Holiday Events In Chicago 2021

There's nothing like the holiday season in Chicagoland. Although Chicago is beautiful year-round, it is at its best during the holidays, as neighborhood celebrations, light exhibits, and fun winter activities pop up all around the city. After last year's pandemic-limited holiday, Chicagoans are ready to get back out and take in everything the city has to offer. Whatever holidays you observe, the Chicago area offers a wealth of options to suit every taste. Here are our recommendations for holiday events in Chicago for 2021.

See The City Of Chicago's Iconic Christmas Tree

2021 marks the 108th birthday for the city of Chicago's iconic Christmas tree in Millenium Park. Located near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St., this year's 51-foot Blue Spruce, lit with thousands of twinkling lights and topped with a bright star, will provide the perfect backdrop for holiday photos. And, while you're admiring the tree, be sure to explore all that Millennium Park has to offer, including ice skating near The Bean and cultural and historical exhibits at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Lace Up Your Skates

There is no more magical experience than spending an afternoon ice skating outdoors, and there's no better city in which to enjoy outdoor ice skating than Chicago. McCormick Tribune Ice Rink right in front of the iconic Bean makes for a picturesque day of skating. If you prefer a longer adventure, the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park allows skaters to trace a lovely path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink. 

The Rink at Gallagher Way provides an 8,000-square-foot ice rink, skating and curling lessons, and even ice bumper cars for visitors to enjoy.

In addition, there are a number of rinks established by the city's parks department and suburban rinks including Parkway Bank Park's great lawn and the Watts Center at Watts park for those outside the city center.

Visit The Lincoln Park Zoo At Night

The Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo Lights create a unique spectacle for visitors, with over two million lights transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland, with a new light show on the South Lawn and a 18-foot holiday tree outside the newly-renovated Pepper Family Wildlife Center highlighting the experience. Visitors can enjoy snacks and warm beverages while taking in the sights and exploring the zoo. The light display is one of the largest and most breathtaking in the city, and provides a fantastic backdrop for holiday photos. 

Explore Daley Plaza's Christkindlmarket

For those looking for an international adventure, Daley Plaza transforms for the holidays into an authentic German Christmas market. Admission is free, and visitors are welcome to explore stands stocked with food, drinks, ornaments, and one-of-a-kind gifts. A second, smaller location in Wrigleyville is equally popular on weekends. 

Holiday Art On theMART

Art lovers cannot miss Chicago's iconic Art on theMART, where intricate, visually stunning projections light up the facade of the world's largest commercial building and design center, theMart. Art on theMART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, and this holiday season will feature the return of the Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker projection, featuring images set to music from Tchaikovsky's classic score.

Light Up The Lake At Navy Pier

When the weather outside is frightful, Navy Pier's Light Up The Lake welcomes visitors indoors to a temperature-controlled winter wonderland featuring eye-catching large-scale light sculptures including a giant teddy bear, 60-foot light tunnel, and a 40-foot tree. With over 600,000 lights, a regulation-size Alpine ice rink, a festive holiday beer garden, gift stands, kiddie train rides, and more, this is the ideal location for a cozy winter adventure that doesn't require an evening in the elements.

Lightscape At The Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden's Lightscape is back for 2021, with even more lights, music, and eye-popping displays. This one-of-a-kind immersive experience invites visitors to explore the botanic garden after dark, enjoying the glow of twinkling lights and marveling at the unique installations around every corner.

Warm Up Your Pipes For A Holiday Sing-A-Long

The new Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along invites Chicago natives and visitors alike to celebrate Chicago's diverse holiday traditions on Fridays at 6pm, November 26 – December 17. This series of events includes songs from a number of faith backgrounds, cultures and holiday music traditions. 

Fans of staying snug and warm indoors can check out the iconic Music Box Theatre's 38th Annual Music Box Sing-A-Long & Double Feature, featuring screenings of White Christmas and It's A Wonderful Life for holiday movie buffs. 

Make the Most of Your Home this Winter

No matter the season, your home is where your best memories happen. It's the place you enjoy Chicago's hot summers and hunker down through the cold winters. We understand, because Chicagoland has been our home since 1855.Looking for new ideas to make the most of your space during fall and winter? Curious about what steps you can take to get your home ready to sell in the months ahead? Whatever your real estate goals may be this season, we get you — and we're here to help make things easier, at every step of the way.