THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Seasonal Activities Bring a Festive Weekend!
If you’re still overstuffed from your Thanksgiving meal and/or had an exhaustive Black Friday getting those holiday deals, this weekend is filled with seasonal activities for you and your family and friends to have a fun and relaxing festive weekend!
Uniting cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm, the Christkindlmarket returns to Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St.) in The Loop this Saturday (11 a.m.-9 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-8 p.m.) through December 24. Celebrate that Christmassy feeling by browsing stalls stocked with German food, plenty of hot beverages, a variety of handmade gifts, and spiced glühwein (German hot wine) served in the market’s famous boot mugs. In addition, enjoy a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration rooted in German folklore as Krampus storms the market and sets-up his Haus of Krampus filled with music, treats, and mischievous magic. A ticket includes 75 minutes in the Haus of Krampus along with one festive beverage, one warm Bavarian pretzel from a market vendor, and one keepsake printed photo of you and Krampus himself. This event is always an ideal place to make unique memories!
After taking a hiatus last year, Winterland at Gallagher Way returns this holiday season now through December 31 at Gallagher Way (3637 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. As usual, guests will be able to shop for gifts at the winter market; visit with and have a photo taken with Santa at his workshop; sip a hot beverage and enjoy delicious treats; enjoy a variety of holiday pop-ups; catch a holiday movie on Holiday Movie Nights (Thursdays); show off your holiday cheer and talent by crafting a holiday wreath at the wreath workshops; and more. In addition, the Gallagher Ice Rink is back through February 15, 2026. Welcome Back!
Celebrate the season at the 83rd annual Christmas Around the World now through January 5, 2026 (9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) at the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry (5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.) in the Hyde Park neighborhood. This beloved exhibit started in 1942 as one tree to represent unity during World War II and has now blossomed into more than 50 trees representing various Chicago communities and displays representing international celebrations like Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, and others (known as the Holidays of Light exhibit) that surround the four-story Grand Tree in the Rotunda. Plus, guests can stroll through the museum’s indoor forest and light displays, take a photo in front of the Grand Tree, enjoy specialty holiday treats at the Stan’s Donut pop-up, and more. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience bringing a world of holiday joy under one roof!
Returning with a brand-new light display, Holiday Magic celebrates over 40 years at Brookfield Zoo (8400 31st St.) in Brookfield now through January 4, 2026. This spectacular interactive display transforms the Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland with over 3.5 million lights including a new giant light-up maze and interactive light displays; more light tunnels for a twinkling star walk-through experience; a new holiday Dolphin Discovery Show along with seasonal treats and beverages, shopping in the Holiday Market, visits with Santa, and so much more. Come discover the magic that makes Holiday Magic a beloved holiday tradition!
Finally, this Saturday is Small Business Saturday. Come and support the following small businesses that offer discounts and promotions this holiday season.
Chicago Artisan Market this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the historic Artifact Events Building (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.) in the Ravenswood neighborhood; Andersonville Small Business Saturday at the Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark St.); Bronzeville’s Takeover on Small Business Saturday at 3521 South King Drive (8 a.m.-5 p.m.).
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
