Chicago Unveils 60 Must-See Holiday Events This Season!

URGENT UPDATE: The holiday season is kicking off in Chicago with a dazzling array of events and activities that promise to spread cheer throughout the city. From the iconic 67-foot Norway spruce lighting up Millennium Park to a plethora of theatrical performances, there’s something for everyone this festive season.

The lighting ceremony for the Norway spruce is set for 6 p.m. Friday, December 1, featuring Chicago Made showcase winner Mara Love and the Leo High School Choir. This sparkling tree boasts an impressive 39,250 feet of lights and will shine brightly through January 11. Located at Washington Street and Michigan Avenue, it is just the start of the holiday magic in the Windy City.

As part of the celebrations, the Lincoln Park Zoo will host ZooLights, showcasing new and familiar exhibitions from December 1 to January 4. Tickets start at just $7, and select Mondays are free with advanced registration. Meanwhile, the Brookfield Zoo sparkles with over 3.5 million LED lights during their Holiday Magic event, also running through January 4, with tickets starting at $20.95.

The theater scene is bustling with adaptations of the classic “A Christmas Carol”, led by the Goodman Theatre featuring Christopher Donahue as Scrooge, on stage until December 31. Families can catch a 60-minute version at Drury Lane Theatre through December 27, making it perfect for young audiences.

For those looking to enjoy holiday performances, the Joffrey Ballet presents a unique rendition of The Nutcracker set before the 1893 World’s Fair, running from December 5 to 28 at the Lyric Opera House. Tickets start at just $36.

Don’t miss the vibrant Christkindlmarket, open through Christmas Eve at 50 W. Washington St.. This German-style Christmas market features traditional food, lively music, and unique trinkets, making it a family-friendly destination for holiday shopping.

To elevate your festive experience, Chicago offers various concerts, including a performance by a capella group Pentatonix on December 2, and a holiday concert featuring Pink Martini on December 17.

As the holiday season progresses, expect more exciting events, from ice skating at the Ice Skating Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park to fancy tea parties at The Drake Hotel. Chicago is bursting with festive fun, and there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy.

For updates on the latest events and activities, keep an eye on local news outlets. This holiday season promises to be a memorable one in Chicago, filled with joy, lights, and community spirit. Share your favorite holiday events with us at [email protected], and your suggestions may be featured on social media or in future reports!