Holiday Traditions in the Chicago Loop
Create lasting memories with the whole family downtown at the Loop’s must-see holiday destinations.
Categories
Chicago Loop Insights
Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
Office investments and influx of major events support Loop’s summer economy
3 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) released its quarter three 2024 State of the Loop report on downtown activity, using a variety of data sources, which the organization has produced since July 2020. The report tracks pedestrian activity, hotel occupancy, office workers on-site, arts and culture, multimodal transportation, investment and more.
Eight years of Chicago being crowned “Best Big City in the U.S.”
2 MIN READ – For eight consecutive years, Chicago has claimed the title of Best Big City in the U.S. in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Since 2017, Condé Nast Traveler readers have consistently recognized Chicago’s vibrant charm and unparalleled appeal—a true testament to the magic of our city!
Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation annual gala celebrates the rich cultural amenities of the Loop
1 MIN READ — Chicago Loop Alliance is pleased to announce the Chic Chicago Celebration gathered over 400 key Loop stakeholders and supporters for a glamourous evening honoring the work of the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation.
Celebrate Halloween in the Chicago Loop
2 MIN READ – Rather than being upset that another Chicago summer is over, prepare your favorite costume for a month of spooktacular Halloween festivities in the Chicago Loop. See our top picks for events and more below.
A guide to voting in the Chicago Loop
It’s always important to fulfill your civic duty. We’ve rounded up everything you need to know for voting in the Loop.
Behind the Creation of La Llorona: A Journey into Storytelling and Mental Health
2 MIN READ — Growing up, my Papa shared the story of La Llorona with me—a tale many children in Mexico hear. Maria, in a fit of rage, drowns her children after being abandoned by her husband, and her haunting wails warn children: “Don’t wander alone, or La Llorona will find you.” For years, I viewed Maria as a symbol of fear. But as a mother, I began to ask: What if there’s more to Maria’s story?
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day at 2-day festival El Grito Chicago
4 MIN READ – El Grito Chicago, a vibrant 2-day festival in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, announces an exciting entertainment line-up made up of national and local performing artists from multiple musical genres. El Grito Chicago will take place in the Chicago Loop at Butler Field in Grant Park on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 2-10 p.m.
What's Happening
-
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
March 14, 2026
Chicago’s top-rated architecture boat tour, 90 minutes with expert CAC guides, stunning skyline views, open-air seating, and onboard amenities.
-
Creepy Cruise
March 20, 2026
Explore Chicago’s haunted past on a nighttime river cruise featuring ghost stories, mob history, and eerie secrets of the Windy City.
-
Sightseeing River & Lake Cruises
April 16, 2026
Chicago River & Lake Michigan cruise with skyline views, iconic landmarks, and engaging guides sharing the city’s history and stories.
-
Chicago by Night River & Lake
April 16, 2026
Experience Chicago at night on a 90-minute river and lake cruise, featuring a glittering skyline, cool breezes, and lively, family-friendly commentary.
-
Theater of the Mind - with The Goodman
April 21, 2026
Directed by Andrew Scoville. Co-created by Academy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning artist David Byrne* and writer Mala Gaonkar, Theater of the Mind is a new theatrical…
-
3D Fireworks Cruise
May 23, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cruise from the Chicago Riverwalk to Lake Michigan for skyline views and a 3D-enhanced fireworks show with music and narration.
-
Summer Art Classes at SAIC
May 31, 2026
Let your creative potential shine this summer with a class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with options available for kids, teens and…
-
Champions of Magic Tour
June 5, 2026
From June 6th until July 5th, the phenomenal Champions of Magic bring their acclaimed illusion spectacular to Chicago. Featuring their biggest illusions ever, experience the Broadway-scale…
-
Iceboy! The Musical
June 19, 2026
MUSIC BY MARK HOLLMANNLYRICS BY MARK HOLLMANN AND JAY REISSBOOK BY ERIN QUINN PURCELL AND JAY REISSDIRECTED BY MARC BRUNISTARRING…