A fresh blanket of snow won’t keep Chicagoans home. December is when the city shines brightest, with seasonal traditions like the Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol anchoring the holiday calendar alongside new experiences, expanded light installations, and more. All across the city and suburbs, the festive season is here.
Let us know how you’re celebrating the season by tagging us in our posts on Instagram: @makeitbetter_foundation.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
The Museum of Science and Industry is getting into the holiday spirit with their annual exhibit, Christmas Around The World and Holidays of Light. Take a trip around the world without leaving Chicago. The holiday tradition — running through January 5, 2026 — will bring wonder and even a little education to guests as they wind through the exhibit, which represents seasonal holidays including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Hanukkah, and Chinese New Year. Get tickets at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
A Christmas Carol
Rediscover the timeless Dickens classic that’s become a symbol of the season. Directed by Jessica Thebus and featuring a “first-rate cast and marvelous staging” (Chicago Sun-Times), this beloved tale remains “the best Christmas story ever told” (Time Out Chicago). Catch the show through Dec. 31 — get tickets at Goodman Theatre.
Amadeus
Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its 50th anniversary season with Peter Shaffer’s award-winning masterpiece Amadeus. Directed by Tony Award winner Robert Falls, Amadeus has been extended through January 25, 2026 in Steppenwolf’s Ensemble Theater.
Set in 18th-century Vienna, Amadeus follows court composer Antonio Salieri as his world is upended by the arrival of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — a prodigy whose brilliance is matched only by his unpredictability. The two artists begin a vicious and thrilling duet, a rivalry that will define their lives and legacies for years to come. Winner of five Tonys and eight Academy Awards, Amadeus is the ultimate ode to ambition and musical genius, a requiem for a villain in history — but a hero in his own story. Get tickets at Steppenwolf.
On Loss and Absence: Textiles of Mourning and Survival
On Loss and Absence brings together over 100 objects from diverse cultures dating from antiquity to today to reveal the ways people use textiles to sustain spiritual beliefs, understand death, cope with grief, remember those who have passed, and heal from trauma, both personally and collectively. Through March 15, 2026.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Chicago’s beloved outdoor holiday tradition Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum returns for its 13th season — open through Jan. 3, 2026. New this year, Illumination offers four larger-than-life Vivid Creatures sculptures featured among 20 immersive light displays; and Dog Admission Nights invite visitors’ furry companions to join the fun. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Morton Arboretum.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Gardens
Of all the decorations and light shows across the North Shore, it’s hard to find one more unique than Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Now through January 4, venture over to the gardens in Glencoe for “an after dark, illuminated trail” that takes you across the grounds to witness dazzling displays. Fit for the whole family or just for friends. Information on admission and logistics can be found on the Chicago Botanic Gardens website.
Macy’s Holiday Celebrations
The Macy’s Holiday Window Display always brings crowds from near and far. They also welcomes parents and kids to pop in for Macy’s 2025 Santaland, where kids can visit and take a photo with Santa. Reservations are required and should be made at least six days in advance, but not to worry, Santa and his elves will be around until December 24 — leaving plenty of time to still book. Visit the Macy’s Holiday Celebration website for registration and more information.
Christkindlmarket
See Chicago’s coziest side at Christkindlmarket, open through Dec. 24 in the Loop with additional locations in Wrigleyville and Aurora. This beloved holiday tradition pairs the charm of an authentic German-style market with all the seasonal staples — from aromatic roasted nuts and warm pretzels to mugs of hot spiced wine. Browse global vendors offering handcrafted gifts and festive wares, and soak in an atmosphere that has become a winter must-do for Chicagoans. Learn more at the Christkindlmarket website.
City of Chicago Tree
Nothing signals the start of the season in Chicago quite like the city’s glow of lights and festive displays. Millennium Park remains the centerpiece, home to the 112th Chicago Christmas Tree and a gathering place for anyone craving a little holly-and-jolly cheer. If you’re heading downtown this winter, make time for a stop in the Loop — it’s worth the detour. Find details at City of Chicago.
