(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — It might be hard to believe, but holiday events and activities in the Chicago area are beginning this weekend.
The first events include the various lights displays at the zoos and botanical gardens around the city.
To help you get a head start on planning, we've gathered a list of many of the major events, displays and activities taking place in November and December. That list is organized alphabetically below.
Current/upcoming Events
Holiday Magic, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Dates: Fridays through Sundays in November starting Nov. 22; and Thursday through Sundays in December
Cost: Starting at $30 for adults
Description: A lights festival with giant illuminated animals, Santa and walk-through displays throughout the entire zoo.
Location: 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum, 2021Morton Arboretum
Dates: Nov. 16 - Jan. 4
Cost: Tickets start at $23.
Description: An immersive light display along a one-mile trail featuring light displays and music. Sensory evening taking place on Dec. 3 with dimmed music and static lights.
Location: 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic GardenChicago Botanic Garden
Dates: Nov. 15 - Jan. 5
Cost: $34 for non-member adults and $32 for member adults in advance
Description: Artist installations light the Chicago Botanic Garden paths and feature art and music. The notable Winter Cathedral and reimagined Singing Trees will be on display.
Location: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
Light Up the Lake, Navy Pier
Dates: Nov. 29 - Jan. 5
Cost: Free, additional activity tickets sold
Description: Free lights display will be up along the pier and ticketed activities include the Centennial Wheel, and ice slide and axe throwing.
Location: 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
Skaters on Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon in ChicagoMaggie Daley Park
Dates: Nov. 15 - March 9
Cost: Free ice skating session available during the week and at select times on the weekend. Skate rentals start at $7 in advance.
Description: The Ice Skating Ribbon will be returning for its 10th year. The loop provides views of the city skyline and the nature of the park.
Location: 337 E Randolph St., Chicago
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park
People skate at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park, Chicago, the United States, Dec. 16, 2017.Xinhua/Wang Ping via Getty Images
Dates: Nov. 15 - Feb. 2
Cost: Free reservations required, rentals start at $16
Description: Sake under Chicago's iconic Cloud Gate (the Bean) in Millennium Park.
Location: Millennium Park, Chicago
MSI Christmas Around the World
Museum of Science and Industry - Christmas Around the World TreesMuseum of Science and Industry
Dates: Nov. 16 - Jan. 6
Cost: $25.95 for non-resident adults
Description: A grand tree surrounded by 50 other trees celebrating the Christmas traditions from around the world.
Location: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Three Kings Day
Date: Jan. 6
Cost: Free
Description: Get your photo taken with the Three Wise Men, enter giveaways and enjoy food.
Location: 2625 W Division St.
Winter Flower Show Lincoln Park Conservatory
Dates: Nov. 27 - Jan. 5
Cost: Free
Description: The 2024 Winter Flower Show theme is "Champagne Toast" and will showcase a variety of poinsettia in the champagne colors – gold, pink, and light orange.
Location: 2391 N. Stockton Dr., Chicago
ZooLights, Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park hosts the 23rd annual ZooLights display with nearly 2 million lights in the zoo in Chicago, Illinois, USA ON December 01, 2017.Getty Images
Dates: Nov. 15 - Jan. 5
Cost: $7-10, Free select Mondays
Description: It is the 30th year of the Lincoln Park Zoo's interactive light display. It features a light tunnel and Ferris wheel.
Location: Lincoln Park, Chicago
Past Events
CTA Holiday Train
Dates: Schedule out now, view the whole list here.
Cost: Normal train fare of $2.50
Description: The CTA Holiday Train consists of a highly decorated train that features Santa and his elves.
Location: Various locations, full schedule has yet to be released.
Christkindlmarket
Dates: Nov. 25 - Dec. 24
Cost: Free entry
Description: An authentic German and European outdoor market offering food and gifts.
Locations: Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St., Chicago and RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora
Miracle on 63rd Street
Date: Dec. 21
Cost: Free entry
Description: The street festival includes food, drink and toy/coat giveaways. There will also be an ice skating rink.
Location: 1539 West 63rd St.
Austin 20th Annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade
Date: Dec. 6
Cost: Free
Description: The event will include free food and hot coco in addition to the tree lighting and parade.
Location: 5701 West Madison St.
Avondale Tree Lighting at Solidarity Triangle
Date: Nov. 29
Cots: Free
Description: Tree lighting ceremony for what will become a focal point in the neighborhood for holiday gatherings.
Location: 3350 W Diversey Ave.
Thanksgiving parade takes place in downtown Chicago on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 23, 2023.The Chicago 2023 Thanksgiving Parade include classic marching bands, festive floats, live performances and Teddy the Turkey and other giant helium balloon.Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images
Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade
Date: Nov. 28 from 8-11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Description: Chicago Thanksgiving Parade brings marching bands, festive floats and performance groups down State Street on Thanksgiving morning.
Location: State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street
Chicago Christmas TreeMelissa Blackmon Photography for TikTock Filmworks
City of Chicago Chicago Christmas Tree
Date: Lighting taking place Nov. 22 at 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Description: 111th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree came from the Holden family of Logan Square. The tree lighting ceremony will feature performances followed by the lighting with fireworks.
Location: Millennium Park near the intersection of N. Michigan Avenue and E. Washington Street
Hyde Park Holiday Makers Market
Date: Dec. 14, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Description: Shop for handmade gifts, food and live performances. Two raffles will also take place.
Location: 5311 S Lake Park Ave W
Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights FestivalAlex Wroblewski
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Dates: Nov. 23 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Description: Parade Grand Marshalls Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse lead the light parade that will light the trees along Michigan Avenue. Fireworks will close out the show at 7:15 p.m. along the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue.
Location: Michigan Avenue between Wacker Drive and Oak Street
Puerto Rican Steel Flag Lighting Celebration
Date: Nov. 30 at 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Description: Pop-up event with entertainment and food will lead up to the lighting of the historic Puerto Rican steel flags.
Location: W Division St. & N Mozart St.
Winter Lights of Pullman
Date: Nov. 30
Cost: Free
Description: The event at Pullman National Historical Park & State Historic Site will feature holiday crafts, music, games and food.
Location: 610 E. 111th St
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