Chicago for the holidays is truly a magical place during this time of year. No matter how you celebrate, the Windy City offers plenty of festive traditions and events for everyone.
Whether you’re traveling from the suburbs, a city local, or visiting from out of state, below are some of the top Chicago holiday attractions to do with loved ones.
Chicago for the Holidays: Where to Celebrate with Loved Ones This Season
Check off your Chicago holiday bucket list with these activities from Thanksgiving to New Year’s with directions on getting around the Windy City.
Top Things to Do in Chicago on Thanksgiving
Starting the holiday season in November, below are five popular festive events in Chicago during Thanksgiving weekend.
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Credit: Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade has been a classic annual tradition for over 25 years. Like Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, it also features giant character balloons, marching bands, festive floats, and holiday-themed dancers throughout the streets.
It takes place on Thanksgiving Day from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, starting from Ida B. Wells Dr to Randolph Downtown Chicago. Because it’s a massive event attracting visitors globally, get there earlier than the start time to secure a good viewing spot.
Several public transit options are nearby where the parade begins. The closest one is the Monroe train station via the Red Line, a one-minute walk away. The Madison & Dearborn/State (West) bus stop is also within walking distance, only two minutes away. You can even reserve a parking space on Ida B. Wells Dr & State St or State St & Randolph if you’re driving.
Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape
Credit: Chicago Botanic Garden
Running from November to January, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape is an immersive way to kick off Thanksgiving weekend for all ages. It features illuminative trails, lighting installations, and holiday music in a stunning botanical landscape. There are even select adult nights offering handcrafted cocktails to sip as you walk.
The Lake-Cook Rd & Marquette Rd bus stop is the closest transit option, a 15-minute walk away. The Braeside train station is a 25-minute walk via the Union Pacific-West (UP-W) Line, offering scenic views along the way, including forestalled woods, waterfall gardens, and nature trails.
Turkey Trot Chicago
Credit: Turkey Trot Chicago
Build up a much-needed appetite on Thanksgiving morning at the Turkey Trot Chicago. It’s an annual event featuring costume-themed runners and a festive Turkey Day Tailgate with music that’s perfect for the whole family. They offer 5K, 8K, and kid’s course options for all fitness levels, with picturesque lake views while you run. This event is also for a great cause, with all ticket proceeds going to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
The Turkey Trot Chicago takes place at Diversey Habor, starting and ending on the north section of Lincoln Park. Taking the bus is the closest public transit option, including Clark, Broadway, and Sheridan stations. If you don’t mind an extra walk before your course, the Diversey train station is 25 minutes away via the Brown or Purple Line.
Ice Skating at McCormick Tribune Plaza’s Ice Rink in Millenium Park
Credit: Millennium Park Foundation
If you’re looking for things to do before Thanksgiving in Chicago, ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Plaza Ice Rink in Millennium Park runs from November 17th through March 3rd. It’s a free attraction, including skating lessons! Skate rentals are a separate fee. Although admissions are free, online tickets are required with weather permitting, as an outdoor rink.
It has incredible surrounding views of the city’s skyline, the famous Cloud Gate “Bean,” and illuminated trees to make your skating experience even more enchanting. The rink has daily hours from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm for daytime or nighttime skating.
The Millennium train station is a three-minute walk via the Metra Electric (ME) or South Shore (SSL) Line. The Randolph & Michigan bus stop is also a three-minute walk away.
Holiday Brunch at Macy’s The Walnut Room
Credit: Eater Chicago
Did you know Macy’s is the first department store to open a restaurant? And, you can find it in the same place as you shop! Macy’s Walnut Room is a popular local tradition to eat brunch on Thanksgiving weekend. It’s a 17,000 sq ft dining room with a massive color-changing Christmas tree and delicious food options.
From their original 1890 chicken pot pie recipe to cider-glazed slow-roasted turkey breast and build-your-own snowman sundaes for kids, their holiday menu is perfect for Thanksgiving. We always recommend scheduling your dining reservations early, as they quickly fill up during this time of year.
The Washington train station is a three-minute walk via the Blue Line. Multiple bus stops are nearby, with State & Washington as the closest option, a two-minute walk.
Things to Do in Chicago for Christmas
For the December holiday season, below are some of the best Chicago Christmas activities to check out.
The Christkindmarket
Credit: The Christkindmarket
Switch up your Chicago Christmas traditions at The Christkindmarket. It’s a free outdoor German-style Christmas-themed market featuring cultural vendors in a cozy atmosphere. From fresh pretzels to hot spiced wine served in a commemorative boot and handmade gifts, you can make unique memories at this beloved event.
It runs from November 22nd to December 24th, so get there before Christmas! If you can’t make it to the city, Aurora, IL, also hosts a Christkindmarket during the same time.
The Christkindmarket Chicago takes place at Daley Plaza in the Loop. The Washington train station is a two-minute walk via the Blue Line. The Dearborn & Randolph bus stop is also a two-minute walk away.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Lights at The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Credit: Chicago Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Chicago Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Lights is not one to miss. Starting from November 16th to January 6th, this isn’t your ordinary holiday event. It features a four-story, floor-to-dome Christmas tree, a surrounding forest with over 50 trees, and global cultural displays—and it’s included with your museum entry!