CTA Holiday Train and Bus
The festive CTA Holiday Train and Bus are back, transforming everyday commutes into a dose of seasonal magic. Decked out in lights, decorations, and a wave-and-smile from Santa, these rides are a Chicago holiday staple. The train runs through Dec. 22 and the bus through Dec. 21. Full route details are available on CTA website.
Jack Frost Christmas Pop-Up
Fulton Market’s interactive holiday pop-up is open for the season, inviting visitors to step inside the Jack Frost grounds for an outdoor, multi-sensory Christmas celebration. Wander through glowing nighttime light displays, pose with dozens of winter-themed installations, or lace up for a spin on the full-size ice rink. Whether you’re visiting with friends or family, it’s an easy place to tap into a little holiday magic. Tickets and details are available on the Jack Frost Christmas Pop-Up website. The experience runs through the first week of January 2026.
A Christmas Carol – Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Metropolis’ festive family favorite returns to delight audiences of all ages this holiday season. On a snowy Christmas Eve brimming with memorable characters, ghostly apparitions, and festive holiday music, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge visits the past, present, and future and discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Catch the holiday fun through Dec. 24.
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Experience unmatched holiday cheer with Frank Capra’s beloved classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” reimagined as a captivating live radio play, complete with foley sound effects and set in Oil Lamp’s WBFR radio studio. Journey to Bedford Falls, where George Bailey learns just how blessed he really is. The performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderland
Relive old favorites and create new memories at Chicago’s signature holiday experience. Kick off the season with rides, slides, and festive attractions, from high-energy thrills like the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity to family classics including the kiddie train, bumper cars, and skating on The Verizon | Google Pixel Ice Rink. Every ticket includes a ride on the iconic Centennial Wheel. Visit the Winter Wonderland website for tickets and more details. Visit the Winter Wonderland website for tickets and more details.
Champagne Row, by Park Hyatt Chicago
A champagne experience inspired by the publishing heritage of Printer’s Row. Choose from champagnes by the glass or bottle, served with a charming pairing. Operating Thursday to Saturday between 3-8PM in the Park Hyatt Chicago Library, this experience is limited to six seats, ensuring a personalized champagne journey. Enjoy this experience for yourself, now through Feb. 27, 2026.
Donations via ‘Giving Machines’
“Giving Machines” — the vending-style kiosks that let you choose and donate to local or global charities — are back for the season. You can find them at Fox Valley Mall in Aurora, and all operating costs are covered so every dollar goes directly to the organizations. The machines will be available through Jan. 1, 2026.
Raqib Shaw: Paradise Lost
Photo credits: Raqib Shaw. Paradise Lost (detail), 2009–25. Collection of the artist. © Raqib Shaw. Photo by Prudence Cuming, London.
Epic and intricate, monumental and meticulous — the paintings of Kashmir-raised, London-based artist Raqib Shaw offer fantastical meditations on identity, transformation, and the redemptive power of beauty — through Jan. 19, 2026.
Elizabeth Catlett: “A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies”
Bringing together over 100 works from across Catlett’s awe-inspiring career, this long-overdue retrospective showcases the significant role this revolutionary artist played in her time and the influence she still has today. Her powerful work continues to speak directly to all those united in the fight against poverty, racism, and imperialism. See this work in person before January 4, 2026.
As You Like It
Running now through Dec. 14, this musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic is an immersive dream-like tale of faithful friends, feuding families and chance encounters. Featuring an original folk-pop score by Shaina Taub, the Tony Award-winning composer of Suffs. For tickets and more information, visit Writers Theatre.
Much Ado About Nothing
“As merry as the day is long!” Just in time for the holiday season, Shakespeare’s wittiest rom-com dazzles in the Sicilian sun. You’ll be transported to Italy with a talented ensemble cast in CST’s Courtyard Theater, considered one of the finest spaces to experience Shakespeare’s stories live in performance. Catch it live until Dec. 21.
Tiffany Lamps: Beyond the Shade: Driehaus Museum
Driehaus Museum’s Tiffany Lamps: Beyond the Shade—open until March 15, 2026—casts a new light on one of the Gilded Age’s most recognizable names. The show moves past the familiar glow of Tiffany’s stained-glass shades to reveal the full scope of the studio’s work between the 1890s and 1920s — from bronze boxes and pottery vases to a monumental chandelier rarely seen by the public. With pieces drawn from both the Driehaus collection and the Richard H. Driehaus Art Exhibition Lending Foundation, guest curator Alexandra M. Ruggiero frames the story around the artistry, materials, and influential designers that helped make Tiffany a household name.
