The upside of dealing with Chicago winter is the holiday season. Chicago has always provided plenty of holiday activities to help residents get into the holiday spirit, and this year is no different. Here is our list of this year’s best activities of the holiday season:
Macy’s Great Tree Lighting & Holiday Window Display Unveiling
When: November 8
Where: 111 N. State St.
Cost: FREE
McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink in Millennium Park
When: November 14 – March 7
Where: 201 E. Randolph St.
Cost: FREE
Christkindlmarket
When: November 21 – December 24
Where: 50 W. Washington St.
Cost: FREE
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
When: November 22
Where: 401 N. Michigan Ave.
Cost: FREE
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Daley Plaza
When: November 25, 5 p.m.
Where: 50 W Washington St.
Cost: FREE
Santa House at Daley Plaza
When: November 25 – December 24
Where: 50 W. Washington St.
Cost: FREE
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade
When: November 27, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Where: 500 S. State St.
Cost: FREE
Caroling at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park
When: November 28 – December 19, every Friday at 6 p.m.
Where: 100 S. Michigan Ave.
Cost: FREE
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
When: November 28 – January 4, 2015, 5 p.m – 9 p.m.
Where: 2001 N. Clark St.
Cost: FREE
Wreathing of the Lions at the Art Institute of Chicago
When: November 28, 10 a.m.
Where: 111 S. Michigan Ave.
Cost: FREE
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
When: December 5 – January 11, 2015, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: 600 E. Grand Ave.
Cost: Gen. Admission $5, Activity Ticket $25 (both free under 2 yrs. old)
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Navy Pier
When: January 1, 12:00 a.m
Where: 600 E. Grand Ave.
Cost: FREE
With all these activities, you should never be at a lack of something to do this holiday season. As you can see, all but one of them are also free, which will help your holiday shopping budget go a little further this year.
