Chicago Holiday Guide

The clock is ticking to visit Christkindlmarket, Chicago and Aurora’s iconic Christmas market for the holidays this year — and here’s hoping you won’t have to wait in too long of a line.

Somehow, the holidays sneak up each year, with consumers running out stores like Costco at the last minute as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Hanukkah approach. But is the warehouse club open?

From Costco to Walmart, here’s a full list of grocery stores in the Chicago area and their holiday hours for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Chicago’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks show along the city’s Riverwalk will return this year to ring in 2025, according to an announcement from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

From Wrigleyville bars to rooftop scenery, holiday pop-ups are taking over the city, and bringing festive concoctions with them.

Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier New Year’s fireworks show is always a sight to see — but this year, it will be even more special.

As a tall, wise Elf once said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Or, you could just visit “Elf’d Up,” the Elf-themed pop-up bar in Wrigleyville that pays homage to the 2003 cult classic.

Christkindlmarket, Chicago’s famous Christmas market, is one of the most popular holiday activities in the city, but if you’re looking to avoid some of the big crowds, there’s a hack organizers say could help.

Fans of the iconic holiday movie “Home Alone” will be able to see Kevin McCallister live and in living color this weekend in the Chicago area as Macaulay Culkin brings his “Nostalgic Night” to the Rosemont Theatre.

Give the gift of warmth this holiday season by donating to the NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago Bundle Up Coat Drive. 

The holiday season is officially underway, with the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train’s voyage across the United States among the joyous festivities taking place.

A holiday pop-up is coming to Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood this week, but this one’s a bit more tasty — and it features a “Charcuterie Chalet.”

Some years, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah occurs closer to Thanksgiving time, with the eight-day holiday taking place in November or even early December. But in 2024, the festival of lights begins a little bit later — falling right on Christmas.