Christmas in Chicago

North America / United States of America / Chicago /

Things to Do During the Holiday Season

Chicago is well-known for its Christmas celebrations, and one of the best places to see the city get into the holiday spirit is at the Christkindlmarket. The Christkindlmarket is a festive German-style market filled with vendors offering everything from warm holiday drinks and baked goods to handmade toys and ornaments. The market features live music, performances, and festive activities, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon during the holiday season.
TheMART
25 stories high and spanning two city blocks, this unique marketplace sits at the intersection of the North, South, and Main branches of the Chicago River. The architects sought to bring together the concept of a warehouse, a department store, and an office building. Within the building you'll find a number of home furnishing showrooms and a large number of tech companies.
222 N. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Near North Side, Chicago, IL
Website
Santa's Village Azoosment and Water Park
Located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, this Christmas themed amusement park includes popular rides such as The Blizzard and the Tri-Nado. There are rides for kids and adults of all ages including a carousel and bumper cars for the young kids. There's also an attached water park with water slides, pools, and an interactive water playground. Animal lovers will appreciate the petting zoo.
601 Dundee Ave, East Dundee, IL, 60118
Website
Planning a trip to Chicago? You might also be interested in Budget Friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago and Educational Places and Activities in Chicago.
The Chicago Theatre
The Chicago Theatre
This famous theatre resides in the heart of Chicago. Visitors will be greeted at the entry with the large and frequently photographed "Chicago" sign out front, and then mesmerized by the gorgeous and historic interior with murals on the ceilings and sculptures throughout. The venue puts on a large number of shows from concerts to theatre productions and plays and musicals throughout the year. If you're in town, grab a ticket to any event and you won't be dissapointed.
175 N State Street, Loop, Chicago, Illinois
Website
Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is one of the most famous shopping neighborhoods in the world. It's lined with brand name retail shops, boutique designers, historic hotels, luxury brands, large shopping centers, one-of-a-kind stores, and unique attractions. This neighborhood also has the original American Girl Place, Water Tower Place, and The Drake Hotel where you can enjoy high tea at the historic Palm Court.
Chicago, IL
Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Cloud Gate (The Bean)
"The Bean" is a 110 ton stainless steel sculpture that was designed by Anish Kapoor. It's surface is a mirror and the shape of the structure was inspired by a drop of liquid mercury. During the winter months, there is a public ice skating rink surrounding The Bean.
201 E Randolph St, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL, 60602
Website
Christkindlmarket
This huge German-themed Christmas market is set up in Chicago every holiday season and draws a large crowd. It takes place in both Daley Plaza in central downtown Chicago as well as in Wrigleyville which is a bit to the north of downtown. It's full of vendors selling everything from gifts to holiday-themed food to artwork. Also around is ice skating, more food, kids activities, music, and more.
Daley Plaza, Loop, Chicago, Illinois
Website
Symphony Center
This music complex is home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Chorus, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and the Institute for Learning, Access, and Training.
220 South Michigan Avenue, Loop, Chicago, Illinois, 60604
Civic Opera House
The Civic Opera House is the second largest opera auditorium in the North America. It is the permanent home of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
20 North Upper Wacker Drive, Loop, Chicago, Illinois, 60606
Website
Chicago has plenty more to offer, so see also our other articles: The Best Local Museums in Chicago and Zoos and Aquariums in Chicago.
How much are the Christmas activities in Chicago?

Where to Stay in Chicago

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Interested in more travel advice for Chicago? Check out Things to do in the Winter in Chicago.
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