Chicago Scene: Holiday Season 2018

Lincoln Park ZooLights: Lincoln Park ZooLights is back for it’s 24^th consecutive year- I’ve attended almost every year since it was inaugurated! Zoolights are completely free and run every night from 4:30-9:00PM. Check out more information here.

Skating in Millennium Park: Open from November 16^th -March 10^th, the skating rink at Millennium Park is a great weekend activity with friends or family or a fun night out on the town with a significant other! Admission is free, and they have skates available to rent. They also offer lessons if you’re skating skills are a bit rusty.

Second City Comedy Show (adults only): I love going to Second City any time of the year, but we always make sure to catch a show as a family during the holidays! It’s a fun (and unique) holiday event that has become one of our favorite family traditions. Adults only- the shows tend to get a bit raunchy!

Christkindlmarket: Don’t miss the holiday cheer at the Christkindlmarket! The market is open until the 24^th and is a great spot to spend a Saturday drinking hot cocoa and eating treats. It’s also a great place to pick up ornaments and other trinkets for hostess gifts!

Sledding near Soldier Field: No snow? No problem! The soldier field sledding hill has a permanent snow machine to make sure the hill is sled-ready at all times during the winter. The hill is open from 6:00AM-11:00PM daily, no kids necessary!

River Dinner Cruise: The Odyssey started offering year-round riverfront dinner cruises this September! Take a 2.5 hour cruise along the river, complete with a three-course dinner and fully-stocked bar. For more information on the newest addition to our Holiday To-Do list click here.

Art Institute- Thorne Rooms: I always love to see the wreathing of the lions at the Art Institute each Holiday season! I also love to spend a chilly day every year exploring the museum, making sure to visit the Holiday Thorne rooms. Each December, the museum decorates a few of the famous Thorne room exhibits with holiday décor. Breathtaking!

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co. tour of lights: If you love tours like I do, this holiday tradition is for you! Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co. offer a 2.5 hour, hop on hop off Chicago lights tour (with stops at Christkindlmarket and ZooLights!). The tour will also take you through some of the best neighborhoods to see holiday lights! Get more info here.

Holiday Flower Show at Lincoln Conservatory: The Lincoln Conservatory transforms into a winter wonderland from November 23^rd-January 6^th! This year, the exhibit will feature holiday photos from the 1940s-1960s. The exhibit is free admission for all ages. Plan your trip here!

Carriage Ride: Ditch the uber and grab a horse-drawn carriage for a magical ride through downtown Chicago. I love to take one carriage ride every year- especially when it’s snowing!

Museum of Science and Industry- Christmas Around the World: I love learning about the different cultures and traditions of other countries- especially during the holidays! In 1942, the Museum of Science and Industry began curating an exhibit dedicating to holiday traditions around the world. Buy ticket to check out the exhibit here.