millennium Park weekly with holiday classics.
ZooLights
Through January 5th, 2020
Lincoln Park Zoo
The holiday season comes to the zoo! See the animals and meet Santa as you take in the millions of holiday lights, ice carvings and music. There are also carousel and train rides, and food, and gift shopping. Entry is free to all.
Winter WonderFest
Through January 12th, 2019. Closed Christmas Day.
Festival Hall at Navy Pier
Experience winter indoors complete with ice skating, live entertainment, carnival rides and more.
Santa Hustle Chicago 5K
December 7th
Soldier Field
Thousands of Santas race along the streets and paths of the lakefront. Jingle all the way through the course with candy and cookies, festive music, creative Christmas images, and so much more!
Jingle Paws
December 7th 12PM to 2PM
Schaumburg Park District
Even dogs can get their pictures with Santa this year! Jingle Paws invites pet owners and their canine friends for a fun-filled event of costume contests, treats and a play area for your furry friends. (MUST BRING YOUR PET’S VACCINATION RECORDS TO GET IN)
Renegade Craft Fair
December 7th – 8th
Bridgeport Art Center
Hit the indie art scene with arts and crafts for sale. There will also be food trucks at this event.
Holiday Magic
Throughout December(7th-8th, 14th-15th, 21st-22nd, 26th-31st)
Brookfield Zoo
See the amazing displays at the zoo! Lights, ice sculptures, carolers and more will fill the Chicago home for the animals this holiday season.
