Things to Do in Chicago in December

Things to Do in Chicago in December
Chicago, Illinois, is a bustling city even in the slowest seasons. In December, Chicago comes alive with lights, holiday celebrations, special entertainment and plenty of festive goodies. There's something to please most everyone in Chicago during the holiday season.

Museum of Science and Industry

In December, the Museum of Science and Industry celebrates Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. This exhibit includes more than 50 trees decorated by the members of Chicago's ethnic communities. The centerpiece is the museum's 45-foot tree complete with playful penguins seated at the base. This annual event runs from the middle of November through the beginning of January.

The Museum of Science and Industry
57th St. and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60637
(773) 684-1414
www.msichicago.org

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Christkindlmarket Chicago is open each year from the end of November through the end of December. This event features a variety of performers, varying from year to year. The market itself offers unique handmade ornaments, blown glass and other crafts. One of the highlights of this German Christmas celebration is the mouth-watering German food from sausages, sauerkraut and potato pancakes to German beer, German chocolate and pastries.

Christkindlmarket Chicago
Daley Plaza -- Washington, Clark and Dearborn streets
Chicago, Illinois
www.christkindlmarket.com

Lincoln Park Zoo

In December, the Lincoln Park Zoo presents its annual ZooLights celebration. The zoo will be decorated with more than 1.5 million lights throughout this event. Visitors can see Santa, view live ice-carving demonstrations and ride the carousel. Some animals are available for special viewings during this evening event. Hot cocoa and warm spiced wine keep guests warmed for this holiday celebration. ZooLights begins at the end of November and runs through the beginning of January. This nightly event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., excluding Dec. 24 and 25.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St.
Chicago, Illinois 60614
(312) 742-2000
www.lpzoo.org

Article Written By Mandi Rogier

Mandi Rogier is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about a wide range of topics. As a previous employee of Walt Disney World, she enjoys writing travel articles that make use of her extensive knowledge of Orlando theme parks.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword