By Choose Chicago
(See Part I: Holiday Lights here, and Part II: Holiday Markets here.)
There’s truly no time like the holidays in Chicago.
Each winter, the city is full of bustling excitement and seasonal celebrations. You can admire twinkling light displays, go ice skating with skyline views, shop for gifts in a charming neighborhood boutique or pop-up market, catch a holiday show in a stunning downtown theatre, and so much more.
Lace Up Your Ice Skates
On winter days, lace up your skates and hit one of the city’s scenic ice skating rinks. A classic holiday activity in Chicago, skating at the Millennium Park ice skating rink offers panoramic views of Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) and the surrounding city skyline dusted in snow.
Nearby, Maggie Daley Park is known for its one-of-a-kind Skating Ribbon, an icy path that curves through the park’s whimsical landscape.
There are also charming neighborhood rinks throughout Chicago, like the Midway Plaisance in Hyde Park or the Gallagher Way rink in Wrigleyville.
Chicago Museums With Holiday Exhibits
Chicago museums love to take part in the holiday fun. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry hosts their annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, with 50 elaborately decorated trees that represent holiday traditions from across the globe. The exhibit also honors the traditions of Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day, St. Lucia Day, and more.
Share in the joy of art with family and friends at the Art Institute of Chicago. The museum’s beloved lions receive the holiday treatment each November during the annual Wreathing of the Lions celebration on the museum steps, a tradition for more than 30 years. Enjoy a live musical performance, complimentary hot chocolate, and an art-making activity inside the museum.
Catch A Festive Live Show
The holidays are the perfect time to plan a memorable night out on the town to experience the thrill of live musicals, dramas, ballets, and more. Whether you’re drawn to our bustling downtown theatre district (home to Broadway in Chicago) or more intimate neighborhood venues, there’s a show for you.
Grab your seats today for limited-time holiday productions, including:
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at Athenaeum Center Theatre
A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre
Hershel and The Hanukkah Goblins at Strawdog Theatre Company
The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House
The Art Deco Nutcracker by the A&A Ballet at The Athenaeum Theatre
It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago at American Blues Theater
Rudolph Runs Wild at The Second City
Up next, holiday shopping and iconic sights!
