Celebrating the holidays in Chicago surrounds you with snowflakes, a brisk breeze and winter wonderlands throughout the Windy City. If your plan is to spend the holidays with the family or with a loved one, Chicago holiday attractions will not disappoint. When planning your itinerary, consider these Chicago holiday events for fun, food and festive celebrations.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Expand your holiday activities in Chicago with an outing to the Christkindlmarket, located in Daley Plaza. This Chicago attraction features German-inspired food, such as fresh pretzels and bratwurst, as well as beverages such as hot spiced wine. Surrounded by sparkling holiday ornaments and lights, this Chicago event is home to live music and authentic German-style shopping with vendors lining the market during the holidays.
Wonderland Express
Get in the holiday spirit when stopping in at one of the best Chicago holiday attractions. The Wonderland Express extravaganza at the Chicago Botanic Garden is not just a sacred holiday tradition in Chicago, it’s also quite a site for the entire family. More than 700,000 lights twinkle around the property and the kids can take part in crafts while viewing the model train exhibition. Shop for the perfect poinsettia, small fir tree or crafts from vendors after exploring the trellises and bridges decorated for the holiday at this Chicago attraction.
Museum of Science and Industry
If you want to see sparkling holiday light displays in Chicago and learn more about science and industry, take a day trip to the Museum of Science and Industry. During the holidays, this Chicago museum features hands-on exhibits and interactive activities for all ages, including the Holiday of Lights extravaganza and the annual Christmas Around the World celebration. Admire the decorated trees and even snowfall inside the museum while exploring outer space and robots.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Holiday shopping in Chicago doesn’t disappoint when you can find just what you need on Magnificent Mile. But, did you know that you can also get in the holiday spirit and take part in one of Chicago’s best holiday attractions at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival? Beginning in mid November, this Chicago event begins with a tree-lighting parade and concludes with a grand Chicago fireworks display over the Chicago River.
Macy’s Holiday Window Display
Nothing will get you in the holiday spirit more than to witness the Macy’s Holiday Window Display. For more than 50 years, this Chicago holiday event has dazzled tourists and residents alike with animated characters, holiday stories and displays that include extravagant decorations, ornaments and lights for all to see. You can also get in some holiday shopping in Chicago when making your way to this Windy City landmark.
The Windy City is home to a variety of holiday Chicago events and festivals, but the one thing that remains the same each year is the festive look and feel of the downtown area. Whether you want to shop while surrounded by Christmas light displays in Chicago or take part in German-themed festivals, Chicago holiday events deliver. Check back often for even more Chicago attractions.