Chicago Christmas – Markets, Music, and Merrymaking You Can’t Miss in 2025

Twinkling lights, steaming cocoa, and a lakefront skyline set the ultimate stage for Christmas in Chicago this 2025 season. From nostalgic carriage rides to showstopping parades and tinsel-covered markets, a Chicago Christmas turns every chilly moment into a memory.

This year’s festivities blend beloved traditions with new surprises, making it the perfect excuse to swap your slippers for snow boots. Whether you’re chasing holiday lights, snapping selfies with The Bean, or hunting down the best mulled wine, it’s all here.

Packed with insider tips, updated event info, and can’t-miss dates, this guide is your sleigh ride to seasonal bliss. So grab your calendar and keep reading because the most magical parts of Chicago’s 2025 holiday season are just ahead!

What Events Are Happening for Christmas in Chicago?

Celebrated with lights, music, and massive crowds, Christmas in Chicago brings a festive lineup of citywide events worth planning for. First, you can join the city in song at the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along, held near Cloud Gate with live choirs.

Then, explore an illuminated Animal Kingdom at Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo, where millions of twinkling lights create a dazzling winter wonderland. Of course, the season kicks off with iconic flair at the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, complete with floats, bands, and giant balloons.

Each event offers its own vibe, whether you’re after nostalgia, spectacle, or pure joy. And trust us, this is just the beginning so keep reading for all the festive details!

Step Into a Snowy Fantasy at Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

The Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo transforms the west suburbs into a glowing, 2-million-light winter wonderland for all ages. Running from November 21 through January 4, 2026 on select nights, it’s hosted at Brookfield Zoo, located at 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL.

Expect larger-than-life animal light sculptures, seasonal treats, and Santa photo ops that make for Insta-worthy family moments. The full 2025 schedule is confirmed, so prep your winter gear and get ready to walk in a light-filled wonderland!

Kick Off the Season with the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade

The iconic Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade marches down State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street on Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. CT. Expect festive balloons, equestrian units, marching bands, and cultural performers that bring Windy City charm to your turkey day morning.

It’s one of the most spirited ways to start the holiday season and a family tradition worth waking up early for. With 2025 details locked in, plan ahead and find your perfect curbside spot now!

Sing Your Heart Out at the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

Nothing captures holiday cheer like the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along under the shimmering glow of Cloud Gate at night. Held at Grainger Plaza in Millennium Park, this free event returns Fridays on December 5, 12, and 19, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. sharp.

Each week features a different lineup of choirs and local musicians belting out beloved classics with the crowd. Grab your mittens and mark your calendar because this sing-along celebration is totally free and full of festive feels!

What Are the Best Activities to Do During a Chicago Christmas?

With twinkling lights and festive energy around every corner, a Chicago Christmas offers endless ways to make the season memorable. For a laugh-out-loud adventure, the BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour delivers music, lights, and major main character energy.

Foodies can munch and mingle during the Holiday Hike Walking & Food Tour, complete with festive bites and city strolls. For a classic throwback, dining beneath the giant tree inside The Walnut Room is a nostalgic must-do.

And of course, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink brings cozy romance and scenic skyline skating to the heart of downtown. These are just a few holiday hits so keep reading for more cheer-packed ideas!

Step Into Nostalgia at The Walnut Room

Few places feel more iconic than The Walnut Room when it comes to experiencing Chicago at Christmas in full holiday grandeur. Located inside Macy’s on State Street, this historic dining room is known for its towering Christmas tree centerpiece and elegant decor.

The vibe screams vintage glam, and people come from all over just to snap a photo beside that glittering tree. The 2025 tree unveiling date hasn’t dropped yet so check back soon and prepare for a magical meal!

Hop Aboard the Merriest Ride with Chicago’s BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour

One of the most festive things to do in Chicago at Christmas is hopping on this wildly entertaining BYOB party bus tour. Departing on November 29, 2025, it takes you through Chicago’s best light displays while playing holiday bangers on blast.

The tour starts at at Headquarters Beercade in River North, stopping at hotspots like Lincoln Park ZooLights and Millennium Park. The 2025 ride date is confirmed so prep your playlist and gather your friends for the jolliest bus ride ever!

