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Festive Christmastime Activies in ChicagoEnjoy the Christmas Holiday Season!Christmas is a special time of year. There's a lot of fun and festive ways to take in the holiday season. Below are some Christmastime activities to enjoy with friends, family, or by yourself. ![]() Holiday Destinations and Events Featuring Christmas Lights and DecorationsOne of the most festive things to do in Chicago around Christmastime is viewing the beautiful lights around town. Browse through these photos to find the best spots in Chicago for holiday lights. ![]() Christkindlmarket | NOV. 16 - DEC. 24, 201850 W. Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 | (312) 494-2175Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago turns into a busy miniature German village brimming with Christmas-decorated huts covered in glimmering lights and holiday decor. This Chicago tradition is 23 years old in 2018 and takes after the Nuremberg Christmas Market in Germany. Peruse the kiosk huts to shop for handmade gifts while enjoying spiced wine, pastries, and other festive treats. ![]() Christmas Around the World | NOV. 15, 2018 - JAN. 6, 20195700 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637 | (773) 684-1414Each year, the Museum of Science & Industry's 45' tall Grand Tree takes the spotlight in the Rotunda, covered with over 30 thousand Christmas lights. Over 50 smaller trees sit beautifully around it, all decorated by nearby volunteers from Chicago neighborhoods. The intermittent falling of fake snow makes it that much more fun. ![]() The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival | NOV. 16 - 17, 2018 | 4:00pm - 8:00pmThe Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to the Chicago River) | (312) 642-3570Musical performances start at 11:30 am. The parade starts at 5:30pm and goes to 7:30pm, with fireworks starting at 6:55pm over the Chicago River at North Michigan Avenue. An evening parade turns the section of Michigan Ave between Wacker Dr & Oak St into Chicago's most dazzling shopping area. The Magnificent Mile's hotels and stores illuminate the street, along with over a million white Christmas lights hung in the trees. Fireworks on the Chicago river cap the night. On Friday, experience the Lights Festival Lane from 4pm - 8pm and enjoy many family-friendly music and activities. On Saturday, the Lights Festival Lane goes from 11am to 4pm. ![]() ZooLights at Lincoln Park | NOV. 23, 2018 - JAN. 6, 2019 | 4:30pm - 9:00pm2001 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614 | (312) 742-2000The ZooLights at Lincoln Park transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland. This year, over 2,000,000 lights and festive illuminations will light up the zoo. Also enjoy fun activities, hot cocoa, and other good food. Visit Santa Claus at the Helen Brach Primate House, ride the Lionel Train Adventure, and go ice skating at the "Farm-in-the-Zoo". ![]() Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier | NOV. 30 2018 - JAN. 6, 2019600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 | (800) 595-7437Winter Wonderfest is a fun indoor playground that hosts an ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, carousel and more that comprise of over 170,000 square feet. Take in the incredible views. Massive snowflakes, icicle lights, hundreds of evergreens, and more round out the festive atmosphere. ![]() Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo | DEC. 1 - 31, 2018 | 9:30am - 6:00pm8400 W. 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513 | (708) 688-8000Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo is Chicagoland's largest lights festival. The zoo features select animal exhibits in the evening, along with restaurants and gift shops. Sing to the animals, watch professionals carve ice sculptures, visit Santa Claus, watch magic shows, and more. ![]() St. Lucia Festival of Lights | DEC. 13, 2018 | 4:45pm - 7:00pm5211 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640 | (773) 728-8111The St. Lucia Festival of Lights is a Swedish-themed candlelight procession along Clark Street in Andersonville starting at the Swedish American Museum at 5211 N. Clark St at 4:45pm. The "Lucia Girls" lead the way, dressed in long white robes and crowns of candles. Sing along to "The Lucia Song" with kids and adults alike along the walk. Join the party at the museum afterward. ![]() Macy's Holiday Window Exhibits | NOV. 1 2018 - JAN. 5, 2019 | 10:00am - 9:00pm111 N State Street, Chicago, IL 60602 | (312) 781-4483The Macy's Holiday Window Exhibits are a time-honored tradition that takes center stage on State Street as a popular holiday shopping destination. View the large window displays of festive scenes and holiday decor that capture the Christmas spirit like nowhere else. ![]() Lightscape: A Multisensory Experience on State Street | NOV. - DEC. 2018The Loop | (312) 782-9160Lightscape is a collection of lights and sounds choreographed to music and colors along State Street. The displays change every season, offering unique experiences within the Loop shopping district. ![]() CTA Holiday Train | NOV. - DEC. 2018The 'L'If you're lucky, you might capture a glimpse of the CTA Holiday Train carrying Santa and his sleigh pulled by peppermint-scented passenger coaches decorated with holiday decor. If you happen to see the CTA Holiday Train, don't miss the opportunity for your kids to take a picture with the elf-dressed conductors and snag a candy cane. Enjoy Christmas music and garlands inside the cars to complete this festive experience. Other Fun Winter-time ActivitesDiscover options for ice skating, sledding, skiing, Christmas caroling, and more. ![]() Ice Skating at Millenium Park | November 16, 2018-March 10, 2019201 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601 | (312) 742-1168Take a few laps around the outdoor ice skating rink at Millennium Park. The rink is over 200 feet long and 80 feet wide. Admission