Looking to celebrate the holiday season in and around Chicago? There’s no shortage of events but keeping tabs on when each begins can be tricky.
We’ve put together a holiday calendar with timing of some of the region’s big holiday events and displays.
Here’s what to expect and when:
Christkindlmarket
The Chicago and Aurora Christkindlmarket locations open on Friday, Nov. 21, and the Wrigleyville location will open its gates on Sunday, Nov. 23.
Famous for offering exclusive collectible items, seasonal goods, German food and hot spiced wine, the popular markets are a favorite holiday tradition among Chicagoans.
Millenium Park Tree Lighting
Chicago’s official Christmas tree will be switched on at 6 p.m. on Nov. 21. The tree lighting ceremony takes place near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street at Millenium Park.
Large viewing areas will be set up for fans to capture the festive fun.
The tree’s lights will remain illuminated through Jan. 21.
Mag Mile Lights Festival
The popular 2025 parade and lights display takes place on Nov. 22. An outdoor celebration known as “Lights Festival Lane” will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. before the parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m., bringing more than one million lights to more than 200 trees along Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile.
The parade will step off at Oak Street and Michigan Avenue, culminating in a festive fireworks display that begins at 7:15 p.m. over the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue.
Lincoln Park ZooLights
Opening Nov. 21, tickets for Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights attraction in Chicago cost between $7 to $12, depending on the date. ZooLights continues through Jan. 4.
Lightscape
The Chicago Botanic Garden’s popular “Lightscape” display will be available from Nov. 14 through Jan. 4.
“Step into an enchanting 1.3-mile trail of twinkling lights and showstopping displays expertly curated anew each year. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and see the Chicago Botanic Garden glow beyond the expected,” the garden’s website reads.
Tickets range from $14 to $75, depending on your preference.
Morton Arboretum Illumination
Illumination at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle opens Nov. 15 and continues through Jan. 3.
Tickets range from $18 to $38, depending on the date.
IllumiBrew, a festival-style event at the arboretum where guests can get a first look at the lights while tasting local beers, ciders and meads takes place on from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14. Additional information is available here.
In a new addition this year, Illumination will feature four colorful animal sculptures from the Vivid Creatures exhibit.
Additional details on Illumination can be found here.
Holiday trains in Chicago and the suburbs
The beloved Canadian Pacific cross-country holiday train, complete with musical performances, will make a handful of stops in the Chicago area and southeastern Wisconsin this season.
5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 23: Franklin Park, Illinois; South side of Ruby Street Railway Crossing, North of Franklin Avenue. Musical performances by Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde
5:15 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. on Dec. 9: Gurnee, Illinois: 4460 Old Grand Avenue. Performances by American Authors and Pynk Beard
7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9: Sturtevant, Wisconsin: 9900 East Exploration. Performances by American Authors and Pynk Beard
8:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. on Dec. 9: Caledonia, Wisconsin: 5 1/2 Mile Road railway crossing. Performances by American Authors and Pynk Beard
4:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on Dec. 10: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin: Harwood Avenue railway crossing. Performances by American Authors and Pynk Beard
The train makes a number of other stops in Wisconsin and Minnesota, including in Wisconsin Dells, La Crosse, Oconomowoc, Winona, Minneapolis, St. Paul and more.
A full list of U.S. stops and dates can be found here.
Other holiday trains returning to the Chicago area for 2025 include the Metra Holiday Train, CTA holiday train and bus.
Ice Skating Chicago
Ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park begins Nov. 21 (weather permitting). Sessions will be available daily from 11 a.m. through 10:30 p.m
Meanwhile, the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon opened on Nov. 14. Skating reservations are offered from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on non-holidays.
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