Celebrate The Season With Chicago’s Holiday Events
By Jessica Mlinaric in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 1, 2012 9:00PM
If you haven't noticed, Chicago is dressed in holiday style. While we love reveling in the city's seasonal splendor, it's easy to be distracted by frenzy of shopping, travel, and ugly sweater appearances. Don't let the most wonderful time of the year come and go without enjoying some of the city's best holiday events.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Modeled after traditional German holiday markets, Christkindlmarket Chicago is a festive mecca. The Daley Plaza (50 West Washington Street) market may be tourist-filled but that shouldn't prevent you from scoring a handcrafted Bavarian clock, glass ornament, or mulled wine served in a ceramic boot.
Daily through December 24, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. (open until 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays)
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Celebrate the diversity of Chicago's holiday traditions at the Museum of Science and Industry (57th Street and Lake Shore Drive). More than 50 Christmas trees decorated by volunteers from different ethnic groups represent the city's cultural customs.
Daily through January 6
City Hall Holiday Concerts
City Hall (121 North La Salle Street) gets in the holiday spirit with the help of children's choirs from all over Chicago. Stop by the west end of the building weekdays at noon for a free performance by some of the city's most talented young carolers.
Weekdays, December 3-21, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
CTA Holiday Train
Even the Scroogiest among us brightens up at the sight of the CTA's Holiday Train. No word yet from Santa on whether he plans to drive after the proposed 2013 pass increase.
Now through December 22, See detailed schedule
Holiday Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute
From the massive Great Tree at Macy's to the tiny trimmings at the Art Institute's (111 South Michigan Avenue) Thorne Rooms, it seems all of Chicago's halls are decked. From the Tudors to the Victorian tannenbaum, several of the museum's miniature interiors are adorned with historical accuracy.
Daily through January 7
TubaChristmas at the Palmer House
A Chicago tradition since 1974, TubaChristmas is a free celebration for musicians and merrymakers alike. Join hundreds of tubists in the historic Palmer House's Grand Ballroom (17 East Monroe Street) to ring in the sounds of the season.
December 22, Noon.
ZooLights
Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 North Clark Street) is dressed up to dazzle in a vivid holiday light display. Animal encounters, photos with Santa, ice carving demonstrations, and spiced wine will have you feeling aglow at this free event.
Fridays - Sundays through January 6, 5 - 9 p.m. nightly