Holiday Event & Activities on the Northside of Chicago
When you live in a big lively city, holiday events are always something to look forward to. The hustle and bustle of the crowds are, for once, not annoying and more endearing during the winter. Seeing everyone out in the cold celebrating their lives and families can be a fun experience. But with so many to go to – how do you choose? We want to make sure you don’t miss any cool events this season. Check out our list of the best Holiday events on the north side of Chicago for 2022.
Outdoor German-Style Christmas Market
Perhaps one of the best things to do during the Holidays, this market has been an iconic staple downtown and on Chicago’s northside outside Wrigley field. Thesavyglobetrotter.com writes about the unique experiences you get there, saying, “Christkindlmarket is an authentic German-style outdoor market. Visitors can shop for Christmas ornaments and products from around the world and try various German food and drinks such as roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and hot spiced wine. You can purchase a limited edition souvenir mug to remember your trip.” The market runs from Nov 18th to Dec 24th, and you can find the address, hours, and vendor information on their website here.
Giant City of Chicago Christmas Tree
A city of Chicago tradition, heading downtown to check out the Christmas tree in all its glory is a must on your holiday to-do list. Chicago.gov describes it as “Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree in Millennium Park will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. from November 18 through January 9. The 109th City of Chicago Christmas Tree is a 55-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by the Glisovic family of Morton Grove.” Don’t miss this incredible sight!
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
Rightfully at the top of this list, the Lincoln Park Zoo puts on an excellent yearly light show that is worth the visit. Their website says it best – “Chicago’s favorite holiday tradition […] with our new Pepper Family Wildlife Center at the heart of the zoo, a new holiday lights experience on our Main Mall, and an exciting new light show on our South Lawn. Also new this year: sensory-friendly visit times and an impressive 18-foot holiday tree sure to inspire festive oohs and aahs.” Running from November 19th to January 1st, they give you the entire season to make it to Lincoln Park for this incredible spectacle of lights.
Millennium Park Ice Skating
If you’ve lived in Chicago for any amount of time, you know that visiting Millennium Park and Maggie Daley plaza to skate during the winter months is truly a right of passage. One of the most fun and inexpensive events in the city, less than $20 can rent you a pair of skates and the time of your life on Chicago’s unique skating courses. And if you have your own skates – it’s completely free! Open November through March, weather permitting, you have all winter (and the start of spring) to make it to this awesome, kid and adult-friendly Chicago tradition. Check out their prices and rinks here.
Music Box Theatre Annual Christmas Sing-a-long
An iconic venue, the Music Box Theatre in Logan Square is hosting its 39th annual Christmas Sing-a-long double feature this December from the 9th to the 24th.
Playing White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life, their website explains the tradition, saying, “Who could have predicted on that snowy Christmas Eve in 1983 when the operator of a vintage movie theater in Chicago decided to show two old holiday movies and sing a few Christmas carols during the intermission, that over 30 years later the Music Box Christmas Show would become a 9-day extravaganza that grows more popular with each passing year? People from all around Chicagoland have made this terrific, old-fashioned event part of their family’s holiday tradition.”
Hop over to their website for tickets now, as this event will sell out fast! If you’re in the mood for a classic holiday experience, this event is for you.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Christmas around the world, located inside the Museum of Science and Industry, is bound to be a huge attraction in Chicago this year. According to thesavyglobetrotter.com, “The Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science and Industry annual celebration began in 1942 and features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree surrounded by a forest of more than 40 trees and displays which represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. The Art of The Brick exhibit is also getting into the holiday spirit with the debut of new pieces themed around the 12 Days of Christmas.” So even if you’ve been before, this is worth checking out again and again. Check out the cost and hours on their official website here.