Gary Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Celebrations of Lights & Santa's Workshop. This enchanting event offers a chance to visit Santa's Workshop and marvel at a spectacular display of festive lights. It's a perfect opportunity for families to create lasting holiday memories.

Embark on a festive journey through Sunset Hill Farm County Park's enchanting Winter Lights Drive-Through. This beloved annual tradition transforms the park into a wonderland of synchronized light displays and holiday music, all enjoyed from the warmth and convenience of your vehicle. Drive the scenic loop past beautifully decorated sponsor...

Michigan City welcomes the holiday season with its beloved Festival of Lights. This enchanting event features a traditional parade followed by a spectacular drive-through light display in Washington Park. Millions of lights transform the park into a dazzling wonderland, showcasing a variety of festive and eye-popping designs.

Navy Pier transforms into a winter wonderland with the return of Winter WonderFest. This beloved indoor holiday event features dazzling décor, thrilling rides, an ice rink, and festive fun for all ages. Explore the 42-foot Holiday Tree, enjoy classic attractions, and savor seasonal treats.

America's holiday season officially begins at The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® in Chicago. This iconic event features the nation's largest nighttime parade, dazzling floats, marching bands, and beloved characters from Walt Disney World®. The celebration culminates with a spectacular fireworks display, illuminating over one million lights along Michigan Avenue.

Experience the magical kickoff to the holiday season at Illuminate 900. Hosts Giuliana & Bill Rancic will guide you through an evening of spectacular performances, delightful family activities like cookie decorating, and festive music. The highlight is Santa's arrival to light the magnificent 50-foot tree, transforming the venue into a...

Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland for ZooLights, a beloved holiday tradition. Millions of lights illuminate the park, creating a magical atmosphere with dazzling displays and a festive light tunnel. Enjoy seasonal treats, rides on the Ferris wheel and carousel, and special events like ice carving and live...

Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a magical holiday spectacle with ZooLights, featuring over 3 million dazzling lights and hundreds of festive displays. Enjoy iconic rides, warm up with seasonal treats, and experience live ice carving and caroling. It's Chicago's favorite holiday tradition, perfect for creating lasting winter memories.

Winterland at Gallagher Way transforms into a magical holiday destination, bringing the festive spirit of the season to life. Visitors can immerse themselves in the charming Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, a beloved European-style market featuring unique vendors and seasonal delights. It's the perfect place to soak in the holiday cheer and find...

Gallagher Way transforms into a magical Winterland, offering a festive escape with dazzling light displays and a charming Christkindlmarket. Visitors can enjoy outdoor movie nights, participate in creative workshops, and explore a variety of seasonal activities. It's a perfect destination for holiday cheer and community celebration.

Experience the magic of the holidays at the Hometown Holiday Celebration! This festive event features a bustling outdoor market with unique gifts and delicious food, enchanting carriage rides, a spectacular tree lighting ceremony, and a dazzling Twilight Parade. Cap off the evening by meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, making it...

Experience the magic of Holly Days, a cherished downtown Valparaiso holiday tradition. This festive celebration features live entertainment, dazzling holiday lights, enchanting ice sculptures, and the joyful sounds of carolers. Children can visit Santa, and everyone can enjoy Candy Cane Lane and a special Holiday Express Train ride. Local retailers...

Experience a delightful holiday celebration at Crestwood's Christmas Market with Santa. This festive event features a charming market with holiday-themed merchants, opportunities to write letters to Santa, and creative cookie decorating sessions. Visitors can also enjoy warm hot chocolate and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos.

Experience the magic of the season at Tinley Park's Holiday Happenings! This beloved annual event transforms Downtown Tinley Park into a festive wonderland. Browse unique gifts and artisanal crafts at the Holiday Market, and savor delicious seasonal treats and warm beverages. It's the perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit...

Get into the holiday spirit at The Salt Shed's Holiday Gift Market. This vibrant event showcases Chicago's finest artisans, jewelers, ceramicists, and vintage vendors, offering a perfect opportunity to find unique gifts for everyone on your list. Explore one-of-a-kind jewelry, stunning ceramics, handmade textiles, and curated vintage finds in a...

Experience the magic of Indiana Ballet Theatre's "The Nutcracker," a timeless holiday classic. This beloved ballet, set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score, transports audiences to a fantastical land of snow and sweets. Follow young Clara on her enchanting journey as she encounters the Rat King and is captivated by diverse international...

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."...

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...

Ring in the New Year with the highly anticipated Pierogi Drop in Whiting, Indiana! This unique celebration, voted one of the best New Year's Eve drops in the USA, features a spectacular midnight descent of a 10-foot illuminated pierogi into a boiling cauldron. Enjoy an indoor party with live entertainment...

Get ready for an unforgettable New Year's Eve at Howl at the Moon's spectacular celebration! They are hosting a night of high-energy entertainment and live music, promising a countdown like no other. Whether you prefer to start with a seated dinner and show or dive straight into the festivities with...

Get ready to ring in the New Year with an electrifying disco dance party at The Salt Shed! This event promises a night filled with the greatest hits from ABBA, alongside beloved disco anthems from the 70s and 80s by artists like The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and Cher. Don...

Embark on a whimsical journey aboard Santa's Candy Cane Express for a truly magical holiday experience. This festive event promises enchanting moments as you ride with Santa and his cheerful helpers, surrounded by dazzling holiday decorations. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season.

Visit Santa atop Santa's Mountain, a replica from 'A Christmas Story,' for a memorable photo opportunity. Children can also enjoy sliding down the iconic red slide. This special holiday event takes place at the Indiana Welcome Center.

Get ready for the magical Crown Point Santa Parade! Witness Santa's spectacular arrival by helicopter at Pointe Plaza before he heads to the historic Lake Country Courthouse. This beloved event marks the joyous start of the holiday season, bringing festive cheer to families.

Lace up your running shoes for the Santa Run & Walk 5K/2K, a festive event for everyone! Choose between a timed 5K or a non-timed 2K run/walk through Crown Point. Participants receive finisher medals, and awards are given to top performers. After the race, enjoy hot cocoa, Christmas treats, and...

Get into the festive spirit at the Oak Forest Park District's Christmas Arts and Crafts Workshop. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to engage in creative holiday crafting, perfect for all ages. Discover new techniques and create unique holiday-themed items.

The 27th Annual Tinley Park Parade of Lights illuminates the heart of downtown Tinley Park, marking a magical start to the holiday season. Families and friends gather for a dazzling procession of illuminated floats, marching bands, and community organizations, culminating in a special appearance by Santa Claus. Local businesses along...

Join the Michigan City community for the spectacular Festival of Lights Celebration. The event kicks off with a dazzling parade through the Uptown Arts District, followed by a lively chili cook-off and other festivities downtown. It's a perfect way to usher in the holiday spirit.

Join the city of Chicago for the 112th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millennium Park. This cherished event officially ushers in the holiday season, illuminating the city's official Christmas tree. Gather near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street to witness this spectacular tradition.

Experience the magic of the holidays as Santa Claus makes a special visit to North Berwyn in his mobile workshop. This unique event offers residents the chance to receive a personal meet-and-greet with Santa right at their home, perfect for sharing holiday wishes. It's a heartwarming way to bring festive...

Capture the magic of Christmas at the North Pole with this enchanting floral arrangement. Featuring a hand-painted, lighted cottage inspired by Thomas Kinkade, it depicts Santa and his elves preparing for their big night. Nestled amongst lush red roses and festive greenery, this gift is sure to bring joy for...