Bring in some holiday cheer with these festive activities around Chicagoland

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — With only weeks until Chicagoans will ring in the new year, people from all over are coming out to enjoy all that Chicago has to offer this holiday season. Whether your ideal celebration involves breathtaking light displays, spiked hot chocolate, picturesque ice skating — or a combination of all three — the city offers plenty of ways to make it happen.

Below, you’ll find over a dozen ways to ring in the holidays in Chicagoland. The list will be organized by when each activity closes for the season, with the ones that close the soonest at the top of the list.

For all of the latest news, traffic and weather updates you’ll need to enjoy the holidays, be sure to stay tuned to WBBM Newsradio.

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to sing loud for all to hear.” If the iconic quote from the movie “Elf” rings true for you, then the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along is a must-visit. Local Chicago choral groups will lead guests through holiday songs.

Dates: Fridays through Dec. 15, 2023. Singing begins at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free to watch and sing-along.
More information can be found here: https://loopchicago.com/listings/caroling-at-cloud-gate

Catch Santa riding above Chicago. The CTA Holiday Train is back on the rails for the season and this year, and photos with Santa are returning for the first time since 2019.

Dates: The train will be on various rail lines throughout Chicago through Dec. 21.
Cost: CTA train fare.
See the full schedule here: https://www.transitchicago.com/holidayfleet/#train_schedule 

Chicago Christkindlmarkets have brought authentic German Christmas markets to Daley Plaza in the Loop, Wrigley Field and RiverEdge Park in Aurora for years. This year, each market will have its own unique mug, as well as special performances throughout the holiday season.

Dates: The Loop and Aurora markets are open through Christmas Eve, and the Wrigleyville market is open through New Year’s Eve.
Cost: Free to enter.
More information is available here: https://www.christkindlmarket.com/ 

Chicago has a plethora of pop-up bars. We visited Reindeer Games at River North's Headquarters Beercade, which is featuring specialty cocktails including Santa's Slushie, Cutie Pie, and Fireside Old-Fashioned this year.

Dates: This pop-up can be visited through Dec. 31., 2023
Cost: Free to enter.
More information about Headquarters Beercade can be found here: https://www.hqrivernorth.com/

Out on the Navy Pier, a “reimagined” Light Up The Lake is taking place. In addition to free lights displays - there is ax throwing, ice skating, rides in the Centennial Wheel, and fireworks on Saturdays at 9 p.m.

Dates: It runs now through Dec. 31, 2023.
Cost: Free entry, tickets available for ax throwing, ice skating and rides in the Centennial Wheel.
More information is available here: https://navypier.org/light-up-the-lake/ 

The Sparkle Light Festival in Rosemont is the perfect holiday getaway with family fun for all ages. This outdoor festival has attractions like free train rides, a two-story ice slide and ice skating.

Dates: It runs now through Dec. 31, 2023.
Cost: Tickets are $24.
More information is available here: https://sparklerosemont.com/ 

Explore nature at the Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. The 1-mile paved walking path amid festive music and lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in winter.

Dates: The festival runs through Jan. 6, 2024.
Cost: Admission varies.
More information is available here: https://mortonarb.org/explore/activities/exhibitions/illumination/ 

Wrigleyville hosts 8 Crazy Nights, a Hanukkah themed pop-up at The Graystone Tavern. The bar has themed drinks, latkes and Hanukkah-themed games.

Dates: Open through Jan. 7, 2024.
Cost: Free to enter.
More information is available here: https://8crazynightschicago.com/ 

The Museum of Science and Industry’s ‘Christmas Around the World’ exhibit returns for the holiday season. The 81st annual tradition has blossomed into a display of more 57 trees to represent holiday traditions around the world. The event aims to highlight the connection between cultures during Christmas.

Dates: Open now through Jan. 7, 2024.
Cost: Included in admission
More information is available here: https://www.msichicago.org/explore/whats-here/exhibits/christmas-around-the-world/ 

To the north of the city, Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden is now underway. The 1.3-mile long trail through the garden includes various displays including lights, lasers, music and more.

Dates: The light display runs through Jan. 7, 2024.
Cost: Children under 2 get free admission, and tickets range in price from $17 – $37 for everyone else.
More information is available here: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/lightscape 

The Lincoln Park Zoo Lights are an affordable option for all Chicagoans with free days throughout its duration.

Dates: The exhibition of lights runs now through Jan. 7, 2024.
Cost: It is free every Monday and costs $7 for most weeknights.
You can find more information here: https://www.lpzoo.org/event/zoolights/ 

If you are looking to escape the cold, the Lincoln Park Conservatory has hundreds of poinsettias on display with its Wintergreen Flower Show.

Dates: The winter show is on display now through Jan. 7, 2024.
Cost: Free with a reservation.
More information is available here: https://www.lincolnparkconservancy.org/please-join-us-for-our-holiday-events/

Hit the ice under an iconic Chicago sculpture, “Cloud Gate” also known as “The Bean.” From the rink you will also be able to take in views of Chicago’s “official” Christmas Tree.

Dates: The rink will be open through March 2024.
Cost: Free with your own stakes, rentals are $20, online reservations are required for entry
More information is available here: https://millenniumparkfoundation.org/art-architecture/mccormick-tribune-plaza/ 

For more ice skating, the Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park provides views of the Chicago skyline on a winding trail. Tickets for the season are released on a rolling basis, so be sure to check their website for the latest.

Dates: The ribbon will be open through March 2024.
Cost: Ticket prices range from $16 – $22 with rentals, if you bring your own skates admission is free Monday-Thursday and $5 most times on Friday-Sunday.
More information is available here: https://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/skating-ribbon/ 

Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram