Plan an exciting trip to coincide with the dazzling festivities held during Chicago’s fall and winter holidays from October to January. Your group will be awed by the city’s joyful local traditions, from a nighttime Halloween parade and lively artisan markets to glittering light displays and classic seasonal performances. Check out our suggestions for group holiday fun in Chicago.
Fall
Arts in the Dark
Over 50,000 people are expected to line State Street in the Loop on Oct. 19, 2024, to cheer Arts in the Dark. This Halloween-themed evening parade features floats, puppets, music, dance, and performers dressed in spectacular costumes. The event, billed as the “artist’s holiday,” celebrates the talents of the city’s creative community. USA Today ranked Arts in the Dark as one of the 10 best Halloween parades in the United States.
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
On Oct. 31, 2024, bring your group to see fabulous costumes on display during the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade, named by Fodor’s as one of the top 10 Halloween parades in the U.S. The parade marches along Halsted Street in the city’s landmark LGBTQ+ Northalsted neighborhood (formerly known as Boystown). Hundreds of participants up the ante each year, vying for cash prizes in the character, creative, story, youth, and group categories. Stay after the parade to watch the lively awards ceremony.
Winter
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Take your group on an outing to a German holiday market in the heart of downtown Chicago. The aromas of mulled wine, sizzling bratwurst, and roasted nuts waft from charming wood booths lining Daley Plaza. Artisan vendors at Christkindlmarket Chicago sell colorful ornaments, handmade wooden toys, cozy woven apparel, and more. Rousing live music and admission to the market are free. Inquire about group dining and special ticketed events. Christkindlmarket Chicago begins in mid-November and runs through Dec. 24, 2024.
A Christmas Carol
See the holiday classic Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol from Nov. 16–Dec. 30, 2024, at the Goodman Theatre. Lauded actor Larry Yando will reprise his lead role as the bitter, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge, who ultimately embraces the spirit of Christmas. The iconic production, with an incredible set that includes Scrooge flying above the stage, is an annual holiday tradition in Chicago. Reserve tickets now for groups of 15 or more to get the best prices and seating.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is illuminated with 2.5 million glowing lights during the annual ZooLights. Visitors to this evening event, held from mid-November through early January, are treated to an array of holiday experiences. Beyond the zoo’s animal exhibits, see dazzling light shows, carolers, and costumed characters. Watch ice carvers in action, ride a whimsical carousel, or decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus. Ask the zoo’s group sales department about options to customize the experience.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
More than 50 volunteer-decorated trees at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry beautifully represent cultural holiday traditions from around the world. The trees surround the glittery four-story Grand Tree, which stretches from the ground floor to the museum’s globe. On weekends, catch live international music and dance performances. Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is on display from mid-November until early January. Groups of 15 or more receive discounts when reserving at least two weeks in advance. Special group activities, tours, and lunches can be included in your visit.
Millennium Park
Several can’t-miss events usher in the holiday season at Millennium Park. On Nov. 22, 2024, head to Michigan Avenue and join in the festivities leading up to the City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by a light-up-the-sky fireworks show. Attend the Holiday Sing-Along featuring choral groups on Friday nights in December. From November through March, arrange for your group to lace up rented skates and take a few spins around the outdoor McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, with the city’s spectacular skyline as a backdrop.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
For over 30 years, The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has kicked off Chicago’s holiday season on North Michigan Avenue. Bring your group for a full day of free activities on Nov. 23, 2024, including games, photos with Santa Claus, and local food and drink booths. The culmination of the festival is a parade led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, when more than 200 trees lining Michigan Avenue are magically illuminated by nearly one million lights. The parade also includes floats, celebrity appearances, marching bands, and Santa himself. A spectacular fireworks display over the Chicago River ends the fun-filled day.
Winterland at Gallagher Way
Head to Gallagher Way at historic Wrigley Field (home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team) and discover lots of ways for your group to celebrate the season. Winterland at Gallagher Way brings an ice rink to the famed venue and offers a variety of holiday activities, including holiday movies and crafts, from late November to early January. Part of the popular event is Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, a smaller version of the downtown holiday market, featuring artisan booths and German foods.
The Nutcracker
A young girl’s Christmas Eve dream about a magical nutcracker prince, toy soldiers, and an army of evil mice is brought to life in The Nutcracker, a beloved annual holiday performance by the acclaimed Joffrey Ballet. Set during Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon, this gorgeous production is on stage at the Lyric Opera House from Dec. 6 – 28, 2024. Savings are offered on reserved seating for groups of 10 or more.
Menorah Lighting Celebration
Gather at Daley Plaza in the Loop to witness the lighting of a 31-foot-tall menorah for Hanukkah, the eight-day festival of lights. The celebration continues a tradition hosted by the Chabad Center for Jewish Life since 1987. After the lighting, attendees dance and eat latkes and doughnuts. The celebration begins Dec. 25, 2024, and concludes on Jan. 2, 2025.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Celebrate African American heritage by joining the Kwanzaa Celebration with dancing, drumming, and storytelling at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. The holiday observances held from Dec. 26, 2024, through Jan. 1, 2025, focus on the seven principles of Kwanzaa — unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Downtown Maggie Daley Park becomes an ice skater’s dream in the winter. Glide along the Skating Ribbon, a winding, ice-covered pathway adjacent to Millennium Park. Reserve a two-hour session in advance to accommodate your group during skating season from November through March. Tickets become available Nov. 6, 2024. Skate rentals are offered.
Discover even more ways for your group to celebrate the holidays in Chicago.
