Chicago Christmas Event Guide 2025

The holiday season is better when you know where to go (and when to skip the lines).

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Chicago this Christmas with the kids, on a date night, or out with your friends, this guide is worth sharing.

These events are not ranked in any particular order. Each one is included because it's popular or worth exploring.

1. City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting at Millennium Park

A festive tree lighting with music and sparkle kicks off the holiday season, and the tree remains up all season for photos and skating. Combine with ice skating nearby for a classic Chicago evening.

• Dates: November 21, 2025, 6 pm
  
• Address: Millennium Park, Michigan Ave. & Washington St.
  
• Kid/Pet-Friendly: Yes, family-friendly; pets allowed outdoors on leash.
  
• Website: Chicago Tree Lighting
• Pro Tip: Go on a weekday afternoon for elbow room. Bring cash, as some vendors don’t take cards.

2. Christkindlmarket Chicago

A German-style holiday market full of handmade gifts, festive food, and spiced wine in collectible mugs. Ideal for shopping with friends or a wintry evening with the family.

• Dates: November 21–December 24, 2025, 11 am–9 pm
  
• Address: Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
  
• Kid/Pet-Friendly: Yes for kids; pets not recommended due to crowds.
  
• Website: Christkindlmarket Chicago
  

Pro Tip: Go on a weekday afternoon for elbow room. Bring cash, as some vendors don’t take cards.

3. Navy Pier’s Light Up the Lake

An immersive holiday experience featuring dazzling lights, artisan markets, fire pits, skating, and Saturday fireworks. A blend of indoor/outdoor activities makes it perfect for families.

• Dates: November 28, 2025–January 5, 2026
  
• Address: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
  
• Kid/Pet-Friendly: Kid-friendly; pets not allowed indoors.
  
• Website: Light Up the Lake

Pro Tip: Dress in layers so you can cozy up by the firepits but still enjoy the indoor fun.

4. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Over two million lights illuminate the zoo with festive displays, treats, and seasonal music. “Adults Night Out” adds cocktail fun, making it perfect for a date night alternative.

• Dates: November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026
  
• Address: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St.
  
• Kid/Pet-Friendly: Yes for kids; pets not permitted.
  
• Website: ZooLights

Pro Tip: Crowds thin out after 7 pm, even on Monday nights. 

5. Frosty’s Christmas Bar

Three floors of over-the-top holiday décor, themed cocktails, and festive music make for an unforgettable adults-only night out. Great for friends in ugly sweaters or a grown-up holiday party.

• Dates: November 15, 2025–early January 2026
  
• Address: 809 W Evergreen Ave., Chicago, IL 60642
  
• Kid/Pet-Friendly: Adults only (21+).
  
• Website: Frosty’s Christmas Bar

Pro Tip: Go early in the evening to skip the long line. Book group reservations if you’re rallying the crew.

6. Millennium Park Ice Skating

Skate beside the Bean under city lights for that picture-perfect winter moment. Free to access (if you bring skates) with rentals available.

• Dates: Mid-November 2025–early February 2026 (weather permitting)
  
• Address: McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, 1 N Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60602
  
• Kid/Pet-Friendly: Yes for kids; pets not allowed on rink.
  
• Website: Millennium Park Ice Rink

Pro Tip: Admission is free; skate rentals available. Go Mon–Thurs before 5pm for the shortest lines.

7. A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theatre

A timeless Chicago holiday tradition telling Dickens’ ghostly tale delivered with humor, warmth, and theatrical flair. A classic choice for families or a date night at the theater.

• Dates: November 15–December 31, 2025
  
• Address: Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60601
  
• Kid/Pet-Friendly: Best for ages 6+; no pets.
  
• Website: Goodman Theatre

Pro Tip: Make it a night out. Book dinner nearby at Petterino’s or Italian Village for a cozy, festive finish.

8. Stroll the Magnificent Mile for Lights & Shopping

Michigan Avenue bursts with holiday lights, festive window displays, and the iconic Walnut Room tree. Mix shopping, photo ops, and luxe coffee breaks for a festive outing.

• Dates: All season
  
• Address: Michigan Ave between Oak St & Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60611
  
• Kid/Pet-Friendly: Yes for kids; pets allowed outdoors on leash.
  
• Website: Magnificent Mile

Pro Tip: Go early mornings or weekdays for less hustle.

9. Illuminated Neighborhood Gems

Explore Logan Square’s Palmer Park, Lincolnwood Towers, and Sauganash’s Candy Cane Lane for charming local light displays, without the downtown crowds. Ideal for a night out in PJs and the warm car.

• Dates: Evenings, late November 2025–early January 2026
  
• Address: Logan Square / Lincolnwood / Sauganash neighborhoods
  
• Kid/Pet-Friendly: Yes for kids; pets welcome outdoors.

Pro Tip: Make it a cocoa-in-the-car adventure. Drive slowly, windows down, Christmas playlist on.

10. Morton Arboretum’s “Illumination: Tree Lights”

Walk through a glowing forestscape with interactive lights, music, and holiday wonder, especially magical under the stars. This popular event is at the top of the list of traditions for many families. 

• Dates: November 15, 2025–January 3, 2026
  
• Address: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532
  
• Kid/Pet-Friendly: Yes for kids; pets not allowed.
  
• Website: Morton Arboretum Illumination

Pro Tip: Buy tickets early; Friday and Saturday sell out fast.

Share the Holiday Spirit

Chicago has an event for every kind of Christmas mood. And we do the planning for you, whether you want a big family outing, date night, or mom’s night off. So text it to your sister, drop it in the group chat, or forward it to your holiday crew.

Here’s to making the season joyful, stress-free, and full of memories you’ll actually want to repeat next year.

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Want to suggest an event or share updates? Email us at info@thechristmas.com.