Our 2024 Winter Events Calendar highlights unique and exciting activities around Chicagoland. Check out the full list below to add a little more magic to your holiday memories!
Experience the magic of skating at McCormick Tribune Rink in Millennium Park, surrounded by Chicago’s dazzling skyline, the twinkling city Christmas tree, and the iconic Bean. Admission is free (reservations required); skate rentals are available. (November–March 2025)
Skate in Hyde Park at the site of Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair, surrounded by the gothic architecture of the University of Chicago. Free admission, with rentals and skate aids available. Perfect for hockey games or skating lessons on select days! (November – February 2025)
Skate high above Michigan Avenue on this picturesque rink featuring festive music, snowflake lighting, and seasonal treats. Admission includes skate rentals and benefits children’s charities. Private events and group rentals available. (November – February 2025)
Craft your own holiday wreath using variegated oregonia and decorate it with cones, seedpods, and seedheads. Your creation will last indoors or through the season outdoors. Bring gloves, hand pruners, and a box to carry your masterpiece home!
Stroll through twinkling lights, sip seasonal refreshments, and meet special guests at this family-friendly event. Cameras, strollers, and wagons are welcome. Rain, snow, or shine—dress for the weather and soak in the holiday magic.
Celebrate the season with a Santa parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate and cookies, and performances from local school groups. A warm and festive tradition for all ages!
Gather in Wrigley Square for holiday sing-alongs led by local Chicago choral groups. Celebrate diverse holiday traditions as you join in the fun with friends and family. Singing begins at 6 PM each Friday.
Wander through downtown Downers Grove and enjoy festive holiday window displays. Last year featured over 40 gingerbread-themed designs—cast your vote for the best one!
Create your own artwork, explore the Multisensory Gallery, and build a custom museum tour with JourneyMaker at the Art Institute’s Ryan Learning Center. A perfect creative outlet for visitors of all ages.
Celebrate Hanukkah with crafts, music, and a themed story read by the author herself at West Ridge Center in Highland Park. Enjoy tasty treats and connect with others in this joyous holiday workshop.
Board the CTA Holiday Train and Bus for a festive city tour, starting in late November. Enjoy decorations, lights, and treats as you travel through Chicago in holiday style.
Ride the Illinois Railway Museum’s Happy Holiday Railway in Union, Illinois. This event runs select dates through December 23 and features festive train rides with Santa. Trips depart at scheduled times; arrive early to check in.
Brookfield Zoo hosts a magical holiday buffet featuring festive treats and a special visit from Santa. Explore the zoo’s illuminated grounds for an enchanting seasonal experience.
Join Elsa, Olaf, Elf, and Santa for a day of holiday cheer at Wheaton’s Town Square! Enjoy strolling carolers, complimentary cocoa, and festive giveaways.
The Paramount Theatre in Aurora offers $1 Movie Mondays in December. Catch family favorites like Home Alone (December 16) and The Polar Express (December 23). Perfect for a family outing!
Hosted at Highland Park, this interactive event features a holiday story, a short hike through winter landscapes, and hands-on nature activities for children and their families.
Shop one-of-a-kind handmade works by over 160 artists at Evanston Art Center. Find jewelry, ceramics, photography, and more while supporting local artists and the center’s programs.
Build and spin LEGO dreidels, compete in challenges, and learn about the traditions of Hanukkah at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Slide down a 200-foot sledding hill near historic Soldier Field, with sweeping views of Lake Michigan. A perfect winter outing in the heart of Chicago!
Explore global holiday traditions at the Museum of Science and Industry, where exhibits highlight festive customs and create opportunities for cherished memories.
Visit this traditional German-inspired market in Chicago or Aurora. Shop for unique gifts, sip Glühwein, and enjoy live entertainment.
Enjoy this reimagined holiday classic at the Lyric Opera House, set against the backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
This West Chicago farm features a dazzling mile-long light trail, a holiday market, farm-fresh Christmas trees, and Santa photo opportunities.
Experience stunning light displays along a reimagined trail featuring music, art, and festive installations debuting in the U.S. for the first time.
Over 1 million synchronized LED lights!
A magical holiday lights event at Willow Hill Golf Course.
Choose between two shows: a drive-thru orchard light display or a dazzling light show from your parked car.
For over 20 years, The Gift Theatre is an intimate space that showcases new works and reimagined classics.
As the University of Chicago’s professional theatre, Court Theatre is known for taking classic American works, and then adapting and expanding them.
This new venue in Arlington Heights seats up to 350 in comfort, with state-of-the-art sound and lighting.
Walk through breathtaking light displays, ride the Ferris wheel, and sip hot cocoa at this beloved Chicago tradition. On select nights, enjoy carolers, ice carvers, and more festive fun.
Visit the official Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, a 53-foot Colorado blue spruce from Logan Square. (November 22–January 8)
At Macy’s Walnut Room on State Street, marvel at the Great Tree, a 45-foot spectacle hanging from the ceiling. (November 2–January 12)
Cruise down the Chicago River in a heated hot tub! Chicago Electric Boat Company launches from Marina City docks at 300 N. State Street. Reservations are required for guests 13 and older.
Beat the winter blues with comedy at:
Explore suburban Chicago’s most impressive holiday light displays.
Located in Wrigleyville, this multi-level, over-the-top holiday bar is filled with festive decor, themed drinks, and plenty of holiday spirit.
Start the new year with a fitness goal of walking or running 25, 50, or 100 miles. Log your miles virtually or at The Morton Arboretum to support a greener, healthier world. Pre-registration required.
