See all Chicago Christmas happenings this year!
Chicago welcomes Christmas 2025 around Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile, where sparkling displays and city concerts set a festive scene. Winter parades, holiday shows and seasonal celebrations offer enchanting lights, markets and music for families and visitors to enjoy.
Find the best Chicago Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Chicago
- A Christmas Carol
- The Nutcracker
- Christkindlmarket Chicago
- Old St. Patrick's Deck the Hall
- Jack Frost Christmas Holiday Pop-Up
- The One of a Kind Holiday Show
- Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
- City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- ZooLights
- ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Chicago Christmas Events
Chicago Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
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Experience the magic of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at Goodman Theatre. This beloved adaptation, praised for its "first-rate cast and marvelous staging," follows Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey on Christmas Eve. Directed by Malkia Stampley, the production features Christopher Donahue returning as Scrooge in a performance hailed as "historical standout." It's a "heartfelt holiday extravaganza" that remains "the best Christmas story ever told."
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Step into a magical Christmas Eve at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with The Joffrey Ballet's spectacular production of The Nutcracker. This Tony Award-winning reimagining by Christopher Wheeldon transports audiences on a fantastical journey with Marie and her prince, set to Tchaikovsky's beloved score. Experience a dazzling array of international attractions and a thrilling battle between toy soldiers and the Rat King.
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Experience the magic of the holiday season at Old St. Patrick's 'Deck the Hall' in Chicago. This beloved tradition features a candlelit concert with breathtaking orchestral and choral performances, filling the historic church with festive cheer. Guests can also opt for a reception with delicious food and drinks, making it a perfect way to celebrate the season and support the church's mission.
Chicago Christmas Markets and Shopping
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Step into a magical European winter wonderland at the Christkindlmarket Chicago. This beloved holiday tradition offers a unique shopping experience with over 100 international and local vendors selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and gifts. Savor the aromas of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, and authentic German Glühwein while enjoying festive music and a truly enchanting atmosphere.
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Get ready for a magical holiday experience as Jack Frost returns in November 2025. This festive pop-up event promises to bring the enchantment of the North Pole to life. Join their VIP list for exclusive updates and surprises, ensuring you don't miss out on the holiday cheer.
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Discover Chicago's premier holiday shopping destination at The One of a Kind Holiday Show. This highly anticipated event brings together over 600 talented artists, designers, and makers, offering a vast array of unique, handmade gifts. Browse thousands of handcrafted items across 20 categories, ensuring you'll find the perfect present for everyone on your list.
Christmas Events Near Chicago
Chicago Loop Christmas Events
Near North Side Christmas Events
Lincoln Park Christmas Events
North Center Christmas Events
Oak Park Christmas Events
Berwyn Christmas Events
Evanston Christmas Events
Park Ridge Christmas Events
Des Plaines Christmas Events
Westmont Christmas Events
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With 20 years of experience, we use AI technology to build the most comprehensive list of christmas events events.
Our goal is complete coverage—from major festivals to small community celebrations, ensuring you never miss anything happening in your area.
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