Eat and Explore with the Holiday Hike: Season Sampling Chicago Walking & Food Tour

Among the top things to do Chicago Christmas season is this walking food tour that lets you taste your way through the holidays. The Holiday Hike pairs festive storytelling with stops at local gems serving holiday-inspired bites and warm drinks.

It kicks off from Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria and includes roughly 1.25 miles of walking through sparkling streets. While 2025 tour dates haven’t been announced yet, stay tuned for updates to secure your spot early!

Glide into the Holidays at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Skating under the city lights at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is a core memory waiting to happen during Chicago during Christmas. Nestled beside Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, the rink offers public sessions and skating lessons for those not quite ready to triple axel.

The rink typically opens in November and operates daily through early March, offering unbeatable skyline views. Full 2025 dates are still under wraps so lace up and stay tuned for the season announcement!

Where Can I Find a Chicago Christmas Market This 2025?

From artisan gifts to hot cider under the lights, a Chicago Christmas Market brings cozy charm to the bustling holiday season. First up, the Millennium Park Holiday Market fills Chase Promenade North with festive music, handmade crafts, and delicious treats.

For an indoor shopping escape, the One of a Kind Holiday Show at THE MART showcases hundreds of unique vendors and holiday décor. Meanwhile, the beloved Christkindlmarket Chicago delivers a European-style experience with ornaments, bratwurst, and spiced wine in collectible mugs.

Though some details are still under wraps, returning favorites and new surprises are expected citywide. Keep reading to find out what markets are worth adding to your holiday shopping plans!

Stroll, Sip, and Shop at the Millennium Park Holiday Market

Expect festive energy and artisan flair at the Millennium Park Holiday Market, nestled along Chase Promenade North in Millennium Park. This three-day market runs from Friday, November 21 to Sunday, November 23, 2025, featuring handmade goods, cozy treats, and local vendors.

Located just steps from Cloud Gate, it’s the perfect add-on after skating or tree lighting festivities. The 2025 dates are confirmed so grab a tote bag and get ready to shop your merry little heart out!

Find Unique Gifts and Holiday Vibes at the One of a Kind Holiday Show

With over 400 artists and makers, the One of a Kind Holiday Show is a must for stylish gifting and festive inspiration. Happening December 4–7, 2025 at THE MART (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL), it blends local creativity with big holiday energy.

Expect everything from gourmet snacks to quirky jewelry, all in a beautifully decorated indoor venue. Since 2025 dates are official, now’s the time to plan your visit and support small businesses in serious style!

Wander Through a Winter Fairytale at the Christkindlmarket Chicago

No holiday is complete without a mug of mulled wine and a stroll through the Christkindlmarket Chicago, one of the city’s favorite Christmas markets. While the 2024 event was held at Daley Plaza, the 2025 venue and dates are still under wraps.

Expect wooden huts, Bavarian pretzels, and hand-carved ornaments based on previous years’ experiences. Details for 2025 haven’t been announced yet so stay tuned for updates and location confirmation!

Where Is the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony?

Shimmering with ornaments and festive pride, the Chicago Christmas Tree stands tall at the heart of downtown’s holiday scene. The main lighting ceremony takes place in Millennium Park, right near Cloud Gate, and includes music, performances, and citywide cheer.

Beyond that, you’ll find stunning tree-centric experiences like Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, offering interactive glowing forests. Another crowd favorite is Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden, which features tunnel arches, fire gardens, and glittering tree displays.

Each setting adds its own spin to the classic tree-lighting magic, from lakeside sparkle to suburban glow. Stay tuned as we unwrap even more details about Chicago’s most twinkling traditions!

Watch the Skyline Glow at the Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park

Few events kick off the season quite like the Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park, a beloved city tradition full of sparkle. Scheduled for November 21, 2025, the ceremony takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL.

This event features live music, special guests, and the dramatic first lighting of the city’s grand Christmas tree. With 2025 details confirmed, mark your calendars now and prepare to join the downtown magic!

Follow a Sparkling Path at Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

The immersive Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden is back with dazzling tunnels, glowing orbs, and seasonal music around every bend. Held at 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL, it runs from November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with entry beginning around sunset.

