Tree lightingFree
Nov 20 · 6 pm
Millennium Park · Millennium Park, Chicago, IL 60602
The city's 113th tree lighting: live performances, a countdown and fireworks as the Millennium Park tree comes on. Come early for a view.
Good to know: Free to watch. The main stage is on Washington Street by the Chicago Cultural Center, with big screens around the park. The city's own site (chicago.gov) doesn't answer our reader, so the date comes from Choose Chicago, the city's tourism office.
Holiday festivalFree entry
Nov 20 – Dec 24
Daley Plaza · 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
The 30th German-style Christmas market in Daley Plaza downtown, with wooden stalls, pretzels, roasted nuts and gingerbread hearts.
Good to know: Free admission. Food, drinks and gifts cost extra.
Holiday festivalFree entry
Nov 20 – Dec 31
Gallagher Way · 3637 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
A smaller, family-friendly version of the downtown market, next to Wrigley Field in Lakeview.
Good to know: Free admission. Food, drinks and gifts cost extra.
Christmas lightsFree entry
Nov 20 – Jan 3 · 4:30–9 pm, last entry 8 pm
Lincoln Park Zoo · 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
More than 3 million lights, a light tunnel and a lawn light show at the zoo. Santa is at the zoo through December 23 (photos cost extra).
Good to know: Free on Mondays except December 21 and 28: register for free tickets, released a week ahead at 11 am. Other nights are $7–$12 ahead or $20 on the day. Closed Thanksgiving and some other dates; check the zoo page.
ParadeFree
Nov 21 · Lights Festival Lane 11 am–4 pm · parade 5:30 pm · fireworks 7:30 pm
North Michigan Avenue · N Michigan Ave from Oak St to Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
A nighttime parade down Michigan Avenue from Oak Street, led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, that lights a million lights on 200 trees and ends with Santa and fireworks over the Chicago River. Daytime activities for families before it.
Good to know: Free photos with Santa at Lights Festival Lane. Streets start closing around 3 pm.