The One of a Kind Holiday Show brings together over 600 exceptional artists, designers and makers with thousands of shoppers that love art and handmade goods. Now in its 23rd year, this is Chicago's premier holiday shopping destination for unique, handmade gifts for everyone on your list.
Experience the magic of an authentic German Christmas market at the always-buzzing Christkindlmarket. This annual, free-admission event in the heart of downtown features vendors selling beautiful glass ornaments, wooden cuckoo clocks, hand-knit gloves, and other gifts and crafts. Make sure to get a taste of traditional German treats and fill up your keepsake souvenir mug with mulled wine or hot chocolate.
A unique skating experience awaits you in downtown Chicago at Maggie Daley Park. Enjoy skating on a ribbon, surrounded by trees, bushes and other natural aspects, with the city skyline in view. **Previously, we've enjoyed warming back up with Hot Chocolate from Xoco, a little over a mile away**
You'll just have to see on this one. Buy tickets in advance if you don't have obligations that night! Starts at 5pm
Only a 15 min walk and 5 min drive from our venue, Millennium Park is a can’t-miss attraction for any Chicago visit. Matt and Bridget have enjoyed many winter dates iceskating at the one-of-a-kind Skating Ribbon, enjoying the Bean, and the City of Chicago’s official Christmas Tree
The Magnificent Mile, one of the world’s most iconic retail destinations, is home to famous department stores, luxury showrooms, and favorite chains — plus tons of holiday lights twinkling from the trees that make the whole area feel merry and bright.
For those who love their afternoon teas fresh, colorful, fragrant, and steeped in history, Palm Court at The Drake Hotel, serving tea for nearly a century in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, is the quintessential Magnificent Mile afternoon tea experience. Even the Queen and Princess Diana have made their royal visits here.
It doesn’t get much more festive than a meal at the Walnut Room. Located inside Macy’s on State Street, the historic spot is the the first restaurant ever opened in a department store and an essential holiday destination. Make sure to try Mrs. Hering’s chicken pot pie, an original recipe from the 1890s. And don’t miss the famed holiday window displays that line the exterior of the landmark building.
A 15 min drive from the venue, the Museum of Science and Industry hosts their annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, with 50 elaborately decorated trees that represent holiday traditions from across the globe.
A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre ‘Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleil at the Chicago Theatre Hershel and The Hanukkah Goblins at Strawdog Theatre Company The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House The Art Deco Nutcracker by the A&A Ballet at The Athenaeum Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago at American Blues Theater The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly Sweater at The Second City
It’s not the holidays in Chicago without dazzling light displays around every corner. Check out ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, when the historic zoo is illuminated by millions of colorful lights, including moving displays set to music. Don’t miss special events like holiday concerts, a sensory-friendly evening, an adult’s night out, and more.
A 10 min walk from the venue, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. The museum has free daily tours and exhibitions.
Program for December 5-7: Rachmaninov’s majestic First Symphony churns with youthful romantic fervor and ethereal mystery — perfect for a December outing. Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, inspired by Norway’s national folk hero, includes the instantly familiar dream-like fantasy of “The Hall of the Mountain King.” Johannes Moser brings his “remarkably visceral and vivid playing” (Gramophone) to Lutosławski’s wild and enchanting Cello Concerto.