The holidays are a magical time to visit Chicago. Here you can see Christmas trees from around the world, take a spin on carnival rides at a winter festival and be amazed by The Nutcracker performed on horseback.
FUN THINGS TO DO
Museum Campus Holiday Workshops
Explore the lakefront Museum Campus, where you can join in holiday workshops at The Field Museum, celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Shedd Aquarium and catch cool holiday sky shows at the Adler Planetarium.
Holiday Events at the Museum of Science and Industry
Learn about holiday traditions from around the world and see more than 50 decorated Christmas trees during Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light which runs through Jan. 4.
Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier
Take a spin on carnival rides, glide along the indoor ice rink and enjoy holiday shows during Winter Wonderfest, held at Navy Pier Dec. 5-Jan. 4.
A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theatre
Charles Dickens’ classic tale about the true meaning of Christmas is performed on stage at the Goodman Theatre through Dec. 31.
Macy’s Holiday Windows
Join the crowd of onlookers along State Street who line up to ooh and aah at Macy’s beautiful, animated holiday windows on display through Jan. 4. This year's windows will tell the tale of how trimmings on the Great Tree are made using local Chicago landmarks.
Millennium Park Choral Sing-Along
Sing along with a different choral group every Friday night until Dec. 19, during Caroling at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park.
GOOD EATS
Macy’s Walnut Room
Enjoy delicious food under the shimmering 45-foot-tall Great Tree in Macy’s Walnut Room where the specialties are chicken pot pie and Frango chocolate desserts.
Ed Debevic’s
Sip an old-fashioned soda and munch on Swell Sandwiches as the waitstaff breaks out in silly songs and dances at this wacky diner.
Pizzeria Uno
Chow down on the original Chicago deep-dish pizza that was invented here by Ike Sewell in 1943.
Rainforest Cafe®
Eating is a tropical adventure at Rainforest Cafe®, where animatronic animals like elephants and gorillas come to life right by your table.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Dig into a shrimp dish or Dixie-style ribs at this shanty of a restaurant located on Navy Pier.
American Girl Cafe
Bring your favorite doll along for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at this cafe that's all about you and your favorite American Girl.
AWESOME EVENTS
The Nutcracker on Horseback
The holiday story of young Clara and her magical Nutcracker is performed by trick riders on horseback at the Noble Horse Theatre through Jan. 10.
Christkindlmarket
This outdoor German holiday market at Daley Plaza offers handmade wooden toys, yummy gingerbread cookies and chocolates, plus performances by oompah bands (through Dec. 24).
www.christkindlmarket.com
Santa House
Bring your Christmas list and get your picture taken with Santa Claus in Daley Plaza now through Dec. 24.
Mayor Daley’s Holiday Sports Festival
Watch or play sports ranging from acrobatics to volleyball during this free family fest held Dec. 27-29 at McCormick Place.
ZooLights
See glittering light displays, ice sculpting, Christmas carolers, Santa and more at this fun nighttime fest at Lincoln Park Zoo, open through Jan. 4.
The Nutcracker
Beautiful ballerinas
and battling mice are all part of the enchanting Nutcracker story, performed by The Joffrey Ballet Dec. 18-28.
