Holiday Traditions in the Chicago Loop

Posted 6 months ago in Trending

Create lasting memories with the whole family downtown at the Loop’s must-see holiday destinations.

Santa at the Berghoff Restaurant

Share some schnitzel with Santa this holiday season at the Loop's historic Berghoff Restaurant. Learn More

Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza

Rooted in the German tradition, the Christkindlmarket is well known for its traditional candy cane striped wooden huts, festive shopping options, international delicacies, hot spiced wine (Glühwein), fine German beers, hand-crafted ornaments... Learn More

Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon

In the heart of the Chicago Loop, with the city’s skyline as a backdrop, a ribbon of ice winds through a rolling landscape, providing an ice skating experience unlike any other. Learn More

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

The Lights Festival returns to the Mag Mile with over 200 trees illuminated along Michigan Avenue. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse lead a parade of fabulous floats... Learn More

Millennium Park Ice Skating Rink

Take a spin on the ice during the holiday season of this Chicago winter tradition! Learn More

Chicago Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Millennium Park

Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree, the 110th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington Street. Learn More

The Joffrey Ballet's "The Nutcracker" at Lyric Opera House

The Joffrey Ballet's The Nutcracker is a must-see tradition boldly reimagined for a new generation. Learn More

Holidays at the Art Institute of Chicago

Passion, inspiration, creativity, wonder—these are just a few of the experiences you’ll discover in your Art Institute stocking this holiday season. Learn More

’Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil

Created especially for families, ‘Twas the Night Before… features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters, and a soundtrack of re-invented holiday classics. Learn More

A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre

Chicago's "perfect holiday treat for the family" returns another magical season. Learn More

Art on theMART: The Joffrey Ballet's "The Nutcracker"

A larger-than-life experience of the Joffrey’s magical holiday tradition.

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Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

Bundle up and belt out some holiday classics as local Chicago choral groups lead hundreds of celebrants in song at this iconic work of art in Chicago’s gorgeous Millennium Park.
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Macy's Great Tree

Located inside the beloved Walnut Room at Macy’s on State Street, the Great Tree stands 45-feet-tall and hangs from the ceiling versus sitting on its base. The Great Tree will be lit from Saturday, November 4, 2023 – Sunday, January 7, 2024. Learn More

Macy's Holiday Windows

Macy’s was the first store to feature holiday windows created for the pure fun and joy of the season and, with that, began a tradition that still lives on today. Learn More

Santaland at Macy's on State Street

An enchanted world showcasing Santa’s Village and Worskshop, Macy’s Santaland will open for in-store visits at Macy’s State Street. Learn More

Hershel & The Hanukkah Goblins at Chicago Loop Synagogue

A traveling troupe of actors comes to town to find no one celebrating Hanukkah. They must put on a show to save the holiday! Will they bring back the spirit of Hanukkah to the town? Learn More

State Street Holiday Lights

Revel in the holiday spirit sparked by the Loop's illuminating holiday lights on State Street. Learn More

Home Alone in Concert

Home Alone is hilarious, heart-warming fun for the entire family! Learn More

Hilton Chicago Tree Lighting

Visit the Grand Hall and experience the annual Holiday decor between November 15 through the end of the year. Learn More

Tuba Christmas

The annual Tuba Christmas performance at Palmer House brings tubists from around the world inside the Grand and State Ballrooms to play classic holiday tunes. Learn More

Palmer House Tree Lighting

Celebrate the season in the lobby of the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel with friends and family — toast the holiday season with cocktails & shared plates overlooking the Grand Lobby Holiday Tree. Learn More

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Joy to the World

Check all the gifts off of your shopping list, and then treat yourself to world-class attractions and entertainment. Learn More

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Embrace your holiday cheer with some of the Chicago Loop's best restaurants. Learn More

Loop Deals

Get in the Loop with this curated guide to the best holiday deals in the Chicago Loop. Learn More

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