Christmas Things To Do in Chicago

Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the largest city in the Midwest and the third largest city in the United States. With a population of over 2.7 million, it is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture. Boasting a beautiful skyline, world-class museums, and family-friendly attractions, Chicago is a great destination for a holiday vacation. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s many attractions or just relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere, there are plenty of Christmas activities to keep you entertained. From outdoor ice skating rinks to holiday markets, here are some of the top things to do in Chicago this Christmas.

Explore the Chicago Museum Campus

One of the most popular attractions during the holiday season is the Chicago Museum Campus. Located near the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, this area is home to some of the most iconic attractions in the city. During the holiday season, these museums and attractions come alive with festive decorations and seasonal activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or an educational experience, there’s something for everyone at the Chicago Museum Campus.

The Field Museum is a great place to start your visit to the Museum Campus. The museum is home to a wide variety of exhibits, from dinosaurs to ancient artifacts, and during the holidays it’s filled with festive decorations and displays. Take a tour of the museum and learn about the history of the city, or take part in one of their holiday programs like their Santa’s Workshop event.

The Shedd Aquarium is also a must-see during your visit to the Museum Campus. Home to some of the most beautiful aquatic life in the world, the aquarium puts on a spectacular Christmas show each year. During your visit, be sure to check out their holiday-themed shows, educational activities, and special events.

The Adler Planetarium is another great attraction at the Museum Campus. During the holidays, they host seasonal events like their “Winter Wonderland” light show and their “Holiday Star Party”. These events offer interactive activities and educational programs that are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Go Ice Skating

Chicago is home to some amazing outdoor ice skating rinks, making it an ideal destination for those looking to get their skate on during the holiday season. The city’s iconic Millennium Park Ice Rink is open from mid-November to mid-March each year and is a great place for families and friends to skate together. The rink also offers special events like their “Skate with Santa” event for kids seeking an extra bit of holiday cheer.

The outdoor ice rink at Maggie Daley Park is another popular spot for ice skaters of all ages. With its stunning views of Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago skyline, this rink is sure to provide a memorable experience. The park also offers other winter activities like sledding and a snow playground for kids.

Go Shopping

Chicago is home to some of the best shopping in the country, and during the holidays it becomes even more magical. The Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue is one of Chicago’s most iconic shopping districts and is filled with department stores, boutiques, and restaurants. From Black Friday through Christmas Eve, this area becomes alive with festive window displays, decorations, and holiday deals.

Another great shopping option is State Street in downtown Chicago. This area is home to many iconic stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue, and during the holidays it’s a great place to find unique gifts for everyone on your list. There are also several holiday markets set up in this area each year where you can find handmade gifts and locally made products.

Visit a Holiday Market

One of Chicago’s most popular holiday activities is visiting one of its many holiday markets. From mid-November through early January, these festive markets are filled with unique gifts, crafts, seasonal food vendors, and live entertainment. The largest of these markets is Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago. Here you can find traditional German gifts like nutcrackers and cuckoo clocks as well as traditional German food and drinks like bratwurst and glühwein (mulled wine).

Another great holiday market is Randolph Street Market Festival at Plumbers Union Hall. This market has over 200 vendors selling unique items like vintage apparel and accessories, furniture, art, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, and much more. It’s an ideal destination for those looking for one-of-a-kind gifts or just want to browse through some interesting items.

Take a Tour

A great way to experience Chicago during the holidays is to take a tour of some of its best attractions. For those looking to explore downtown Chicago, Viator offers a 3-hour walking tour that takes you past some of the city’s most iconic sites like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and Tribune Tower. You’ll also get an inside look at some of the city’s famous landmarks as well as some interesting stories about Chicago’s past.

For those looking for something a bit more unique, GetYourGuide offers Christmas Light Tours that take you around the city on a two-hour journey to see some of Chicago’s best holiday displays. You’ll get to see the famous Rockettes performance at Navy Pier as well as take in some of the iconic buildings that have been decorated for the season.

Conclusion

Chicago is an amazing destination during the holidays with plenty of festive activities to keep everyone entertained. From exploring museums to going ice skating or shopping at Christmas markets, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking for family fun or just want to enjoy some holiday cheer, Chicago has something for everyone this Christmas season.