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The Chicago Must-Do Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of the event.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of the event.
10/10/25 - By Maureen Wilkey

I don't know who needs to hear this, but even though it's 80 degrees outside, if you don't start putting these events on your calendar, you might miss out on some of your holiday favorites! Chicago is full of fabulous holiday event, and tickets are on sale for the best ones already. Sure, there will be plenty of things to do listed in our Chicago Holiday Guide, but if you're dead set on The Nutcracker or Polar Express, it's time to book now. 

The officially licensed Polar Express is not running at Union Station this year, so if you have a Christmas train lover, make sure you get tickets to one of a dozen or more other Polar Express events in the suburbs. There's always Santa on the L, too, in case you miss a deadline on those. The vast majority of them sell out within the first few days of registration.

The Walnut Room opened reservations to dine near the giant Christmas tree on September 29, and the only times left are weekdays before 11. But reservations for Macy's Santa visits are still to come, with spots opening on October 27.

Many holiday light shows start in mid-November, but the best tickets sell out quickly. Lightscapes and Illumination tickets are already on sale, and ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo is currently in member pre-sale only.

Performances of The Nutcracker also regularly sell out. The Joffrey Ballet offers many different times and dates, but the premium spots go quickly. Check out Salt Creek Ballet if you're in the suburbs, but be aware, the College of DuPage performances sell out.

The good news is, some of the most popular holiday events in Chicago are unticketed and can be enjoyed at any time. Try Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, near Wrigley Field, or in Aurora for lots of holiday treats and shopping. Or ice skate at Millennium Park — it gets crowded, but it's fun, festive, and you don't need a reservation. Also, check out the Magnificent Mile Light Parade or Light Up the Lake on Navy Pier for non-reserved holiday fun.

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Don't miss Illumination at Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of the event.
Don't miss Illumination at Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of the event.

Top Holiday Events for Chicago Families That Sell Out Every Year

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Chicago

Various locations and dates
Where can you still get Polar Express tickets? Check here. READ MORE

The Nutcracker Performed by Salt Creek Ballet at The Mac

Glen Ellyn
Friday, December 19- Sunday, December 21
Salt Creek Ballet performs the holiday classic The Nutcracker at various locations throughout the Chicago area, including the McAninch Center at the College of DuPage on December 19-21 in both matinee and evening shows. The show's set includes a magic Christmas tree that grows to 60 feet tall and 125 beautiful costumes will be worn by internationally recognized dancers.  READ MORE

The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker

Downtown
Saturday, December 5- Sunday, December 28
The Joffrey Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker. This classic ballet has been reimagined for a modern audience and set in Chicago at the 1893 World's Fair, where Marie and her mother, a sculptress creating the fair’s iconic Statue of the Republic, partake in a festive celebration with a surprise visit from the mysterious Great Impresario. READ MORE

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Glencoe
Friday, November 14- Sunday, January 4
Go for a stroll down a mile-long path filled with holiday wonder at the Chicago Botanic Garden. READ MORE

Elf The Musical at the Auditorium Theater

Downtown
Tuesday, December 2- Sunday, December 14
Elf The Musical, inspired by the hit film, is the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve. When he discovers he is human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and, in turn, helps the Big Apple rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. READ MORE

A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theater

Downtown
Saturday, November 15- Wednesday, December 31
Charles Dickens's holiday classic is brought to life at this annual play at the Goodman Theater. Nearly two million people have seen the show, which is now in its fifth decade. READ MORE

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

Lisle
Saturday, November 15- Saturday, January 3
Visitors walk a one-mile path with thousands of lights in displays illuminating the trees, accompanied by music. An awe-inspiring display illuminates the new Grand Garden. Visitors can enjoy some old favorites and new displays. New this year—Illumination features four colorful animal sculptures from The Morton Arboretum’s newest exhibition Vivid Creatures, by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz. See these colorful sculptures lit up for the holidays and transformed for the Illumination experience. Stop along the way to roast s'mores around a campfire or drink a hot beverage from... READ MORE

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park
Friday, November 21- Sunday, January 4
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo has been a favorite holiday event for more than 30 years, with light displays and seasonal activities throughout the zoo. The event is free on Monday evenings, and $7 most other weekdays, and $12 on weekends and premium dates. READ MORE

Rudolph Runs Wild...

Old Town
Saturday, November 28- Wednesday, December 31
Share silliness this holiday season with Rudolph Runs Wild… a jolly extravaganza for kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and reindeer of all ages! Featuring a fun and festive blend of family-friendly songs and sketches from The Second City’s rich comedy archives, fresh new material written specifically for young audiences, and – of course – the ridiculous improv hijinks The Second City is world famous for. Brighten your winter with this one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical experience offering audience members, young and old, the chance to enjoy the comedy fun both from their... READ MORE

Visit with Santa at Macy’s State Street

Downtown
Saturday, November 1- Wednesday, December 24
Bring your list to visit with Santa at Macy's on State Street. Travel through Santaland on the fifth floor to get to the man in red for your photo. Santa accommodates kids with special needs. Reservations open on October 27. READ MORE

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