Stop by Daley Plaza in the Loop during the annual Christkindlmarket Chicago . This German holiday market features traditional German foods like bratwurst and potato pancakes, alongside handcrafted gifts such as wooden toys and beautiful ornaments. Head to Navy Pier for Light Up The Lake , where you can race down an ice slide, shop an artisan market, join in craft workshops, meet Santa, see holiday-themed drone shows, and watch dazzling fireworks on Saturday nights. Visit Millennium Park for holiday festivities like the annual Lighting of the City of Chicago Christmas Tree , which towers in all its glory over Michigan Avenue. Join the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along , featuring an array of local groups singing holiday songs from various cultures. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry hosts one of Chicago’s most beloved holiday traditions with Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light , a fantastic display of more than 50 trees that surround the four-story Grand Tree, with exhibits that reflect holiday traditions from all over the globe. Lincoln Park’s ZooLights offers a twinkling winter wonderland that includes food and drinks, costumed characters, an enchanted forest, a light maze, and a towering 18-foot-tall holiday tree. Over two million glowing LED lights illuminate suburban Brookfield Zoo Chicago ’s Holiday Magic , where you’ll encounter Light Up The Lake at Navy Pier WINTER FUN Whirl around one of Chicago’s largest outdoor ice rinks and catch magical views of the skyline at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. For an icy adventure, whip along the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon . Glide past snow-covered trees and the mountain-like Climbing Wall for some of the most scenic ice skating in the city. Midway Plaisance Ice Rink showcases the historic elegance of Hyde Park and The University of Chicago campus as you skate the rink, located on the site of the world’s first-ever Ferris wheel, a major attraction at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Cozy up to bonfires and watch husky sled dogs in action during Polar Adventure Days at Big Marsh Park . Guided bird hikes, live music, and winter crafts top off the activities. Whoosh down the 220-foot slope of the Soldier Field Sledding Hill , where frosty fun is guaranteed thanks to a snow machine that cranks out the fluffy stuff. Bundle up for winter games in the sky at The Gwen hotel’s rooftop curling rink . The iceless rink offers sweeping city views, as well as hot drinks and a fire pit to help players keep warm. light tunnels, massive animal-shaped displays, and trees festively decorated by local community groups. Wander along a trail of glowing installations, music, and vibrant colors during Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden . View stunning light sculptures, singing trees, and laser light displays. African dancing, drumming, and singing that highlight the seven principles of Kwanzaa are joyful elements of the week-long Kwanzaa Celebration at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center . Celebrate the first day of Hanukkah beneath a 31-foot-tall menorah during the Menorah Lighting Celebration at Daley Plaza in the Loop. A DJ spinning tunes and samplings of traditional fried jelly donuts round out the festivities. Embrace the holidays with loads of attractions and events during Winterland at Gallagher Way , held at historic Wrigley Field. Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville offers a charming selection of gifts, along with German food and drinks. At Santa’s Workshop , snap a selfie with Santa, take a spin on a carousel ride, and join in a holiday-themed workshop. Holiday Movies at Gallagher Way presents classic, family-friendly flicks like Elf and A Christmas Story . Attend the 8th Night 8th Light Hanukkah Celebration , a Jewish community commemoration. At Gallagher Ice Rink , glide around on skates or ice bumper cars. 38 choosechicago.com NAVY PIER
Chicago Visitors Guide 2025: Page 38
