Five iconic Chicago Christmastime events will kick the holiday season into gear this weekend, with tree lightings, Christmas markets and more. But the festivities also mean increased traffic, large crowds and street closures.
“The City of Chicago’s holiday and winter season events ramp up in the city this weekend with gatherings and increased traffic and travel throughout the city,” The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications said in a release, adding that motorists, residents and visitors should be aware of increased crowds.
From the Chicago Christkindlmarket to the city’s official Christmas tree lighting ceremony, here’s what to know about each event and when they take place.
Christkindlmarket
Two popular Chicago area Christkindlmarket locations open on Friday, Nov. 21: One is located in suburban Aurora, and one will be set up in Daley Plaza. The Wrigleyville location will open its gates on Sunday, Nov. 23.
The free markets are famous for offering exclusive collectible items, seasonal goods, German food and hot spiced wine, the popular markets are a favorite holiday tradition among Chicagoans.
In Daley Plaza, the market opens at 11 a.m. Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The markets also have special hours for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
The final day of operation for the Daley Plaza market will be Christmas Eve, organizers said.
Guests should also expect street closures around he market and Clark and Washington.
Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The city’s official Christmas tree for 2025, a 68-foot Norway Spruce from Glenview, was installed at Millennium Park earlier this month.
The tree will be light up Friday near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street, and will remain on display through Jan. 11, 2026.
Pre-show entertainment with music and more Friday begins at 5 p.m., with the official ceremony stating at 6 p.m. Fireworks will follow, organizers said.
NBC Chicago will stream the ceremony and festivities live once they begin, in the video player above.
Parking and street closures:
Guests can enter the Park through multiple entrances on Monroe Street and Randolph Street.
Street closures begin at 10:00 a.m. on November 21 for the following streets:
- Washington from Wabash to Michigan
- Madison from Wabash to Michigan
- Michigan Avenue from Randolph to Monroe
- Garland Court from Randolph to Monroe
Lincoln Park ZooLights
The popular annual event at Lincoln Park Zoo begins Friday, Nov. 21, with more than three million lights across the zoo grounds.
“Guests will experience hundreds of nostalgic LED light displays, ethereal and interactive elements, and memory-making holiday experiences throughout the zoo,” a description of the event said. “They can take in stunning views of ZooLights from above on the towering Ferris Wheel and walk through the expansive light tunnel on Main Mall.”
Tickets start at $7, with flexible admission tickets available for the first time. The event also offers free tickets on select nights.
“With the exception of December 22, Mondays at ZooLights are free with registration,” the Zoo said. “These tickets are released one week in advance at 11 a.m.”
ZooLights runs through Jan. 4.
Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The popular 2025 parade and lights display takes place Saturday, Nov. 22. An outdoor celebration known as “Lights Festival Lane” will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. before the parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m., bringing more than one million lights to more than 200 trees along Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile.
The parade, with floats featuring a number of beloved Disney characters, will step off at Oak Street and Michigan Avenue, culminating in a festive fireworks display that begins at 7:15 p.m. over the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue.
The following street closures will be in effect for the festival and parade:
Street Closures:
Closed 3 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 22
- Oak Street (State Street to Michigan Avenue)
- North Michigan Avenue (Oak Street to Wacker Drive)
- Upper Wacker Drive (Michigan Avenue to east turnaround)
Closed 5:00 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 22
- Upper Columbus (Wacker Drive to Randolph)
Closed 8 a.m.– 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 22
- Clark Street (East curb lane only Oak Street to Delaware Street)
- Delaware Street (Dearborn Street to Clark Street north curb lane only)
- Oak Street (Clark Street to State Street)
- Dearborn Street (Delaware Street to Maple Street)
- Walton Street (State Street to Clark Street)
Closed 3:30 p.m.– 9 p.m. on Saturday, November 22
- Upper Columbus (Curb lanes from Wacker Drive to Randolph Street)
- Randolph Street (Curb lanes from Michigan to Columbus)
Assembly areas include:
- Walton St, between State St and Clark St
- Dearborn St, between Delaware Pl and Maple St
- Delaware St, between Dearborn St and Clark St
- Oak St, Between Dearborn St and State St
Additional Closures:
- DuSable Bridge at Michigan Avenue closes to pedestrian traffic at 3 p.m.
- North Michigan Avenue closes to vehicular traffic between Oak Street and Wacker Drive at 3 p.m.
Millennium Park Ice Skating
Ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park returns Friday, Nov. 21, with daily sessions starting at 11 a.m. through 10:30 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is required. Skate rentals are available for an additional fee.
More information can be found here.
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