Holiday events in Lincoln Park
18 upcoming. Holidays in Lincoln Park, Chicago: ZooLights, markets, tree lightings and neighborhood events.
SundayNovember 1
1 to 3pm
Peggy Notebaert Nature MuseumA two hour adult workshop building a Dia de los Muertos shadowbox with Domingo of RIP Repurposed, held at the Nature Museum on the afternoon of Nov 1.
ThursdayNovember 19
4:30 to 9pmFree
ChicagoLincoln Park Zoo members get the first look at this year's ZooLights before it opens to the public. Enjoy free train and carousel rides, a 20 percent discount at the Gift Shop, plus free hot chocolate, coloring sheets and crafts at the Member Center. Members only; registration required.
7:30pm, through Nov 22$19
Greenhouse Theater CenterAmerican Blues Theater celebrates the 25th anniversary of its holiday tradition: a live 1940s radio broadcast retelling of the Frank Capra film, with original music and classic carols. George Bailey's story of despair and redemption plays Thursdays through Sundays at the Greenhouse Theater Center, with opening night on November 22. No performances on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
FridayNovember 20
4:30 to 9pm, through Nov 25$7
Lincoln Park ZooChicago's favorite holiday light show returns to Lincoln Park Zoo with more than 3 million LED lights, the South Lawn light show, strolling carolers, live ice carving on select nights, Santa visits, and rides like the Ferris wheel and carousel. Runs nightly 4:30 to 9 p.m. (last entry 8 p.m.), closed Nov 26, Dec 1, 8, 10, 15, 24 and 25. Tickets $7 to $12 in advance, $20 same-day or flexible; Mondays free except Dec 21 and 28. Dec 31 includes hourly New Year's countdowns at no extra charge.
SaturdayNovember 21
All day, through Dec 20
Greenhouse Theater CenterYoung People's Theatre of Chicago brings Mo Willems' beloved characters together for a holiday musical at the Greenhouse Theater Center. The Pigeon, Elephant and Piggie, and the Unlimited Squirrels share the stage in a 60-minute show for ages 3 and up. Peak tickets $38.95 adult, $26.95 child 12 and under; super-saver $32.95 adult, $22.95 child. Note: per-date showtimes are not published online; check with the box office at 773-404-7336.
TuesdayNovember 24
4:30 to 9pm$7
Lincoln Park ZooA calmer ZooLights evening where blinking and moving lights go static or slow, music is softened or silenced, and capacity is limited for extra space. All attractions stay open, including the Ferris wheel, carousel, Light Lounge, Santa photos and cookie decorating. Tickets $7. Tuesday, November 24, 4:30 to 9 p.m.
ThursdayNovember 26
9am$45
Diversey HarborThe 46th annual Thanksgiving morning run at Diversey Harbor, with a 5K, an 8K and a kids run along the lakefront. Benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Thursday, November 26, 9 a.m. Entry $45 for the 5K, $50 for the 8K, $20 for the kids run.
WednesdayDecember 2
All day
Lincoln Park ZooUpcycled-goods holiday market held during ZooLights, run with the Nowhere Collective. Local artisans sell handcrafted home goods, garden gear, art, fashion and bath products made from reclaimed materials, with waste-less crafts and a materials drop-off for future projects. Wednesday, December 2. ZooLights admission required for entry; 2026 market pricing not yet published.
ThursdayDecember 3
6pm
The Lakefront Restaurant at Theater on the LakeA holiday tasting night at the Lakefront Restaurant with seasonal wine pours, festive cocktails and spirits poured by brand reps, and holiday inspired small bites.
FridayDecember 4
8pm
Park WestWGN-TV anchor and Straight No Chaser founder Dan Ponce brings a solo jazz evening of Christmas classics to Park West. Backed by a quintet of Chicago players, the show mixes holiday standards with songs by Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Harry Connick Jr. and Billy Joel, plus duets with Chicago news personalities. Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm.
SundayDecember 6
1 to 3:30pm
ChicagoThe Lincoln Park Chamber's annual cookie crawl along Clark Street between Fullerton and Diversey. Collect holiday cookies from participating businesses while carolers sing, hot chocolate flows and Santa poses for photos. Sunday, December 6, 1 to 3:30 p.m. 2026 ticket pricing not yet published.
3 to 10pm$28
Lincoln Park ZooThe Chris White Jazz Trio performs Vince Guaraldi's beloved A Charlie Brown Christmas score in three concerts on December 6. A kid-friendly 3pm matinee at the Pepper Family Wildlife Center includes cocoa, cookies, dancing with Snoopy, a Santa visit and ZooLights admission after the show. Kid-friendly 6pm and adults-only 8pm (18+) evening sets play Cafe Brauer with Snoopy appearances. Tickets range from $28 to $60 depending on show and membership.
ThursdayDecember 10
6:30 to 10pm
Lincoln Park ZooA 21-and-over ZooLights evening presented by Grey Goose Vodka, Patron Tequila and St-Germain. The Sugar and Spice edition pairs the zoo's holiday lights with specialty cocktails, music and seasonal bites. Tickets go on sale October 6; no dedicated event page has been published yet, so check the ZooLights page for updates.
SaturdayDecember 12
7:30am$40
Chicago History MuseumThe Arthritis Foundation's annual holiday 5K and 1-mile run/walk through Lincoln Park, starting at the Chicago History Museum. Runners wear holiday costumes and jingle bells along the course. Saturday, December 12, 7:30 a.m. Entry $40 for the untimed 5K or the 1-mile, $45 for the timed 5K.
7pm$29
Theater on the LakeTaylor Swift tribute band Burning Red throws a Christmas themed holiday party concert at Theater on the Lake. Doors at 6pm, show at 7pm, general admission standing room.
FridayDecember 18
7:30pm
St. Michael Church in Old TownMusic of the Baroque's chorus and brass ensemble, led by Andrew Megill, perform holiday music by Gabrieli, Praetorius and others, from ancient chant to brass and choral works.
ThursdayDecember 31
4:30 to 9pm$7
Lincoln Park ZooA dedicated New Year's Eve night inside ZooLights with an hourly countdown among the light displays and an early 9pm finish, well before midnight.
SaturdayJanuary 2
2 to 4pm
Lincoln Park ZooStart the year with intention at Lincoln Park Zoo. This wellness event includes nonalcoholic beverage samples for guests 21 and older, yoga and sound meditation sessions, plus early access to ZooLights before the evening public opening. Tickets go on sale November 9.
Get this list every Thursday
One email with the week ahead. Unsubscribe any time.
Get a weekly email
More lists near here
Fall events in AndersonvilleFall in Andersonville, Chicago: ghost tours, festivals, Halloween events and neighborhood happenings.
See all lists in Chicago- 7pmJanasha Prabu: Monster in the Mirror Chicago
- 7:30pm2026 Shadow Carriers: Andersonville Ghost Tour Chicago
- SatRandolph Street Holiday Market (November) Chicago
- FriA Christmas Carol Chicago
- 6pmYoko Ono Creation Celebration and FEMME FANTASQUE #2 Release Party Chicago
- 7:30pmRandomness at a Moment in Time (world premiere) Chicago
- All dayTINTA ARDIENTE! Igniting Community Through Collective Action Chicago
- 6pmTINTA ARDIENTE! Opening Reception Chicago
Last checked .Addresses located with © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Suggest an event for this list