Our Picks
Black History Month - 2013
The remembrance originated in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson as "Negro History Week". Woodson chose the second week of February because it marked the birthdays of two Americans who greatly influenced the lives and social condition of African Americans: former President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass. Woodson also founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
Chicago Auto Show
First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. 2013 marks the 114th edition of the show.
Chicago Boat - RV and Outdoors Show
Chicago Cultural Center - Sunday Salon Series
Chicago Cultural Center - Winter Exhibitions
This season features a retrospective of abstract artist William Conger.
Chicago Greeter: Magnificent Mile InstaGreeter
Just in time for the holidays, Chicago Greeter will offer free, one-hour walks of North Michigan Avenue and the surrounding area with local residents who provide information and insights on the Streeterville and Gold Coast neighborhoods; landmarks such as the John Hancock Center and the former Playboy Mansion, historic hotels and cathedrals; and best bets for holiday shopping. Departing from the Water Works Visitor Information Center, all InstaGreeter walks are first-come, first-served and limited to groups of six or fewer.
Chicago Humanities Festival
Chicago Restaurant Week 2012!
Restaurants may offer lunch or dinner, or both, as a participant in Chicago Restaurant Week.
Chicago Winter WonderFest
Free admission.
Admission to Winter WonderFest is free. Activity Wristband purchase is required to participate in rides and attractions within the event. There are two wristband types: Premium (includes indoor ice skating with skate rental) and Regular (excludes indoor ice skating).
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY WRISTBANDS
NO SERVICE CHARGES APPLY WHEN YOU BUY ONLINE!
Premium Wristband (includes indoor ice skating)
$20 at box office / $19 online
Regular Wristband (excludes indoor ice skating)
$16 at box office / $15 online
Chicago's 99th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is an anticipated family tradition. Festive holiday music begins and the holiday season in Chicago officially commences at 12:00 pm, when the switch is flipped and the lights begin to sparkle and shine in Daley Plaza. Chicago's massive 90 foot tall holiday tree is comprised of more than 130 smaller Balsam Fir trees illuminated with thousands of lights and hundreds of ornaments. The tradition of an official City tree was initiated back in 1913 was first lit by Mayor Carter H. Harrison in Grant Park.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Christkindlmarket
November 20th - December 24th
Daley Center Plaza
The Christkindlmarket is a four week, open-air market modeled after the famous Nuremberg Christmas market dating back to 1545. The market offers shopping opportunities and serves as a winter wonderland meeting place for families and friends.
If you are in the market for authentic German gifts like cuckoo clocks and hand-blown glass ornaments then this is the place for you....
Christkindlmarket Chicago
It is estimated that more than 1 million people attend each year. At the Plaza, visitors will find that the Picasso, which towers over the plaza, will be surrounded by red and white crested huts glowing with warmth and overflowing with curios. Nutcrackers, cuckoo-clocks, beer steins, European chocolates, toys, jewelry, clothing and a wide variety of holiday ornaments are just a few of the items for sale from more than 50 vendor booths.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
A Museum of Science and Industry time-honored celebration featuring more than 50 dazzling trees, displays and crèches that celebrate holiday customs from around the world. The trees are decorated by members of Chicago’s ethnic community and showcases various global holidays that celebrate light or enlightenment, such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Diwali
City Hall Holiday Concert Series
Get into the holiday spirit while listening to the classics sung by children's choirs from throughout the city. The City Hall Holiday Concert Series begins December 3st - December 20th with concerts every weekday from Noon to 1:00 pm.
The concerts will take place in the west end of the City Hall lobby (121 N. LaSalle) near the LaSalle Street entrance.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Holiday Delights at Chicago's Airports
Free holiday gift wrapping for passengers was provided by Volunteer Airport Ambassadors inside security checkpoints at both O'Hare and Midway. A diverse selection of Christmas and Hanukkah wrapping paper and gift bag designs were available for travelers to select from, including a design created by Gallery 37 students as part of Chicago's internationally recognized job-training program for young people interested in the arts.
Holiday Windows Along The Magnificent Mile
Stroll The Magnificent Mile an enjoy the spirit of the season displayed in windows along the avenue. Magnificent Mile retailers decorate their window and holiday glamor in competition to win one of nine awards. Select your favorite window display among the following participants.
- American Girl Place
- Brooks Brothers
- Chiaroscuro
- Crate & Barrel
- Fogal of Switzerland
- H2O Plus
- Lester Lampert
- Macy's
- Max Mara
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Pottery Barn
- Room and Board
- Tiffany & Co.
International Kennel Club of Chicago
Visit the dogs and their handlers in the benching area on Saturday and Sunday, visit dog-related vendors, and experience special events and demonstrations like Earth Dog, Canine Drill Team, Search & Rescue and the Puppy Spectacular!