Dazzling Lights and City Nights
Dashing from light festivals to star-studded shows, enjoy the wonderful activities that are happening all around Illinois.
Be merry in Chicago
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See bright lights near the big city
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Dash through Illinois
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Holiday Season for Families in Chicago
During the holiday season, Chicago turns into a winter wonderland of magical family-friendly events. Remember holiday light shows and unforgettable activities such as meeting Santa and creating lifelong memories.
Discover Family Holiday Activities
Holiday Light Shows in Illinois
Throughout the holiday season, Illinois shines bright from top to bottom with festive lights. Parks, gardens, museums, and historic districts all become breathtaking shows of winter wonder, one more magical than the last.
Discover Illinois Light Shows
Holiday memories to last a lifetime
Have a jolly good time with family and friends at festive events found all across the Middle of Everything
Holiday Shopping Highlights in Illinois
Experience the joy of holiday shopping across Illinois, where festive storefronts and seasonal markets make gift-hunting a treat. From the sparkle of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile to cozy small-town boutiques and pop-ups throughout the state, discover the best spots to check off your gift list.
Illinois made gifts crafted with love
A home-made gift made in Illinois is always crafted with devotion and care. From handcrafted pottery to delicious festive treats, you’re bound to find the perfect gift in Illinois this year.
Check out the best holiday activities in Illinois
An extravagant performance of the classic Nutcracker? A vibrant after-dark lights parade? What about a ranch full of reindeer? Yes, we said reindeer! Get in the holiday spirit and check out these festive activities and many more throughout the state of Illinois.
LondonHouse Rooftop
This iconic holiday experience guarantees festive fun high in the sky with heated igloos, whimsical décor, sparkling lights, and breathtaking Chicago skyline views
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Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
A magical, urban winter experience and a staple of Chicago that features a 40-degree climbing wall set against the backdrop of the iconic city skyline
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Ski Snowstar
An all-in-one terrain park that’s 28 acres of skiing, snowboarding, & snow tubing fun for the whole family
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Lightscape, Chicago Botanic Garden
The magic and whimsy of nature in winter come alive in this acclaimed after-dark, illuminated holiday event
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Christkindlmarket
Chicago | A German-style Christmas bazaar – replete with gift vendors, food trucks, plenty of spiced glühwein, and heavy doses of holiday cheer
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Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch
Over 5,000 Christmas trees and a herd of bonified Alaskan reindeer create a novelty seekers’ wintery paradise in Rantoul
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Walnut Room at Macy’s
A world-famous holiday landmark housing Circassian wood paneling, The Great Tree and the first restaurant ever opened in a department store
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Galena Cellars
It’s easy to stay merry this holiday season when visiting this family winery that produces over 40 varieties of award-winning, Illinois-grown wines
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Enjoy Illinois Inspiration Guide
Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual inspiration guide that explores every corner of the state. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that'll help you make the most of each season.