Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all over the city this month in Chicago.
This weekend, Chicago is kicking off the holiday season in style with a magical evening parade, a tree-lighting ceremony, classic Christmas shows, awe-inspiring light displays, festive holiday markets, and so much more.
Check out just a few of the top things to do this weekend in Chicago, Nov. 22 – 24, 2024. Please note that all events are subject to change.
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Chicago’s official Christmas Tree will be illuminated on Friday, November 22 at 6pm with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The tree will remain illuminated through…
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has been a beloved holiday celebration for more than 30 years.
The grand tree-lighting parade on Saturday evening that heralds the illumination of over one million lights on Michigan Avenue’s more than 200 trees. The procession includes iconic Disney characters, floats, musical performances, giant balloons, and more.
The evening finishes with a stunning riverfront fireworks display.
Millennium Park Holiday Market
Enjoy shopping, live entertainment and concessions at the Millennium Park Holiday Market! The opening of the market is aligned with the 111th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting…
A Christmas Carol
The “perfect Chicago holiday tradition” (Chicago Parent). Rediscover the magic of Dickens’ classic with a fresh, heartwarming adaptation that “makes you believe kindness can win”…
Christkindlmarket
What can you expect at the market? The German-style Christmas Market provides a safe outdoor experience for the whole family. All Christkindlmarkets are always free admission. The smell of roasted nuts,…
Lincoln Park Zoolights
Celebrate three decades of priceless holiday memories as Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ returns for its 30th year this November. This beloved staple of…
Illumination: Tree Lights
This annual event is a spectacle of light, sound, and color against a backdrop of nature at the Morton Arboretum. Exciting features and immersive installations in this festive experience will delight all ages along a one-mile path. Warm up by a crackling fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores or stop in at the concession tent on Frost Hill for snacks and beverages.
Lightscape
Embrace the spirit and beauty of the season at Lightscape, setting the Garden aglow with light, music and art. This year’s reimagined trail takes our holiday celebration to new heights and lights with dazzling installations debuting in the U.S. for the first time. Leave your to-do list at home and make lasting memories at Lightscape.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is now open for the season! Glide across the ice in the shadow of “The Bean” and the glittering city of Chicago Christmas Tree.
Admission to the ice rink will be free, but reservations are required.
The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of Denmark (U.S. Premiere)
Ex Machina, Côté Danse and Dvoretsky Productions, in partnership with Show One Productions, proudly present the U.S. premiere of The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of…
Markets for Makers Chicago Holiday Market
Markets for Makers is coming back to Artifact Events in Chicago! Come shop 90+ makers, craft at their DIY stations, take photos at their photo…
Bus Tour | The Story of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley with Dilla Thomas
Join Chicago urban historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas on an engaging bus tour of key Chicago sites important to Emmett Till’s life and that humanize the well-known story…
Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective
What do a red sequin burlesque costume, a pair of original Air Jordan 1s, a baby’s wool bathing suit, and an enormous white tulle Christian…
The Marriage of Figaro
Join Lyric Opera of Chicago for Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, an intimate study of human relationships and one of the greatest operas ever written.…
Chicago Style Improv
Get ready to experience “classic” improvisation that will leave you laughing long after the curtains close! Combining lightning-fast wit, razor-sharp skills, and boundless creativity, Chicago…
Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical
Chicago Kids Company’s Holiday Classic returns for the 25th Year! Our biggest and most colorful show will put you in the Holiday Spirit in no…
The RSC’s Pericles
Royal Shakespeare Company returns to Chicago for the first time in 30 years as part of a new, ongoing partnership with CST Direct from a run…
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
IT’S TIME TO BELIEVE IN MAGIC Broadway’s Spellbinding Sensation Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is coming to Chicago on its first-ever North American Tour. Join the…
ART on THE MART
ART on THE MART is one of the world’s largest digital art platforms that transforms an architectural landmark into a permanent, larger-than-life canvas. A shining…
Explore our events calendar for more Chicago events and happenings.
