The Christmas spirit is alive and well across Chicago, with plenty of holiday-themed markets and events this weekend. Here's a look at which ones are opening this Friday and Saturday.
Holiday Events Opening Friday, Nov. 19
Chicago Christkindlmarket
The 25th annual Chicago Christkindlmarket returns in-person this year in two locations: one at The Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago, and another at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville.
Inspired by the 16th century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, the traditional European markets feature authentic German offer food and drinks, shopping, live entertainment and more. Admission is free.
Downtown Chicago hours: Sundays – Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fridays – Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Closed on Christmas Day.
Wrigleyville hours: 4pm – 10pm on Nov. 20, Mondays – Thursdays from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m., Fridays – Saturdays from11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. Closed on Christmas Day.
Millennium Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
The 108th annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree lighting in Millennium Park begins at 6 p.m., with holiday festivities and performances running through 7:45 p.m.
The 2021 Christmas tree, a 51-foot blue spruce, will remain on display until Jan. 9
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McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park
Ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is back for its 20th anniversary season. Weather permitting, the rink will be open through Mar. 6.
Admission is free, but reservations are required. Skate rentals range from $13-$15, and free skating lessons (reservations required) are offered most Saturday and Sundays from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Hours: Mondays - Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Fridays - Sundays, holiday weeks and weekends from 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Stay up-to-date on weather closures on Millennium Park's Facebook page.
Amaze Light Festival at Impact Field
The immersive Christmas lights and music display in Rosemont features snow tubing, Santa's Workshop and seven holiday worlds to stroll through: Deck the Halls, Storybook Village, Sparky's Land of Sweets, North Pole, Whimsical Forest, Tree Farm and Arctic Express.
Admission: Tickets range from $18-85. Runs through Jan. 2
Santa's Rockin Lights at the Lake County Fairgrounds
A drive-thru, animated light show with nearly a full mile of more than 100,000 lights set to Christmas music.
Admission and hours: Tickets range from $19.99 - $34.99. Advance purchase required. Hours are Sundays - Thursdays from 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Holiday Events Opening Saturday, Nov. 20
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
In its 30th year, the BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in downtown Chicago begins at 11:00 a.m., with family-friendly holiday activities at 401 North Michigan Avenue until 4 p.m.
The grand-tree lighting and parade down North Michigan Avenue starts at 5:30 p.m. and concludes with fireworks over the Chicago River at 7 p.m.
Admission is free.
Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights
The 25th annual Lincoln Park ZooLights features a light maze, visits with Santa, a pop-up bar, sensory-friendly visit times, specialty events throughout the season like BrewLights and more.
Hours and admission: Nov.19-24 and 26-30, Dec. 1, 3-15, 17-23, 26-31, and Jan. 1-2 from 4 p.m. - 10 pm. Tickets are required, and are $5 Wednesday-Sunday, and free on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Willow Hill's Winter Magic Drive-Thru at Willow Hill Golf Course
The first annual Winter Magic is a one mile, drive-thru Christmas lights display set to music at Willow Hill Golf Course in Northbrook, with holiday themed areas throughout an animated light tunnel.
Hours and admission: Open nightly starting at 4:30 p.m., through Jan. 2. Tickets are $45 per car. Advanced purchase and reservations required.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
The ninth annual walking experience at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle is a one-mile, paved walking path with festive music and holiday lights meant to highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Along the way, you can stop for s'mores or warm up by a crackling fire.
Admission and hours: Runs through Jan. 2. Tickets range from $8-$24, and advance purchase is recommended. Evening entry times vary based on ticket availability.
