Holiday Things To Do In Chicago

The Windy City of Chicago is a city of culture, history, and entertainment. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States and one of the most visited cities in the world. It’s a bustling metropolis with something for everyone. From world-class museums to award-winning restaurants, there’s plenty to do in Chicago. If you’re looking to explore the city during the holidays, here are some of the top things to do in Chicago.

History of Chicago

The first known settlers of the area now known as Chicago were Native American tribes. The Native Americans were members of the Miami, Illiniwek, and Potawatomi Tribes. These tribes were known as the Mound Builders because they used dirt mounds to build their villages. In the late 1600s and early 1700s, the Europeans started to arrive. The first recorded European settler was Jean Baptiste Point du Sable who established a trading post near present-day Michigan Avenue Bridge in 1779.

In 1803, with the help of a United States treaty, the land was purchased from the Native Americans and Chicago was born. The city was initially a trading post and port city for fur traders. By the mid 1800s, the city had become a major hub for railroads and soon after, it became an important center for manufacturing. By the early 1900s, Chicago had become one of the most influential cities in the United States.

Today, Chicago is a thriving metropolis of over 2.7 million residents. It’s home to world-class museums, art galleries, architectural wonders, and some of the best restaurants in the country. It’s also an important business hub, particularly in the financial and technology industries. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to visit Chicago during the holiday season.

Chicago Holiday Events

Christmas in Chicago is an unforgettable experience. There are a variety of events and activities for people of all ages to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Here are some of the top holiday events to check out in Chicago:

Christmas Around The World and Holidays Of Light

The Museum of Science and Industry is home to the annual Christmas Around The World and Holidays Of Light exhibition. This exhibition celebrates Christmas traditions from all over the world, including Germany, France, Israel, Mexico and more. Visitors can experience traditional decorations, live music, food samples and even a visit from Santa Claus. This event runs from November 15th through January 5th.

Christkindlmarket

The Christkindlmarket Chicago is an annual holiday market that takes place at Daley Plaza in November and December. The market includes over 50 vendors selling unique gifts, seasonal treats and trinkets. Visitors can enjoy traditional German food such as bratwurst and spätzle, as well as mulled wine and roasted nuts. There’s also live music and entertainment throughout the event.

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights

The Lincoln Park Zoo lights up with more than two million lights during the holiday season from November 29th through January 5th. Visitors can enjoy illuminated animal sculptures, ice skating, carolers, holiday lights and more. This event is free and open to the public.

ZooLights at The Brookfield Zoo

The Brookfield Zoo comes alive with over two million lights during ZooLights from November 29th through January 5th. The zoo features illuminated animal sculptures, holiday-themed activities and live entertainment throughout the event. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating and delicious treats from local vendors. This event is free but parking fees apply.

Popular Attractions in Chicago

Chicago is home to some of the best attractions in the United States. Here are some of the most popular attractions in Chicago:

The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is an upscale shopping district located along Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and the Chicago River. This area features some of the best shops and restaurants in the city including Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Tiffany & Co. There are also several popular attractions such as Navy Pier, John Hancock Center and Tribune Tower.

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. The museum houses more than 300,000 works of art including paintings, sculptures and photographs from around the world. The museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Impressionist art as well as works by modern artists such as Picasso and Matisse.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions with more than 20 million visitors each year. Located in Grant Park on Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park features stunning architecture, lush landscaping and public art installations such as Cloud Gate (also known as “The Bean”). Visitors can also enjoy free concerts throughout the summer months as well as ice skating in the wintertime.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions with more than 8 million visitors each year. Navy Pier features a variety of attractions including a ferris wheel, an IMAX theater, a miniature golf course and even a carousel for kids. Visitors can also enjoy restaurants, shops, boat tours and fireworks displays throughout the year.

Tours In Chicago

Visiting a new city can be overwhelming but there are plenty of tour options available to make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Here are two popular tours in Chicago:

Architecture Cruise On The Chicago River

Experience the best of Chicago’s world-renowned architecture on this two-hour cruise along the Chicago River. On this tour you’ll see more than 40 buildings along the river including some of Chicago’s most iconic skyscrapers such as the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center. Your guide will provide interesting facts about each building as you cruise by them. This tour departs from Navy Pier daily at 10am, 12pm and 2pm and tickets are available on Viator.

Chicago City Pass

See some of Chicago’s most popular attractions with a Chicago City Pass. This pass gives you access to five attractions at a discounted price including Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, Field Museum of Natural History, Museum of Science and Industry and Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. Your pass also includes fast-track admission and discounts on food and retail purchases at select locations. You can purchase your pass online on GetYourGuide.

At any time during your visit to Chicago there are plenty of things to do to make your trip special during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for holiday events or popular attractions to explore, there’s something for everyone in this amazing city!