Guests can stroll at their own pace through themed light displays and sip festive drinks along the way. With dates locked in for 2025, this is your cue to book early and bundle up for the brilliance!

Wander Through a Luminous Forest at Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

Bringing an interactive light experience to life, Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum is holiday wonder layered with cutting-edge tech. Located at 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL, this mile-long outdoor trail transforms trees into living sculptures using light and sound.

The event typically begins in November and runs through early January, offering timed entry slots for a smooth visit. While exact 2025 dates haven’t dropped yet, stay tuned so you can book your glow-up in the woods!

What Christmas Shows in Chicago Are Playing This Holiday Season?

From sweeping orchestras to classic tales, Christmas Shows in Chicago light up the stage with festive energy and seasonal joy. First, A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre returns with ghostly magic and heartwarming holiday spirit.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra stuns with its beloved Merry, Merry Chicago! concert packed with sing-alongs and surprises. Over at The Auditorium, The Holiday In Concert pairs rom-com charm with a full orchestra performing the film’s iconic score live.

And of course, The Nutcracker at Lyric Opera House delivers timeless ballet beauty and glittering stagecraft for all ages. Keep reading to find out how to turn your holiday into a standing ovation!

Feel the Spirit of the Season with A Christmas Carol

No holiday lineup is complete without A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre, where festive music and timeless storytelling take center stage. Running from November 15 through December 31, 2025, this beloved production unfolds at 170 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL.

Expect dazzling costumes, ghostly effects, and an emotional punch that lands every single year. With 2025 dates set, grab your seats early and prepare for Dickens with a Chicago twist!

Celebrate the Sounds of the Season at Merry, Merry Chicago!

Holiday classics and orchestral magic collide in Merry, Merry Chicago!, an annual concert series by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Set for December 19–23, 2025, the show takes place at the grand Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL.

Expect beloved carols, high-energy medleys, and maybe even a surprise Santa appearance mid-performance. With this festive fan-favorite officially returning, now’s the time to prep for a musical winter wonderland!

Experience Movie Magic Live at The Holiday In Concert

Rom-com fans rejoice as The Holiday In Concert brings the beloved film to life at The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E Ida B Wells Dr, Chicago, IL. Scheduled for December 20, 2025, this screening is paired with a live orchestra playing Hans Zimmer’s swoony, emotional score.

It’s cozy, cinematic bliss made even better with a big screen and full musical backdrop. With 2025 confirmed, don’t wait to lock in your seat for this one-night-only holiday vibe!

Step Into a Dream with The Nutcracker at Lyric Opera House

Sugar plum fairies and snowflake waltzes steal the show in The Nutcracker at Lyric Opera House, 20 N Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL. Running from December 5 through 28, 2025, this Chicago holiday tradition fuses ballet brilliance with jaw-dropping sets and costumes.

Perfect for both first-timers and longtime fans, it’s a visual and musical feast for all ages. With full 2025 details now confirmed, book your seats before the magic dances away!

Where Can I See the Best Christmas Lights in Chicago?

Full of sparkle, color, and over-the-top cheer, Christmas lights Chicago displays offer showstopping views from city streets to lakefront paths. For a family favorite, Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo dazzles with animal-shaped lights and warm hot chocolate under glowing trees.

On North Michigan Avenue, The Wintrust Lights Festival brings parade floats, marching bands, and fireworks to the heart of downtown. For a cozy, car-friendly option, Drive Thru Christmas Lights Chicago lets you take in the glow without leaving your seat.

Along the waterfront, Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier combines twinkling installations with lakeside magic and indoor fun. Keep reading to uncover even more festive brilliance lighting up Chicago this season!

Sip Hot Chocolate Under the Stars at Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Brimming with glowing tunnels and animal-shaped bulbs, Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo is a sensory feast for all ages. Located at 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, this beloved tradition runs from November 2025 through January 2026 on select evenings.

Warm up with a cup of rich hot chocolate while strolling beneath over two million twinkling lights. Since the 2025 schedule is confirmed, mark your calendar now and get ready for a wildly festive night!

Kick Off the Holidays in Style at The Wintrust Lights Festival

Parades and pageantry take over the Magnificent Mile for The Wintrust Lights Festival, one of Chicago’s most iconic lighting celebrations. Scheduled for November 22, 2025, the event unfolds along North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive.

