Christmas Activities in Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant city, known for its stunning architecture, deep cultural roots, and iconic sports teams. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the city has a lot to offer visitors. During the holiday season, Chicago is abuzz with festive lights, cheerful carolers, and a variety of special events and activities for everyone to enjoy. Here is a guide to the best Christmas activities in Chicago for tourists visiting the city for the first time.

History of Chicago

Chicago is one of the oldest cities in the United States, having been founded in 1833. It was initially a trading post and flourished as a port city, thanks to its strategic location at the intersection of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. Chicago has experienced waves of immigration over the years, making it a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. This has contributed to its unique character, which visitors can experience throughout the city.

Today, Chicago is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 2.7 million people. It is home to some of the world’s most renowned universities and boasts a thriving business community. Chicago is also known for its iconic attractions, such as the Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and The Art Institute of Chicago. It is no wonder that the city is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Unique Christmas Activities in Chicago

Chicago is a great place to visit during the holidays, with a variety of festive activities to keep visitors entertained. Here are some of the best Christmas activities in Chicago:

Ice Skating at Millennium Park

Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most iconic attractions, and it is even more beautiful during the holidays. During winter months, the park hosts an outdoor ice skating rink where visitors can enjoy ice skating in the heart of downtown Chicago. The rink is open daily from 9am to 9pm and admission is free. Skate rentals are available for a small fee.

The Magnificent Mile Holiday Lights Festival

The Magnificent Mile Holiday Lights Festival is an annual event held in December along North Michigan Avenue. The festival features millions of lights decorating the famous avenue, along with music, fireworks, and other festive activities. The event takes place over two days, and it’s free to attend. Visitors are sure to be dazzled by this spectacular light display.

The Christmas Tree at Daley Plaza

Every year, Daley Plaza hosts an iconic 50-foot tall Christmas tree that is illuminated with thousands of multi-colored lights. Visitors can enjoy the spectacle from afar or get up close to take pictures with the tree. The plaza also hosts an array of holiday performances and activities throughout December, making it a great place to spend some time during the holidays.

The Polar Express Train Ride

The Polar Express Train Ride is an annual event held at Union Station in downtown Chicago. Visitors can board a replica of the Polar Express train and embark on a magical journey to the North Pole. The ride features Christmas carols sung by actors dressed as elves and chefs serving up hot chocolate and cookies. For an extra fee, visitors can even enjoy a visit from Santa Claus himself!

Christmas Shopping on State Street

State Street is home to some of Chicago’s best shopping options, and it becomes even more festive during the holiday season. From department stores to boutique shops, there is something for everyone on State Street. Visitors can enjoy holiday decorations, window displays, and special events throughout December. It’s a great place for picking up some last-minute presents or just enjoying the holiday atmosphere.

Popular Tours in Chicago

Chicago offers plenty of tours for tourists to enjoy during their visit. Here are two popular tours related to Christmas activities in Chicago:

Architecture River Cruise

One of the best ways to experience Chicago is on an architecture river cruise. This two-hour tour takes visitors along the Chicago River to admire some of the city’s iconic buildings. During December, the cruise is even more special, as the banks of the river are lit up with festive holiday decorations. The tour includes an onboard narrator who provides information about each building along the way. It’s a great way to learn more about Chicago’s unique architectural heritage while enjoying some of its most beautiful sights. Book an Architecture River Cruise here.

Christmas Lights Tour

The Christmas Lights Tour is a great way to experience some of Chicago’s most festive sights during December. This two-hour tour takes visitors around town to admire some of its most spectacular holiday decorations and lights displays. From The Magnificent Mile to Lincoln Park Zoo, guests will be dazzled by the holiday spirit that pervades throughout the city. The tour also includes stops at iconic sites such as Millennium Park and Navy Pier. Book a Christmas Lights Tour here.

Conclusion

Chicago is a wonderful place to visit during the holidays, with plenty of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy. From festive light displays to holiday shopping on State Street, there is something for everyone in the Windy City during this special time of year. Visitors can also take advantage of some special tours related to Christmas activities in Chicago such as an architecture river cruise or a Christmas lights tour for an even more memorable experience.