Compiled by Ashmar Mandou
Nutcracker
Virtual Art on theMART
With the cancellation of The Joffrey Ballet’s annual engagement of Christopher Wheeldon’s critically acclaimed version of The Nutcracker in 2020, the Joffrey is pleased to announce a myriad of festive, interactive virtual offerings throughout the holiday season, including the debut of a newly animated digital display as part of Chicago’s Art on theMART — the largest permanent digital art projection in the world. The Nutcracker presentation for Art on theMART, set to the music of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, runs nightly through December 30, at 7:00 and 7:30 PM, in partnership with Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
Christkindlmarket
Virtual Marketplace through December 31st
The smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and hot spiced wine, the sound of music, and the glimmer of sparkling Christmas ornaments, all in a cozy atmosphere – this is the authentic German-style Christkindlmarket experience. Through December 31, people from all around the nation will be able to enjoy the beloved tradition from the comfort and safety of their homes through the first-ever virtual Christkindlmarket “Home for the Holidays,” featuring an online marketplace, family-friendly events, and fun interactive activities. Head over to Christkindlmarket.com.
Lightscape
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden hosts this annual display of festive lights, giving guests a host of shimmering reasons to visit the forest preserve during the holiday season. Set along a one-mile path, the after-dark experience features a series of installations to explore, including a 110-foot tunnel made up of 100,000 lights and a group of trees festooned in bulbs that “sing” holiday songs. Lightscape will run on select dates through January 3, and you can buy tickets at chicagobotanic.org/Lightscape at a standard or weekend price ($26/$28 for adults, $14/$15 for children).
Zoolights
Lincoln Park Zoo
The most wonderful time of the year deserves the most wonderful occasion of the year, so celebrate the holidays with us at ZooLights Presented By ComEd and Invesco QQQ! This one-of-a-kind, festive holiday experience offers a merry, family-oriented tradition in the heart of the city. ZooLights will feature hundreds of luminous displays and incredible seasonal activities, all under the glow of millions of illuminated lights, plus reduced capacity admission to keep your family safe. For tickets or general information, visit lpzoo.org
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
See trees in a different light at a reimagined Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. Designed with your safety in mind, this year’s new driving experience (20–30 minutes long) features an unparalleled spectacle of color, light, and music you won’t experience anywhere else. You will be delighted to see returning favorites reenvisioned, including Symphony Woods, Woodland Wonder, and Crystal Promenade, and five newly designed sights displayed along a two-mile road among the Arboretum’s magnificent trees. Immerse yourself in a captivating tunnel of lights, an awe-inspiring magical woodland filled with dazzling color and starlike light, and a landscape filled with thousands of lights dancing to a musical soundtrack, all from the warmth of your car. Visit mortonarb.org for more information.
