Christmas Walk
December 1 (5 to 8 p.m.)
Hinsdale’s Burlington Park
This walk features Santa’s arrival, carolers, animated characters, live reindeer, a carousel, and a tree lighting in Hinsdale’s Burlington Park.
Winter WonderFest
December 1st Through January 7th, 2018
Festival Hall at Navy Pier
Check out this indoor holiday-themed fest with music, carnival rides, and entertainment. Closed Dec. 25.
Holiday Magic
Weekends, December 2nd – 31st
Brookfield Zoo
A million twinkling lights will shine on the zoo. This event includes a magic show, model train, animal visits, and carolers.
Caroling at Cloud Gate
Fridays@6pm, Through December 15th
Millennium Park
Hear, or even sing with, this festive choir that will liven up Millennium Park weekly with holiday classics.
Christkindlmarket
Through December 24th
Various Locations
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 and located in Daley Plaza, The Park at Wrigley and Naperville.
Holiday Flower Show at Lincoln Conservatory
Through January 7th, 2018
Lincoln Park
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.
Head to the museum to see trees decorated to represent many cultures. Weekends will feature ethnic song-and-dance performances. Closed November 23rd & December 25th.
Wonderland Express
Through January 7th, 2018
Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe
Another event for the model train enthusiast(s) in your life, the massive indoor garden will feature trains running through the plants as well as miniature buildings. Closed Dec. 25.
ZooLights
Through January 7th, 2018
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.
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. Closed November 23rd, December 24th & 25th, and Mondays (except January 1st).
Through December 31st, 2017
A Christmas Carol is Charles Dickens’ holiday classic about Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and three Christmas ghost.
Discount tickets $25 to $81
Through December 31st
Multiple locations
These discount ticket prices include all taxes and fees.
- Aquarium + SkyDeck + museums and more
- Chicago History Museum
- Segway Tour of Downtown Chicago (2 hours)
