Temperatures are dropping and tickets for the iconic holiday tradition are already selling fast. To get ready for the most cheerful holiday season, book Chicago’s best light shows, theater performances, and winter festivals before tickets are gone.
Here are some events where you can reserve your seat in advance.
The Zoolights return to Chicago on Friday, November 17th with a dazzling LED light display, carols, and more. Enjoy a variety of live music events scheduled throughout this cold season and stock up on holiday snacks while exploring the zoo’s attractions.
Purchase tickets on the zoo’s website.
Starting Saturday, Nov. 18, the Arboretum’s 50 acres of trees will be lit up in endless colors. The Arboretum will continue to introduce fan favorites this year, as well as new features and immersive installations.
Visitors can also enjoy s’mores, bonfires, and snacks in the concession tent.
Find tickets here.
Ride the Polar Express at Union Station starting December 3rd. This immersive one-hour train experience allows passengers of all ages to experience the magic of the iconic Christmas book. The ride features dancing chefs, carol singing, and souvenirs that passengers can take home.
Customers select their seats when purchasing tickets, and prices vary depending on the age of the passenger and type of departure.
Buy your Polar Express tickets here.
Tickets for the 5th Annual Arboretum Lightscape Festival are selling fast. From November 10th, visitors can spend their evenings walking through the island’s dazzling landscapes, the new Winter Cathedral and the new Holiday Trail. This experience is filled with bright colors, lights, and festive music.
Secure your Lightscape ticket here.
Catch Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show based on Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas.” The show follows a young girl as she rediscovers the magic of the holidays, featuring acrobats, dancers, and stunt artists. The show’s soundtrack features holiday classics with a signature Cirque du Soleil twist.
Purchase tickets for the show here.
Beginning November 24, Brookfield Zoo’s holiday magic returns with a bang. Holiday Magic has a rich schedule this season. Visitors can watch various shows such as juggling his elves, caroling, and ice carving. Additionally, the zoo will feature dance parties, interactive exhibits, a virtual reality experience, and a merry-go-round.
Purchase your tickets to the various entrances to the Zoo at Holiday Magic here.
Visit the Museum of Science and Industry’s four-story Grand Tree and forest of more than 50 trees for a holiday display opening on Saturday, November 18th. Seasonal exhibits explore the diversity of holiday traditions from around the world.
Admission to the holiday exhibit is included with the museum’s general admission ticket.
Families, tourists, and neighborhood residents can enjoy this holiday festival on Gallagher Way starting Tuesday, November 21st. Admission to the Wrigleyville Christkindle Market is free, but the Wrigley Field portion of Wonderland requires a purchased ticket. By paying admission, you can experience a variety of attractions this season, including a variety of rides and games.
Buy your tickets here.
Admission to the Dairy Plaza Market is free, but you can reserve your regular Stammtisch table in advance. There are only 12 Stammtisches in the market, and they can seat up to eight people for 90 minutes at a time. Various packages for reserving a table include mulled wine, German mulled wine, beer, pretzels and brozeit.
Reserve your Stammtisch here.
Celebrate the holidays with a star-studded cast at the iHeartRadio 103.5 KISS FM Jingle Ball on Monday, Dec. 4 at Allstate Arena. Artists like Nicki Minaj, Jelly Roll, Big Time Rush, Doechii, (G)I-DLE, Kalii and more are scheduled to grace the stage at his one of the most anticipated Chicago concert events of the year.
More information and tickets can be found here.
All we want for Christmas is to see Mariah Carey sing her heart out to classic Christmas songs. Carey is scheduled to make a pit stop in Chicago for his Christmas tour at the United Center on Sunday, Dec. 3.
Buy your tickets to Carey’s Christmas extravaganza here.
Meet the fantastical characters at Chicago Children’s Theater starting November 4th. This year’s holiday tea party will feature four of his stories based on Beatrix Potter’s stories: “Mrs. Tittlemouth”, “The Tale of Two Wicked Mouse”, “The Tailor of Gloucester” and “Peter Rabbit”. “Story” will be featured.
Purchase Tea Party tickets on the Chicago Children’s Theater website.