White blankets of snow are already gracing on our windshields, lawns, and trees. That means that it’s one of the most eventful times of the year.
One of the wonders of the city is the opportunity to being exposed to so many new things. Whether you’re native to Chicago or only lived here a few months, the following jolly list of ideas has you covered.
Out-of-this-world night at the planetarium.
On December 20th, make your way to the Adler Planetarium’s special “Adler After Dark”. Members 21 years and older can experience a space odyssey inspired theme, featuring no-host bars, entertainment, and science talks. Perfect way to kick off the holidays and unleash your inner science geek.
For those who want a winter wonderland.
Chicago’s iconic Winter WonderFest is back! Love the holidays but hate the cold? No problem. The Festival Hall in Navy Pier becomes the perfect embodiment of the holidays indoors. The event includes music, entertainment, skating, and carnival rides. Winter WonderFest ends on December 25.
The sparkling zoo lights are back!
Brookfield Zoo’s iconic and mystical holiday lights have returned! The zoo will have a magician, talking tree, carolers, ice carvings, and singing for the animals. The lights are available from December 8th to the 31st.
When you miss the color green.
Maybe you miss the greens of spring and summer. If so, Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting their own Wonderland Express. You can experience trains slipping through miniature buildings. This event is available from December 3rd to January 6th, and is closed on December 25th.
Let the merry magic begin.
Water chambers, levitations, and illusions oh my! Get mind blown with Jamie Allan’s illusionistic, awe-inspiring magic show, open December 22 to January 6. This event is being held at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park.
The Nutcracker Comes to sleigh.
Ballet Chicago is set to perform a holiday classic at the Athenaeum Theatre. The ballet will give a graceful performance to Tchaikovsky’s score. If you’re a classic Christmas fan, this merry show is for you. This performance goes on between December 7th through 30th.
Jingle bell, jingle bell, Jingle Ball Concert.
On December 12th, the annual Jingle Ball concert is back with new big-name artists at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Shawn Mendes, Marshmello, Cardi B, Dua Lipa, and Camila Cabello are a part of the lineup to name a few. Get your tickets while they’re still on sale!
An adventure with a special reindeer.
December 7th and 8th is perfect for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer lovers. You’re going to be thrilled to find out that you can join him in an adventure at Rosemont Theater. This lively event feature your favorites, including Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf and many more!
Show off your figure eights on your skates!
Chicago has plenty of great ice skating rinks. If you’ve never even tried on a pair of skates, this is my way of saying “this is your chance!” The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is stationed inside of Millennium park.
Beginners, don’t fret! Free skating lessons are scheduled on weekends an hour before the rink opens. The Admission is free and the event is open from December 7th to March 10th.
The Christkindlmarket
If you’ve never heard of it, now you have. The Christkindlmarket is a Christmas-lovers dream. This market sells many delicious options: chocolate, schnitzel, wine, and potato pancakes, to name a few.
Held annually, it attracts millions of people a year to the Richard J. Daley Center. Open from November 23rd to December 24th, this German and Chicagoan tradition has free admission.
There’s plenty to do this holiday season in Chicago. Make the most of it!
Alma Tovar
Features Editor