’Tis the Season for the 2022 Chicago Holiday Events Guide

Meredith Francis

November 28, 2022

A tunnel of stars at Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden is one of several light shows around Chicagoland this holiday season. (Image: Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden)

It may be colder in Chicago now, but things are about to get a lot merrier! Whether you’re in the mood for dazzling lights, ice skating, entertainment, or some shopping, we break down a handful of Chicago holiday events by light shows, activities, and Christmas markets. Be sure to check the event links for details on ticketing, pricing, transportation, and more.

Light Shows

Amaze Light Festival

Odyssey Fun World, Tinley Park | Ongoing through January 8
This family-friendly light festival allows visitors to walk through themed worlds, snack on holiday treats, and go tubing down an icy slope.

Art on the Mart: The Nutcracker

Merchandise Mart | Ongoing through December 30
If you can’t make it to the live show, scenes from The Nutcracker as performed by the Joffrey Ballet will be projected onto the Merchandise Mart along with Tchaikovsky’s score.

Holiday Magic

Brookfield Zoo | Ongoing through December 31
The Brookfield Zoo hosts its own light festival with a helping of holiday magic and over two million twinkling lights.

Illumination

Morton Arboretum | Ongoing through January 7
Visitors to this light display at the Morton Arboretum can walk a one-mile path lined with music and light effects designed to bring out “the beauty of trees in winter.” Like the Lincoln Park Zoo, there are adults-only nights as well as a beer festival.

Light Up the Lake

Navy Pier | Ongoing through January 7
If you don’t want to brave the cold temperatures, you can catch this indoor light show at Navy Pier. Explore the interactive light display or lace up your skates for the ice rink.

Lightscape

Chicago Botanic Garden | Ongoing through January 8
Walk through sparkling displays of light, music, and fire at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual holiday light show. This year has a new path and new installations from international artists.

ZooLights

Lincoln Park Zoo | Ongoing through January 1
Lincoln Park’s ZooLights returns with lights, ice sculpture carving, a light maze, ferris wheel, and plenty more activities at this annual tradition. General admission is free on Mondays, and $5 for the rest of the week. There are additional events, including a Sensory-Friendly Night, BrewLights and Adults Night Out.

Activities

A Christmas Carol

Goodman Theatre | Ongoing through December 31
This holiday tradition is back at the Goodman Theater, with actor Larry Yando returning for his 15th year as Ebenezer Scrooge.

ChiTown Movies Holiday Favorites

2343 S. Throop St. | Ongoing through December 25
See classic holiday movies at this drive-in theater in Pilsen. They’re showing everything from Elf and Home Alone to A Muppet Christmas Carol and Die Hard.

Christmas Around the World

Museum of Science and Industry | Ongoing through January 8
It’s the 80th anniversary of this Christmas exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. Explore how Christmas is celebrated around the world with more than 50 trees representing different cultures and countries.

CTA Holiday Train & Bus

Various Locations | Ongoing through December 23
All aboard the CTA’s most festive tradition. The decked-out holiday train and buses will be making their way across Chicago through December 23. See the schedules for the train and the bus.

Ice Skating

Various Locations | Ongoing
Lace up your skates and head to one of several ice rinks in Chicago. There’s the classic Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon option, or the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Winterland at Gallagher Way has its own rink, as do various neighborhood parks, including McKinley Park, Midway Plaisance, Mt. Greenwood Park, Warren Park, and Wentworth Park. Light up the Lake at Navy Pier (see above) also has an indoor rink.

Merry, Merry Chicago!

Chicago Symphony Orchestra | December 17-23
Get your holiday music kick with a performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Alastair Willis and with vocals by Jessica Vosk.

The Nutcracker

Joffrey Ballet | December 3–27
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker returns once more to the Joffrey Ballet. With an emphasis on Chicago’s own history, Marie’s fantastical journey takes her to Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair. Go behind the scenes of the Joffrey Ballet’s new Nutcracker and its making at wttw.com/nutcracker.

Winter Flower Show: Snow Day!

Garfield Conservatory | Ongoing through January 8
This winter flower show at the Garfield Conservatory will have a variety of flowers––such as geraniums, pansies, poinsettias, and more–– in colors of white, silver, and pink to create “an illusion of a snow-covered garden.”

Winterland at Gallagher Way

Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field | Ongoing through January 8
Games, rides, an ice rink, and access to Wrigley Field are all part of Winterland at Gallagher Way, which is located near Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville (see more below). Visitors can go tubing down an ice slide or take the “Infield Express” as part of this ticketed event.

Markets

Andersonville Winter Market

Catalpa Avenue and Clark Street | December 2–4
Visit this Swedish-style market in Andersonville, with Swedish and vintage vendors, Glögg and roasted nuts, and pictures with Santa.

Christkindlmarket

Daley Plaza, Wrigleyville, and Aurora | Ongoing through December 31
Chicago’s beloved German Christmas market returns for another year of hot chocolate, mulled wine, and a variety of vendors. There are three locations to choose from: the classic Daley Plaza, Wrigleyville, and RiverEdge Park in Aurora. Dates vary by location.