Expect glittering floats, marching bands, and fireworks that light up downtown with full holiday swagger. With 2025 festivities set, it’s time to prep your parade gear and claim a front-row spot!

Cruise Through the Glow at Drive Thru Christmas Lights Chicago

Backseat passengers and playlist DJs rejoice because Drive Thru Christmas Lights Chicago lets you tour the holiday glow from your own car. Past events have included mile-long displays with tunnels of light, digital animations, and synchronized soundtracks.

Locations have varied across Chicagoland, with previous editions popping up in suburban areas like Lisle and Aurora. 2025 locations and dates haven’t been announced yet so stay tuned for updates as the season nears!

Explore a Waterfront Wonderland at Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier

Water meets winter magic at Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier, where interactive lights and holiday decor transform the lakeshore into something spectacular. Previous years featured walk-through installations, ice bumper cars, and indoor snowfall at 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL.

It’s one of the few places where you can sip cocoa, ride a light-up carousel, and watch fireworks—all in one visit. Since 2025 event details aren’t out yet, keep an eye out for this popular attraction’s return!

What Are The Chicago in Christmas FAQs?

Are There Any Christmas Chicago Hotel Packages?

Finding great Christmas Chicago hotel packages is easier than ever thanks to Tripster’s exclusive discounts on bundled experiences and stays. You can bundle the iconic Architecture River Tour + Hotel Package and save up to 17 percent on your holiday trip.

The Chicago Explorer Pass + Hotel Package offers flexibility and up to 15 percent savings on multiple top attractions around the city. For true crime buffs, the Night Crime Tours + Hotel Package delivers thrills and up to 14 percent off your hotel stay.

With options for every interest, Tripster makes it easy to mix festive fun with serious savings. Lock in your dream holiday getaway while these holiday discounts last!

What Christmas Chicago Vacation Packages Are Available?

Planning unforgettable Christmas Chicago vacation packages is simple with Tripster’s attraction bundles that unlock serious savings on seasonal fun. When you bundle two Chicago attractions together, you can save up to 15 percent on total costs.

These deals let you experience more of the city while keeping your holiday budget in check. From museums to tours and beyond, Tripster’s bundles pair perfectly with every kind of festive traveler.

Booking in advance means less stress and more time enjoying the magic of Chicago in winter. Grab your wishlist and start building the holiday you deserve with Tripster’s exclusive combo deals!

LEGOLAND Chicago + Urban Adventure Cruise

Save up to 15% with the LEGOLAND Chicago + Urban Adventure Cruise combo, blending hands-on family excitement with breezy riverfront sightseeing in one unforgettable outing. Perfect for cooler weather, this combo offers skyline views and creative play all in a single experience.

Skydeck Chicago & 360 Chicago Ticket Package

Save up to 12% with the Skydeck Chicago & 360 Chicago ticket package, giving you unmatched access to two of the city’s most legendary observation points. Twice the elevation means twice the photo ops and heart-racing views of the Chicago skyline.

360 Chicago + Big Bus Tours Chicago

Save up to 11% with the 360 Chicago + Big Bus Tours Chicago bundle, where sweeping tower-top views meet flexible city exploration by land. See the Windy City your way with hop-on stops and iconic backdrops from every angle.

Why Travelers Love Booking with Tripster:

💥 Instant ticket confirmation

🚫 No promo code needed

💸 No surprise fees at checkout

📱 Mobile-friendly experience

🛎️ Bundle hotels + attractions

💼 Stress-free booking process

So, What’s My Next Move?

Now that you’ve got the full scoop on Christmas in Chicago, it’s time to start plotting your holiday escape. Experiencing a magical Chicago Christmas means mapping out your perfect blend of lights, shows, markets, and memory-making moments.

For easy planning, use Tripster to find curated vacation packages, attraction passes, and festive entertainment all in one place. You can even secure Christmas hotel deals in advance so you don’t miss a beat.

Add your favorites to a wishlist, gather the crew, and start prepping your most joy-filled itinerary yet. Your 2025 holiday in Chicago is calling so start packing those mittens now!