Christmas is still more than a month away, but the holiday season is here in more ways than one in the Chicago area as several seasonal festivities begin this weekend.
As the cold weather returns after an unseasonably warm week, Chicago-area families can view Christmas lights and sip hot beverages in the spirit of the holidays.
Here are some great places to vacation around Chicago this weekend and into the holiday season.
Friday, November 17th
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.
Purchase tickets on the zoo’s website.
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.
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.
Chicago’s Christkindle Market will host the “Twas the Night Before Christkindle Market” event where visitors can purchase tickets for exclusive access the day before the market opens on Thursday, November 16th.
An opening ceremony and ballet performance are scheduled for 6 p.m., and Santa and Mrs. Claus will open the season.
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.
The Maggie Dairy Park Ice Skating Ribbon winding trail will reopen on November 17th. Tickets for the first window from November 17th to December 3rd go on sale at noon on November 6th.
Tickets for the second window from December 4th to December 17th will go on sale on November 20th, and tickets for the final window from December 18th to January 7th will go on sale on December 4th.
Skate Ribbon will be held until March 10th.
Learn more about.
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.
Saturday, November 18th
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.
Watch in awe as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse lead an illumination of one million lights as they parade down Michigan Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
The iconic Chicago event features 385 marching band members, 40 floats, more than 200 lighted trees and more as guests line the streets to join in the Christmas cheer.
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.