Click on an Attraction to Learn More
- Navy Pier
- Museum of Science & Industry
- The Field Museum
- Shedd Aquarium
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Millennium Park
Experience a magical Christmas evening aboard a Premier Chicago Christmas Day Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. Taking place on Monday, December 25, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, this unforgettable event invites you to board one hour before the cruise begins.
Indulge in the holiday spirit with loved ones as you enjoy delightful cocktails and chef-prepared menus while soaking in the breathtaking Chicago skyline. The cruise features both climate-controlled interiors and open-air rooftop decks, providing intimate views of iconic landmarks such as Navy Pier and the Willis Tower. A festive atmosphere is complemented by a DJ setting the mood. The dress code is Cocktail Attire, and children aged 2 and under are free. This Christmas, create lasting memories with a joyous celebration filled with cheer and togetherness.
Get ready for Chicago's most thrilling New Year's Gala at Navy Pier's Aon Grand Ballroom on December 31st, 9:00 pm - 1:00 am. Big Night® Chicago promises an unforgettable celebration with inclusive tickets covering drinks and entertainment, plus optional upgrades for food and more.
Highlights include multiple themed party areas, dance floors, first-class cuisine (VIP and Velvet Rope), a spectacular midnight celebration, Navy Pier's award-winning fireworks, and much more. Don't miss out on one of America's most exhilarating New Year's Eve experiences!
Celebrate the holiday season in style at MSI's exclusive 21-and-up event on Friday, December 15. After the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago closes to the public, enjoy the festive Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibits.
Indulge in seasonal drinks, take selfies with Santa Claus and Krampus, and explore the museum from 6 to 10 p.m. Holiday Karaoke in the Giant Dome Theater lets you showcase your vocal talents, included in the Naughty or Nice ticket. It's a night of merry festivities with cocktails, hot chocolate, and a judgment-free karaoke experience.
Join the 5th A Night at the Museum on December 21st at the Museum of Science & Industry. This family-focused event, organized by the Chicago non-profit SocialWorks, features music, performances, interactive vendors, museum exhibits, and giveaways, all benefiting the homeless.
Support the cause by bringing new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and toys for those in need. SocialWorks, founded by Chance the Rapper, empowers youth through arts, education, and civic engagement with initiatives like OpenMike, Warmest Winter, Kids of the Kingdom, The New Chance: Arts & Literature Fund, and My State of Mind. Don't forget, children ages 3+ need a General Admission Ticket.
Explore the world of fossils with your little ones at the Dino Detectives: Fossil Finders camp on 1/3 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST at the Field Museum in Chicago. This one-day morning camp, designed for 3-5 year olds, offers interactive activities, imaginative play, and hands-on discovery to spark curiosity about fossils.
The event, part of the PlayLab Camps series, takes place at 1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Tickets are sold out, and all participants must attend with a caregiver who is at least 18 years old. Join this new program to continue the fun if you've participated in a Dino Detectives camp before.
Join the PlayLab PlayDate at the Field Museum on 1/24 from 11 AM - 12 PM CST, where families with 2-6 year olds can enjoy a free, drop-in snowmaking session. Located at 1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago IL, this event is part of the PlayLab PlayDates series and includes interactive science and craft activities for children.
Admission to the event is free and does not require pre-registration; it's included with museum admission. Don't miss this chance for a fun and educational experience on IL Resident Free Days at the Field Museum.
Get up close and personal with a Magellanic or rockhopper penguin during this 45-minute experience. Watch as the penguin explores, preens, and plays with toys, while learning about their personal history and conservation efforts in Patagonia. Under the guidance of an animal care expert, touch the bird's dense, waterproof feathers that enable them to "fly" underwater.
Cap off the encounter with a selfie with your new penguin pal and receive a virtual penguin ID card for future visits. Tickets are available for select dates through February 2024, starting at $89.95 for children and $99.95 for adults, with aquarium admission included. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with these fascinating creatures!
Immerse yourself in a 75-minute Beluga Encounter, standing in chest-deep water alongside a trainer on an underwater ledge. Don waders for a unique opportunity to connect with a beluga whale, touching and exploring training techniques with surprises along the way.
Tickets are $205 per person or $165 per member, including aquarium admission, with sessions offered on select dates at 9:45 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. until February 2024. Participants must be 5 feet tall, and those under 18 require adult accompaniment. Safety waivers are mandatory, and guests with specific allergies or risks are advised against participation.
Experience the enchantment of ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024, featuring new displays and interactive programming. Admission is $7–$10, with Mondays offering free entry. Tickets can be purchased online, and group sales are available for over 50 guests.
The event takes place rain or shine, and tickets are transferable but non-refundable. Arrive during your chosen ticket window for the best experience and download the ZooLights Program for a magical night. Check the website for detailed information and dates.
Celebrate the festive season at Adults Night Out: Holidaze on December 14 from 6:30–10 p.m. at the zoo. General admission ranges from $20 to $35, while VIP tickets are priced between $95 and $120. The event features DJ Marcus Carter & DJ Chas, live ice carving, free rides on the carousel, animal chats, and pop-up bars.
Enjoy strolls under millions of holiday lights and complimentary admission to attractions like the Ferris wheel. Upgrade to the VIP experience for extra perks, and know that ticket proceeds support keeping Lincoln Park Zoo free and open every day.
The 110th City of Chicago Christmas Tree, a 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by the De La Cruz family, will be on display in Millennium Park from November 17 to January 7. The Tree Lighting Ceremony, presented by Powering Chicago, will take place on Friday, November 17, at 6 pm, with a pre-show at 5 pm.
The event, emceed by CBS 2's Irika Sargent and Joe Donlon, features a main stage on Washington St. at Michigan Ave., adjacent to the Chicago Cultural Center. The ceremony includes ASL interpretation, a pre-show from 5-6 pm, the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Fireworks from 6-6:30 pm, and a post-show from 6:30-7 pm.
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park offers free skating lessons on weekends, teaching beginner and intermediate ice skating and hockey skills. Admission is free, but online tickets are required for 90-minute skating sessions available throughout the week.
The rink operates from November 17 to March 3, weather permitting. Skate rentals are $16 Monday–Thursday, $20 Friday-Sunday & Holidays, with additional fees for skate-aide, sharpening, and locker rental. The rink is open daily, and closures due to severe weather are posted on Millennium Park's social media pages.
| Location |
Event Name |
Dates |
Start Time |
| Navy Pier |
Christmas Day Premier Dinner Cruise
|
12/25 |
6:00 pm |
| Navy Pier |
Big Night Chicago New Year's Eve Gala |
12/31 |
9:00 pm |
| Museum of Science + Industry |
Naughty or Nice
|
12/15 |
6:00 pm |
| Museum of Science + Industry |
A Night At The Museum 2023
|
12/21 |
6:30 pm |
| Field Museum |
Dino Detectives: Fossil Finders
|
1/3 |
9:00 am |
| Field Museum |
Make Your Own Snow
|
1/24 |
11:00 am |
| Shedd Aquarium |
Penguin Encounter
|
Select dates through February 2024 |
8:30 am |
| Shedd Aquarium |
Beluga Encounter |
Select dates through February 2024 |
9:45 am |
| Lincoln Park Zoo |
ZooLights |
11/17 - 1/7 |
4:30 pm |
| Lincoln Park Zoo |
Adults Night Out: Holidaze |
12/14 |
6:30 pm |
| Millennium Park |
City of Chicago Christmas Tree |
11/17/23 - 1/7/24 |
6:00 pm |
| Millennium Park |
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink |
11/17/23 - 3/3/24 |
11:00 am |
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