Chicago’s holiday season officially begins next week with the arrival of the 113th City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, the opening of the Christkindlmarket across multiple locations, and the return of outdoor ice skating in Millennium Park, the Chicago Tribune reported.
As the city balances between autumn and a real Chicago November, the wrapping comes off a packed schedule of civic festivities. Visitors can expect fireworks, live music, and long-standing seasonal traditions across downtown and neighborhood parks.
What You Need to Know
- Mayor Brandon Johnson and Santa Claus will light a nearly 50-foot Norway spruce donated by the Clark family of Campton Hills during the Nov. 20 ceremony.
- The Christkindlmarket marks its 30th year at Daley Plaza, running alongside locations in Wrigleyville and Aurora.
- The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade steps off an hour earlier this year, beginning at 7:40 a.m. on Nov. 26.
Lighting the 50-Foot Norway Spruce
The holiday calendar kicks off on Nov. 20 with the 113th City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street in Millennium Park. Mayor Brandon Johnson and Santa Claus will flip the switch to illuminate the official tree.
The nearly 50-foot Norway spruce was grown from a sapling by the Clark family of Campton Hills, who will join officials on stage. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and features fireworks alongside performances by Lalah Hathaway, the Knott Us Band, and Ballet Chicago performing excerpts from “The Nutcracker.” The ceremony will also be broadcast live on ABC 7 Chicago.
Ice Rinks and Holiday Markets Open
Outdoor skating returns in full force as the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink opens next door to the Christmas tree in Millennium Park on Nov. 20. It joins the skating ribbon in Maggie Daley Park, which is already open to the public.
Admission to the Millennium Park ice rink is free, though advance online reservations are required. Skate rentals are available for $18 Monday through Thursday and $22 Friday through Sunday and holidays, with operations scheduled daily from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. weather permitting through Jan. 31, 2027.
Just steps away, the Millennium Park Holiday Market opens in the North Promenade. Running Nov. 20 through Nov. 22, the market showcases artwork, vintage finds, and seasonal giftables from roughly 40 local vendors and artisans.
German-Style Markets Mark 30 Years
The popular German-style outdoor holiday market returns to three locations, led by its flagship site at Daley Plaza. As the Chicago Tribune reported, this year marks the 30th anniversary for the Daley Plaza market, which originally debuted in Pioneer Court off the Magnificent Mile in 1996.
The downtown Daley Plaza market runs Nov. 20 through Dec. 24, open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with shortened hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Additional locations open simultaneously at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville through Dec. 31 and at RiverEdge Park in Aurora through Dec. 24.
Parades, Sing-Alongs, and City Hall Performances
The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade steps off at 7:40 a.m. on Nov. 26—an hour earlier than previous years. Marching bands, floats, and overhead balloons will travel north from Ida B. Wells Drive and State Street to Randolph Street through 10 a.m., with a live broadcast on CBS 2 Chicago.
For music lovers, Holiday Sing-Alongs at Cloud Gate bring local choirs to Grainger Plaza on Friday evenings. Performances feature the Leo High School Choir on Dec. 4, the Chicago Chamber Choir on Dec. 11, and the GraceNote Collective on Dec. 18.
Meanwhile, weekday lunchtime performances return to City Hall with Holidays at the Hall featuring Ronnie Malley on Nov. 24, Opal Staples on Dec. 1, the Maxwell Street Klezmer Trio on Dec. 8, and Son Monarcas on Dec. 15.
Lights Festival and Downtown Dining
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival begins with daytime activities at Pioneer Court before grand marshals Mickey and Minnie Mouse lead the evening parade. Stepping off at 5:30 p.m. from Oak Street and North Michigan Avenue, the procession heads south toward the Chicago River, concluding with fireworks near the DuSable Bridge at 7:15 p.m.
Indoor traditions remain anchored at Macy’s State Street, where shoppers can view the annual holiday window displays or dine near the Great Tree in the Walnut Room on the seventh floor through Jan. 17, 2027.
