Overview
- Millennium Park’s official tree lights Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. after a 5 p.m. pre-show, alongside the Holiday Market opening the same day.
- The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival runs Nov. 22 with Lights Festival Lane 11 a.m.–4 p.m., a 5:30 p.m. parade from Oak to Wacker, and fireworks about 7:15 p.m. over the Chicago River.
- Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights opens Nov. 21 and continues through Jan. 4, 2026, featuring millions of LEDs, attractions like a Ferris wheel and light tunnel, and variable pricing with flexible ticketing.
- Christkindlmarket is open at Daley Plaza and Aurora through Dec. 24, with the Wrigleyville location operating Nov. 23–Dec. 31 and free admission at all sites.
- Neighborhood highlights include the Rogers Park Holiday Mercadito on Nov. 22 (10 a.m.–3 p.m., free gift wrapping window) and Greektown’s tree lighting on Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. at Elysian Field, while Paul McCartney plays the United Center Nov. 24–25.