Holiday events in the Loop
44 upcoming. Holidays in downtown Chicago: Christkindlmarket, tree lightings, markets and concerts in the Loop.
FridayNovember 13
7:30pm, through Nov 15
Albert TheatreGoodman Theatre's annual staging of Dickens' A Christmas Carol returns to the Albert Theatre, running November 13 through December 31. The Chicago holiday tradition follows Ebenezer Scrooge's Christmas Eve transformation through encounters with ghosts, carols, and a large ensemble cast.
SaturdayNovember 14
10am to 7pm, through Nov 15
Randolph Street MarketThe November edition of Randolph Street Market's indoor holiday market brings about 125 dealers with vintage, artisanal and handcrafted goods for decorating and gift giving, plus food, a DJ and a Little Elves Workshop.
ThursdayNovember 19
7:30 to 8pm, through Nov 22Free
THE MARTScenes from the Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky's score, projected across the 2.5-acre facade of THE MART. Watch free from the Chicago Riverwalk, Thursday through Sunday evenings, 7:30 to 8 PM, through December 27.
FridayNovember 20
12 to 8pm, through Nov 22Free
Millennium ParkMore than 40 Chicago-area artisans and small businesses set up in Millennium Park's North Promenade for opening weekend of the holiday season. Shop jewelry, pottery, art, and seasonal goods. Free admission.
4pmFree
Millennium ParkThe city's official Christmas tree lights up in Millennium Park at the 113th annual ceremony. Festivities start at 4 PM with performances and seasonal treats, the tree lighting happens around 6:30 PM, followed by fireworks. Free, with viewing areas and big screens across the park.
11am to 9pm, through Dec 24Free
Daley PlazaChicago's German-style outdoor Christmas market returns to Daley Plaza for its 30th anniversary. Timber booths sell ornaments, toys, and gifts from around the world, plus bratwurst, roasted nuts, strudel, and hot spiced wine served in the collectible annual mug. Free admission; food and shopping cost extra.
SaturdayNovember 21
11amFree
Pioneer Court and North Michigan AvenueThe 35th annual Lights Festival fills the day with family activities in Lights Festival Lane, then an evening parade down Michigan Avenue lights more than 200 trees and ends with fireworks over the Chicago River.
TuesdayNovember 24
7pm, through Nov 25
CIBC TheatreBlue Man Group brings A New Holiday Surprise to the CIBC Theatre November 24 through December 13. The wordless trio mixes its signature percussion, paint, and comedy with seasonal surprises. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
7pm, through Nov 25$39
Cadillac Palace TheatreThe Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to the Cadillac Palace Theatre November 24 through 29. Director and choreographer Jennifer Weber's remix pairs Tchaikovsky's score with hip hop dance, a DJ, a violinist, and a dozen all-star dancers for a family holiday mash-up, with special guest MC Da Brat joining the Chicago engagement. Tickets $39 to $120.
ThursdayNovember 26
8 to 11amFree
ChicagoThe 92nd annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade marches up State Street on Thanksgiving morning, from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. Expect marching bands, floats, giant helium balloons, equestrian units, and cultural performances. Free to watch along the route; VIP seating available for purchase.
FridayNovember 27
10am, through Nov 29$27
Navy Pier Festival HallNavy Pier turns Festival Hall into an indoor holiday destination with festive decor, seasonal attractions, a visit with Santa and ice skating included with admission. It is closed to the general public November 30 to December 2 and closed on Christmas Day.
SaturdayNovember 28
1:30pm
Chicago Symphony CenterThe world-famous Vienna Boys Choir brings its Christmas in Vienna program to Symphony Center on November 28 at 1:30 PM, featuring Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, popular songs, and holiday carols.
ThursdayDecember 3
10am to 7pm, through Dec 6
THE MARTChicago's big handmade holiday shopping show returns to the 7th floor of THE MART with more than 600 artists, designers and makers selling gifts across many categories.
FridayDecember 4
6 to 7pm, every FridayFree
Millennium ParkA free community sing-along under Cloud Gate celebrating Chicago's diverse holiday traditions. Songbooks provided on site, with ASL interpretation at every program. Fridays in December, 6 to 7 PM.
7pm, through Dec 6$47
Lyric Opera HouseThe Joffrey Ballet's Chicago-made Nutcracker returns to the Lyric Opera House. Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's production sets the classic in 1892 Chicago during the building of the World's Columbian Exposition, following Marie and her Nutcracker Prince through a dreamlike World's Fair set to Tchaikovsky's score. Single tickets from $47.
SaturdayDecember 5
11am to 5pmFree
Murphy Auditorium at the Driehaus MuseumThe Driehaus Museum hosts a one-day, family-friendly holiday market in its historic Murphy Auditorium, with vintage jewelry, handcrafted goods and unique gifts.
7 to 11pm$29.95
Shedd AquariumShedd Aquarium mixes house music and holiday cheer for an adults-only night with DJs, an ugly sweater theme and up-close animal encounters.
SundayDecember 6
4pm
Murphy Auditorium at the Driehaus MuseumThe Newberry Consort presents festive holiday music from Mexico, with villancicos and sacred polyphony from Puebla for voices, winds, plucked instruments and percussion, plus a pre-concert talk. This listing is the downtown performance only; the same program also plays in Uptown and Evanston.
7pm
Auditorium TheatreDrag performers Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme bring their annual holiday comedy and music show to the Auditorium Theatre for one night.
TuesdayDecember 8
7:30 to 9:30pm$49
Chicago Symphony CenterThe Grammy-winning men's chorus Chanticleer returns to Symphony Center on December 8 at 7:30 PM with its newest holiday program of timeless carols, popular Christmas songs, and signature arrangements of festive spirituals. Tickets from $49.
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