There are still lots of holiday events to do in Chicago through the New Year! Or even visit local museums for free! Get more below!
Christkindlmarket
Most locations of the Christkindlmarket, the Chicago area's iconic Christmas market, wrapped up for the 2023 holiday season on Christmas Eve, but one location is staying open even longer.
That is the Wrigleyville location, which remains open through Dec. 31.
The event, located in Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., features dozens of craft vendors, a slew of traditional German and Bavarian food and beverage options.
Illumination at the Morton Arboretum
The iconic holiday light show at the Morton Arboretum in suburban Lisle will continue even through the new year.
The “Illumination” season runs through Jan. 6. A total of 18 displays will be available, including the “Winter Radiance,” which will feature kinetic LED tall grasses that pay tribute with light and color to “indigenous Midwest plant species,” officials said.
All “Electric Illumination” nights will take place on Fridays in December from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
More information can be found on the Morton Arboretum’s website.
Chicago Botanic Gardens' Lightscape
The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape runs through Jan. 7. Visitors can walk through the garden’s classic Winter Cathedral, traverse through Midnight Island or view a reimagined version of the Fire Garden. Guests can also enjoy an offering of food and drinks during their visit, organizers said.
Tickets start at $34 for nonmember adults purchasing in advance and are $37 on the day of. For children ages 3 to 12, tickets are $19 in advance and are $21 on the day of. Children under 2 enter free. Chicago Botanic Garden members can purchase tickets at a discounted price and can also purchase a VIP pass. More information on tickets can be found here.
Pink Wonderland
Pink Wonderland, a festive pop-up inside Bounce Sporting Club in River North, will remain open through Dec. 30.
The bar has transformed the venue into an explosion of pink cheer. From sparkling lights and velvet booths to hanging decorations and cocktails, visitors will be hard pressed to find a color that isn’t pink at the pop-up bar, which features a live entertainment, holiday cocktails, photo opportunities and more.
Details here.
Ice Skating
A number of Chicago's ice skating rinks will remain open throughout the winter season.
Some skating rinks are part of larger festivals with more activities and others have a unique edge, such as the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon, where you can skate in a winding loop or the Peninsula Chicago’s Sky Rink, where visitors can glide above the bustling sounds of Michigan Avenue.
Here's a roundup of locations and their available dates and times