The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
  • Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • New on the scene: Recapping recent restaurant and bar openings in Chicago

  • The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer bucket list

  • Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

  • A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

The Big City Blog
Home›The Big City Blog›The Big City Blog: From Christkindlmarket to Macy’s windows and Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest, here are the best Christmas and holiday activities around Chicago

The Big City Blog: From Christkindlmarket to Macy’s windows and Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest, here are the best Christmas and holiday activities around Chicago

By TheRealChicagoOnline
November 24, 2018
1137
0
Share:

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

Photo by Guy Bauer

By Trent Modglin

The following blog was created in conjunction with KeyMagazineChicago.com

Christkindlmarket

This annual outdoor market in Daley Plaza offers traditional German food and drinks, and vendors in this quaint, illuminated village sell handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and cuckoo clocks. The market has been a Chicago tradition since 1996 and is influenced by the Christkindlmarket in Nuremberg, Germany. Admission is free. Christkindlmarket Chicago runs Nov. 16-Dec. 24 Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 50 W. Washington. Christkindlmarket.com

Lincoln Park Zoolights

This popular (and free) zoo located in beautiful Lincoln Park decorates its entire property with a mind-boggling 2.5 million colorful lights, adorning everything from the trees to the grass itself. The celebration also includes lights synchronized to holiday music, animal-shaped yard decorations and activities like trains, a light maze, Ferris wheel and Sea Explorer 5D. ZooLights takes place Nov. 23-25, Nov. 30-Dec. 2, Dec. 7–23, Dec. 26-Jan. 6 from 4:30-9 p.m. 2200 N. Cannon. LPZoo.org

Christmas Around the World exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry

This popular exhibit began back in 1942 with a single tree. Today, the annual celebration features a four-story Grand Tree that is surrounded by a forest of more than 50 other smaller trees and vibrant displays to represent holiday traditions from around the globe. Live holiday dance and choral performances, more than 30,000 lights and fake snowfalls add to the spirit of the season for visitors.

The exhibit is open through Jan. 6, 2019. 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr. MSIChicago.org

Macy’s fun

After taking in the 50th annual Macy’s holiday windows (on display until Jan. 5) or the Holiday Traditions Tour, which highlights the traditions of iconic State Street, stop by the 17,000-square-foot Walnut Room, a dining experience on the seventh floor complete with Austrian chandeliers, Russian wood paneling and — most importantly during the holiday season — a 45-foot Christmas tree with 15,000 lights that sits directly in the center of the dining room. The pot pie and a glass of wine in this spot come recommended. And get a chance to meet Santa on the fifth floor right up through Christmas Eve. 111 N. State. VisitMacysChicago.com

Chicago Trolley Lights Tour

The Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co. ushers in the holiday season with its annual Holiday Lights Tour beginning Nov. 23 and running through Dec. 23. The tour begins at the John Hancock Plaza tree (875 N. Michigan Ave.), showing off the thousands of glittering lights throughout the Magnificent Mile and makes two stops where you can hop off to explore the Christkindmarket downtown and ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo. Complimentary with each ticket is a pair of ZooLights 3D glasses and a bag of hot cocoa caramel crisp from Garrett Popcorn. Advanced registration is highly recommended for this narrated two-and-a-half tour. Departs Mon.-Thurs. at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Fri.-Sun. at 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on the following dates: Nov. 23-25 and 30, Dec. 1-2 and Dec. 7-23. Adults: $32, kids: $20). ChicagoTrolley.com

Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier

For 18th straight year, Navy Pier transforms its Festival Hall to offer families plenty of indoor holiday thrills. From Nov. 30, 2018-Jan. 6, 2019, guests can experience festive décor and a glittering forest of 500 trees and 25,000 ornaments, as well as 170,000 square feet of entertainment for all ages — from the ever-popular Chicago Blackhawks ice skating rink to the polar extreme obstacle course, 40-foot cliff hanger, polar ice peaks climbing wall and Arctic express train. Tickets available at NavyPier.org

Chicago Christmas Tree

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

A proud 105-year tradition, this 60-foot Norway spruce will remain illuminated over Millennium Park (Washington and Michigan Ave.) through January 6, 2019.

CTA Holiday Train and Bus

This is the 27th year of the CTA Holiday Train — a holiday tradition unique to Chicago. Both the train and bus are in-service vehicles that operate as part of regular service, so space is limited. Photos with Santa are available when exiting at your destination. You can track the whereabouts of Santa using CTA train tracker.

Photo by Peter Schultz

Caroling at Cloud Gate

Bundle up and belt out some holiday classics as local Chicago choral groups lead hundreds of celebrants in song at “the bean” in Millennium Park every Friday from Nov. 23-Dec. 14 as well as Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 6-7 p.m. Free admission. MillenniumPark.org

Holiday tea at the Drake Hotel

Steeped in history, the Palm Court at The Drake Hotel has been serving afternoon tea for close to a century — even the Queen and Princess Diana made royal visits. Enjoy an assortment of French teas and decadent pastries and sandwiches while listening to holiday carolers and a harpist. Seating available every half hour between 1-4:30 p.m. Nov. 1-9, 12-16 and 19-22 and every half hour between 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 10-11, 17-18 and Nov. 23-Jan. 13. $52 for adults, $25 for children ages 3-12. 140 E. Walton. (312) 932-4619. TheDrakeHotel.com

Carriage rides downtown

Want to take in the lights of Michigan Avenue, get a narrated tour or perhaps a ride from dinner to the theatre in a uniquely stylish way? Traditional horse-drawn carriage rides and a variety of horse-drawn narrated tours are available at Water Tower Park (806 N. Michigan Ave.) from Chicago Horse & Carriage (ChicagoCarriage.com), Great Lakes Horse & Carriage (GreatLakesHorseAndCarriage.com) and Antique Coach and Carriage (AntiqueCoach-Carriage.com).

