Things to See in Chicago During Christmas

From the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, this market transforms Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago into a winter wonderland. Originally meant to promote trade between the United States and Germany, the open-air Christmas festival, inspired by a similar event which began in Nuremberg, Germany in 1545, has become a Chicago tradition in its own right. Stalls offer traditional German products like nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks and Hummel figurines as well as food and drink like sausages, waffles and the Gluhwein, a traditional German holiday market hot spiced wine.

Christkindlmarket Chicago
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 494-2175
http://www.christkindlmarket.com/

This ceremony, a tradition for more than 40 years, marks the beginning of the holiday season. At the end of November each year, concerts are held throughout the afternoon, leading up to the illumination of the trees along North Michigan Avenue as more than one million lights are turned on and culminating in a fireworks show over the Chicago River. The lights remain on every evening during the holiday season.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL
http://magnificentmilelightsfestival.com/

Macy's has continued the tradition of Marshall Field's with animated window displays to create a festive spirit. The theme changes every year, but in the past scenes have recreated the stories of Mary Poppins and the Nutcracker Ballet. To warm up after perusing the windows, head inside where the sumptuous decorations continue, along with a massive Christmas tree in the Walnut Room restaurant.

Macy's on State Street
111 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 781-1000
http://www.visitmacyschicago.com/index.cfm

The popular zoo on the North Side celebrates Christmas with numerous light displays and illuminated lions and tigers and even dragons. You can take in a musical light show on the South Lawn, get a photo with Santa in the lion house or watch ice sculptors at work throughout the holiday season.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St.
Chicago IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
http://www.lpzoo.org/index.php

This annual exhibit displays how different cultures celebrate Christmas across the globe. From musical performances to nearly 50 Christmas trees decorated to represent various countries to the 45-foot tall tree in the museum's main hall, the museum gets in the holiday spirit.

Museum of Science and Industry
57th St. and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago IL 60637
(773) 684-1414
http://www.msichicago.org/