The University of Chicago/59th St train station is a nine-minute walk via the ME Line. The Stony Island & 57th St bus stop is a five-minute walk away.
Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights
Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights is a local tradition featuring over three million lights, LED interactive displays, a holiday light tunnel, and a Ferris wheel. There are also Christmas carolers and professional ice carvers on select nights. Soak in the amazing views of the city skyline with hot chocolate or s’mores by an open fire, or relax in the light lounge. ZooLights runs from November 15th to January 5th, with free admissions on most Mondays.
The Stockton & Webster bus station is a one-minute walk and the closest public transit option. The Fullerton train station is a 20-minute walk via the Brown Line.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Credit: The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum’s Illumination: Tree Lights is a spectacular way to spend Christmas in the Chicago area if you want to explore outside the city. Located in the suburbs of Lisle, it’s a massive public garden and a world-renowned center for scientific research on tree conservation on 1,700-acre grounds.
Illumination: Tree Lights runs from November 16th to January 4th, featuring 17 displays of immersive light tree installations, laser lights, and music along a one-mile path. This event also offers open fires to roast marshmallows for s’mores with concession stands.
The Morton Arboretum is 25 miles west of Chicago, with easy public transportation access. The Chicago Union Station is a direct trip to the Lisle train stop via the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Line.
The MART’s One of a Kind Holiday Show
Credit: WeArt
Make your Christmas shopping more fun at The MART’s One of a Kind Holiday Show from December 5th to 8th. Located in River North, it’s Chicago’s premier shopping destination, including over 600 artists and designers of handmade gifts with daily live music from local musicians. From artisanal gourmet markets to fine art galleries and complimentary cocktail samples, there are plenty of exhibitors and vendors to check out.
The Merchandise Mart train station is a five-minute walk via the Brown or Purple line. The Orleans & Hubbard bus stop is a two-minute walk.
Holiday Festivities in Chicago Throughout the Season
If you have different traditions than Thanksgiving and Christmas, below are other ways to explore Chicago for the holidays with loved ones throughout the season:
Lighting of the Menorah at Daley Plaza
Credit: Chicago Loop Alliance
Next to The Christkindmarket, you’ll find the Lighting of the Menorah, also in Daley Plaza, to celebrate the start of Chanukah. It’s a free ceremonial lighting event with a giant 31-foot-tall menorah, a live DJ, refreshments, and Chanukah gift giveaways.
As mentioned above, the Washington train station via the Blue Line and The Dearborn & Randolph bus stop are both a two-minute walk away.
Kwanzaa at the Bronzeville Children’s Museum
Credit: Chicago Sun Times
As the first and only African American children’s museum, the Bronzeville Children’s Museum is a special way to celebrate Kwanzaa in Chicago as a family. Your kids can learn among their peers about the seven principles of Kwanza, known as the Nguzo Saba, in a fun and educational way. Their creative activities include festive mask crafting, group singing, and exploring the museum’s exhibits.
The Stony Island & 93rd St bus stop takes you to the entrance and is the closest public transit option. The nearest train station is 91 St Chicago State University, around a 30-minute walk.
Brookfield Zoo’s Chicago Holiday Magic
Credit: The Beverly Review
The Holiday Magic event at Brookfield Zoo is Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival. It begins on November 22nd to December 31st, featuring over two million LED lights of illuminated animal lights, over 900 decorated trees, a tunnel show, and immersive walkthrough displays. There’s also a holiday market with craft cocktails, winter merchandise, custom ornaments, and handmade gifts.
Brookfield Zoo is only around a 30-minute train ride from the Chicago Union Station via the BNSF Line.
Navy Pier’s Light Up the Lake
Credit: Navy Pier
Navy Pier is among the top waterfront destinations in the Midwest, especially for their Light Up The Lake winter season event. It’s free to attend and runs from November 29th to January 5th, with scenic illuminations and activities that people from all over travel to Chicago for the holidays.
Light Up the Lake includes:
•An ice slide and axe-throwing
•Pier Park rides, including the iconic Centennial Wheel
•Beer garden firepits
•Craft workshops and local holiday artisan markets
•Festive-themed drone shows and Saturday fireworks
The Navy Pier Terminal takes you right to the entrance. Grand is the closest train station via the Red Line, about a 20-minute walk.
Maggie Daley Park’s Ice Skating Ribbon
Credit: Time Out
The Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park isn’t your traditional ice skating rink. It has outdoor ice-covered paths that lap around winter-themed play spaces, pine trees, and skyscrapers right next to Millennium Park. It’s truly an immersive winter wonderland in the Windy City you won’t find anywhere else! This year’s schedule starts from November 15th to March 9th.
The Millennium train station is a 10-minute walk via the ME and SSL Lines. The Randolph & Field Blvd bus stop is less than a five-minute walk.
Make Your Move to Chicago Magical This Holiday Season
Thinking about moving to Chicago? We can help you find the best Chicagoland apartment to rent this holiday season. At TLC Management Co., we have 37 different properties within and around Chicago, each with unique features and luxurious conveniences.
Our apartment amenities include, but aren’t limited to:
•Lakefront properties with beautiful views of Lake Michigan
•French kitchen doors and solar window shades
•Private terraces with floor-to-ceiling windows
•Pet-friendly and no security deposit policies
Browse our Chicago apartment listings or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com to start your search and move in before the holidays!