is free and you can rent skates for $12 on weekdays and $14 on weekends and holidays. Maggie Daley Park is a few minute walk from there if you want to try skating there as well. The skating area at Maggie Daley Park is more ribbon-shaped. The high-end Peninsula Hotel on Michigan Avenue has an outdoor skating rink on the fourth floor called the Sky Rink which donates 100% of the rink’s skating earnings to two Chicago children's charities. ![]() Holiday Shows at Chicago Theatre | November - December, 2018175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601 | (844) 848-1296Attend some of the best holiday theatre in Chicago including Broadway shows, musicals, plays, and concerts. Popular favorites include "A Christmas Carol" and "Joffrey Ballet - The Nutcracker" with multiple showings, as well as "Charlie Brown Christmas" on Dec 22nd, and "Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve" on Dec 28th. ![]() THE 35TH ANNUAL MUSIC BOX CHRISTMAS DOUBLE FEATURE & SING-A-LONG | DEC 7TH - 24TH, 20183733 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 | (773) 871-6604This annual tradition has continued since 1983 and has grown more and more popular ever since. Join people from all over Chicagoland in watching holiday movie favorites and singing Christmas carols. ![]() Sledding in Chicago | Nov - Dec, 2018Chicago, IL
Dan Ryan Woods - Located on 87th Street at Western Avenue. 773-233-3766 ![]() Elk Herd Pasture at Busse Woods Forest Preserve | Year-Round225 N Arlington Heights Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 | (800) 870-3666View elk in real life at the Busse Woods Forest Preserve in the Chicago suburb of Elk Grove Village. There is a trail that goes around the pasture so that you can take in the surrounding nature and meet the various members of the herd who like to hang out near the fence. The park asks that you refrain from feeding the animals, but take all the pictures that you want! ![]() Skiing in Chicago | Nov - Dec, 2018Chicago, IL
Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports | 5750 Lakeside Dr, Lisle IL 60532 | 630.964.2550 ![]() Ghirardelli Chocolate Company | Year-Round830 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 337-9330Enjoy a premium hot chocolate at Ghirardelli, a seasonal favorite. Located on the Magnificent Mile, grab a hot chocolate and take in the sights of Christmas lights and horse-pulled carriages just outside the shop. ![]() Holiday Tea at The Drake Hotel | Nov 1, 2018 - Jan 13, 2019140 East Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 787-2200Enjoy hot chocolate and Chirstmas caroling at "Holiday Tea" at Palm Court in The Drake Hotel. At $52/adult and $25/child it's a little pricy, but worth it! The hotel also hosts Brunch with Santa, Cookie Decorating, Christmas Eve Buffet, Christmas Day Dinner, and more. Christmas ShoppingGet your Christmas shopping done at some of the best malls and shops around town. ![]() Water Tower Place835 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 440-3580Find all sales and deals at Water Tower Place. Check out the current sales for fashion, beauty, dining and more at this shopping mall in Chicago, IL. ![]() The Shops at North Bridge520 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 327-2300A mix of stores (clothing, jewelry, cosmetics) shares space with a food court & popular restaurants. ![]() 900 North Michigan Shops900 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 915-3916900 North Michigan Shops is a visually stunning and highly desired shopping destination that resides on the north end of Chicago’s vibrant Magnificent Mile. The exclusive tenant mix offers shoppers an unparalleled experience of more than 70 luxe lifestyle shops featuring Bloomingdale’s and a strong line-up of national brands perfectly complemented by an eclectic collection of unique boutiques and a diverse selection of delectable dining options. ![]() The Magnifienct Mile13 Blocks from the Chicago River to Oak St, Chicago | (312) 409-5560Twinkling lights strung below skyscrapers, carriage rides ambling along, festive music and shoppers trickling out of stores decked in holiday trimmings — Chicago's famous retail row The Magnificent Mile (or "Mag Mile" as it's called by locals) is even more magical during wintertime. The downtown North Michigan Avenue district is where to head for the ultimate Christmas shopping spree in Chicago. ![]() ChristkindlmarketDALEY PLAZA IN THE CHICAGO LOOP (BETWEEN DEARBORN, WASHINGTON AND CLARK STREET) | (312) 494-2175Inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which began in 1545, the Christkindlmarket Chicago brings a cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm to Chicago. Chicago's largest open-air Christmas festival was first held on Pioneer Court in 1996. ![]() Macy's State Street111 North State Street Chicago, IL 60602 | (312) 781-1000Macy's, established in 1858, is the Great American Department Store - an iconic retailing brand over 740 stores operating coast-to-coast and online. Macy's State Street offers a first class selection of top fashion brands including Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Clinique, Estee Lauder & Levis. In addition to shoes and clothing, Macy's has a wide variety of housewares, gifts and furniture in select stores. ![]() WoodField Mall5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173 | (847) 330-0220Just 40 minutes West of Chicago, Woodfield Mall is one of the largest shopping destinations in the United States. With more than 2 million square feet of retail shops, restaurants, and family-friendly amenities, Woodfield Mall has a unique mix that creates a completely new and refreshing experiences with every visit. More Christmastime Events and Things to Do in ChicagoBrowse the event calendar below for more things to do in December in Chicago. If you have any suggestions to add to this article, please don't hesitate to contact us! |
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