From your favorite cruise line in Chicago, Chicago’s First Lady brings you a list of holiday events and activities to enjoy this winter season. While last year may have felt less jolly than years prior, this winter in the Windy City is sure to be as festive and memorable as any other.
A classic holiday experience many Chicagoans attend every year is Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Visit and find yourself surrounded by colorful light displays, themed around the animals who call the zoo home.
Light displays are bright and often set to music. With free admission on Mondays and Tuesdays, this is a holiday season experience you can bring the whole family to.
This year, Zoo Lights is running from November 20th to January 2nd, 2022.
The Christkindlmarket is back in business this holiday season for their 25th anniversary! Whether you are hoping to find that perfect, unique gift for someone special, or you just want to get in the holiday spirit at one of Chicago’s most well-known holiday events, check out the Christkindlmarket.
From mulled wine to keepsake ornaments, you will be sure to find yourself mesmerized by all the holiday cheer. The Christkindlmarket is open from Nov. 19th to Dec. 24th downtown at the Daley Plaza, and November 19th to December 31st in Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St.
From November 19th to March 6th, 2022, you can go ice skating with friends, family, and loved ones at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Admission is free, and what better way to celebrate the winter holidays than ice skating in an urban winter wonderland? Snacks and hot drinks will be available from Momentum Coffee. DCASE will also be offering free skating lessons with reservations on most Saturday and Sunday mornings, teaching beginner and intermediate ice skating, and hockey skills.
The Music Box, a beloved Chicago theater located at 3733 N. Southport, is hosting its 38th annual Music Box Christmas Sing-A-Long & Double Feature event. From December 10th to December 23rd, you can enjoy time-honored holiday movie screenings like White Christmas and It’s A Wonderful Life in the comfort and elegance of this classic theater.
From Santa Claus himself greeting movie-goers of all ages, to the Music Box organist Dennis Scott leading the audience in Christmas carols for everyone to sing together, you can't go wrong with this holiday experience.
At the Museum of Science and Industry, you can take a look at numerous holiday traditions and customs from around the globe when you visit their Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light exhibit.
Featuring a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by a forest and artful displays, you will be sure to get into the holiday spirit and learn a thing or two while you’re at it!
The Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light Exhibit is open from November 17th to January 3rd, 2022.
Visit Soldier Field on December 11th for their Breakfast with Santa event. This holiday activity is ideal for families with children looking for a fun way to take pictures with Santa Claus and his elves before they get too busy for the holidays. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, the ornament contest, and get a look at the Yesteryear train display. This is the perfect event to attend before an afternoon filled with holiday shopping.
While everyone enjoys the season of sunshine and boat tours in Chicago, Chicago’s First Lady wants to help city dwellers remember that just because it's cold outside does not mean you have to miss out on exciting, memorable adventures.
Until we welcome back our patrons for city cruises on Lake Michigan and The Chicago River in spring 2022, we hope this article has helped you plan out a festive winter season of holiday excursions in the Windy City.
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