Things to Do in Chicago This Holiday Season

As the city gears up for Thanksgiving, the holiday season is officially here. The city is bustling with shoppers stocking up on gifts and all of the downtown Chicago apartments are festively decorated. There are endless events to choose from, so we’ve narrowed them down for you. Here are six of our favorite holiday happenings in Chicago:

• Christkindlmarket

Open now until December 24th, Christkindlmarket is located at Daley Plaza. This open-air market is a must- either for sampling authentic food and drinks or shopping for iconic German items. Although the beer boots are not making an appearance this year, but Glühwein, spiced wine, is available at three booths. Stop by and pick up an intricate cuckoo clock, try some crepes, potato pancakes, or gingerbread almonds.

• A Christmas Carol

Running until December 31st, this holiday classic will continue its 39-year streak at Goodman Theatre. Show times include matinees and evening shows five or six days a week. Buy tickets here.

• Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park

Maggie Daley’s ice ribbon will be opening November 25th, weather permitting through the first week of March. The skating path is twice the length of lap around a traditional skating rink. Admission is free and skate rental is $12 during the week and $14 on the weekends and holidays. If you’re not  up for ice skating, just

• ChillFest in Wicker Park

Skip Black Friday shopping in favor of Small Business Saturday in Wicker Park and Bucktown. More than 60 local musicians are scheduled to perform free shows in neighborhood stores from 2-6PM. Participating business include: Coast Sushi, Spex, Red Balloon, Lowe’s of Wicker Park,  Goddess and Grocer, and G Boutique.

• St. Lucia Festival of Lights

Next Saturday, December 13, Andersonville celebrates the Swedish tradition of St. Lucia. A torch-lit procession, featuring the Lucia Girls, begins at 4:45 down Clark Street from the Swedish American Museum at 5211 N Clark. The festivities will continue at the museum, where guests can have Swedish snacks and learn about St. Lucia.

•  ZooLights

Open to the public next Friday-Sunday, then nightly from December 2-4, 9-23, and 26-31, this Chicago classic features musical light shows and 3D displays that is fun for all ages. Kids can create holiday crafts and take photos with Santa, while grown-ups can partake lager or warm, spiced wine. Tickets are still available for BrewLights on December 1st, where guests enjoy live music and a dozen different beer draft samples and additional beer and food is available for purchase.

Did we miss your favorite holiday happening in downtown Chicago? Please share it in the comments below. Happy Holidays!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2014 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.