You might have missed the Thanksgiving Parade, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and even the official lighting of the City of Chicago Tree, but there are still plenty of fun holiday activities left to experience in Chicago. Here are our top four picks:
1. Christkindlmarket
Dailey Plaza – 50 W. Washington St.
Sun.-Thurs. 11am to 8pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am to 9pm
Whatever holiday you celebrate, this festive German market is sure to entertain. Get your fill of German music, pretzels, and souvenirs that look like they came straight from Santa’s workshop. The traditional German beer steins are especially popular with Chicago dads.
2. Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park
2100 N. Clark St.
Nightly from Dec. 13-Dec. 23rd, from 5pm to 9pm
Now that it’s too cold for concerts, Lincoln Park Zoo still manages to amaze with holiday-themed lighting that really puts a new spin on its animal inhabitants. For the young, Santa will also be making an appearance.
3.Winter WonderFest
Navy Pier – 600 E. Grand Ave.
Dec. 6th – Jan. 12th
Boasting 170,000 indoor square feet, WonderFest at Navy Peer will keep you from the winter cold while entertaining you with indoor ice skating, an indoor ferris wheel, hot cocoa, and for the first time this year – an indoor zip line.
4. Handel’s Messiah
Harris Theater – 205 E. Randolph
Dec. 21st – 3pm
A true Chicago Christmas tradition, listen to the incredibly beautiful rendition of Handel’s Messiah by the the Apollo Chorus. Set at the upscale Harris Theater, this piece clocks in at two and a half hours, and so, is not for the meek of heart. It is, however, the epitome of Christmas spirit!
