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Festive Chicago: Holiday Highlights for December 2024 Visitors
- 2024/12/18
- 再生時間： 5 分
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Chicago, during the holiday season, is a vibrant and festive destination that offers a wide array of activities and attractions that cater to all interests. For those visiting around December 18, 2024, here are some exciting and unique things to do:Start your holiday adventure at Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, a traditional German Christmas market that features unique holiday gifts, authentic German food, and warm beverages like spiced wine (Gluhwein). This market, inspired by the German Christmas markets, offers a charming atmosphere with wooden stalls, live entertainment, and a perfect setting for holiday shopping or simply enjoying a winter day in the city.Ice skating is a must-do activity in Chicago during the holidays. Head to Millennium Park and enjoy skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which is open from mid-November through March. This iconic outdoor rink offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and the nearby Cloud Gate, also known as “The Bean.” For another ice skating experience, visit Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest, an indoor amusement park featuring rides, ice skating, and holiday-themed attractions.Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with its ZooLights event, which runs from late November through early January. Here, you can enjoy over 2.5 million lights, photos with Santa, light displays synchronized to music, and holiday-themed rides. This event is a fun and family-friendly way to experience the holidays.The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is another highlight of the holiday season in Chicago. This event kicks off the holiday season with a grand parade down Michigan Avenue, featuring floats, marching bands, and the illumination of over a million lights along the Magnificent Mile. It includes a spectacular fireworks display over the Chicago River, making it a memorable experience for all ages.For a unique cultural experience, visit the Museum of Science and Industry to see "Christmas Around the World," a holiday tradition that started in 1942 with a single tree and has grown into a forest of over 50 Christmas trees decorated by volunteers to represent how different cultures celebrate the holidays. This exhibit runs from November 2024 through January 2025.Music lovers can enjoy several holiday performances. The Joffrey Ballet’s production of "The Nutcracker" at the Lyric Opera House is a classic holiday treat, featuring stunning choreography, elaborate sets, and beautiful costumes. Another musical highlight is Brett Eldredge’s holiday tour, where he performs classic Christmas songs and original holiday music.Sports enthusiasts have several events to look forward to. On December 22, 2024, catch the Chicago Bears vs. the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. For hockey fans, the Chicago Blackhawks will be playing against the Dallas Stars on December 29, 2024, at the United Center. Basketball fans can watch the Chicago Bulls take on the Boston Celtics on December 21, 2024, and the Milwaukee Bucks on December 23, 2024, also at the United Center.For outdoor adventures, Navy Pier offers a variety of festive activities, including Winter WonderFest. Here, you can enjoy rides, giant slides, an ice-skating rink, and holiday decor all under one roof. Wrigleyville also transforms into a winter wonderland with Winterland at Gallagher Way, featuring an ice-skating rink, holiday markets, and festive entertainment.Art and culture are plentiful in Chicago. The Renegade Craft Fair at Revel Fulton Market, running from December 16-17, is free to enter and features over 100 vendors selling handmade arts, crafts, and DIY items, accompanied by festive music, food, and drinks. The Chicago Cultural Center offers free galleries and performances, making it a great spot to immerse yourself in art and culture.Food experiences are also a highlight in Chicago. Indulge in Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza or explore the city’s vibrant food scene. The Christkindlmarket and other holiday markets offer a variety of traditional German foods and seasonal treats like hot cocoa and holiday sweets.For a unique and festive experience, take a ride on the Polar Express, where Chicago’s metro train is transformed into a wintery magical experience. Enjoy cocoa and cookies during the hour-long train ride that ends with a meeting with Santa and his elves.In addition to these specific events, Chicago offers many free attractions that are worth visiting. Lincoln Park Zoo, for example, is free to visit and offers a serene escape with its lush greenery and animal exhibits. The Chicago Riverwalk is another free attraction where you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the stunning views of the city.Whether you are interested in holiday lights, sports, music, art, or outdoor adventures, Chicago has something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season.