Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium
From cozy towns to bright city lights, Illinois has everything to fulfill your festive wishes. Explore Christmas markets, light shows and tons of merry activities this Holiday Season.

Dazzling Lights and City Nights

Dashing from light festivals to star-studded shows, enjoy the wonderful activities that are happening all around Illinois.

Museum of Science and industry Christmas Tree

Be merry in Chicago

View Itinerary View Itinerary
Joffrey Ballet

See bright lights near the big city

View Itinerary View Itinerary
Hardys Reindeer Ranch

Dash through Illinois

View Itinerary View Itinerary

Explore all itineraries

Woman and kids looking outside in to window display

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 Discover Family Holiday Activities
Light tunnel

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 Discover Illinois Light Shows
Champaign Riggs Christmas Market Fire

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.

Lightscape, Chicago Botanic Garden

The magic and whimsy of nature in winter come alive in this acclaimed after-dark, illuminated holiday event

Learn More Learn More
Shops along side each other

Christkindlmarket

Chicago | A German-style Christmas bazaar – replete with gift vendors, food trucks, plenty of spiced glühwein, and heavy doses of holiday cheer

Learn More Learn More
Champaign Hardys Reindeer Ranch Kiss

Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch

Over 5,000 Christmas trees and a herd of bonified Alaskan reindeer create a novelty seekers’ wintery paradise in Rantoul

Learn More Learn More
Walnut room at Macy’s

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

Learn More Learn More
Exterior of Galena Cellars during the holiday season.

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

Learn More Learn More
LondonHouse Winter Rooftop Dining

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

Learn More Learn More
People ice skating on a track

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

Learn More Learn More
Snowboarding

Ski Snowstar

An all-in-one terrain park that’s 28 acres of skiing, snowboarding, & snow tubing fun for the whole family

Learn More Learn More

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.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.