Gray Line holiday bus tour

Leap into the holiday spirit with Gray Line’s Chicago Holiday Lights Tour, which includes quick stops for Lincoln Park ZooLights and Christkindlmarket, as well as great views of the Mag Mile, Macy’s iconic holiday windows and Chicago’s Christmas tree in Millennium Park. Tickets start at just $28, and boarding happens outside of the Palmer House Hilton at 17 E. Monroe. 312-251-3100. GrayLineChicago.com

Morton Arboretum’s Illumination

Illumination is an award-winning, outdoor walking tour that covers approximately one mile and winds through 50 acres of the Arboretum’s renowned tree collections brought to life with more than one million lights set to music. Warm up at concession tents and fire pits along the path. Illumination runs through Jan. 1, 2019 and is closed on Mondays (except for Dec. 31), Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets are for both a specific date and time, starting at 4:30 p.m. each evening. 4100 Illinois Route 53 in suburban Lisle. MortonArb.org

Holiday Magic at the Brookfield Zoo

Get into the holiday spirit with more than one million lights covering the trees, fences and animal structures of the Brookfield Zoo. In addition to many indoor exhibits open for viewing favorite animals, guests are encouraged to sing to the animals and participate in “zoo chats.” Also included: carolers, storytellers, magic shows, a laser-light experience, ice-carving demonstrations, costumed characters, a model railroad display and a 41-foot LED talking tree. Now in its 37th year, Holiday Magic runs Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 and 26-31. Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. with festivities beginning at 4 p.m. 8400 W. 31st St. in suburban Brookfield. CZS.org/holidaymagic

Wonderland Express at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Head north to the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden for their annual Wonderland Express, a holiday exhibit featuring model trains, magical indoor snow and meticulously created miniature Chicago landmarks. Carolers and ice carvings only add to the fun. Runs Nov. 23-Jan. 6. 1000 Lake Cook Road in suburban Glencoe. ChicagoBotanic.org

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

TagsBrookfield ZooCaroling at Cloud GateChicago Botanic GardenChicago carriage ridesChicago ChristmasChicago Christmas TreeChicago trolleyCTA Holiday TrainDrake HotelIlluminationLincoln Park ZooMacy's ChristkindlmarketMillennium ParkMorton ArboretumNavy PierThe Real ChicagoWalnut RoomWinter WonderFestZoolights
Previous Article

Good Eats at Momotaro: The Boka Restaurant ...

Next Article

Chicago’s best burgers: Food blogger Kit Graham’s ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: Three legendary musicals — Les Miserables, The Music Man and CATS — play Chicago in July ...

    July 10, 2019
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • We Ask, They Answer

    We Ask, They Answer: Q&A with Robyn Lynne Norris on her hit show #DateMe: An OKCupid Experiment, back for a ...

    October 5, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Shop around the corner: Click provides shoppers with fashionable, comfortable and affordable pieces in Lakeview

    October 13, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Chicago Insider

    Chicago Insider: Meredith Franczyk on Quartino, Hopleaf and Half Acre beer, and dresses at Bazar

    December 11, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Second City’s memorable new “Fantastic Super Great Nation Numero Uno” takes accurate aim at the differences in ...

    January 25, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: Bar Roma’s Chef’s Table dinner, new bird exhibit at Notebaert Nature Museum, “skinny sips” at Cantina ...

    January 16, 2018
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • Around Town

    Stepping out on “The Ledge” at the Willis Tower

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Rise and dine: Start your day off right at these fun Chicago breakfast joints

  • LATEST REVIEWS

  • TOP REVIEWS

Timeline

  • November 11, 2021

    Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

  • July 31, 2019

    Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & Ash

  • July 30, 2019

    First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater experience

  • July 28, 2019

    Finger lickin’ good: Six trusted Chicago spots for a stellar barbecue experience

  • July 25, 2019

    The Big City Blog: Four Friday Night Flights beer tastings remain this summer, including July 26 in Ravenswood

Latest Comments

  • The 14 Best Fireplaces in Chicago | UrbanMatter
    on
    October 11, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: The Real Chicago […]

    Cozy on up: We asked active Chicagoans for their favorite spots to warm up in the ...

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum | FreeForAll.org
    on
    January 16, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum – FreeForAll.org
    on
    October 23, 2016
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • The Real Chicago – The Big City Blog: A very Chicago night on the town
    on
    May 31, 2016
    […] up was The Redhead Piano Bar for drinks and live music. I’ve said it before ...

    Friendly, unfussy, and serious about music: Hanging with Marshall Nelson from the Redhead Piano Bar

  • Scouting Logan Square: A Renewed Historical Neighborhood - The Annex, a blog by Casamatic
    on
    March 10, 2016
    […] (cover photo via The Real Chicago) […]

    The rise of Logan Square: Why this diverse area has quickly become one of Chicago’s hottest ...

Find us on Facebook

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
  • Latest Posts

  • Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    November 11, 2021
  • Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 31, 2019
  • First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 30, 2019

Photostream

    Follow us

    © Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.