As the holiday season lights up the city, it’s the perfect time to start planning the moments that will make this season unforgettable.
The Chicago Southsider Holiday Event Guide is your go-to companion for finding the season’s brightest moments. From dazzling tree lightings and neighborhood markets to cozy family-friendly activities, many of these events are free and open to the public.
We’ve also included citywide favorites to help you map out a holiday season.
A Christmas Carol
Date: Saturday, Nov. 15 – Wednesday, Dec. 31
Location: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Cost: Varies – Buy Tickets here.
Lightscape – Chicago Botanic Garden
Date: Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Jan. 4
Location: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022
Cost: Varies – Buy Tickets here.
ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ
Date: Friday, Nov. 21 – Sunday, Jan. 4
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL 60614
Cost: Varies – Buy Tickets here.
Light of Christmas Drive Thru
Date: Thursday, Nov 20 – Sunday, Jan 4
Location: Guaranteed Rate Field, 3326 S. Wentworth Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616
Cost: Varies – Buy Tickets here.
Millennium Park Holiday Art Market – Chase Promenade North
Date: Friday, Nov. 21 – Sunday, Nov. 23
Location: Milennium Park, Chase Promenade (North), Chicago, IL 60602
Cost: Free Admission
Learn more here.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Date: Saturday, Nov. 22
Location: North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60610
Cost: Free Admission
Learn more here.
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Date: Thursday, Nov. 27
Location: State Street, From Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Downtown Chicago
Cost: Free Admission
Learn more here.
Jack Frost Fulton Market
Date: Friday, Nov. 29 – Sunday, Jan. 5
Location: 170 N. Green St Chicago, IL 60642
Cost: Varies – Buy Tickets here.
Winter Wonderfest
Date: Friday, Dec. 5 – Sunday, Jan. 4
Location: Navy Pier
Cost: Varies – Buy Tickets here.
The Nutcracker
Date: Friday, Dec. 5 – Sunday, Dec. 28
Location: Lyric Opera House
Cost: Varies – Buy Tickets here.
Morgan Park Bevery Hills Holiday Markets
Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
Location: 99th to 115th on Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
Cost: Free Admission
Learn more here.
Santa Hustle
Date: Saturday, December 6
Location: Navy Pier
Learn more here.
Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Celebration & Marketplace
Date: Saturday, December 20
Location: Washington Park Refectory, 5531 South Russell Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
Cost: Free Admission
Learn more here.
Bronzeville Kwanzaa Celebration & Vendor Fair
Date: Saturday, December 27, 10am-3pm
Location: Hatch 41, 4131 S. State Street, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free Admission
Learn more here.
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