Compiled by Ashmar Mandou
From the dazzling lights of the Christmas tree at Millennium Park to the authentic holiday market of Christkindlmarket, Chicago’s much anticipated season is here. With so much occurring around the City, we have rounded up some of the best activities for families to enjoy.
Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker
The Joffrey Ballet’s critically acclaimed reimagined classic, The Nutcracker by Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, returns to celebrate the magic of the holiday season. Wheeldon’s American tale relocates Marie and her immigrant family to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, where Marie embarks on a whirlwind adventure with the Nutcracker Prince. The Nutcracker runs through December 28th. For tickets or for general information, visit www.joffrey.org.
Millenium Park Christmas Tree
Enjoy the shimmering lights of the Christmas tree at Millennium Park. This year’s Christmas tree is a generous gift from Ryan and Jody Mason of Glenview, Illinois, whose family donated their towering Norway spruce to the City of Chicago. Estimated at approximately 68 feet tall and decorated with 39,250 feet of glimmering lights, the tree will be on display in Millennium Park until Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.
Millennium Park Ice Skating
The 2025 to 2026 ice skating season at Millennium Park will run from Nov. 21, 2025, through Feb. 1, 2026, offering sessions at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Reservations are required and skate rentals begin at $17. Reservations are now open for sessions through Dec. 5. For pricing and reservation details, visit www.chicago.gov or call 312-285-2361.
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol runs through December 31 (opening night is November 23) in the 856-seat Albert Theatre. For tickets ($44 – $173, subject to change), visit the Box Office (170 N. Dearborn), call 312.443.3800 or purchase online at GoodmanTheatre.org/Carol. Visit the website for performance dates when Johnson appears as Scrooge.
Lincoln Park Zoo Presents Zoolights
Celebrate the festive holiday season with friends and family at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd, is now open. opening November 21. This beloved staple of Chicago’s holiday season will delight guests of all ages with festive attractions and more than 3 million lights across zoo grounds. For more information, visit www.lpzoo.org
Christkindlmarket
The Christkindlmarket Chicago is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind outside of Europe, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events & intercultural activities. The Christkindlmarket Chicago runs through Christmas Eve at the Daley Plaza. For more information, visit www.christkindlmarket.com
