It’s starting to feel like the holidays all over the Chicago area.
From tree lightings to lights, more than a dozen holiday events begin this weekend across the city and suburbs.
From Aurora to Lincoln Park and beyond, here are some of the events and activities starting Friday and Saturday for the 2023 holiday season.
christ kindle market — Chicago, Wrigleyville, Aurora
Christkindle Markets in Chicago, Wrigleyville and Aurora are all scheduled to open for the season on November 17th. Traditional foods such as bratwurst, spiced mulled wine and roasted nuts will be on sale, as well as a variety of handmade Christmas decorations for your home.
The Aurora Christkindle Market will hold a lantern parade on November 26th and December 10th from 4:30 p.m.
Events include a lantern pick-up on stage, a welcome and reading of the story of St. Martin, a parade, goody bag distribution, and more. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.
A complete schedule of events, times, dates and locations for each market can be found here.
Randolph Street Holiday Market — West Loop, Chicago
Randolph Street’s final market of the season will be held this weekend, November 18th and 19th.
The market will feature 200 vintage and antique dealers, fashion designers and manufacturers, according to the release. The market will also feature food, music and cocktails, according to the release.
The market, located in Plumber’s Hall at 1341 Randolph St., will be open Nov. 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are required and start at $12.
Zoolights — Lincoln Park, Chicago
ZooLights will return to Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo with dazzling LED light displays, carols and more starting Friday, November 17th. Enjoy a variety of live music events scheduled throughout this cold season and stock up on holiday snacks while exploring the zoo’s attractions. Tickets can be viewed here.
Chicago’s 2023 Christmas Tree Lighting — Millennium Park
Chicago’s 110th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is also scheduled for Nov. 17, drawing tourists to Millennium Park each year to kick off the holiday season. The lighting ceremony, scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., will be celebrated with a schedule of events including multiple viewing areas with screens, local musicians and a post-tree lighting fireworks show.
If you are able to attend in person, you can watch the ceremony live here.
ice skating — Chicago, multiple locations
Several ice skating rinks will open for the season this weekend, including Chicago’s Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon, McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park, and Chicago’s Sky Rink at The Peninsula.
Click here for details on each.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival – Chicago
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival returns Saturday to kick off the holiday season. Marvel at a million lights illuminated by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. The parade will feature 385 members of his band marching, 40 floats, three giant helium balloons, celebrity performances, and Santa Claus walking down North Michigan Avenue.
Learn more about.
Santa at 900 North Michigan Shop — Chicago
Santa will return to the 900 North Michigan Shop on the Magnificent Mile from November 18th to December 24th. Visits with Santa are available at Level 3. Reservations are required.
MORE: Check out 8 places you can meet Santa this holiday season
Christmas around the world and the Festival of Lights at the Museum of Science and Industry – Chicago
The holiday display, set in a forest of more than 50 trees, is just one part of this year’s Around the World Christmas and Holidays of Lights event at the Museum of Science and Industry.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, the museum’s four-story Grand Tree highlights exhibits that celebrate the diversity of holiday traditions from around the world.
Snap a photo of the Museum of Science and Industry’s four-story Grand Tree and explore the forest of more than 50 trees and holiday displays opening Saturday, November 18th. This seasonal exhibit celebrates the diversity of holiday traditions from around the world.
Admission to the holiday exhibit is included with the museum’s general admission ticket.
Illumination: Morton Arboretum Tree Lights — Lyle
Starting Saturday, Nov. 18, roam the Arboretum’s 50 acres of trees illuminated in dazzling colors. The Arboretum will continue to add new immersive installations and features in addition to fan favorites this year.
Visitors can also enjoy s’mores, bonfires, and snacks in the concession tent.
Learn more about.
World of Illumination: Arctic Adventure — Gurney
Watch the landscape of Six Flags Great America change in this drive-thru experience featuring millions of lights. Starting November 17th, Betty the Yeti will lead a tour of the parking lot’s light display.
The park also hosts carousel lights and markets on select nights, where visitors can take photos and purchase snacks and decorations.
Tickets for Arctic Adventure can be purchased here.
Sparkle Light Festival — Rosemont
Rosemont’s Sparkle Light Festival returns to Impact Field starting Friday, Nov. 17.
This year’s Sparkle Lights Festival will feature five illuminated villages for family fun, as well as an ice skating rink, the “Holy Trolley” train, snow tubes, food and beverages, and more.
General admission tickets start at $24 for adults. Click here for more information on tickets, dates and times.
Aurora Winter Lights Festival — aurora
The Aurora Winter Lights Festival takes place on November 17th and features a parade, Christmas tree lighting, fireworks, and more. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. at 23 E. Downer.
Learn more about.
light up the park — rosemont
Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont opens Saturday, Nov. 18 with the return of the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink. Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn sleighs, carols and ice sculptures will also be on site.
Learn more about.