The city of Chicago is a bustling haven of holiday joy. The third largest city in the U.S. boasts an unmatched variety of Christmas activities and the traditional backdrop of snow-covered streets for a real Christmas experience! With Christmas cheer around every corner, there’s never a dull moment in Chicago at Christmastime.
Whether you fill your days with lively Christmas activities or simply walking the streets lit by glowing Christmas lights and decorated with fragrant wreaths, you will find that Chicago has something just for you. See “The Nutcracker” at the Harris Theatre or take the kids to see the spectacular “Zoo Lights” at the Lincoln Park Zoo – one of the few zoos in the U.S. that does not charge admission. Pack your Sunday best for a night at the theatre or your mittens and hat for a day of exploring this festive city!
Go to the Christkindlmarket, an open-air market modeled after the famous Nuremberg Christmas market, at the Daley Center Plaza for a unique shopping experience in a winter wonderland setting. Stick around after you shop to visit Santa; he is often spotted in the area. See "A Christmas Carol" at the Goodman Theatre or visit the Navy Pier, on December 7th it is covered in dazzling lights and wintertime decorations. Go ice skating, play some games and let your kids express their holiday wishes to Santa and his elves at Santa’s Holiday Village.
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Things to know:
Region: Chicago
Average temperature: Between 28 and 41 degrees F.
Dates and Prices: Ticket prices vary. The Christkindlmarket and Holiday Village are free and open to the public.
Extra Stops: See the Radio City Music Show at the Rosemount Theatre.
Photos courtesy of Chicago Office of Tourism.
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