Second Saturdays at the Goodman
Saturdays at the Goodman are family-focused intergenerational workshops centered on joy, creativity, and sharing space. Join them to participate in workshops facilitated by Goodman Teaching Artists as they celebrate creativity and the art of storytelling. Second Saturdays are ideal for littles (ages 4-10), and their families. Find more details at Goodman Theatre online, now through July 2026.
December 1-14: Miracle on South Division Street
The Nowaks of Buffalo have always believed in their family’s miraculous Christmas Eve story — until Ruth turns it into a one-woman show, only to have a deathbed confession threaten to unravel the legend. As the truth emerges, the Nowaks face their faith, family and hilarious truths in this heartfelt comedy. This show kicked off in November, but catch it now until December 14.
December 4: Brandenburg Concertos – Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
In an annual Harris Theater holiday tradition, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center returns with Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. These concertos stand at the pinnacle of Baroque musical art. His addictive melodic ideas, his consummate contrapuntal technique, and his instrumental ingenuity combine in works that have gained true musical immortality.
December 4-7: One of a Kind Show + Sale
The One of a Kind Show + Sale is bringing together over 600 artists and makers of different mediums for one big holiday sale. Hosted at The Mart, thousands of annual shoppers secure “unique and meaningful” gifts that range from niche to must-haves. From accessories to home goods; pet products to bath and beauty, this showcase has it all. Check out more details on the One of a Kind website.
December 5-28: The Nutcracker
This holiday season, step into a spellbinding world where history and imagination meet. Marie and her Nutcracker prince embark on a fantastical journey in Christopher Wheeldon’s Tony Award-winning reimagining of The Nutcracker, set against the spectacle of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. This annual favorite continues to delight audiences of all ages. Find tickets and more information: The Nutcracker.
December 6: Santa Hustle
Head over to Navy Pier this weekend for a 5K or 10K race devoted to ole’ St. Nick. This fan-favorite race — and Kids Dash — brings together the fun of a Chicago-based 5K and the hilarity of dressing up like Mr. Clause himself. Deck out head to toe in the iconic, Santa-red clothes and kick-off this holiday season on the right foot. More information and registration can be found on the Santa Hustle website.
The 42nd Annual Music Box Christmas Sing-A-Long & Double Feature
The Music Box Theatre has long been one of Chicago’s champions of classic film traditions, and this December marks the 42nd year of its beloved Christmas Double Feature and Sing-a-Long. Settle in for big-screen showings of White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life, complete with the annual audience sing-along that has become a holiday ritual for many Chicagoans. Tickets and details are available at Music Box Theatre.
December 13-14: Christmas with Chicago Master Singers
Celebrate the season at this year’s CMS Christmas concerts, where the chorus will be joined by strings and piano for an evening of familiar carols, new discoveries, and choral favorites — plus the annual audience sing-along. It’s a festive program designed to bring a little holiday spirit to everyone in the room.
December 17-20: Anthony Rapp: Home for the Holidays
Chicago’s Tony-Award winning Lookingglass Theatre Company, is proud to announce multi-award winner Anthony Rapp in the world premiere of a seasonal and intimate cabaret, Anthony Rapp: Home for the Holidays, at historic Water Tower Water Works.
December 18-January 4: Annie – Music Theater Works
Music Theater Works is proud to present, Annie, in the George Van Dusen Theatre, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.
More from Better:
- 5 Ways Beatlemania Lives On in 2025: Paul McCartney on Tour, Rare Exhibitions, Restored Beatles Anthology and More
- From Brahms X Radiohead to Beethoven X Beyoncé: How Steve Hackman’s Genre-Bending Mashups Are Reimagining Classical Music
- Tom Morello on Music, Activism and Bringing ‘Revolution(s)’ to Chicago’s Goodman Theatre
Margaret Smith is a Chicago-based writer and editor with a passion for socio-political storytelling about their community. They are a graduate of Columbia College Chicago.
