Christmas Events In Chicago 2024
Windy City Christmas: A Holiday Guide to Chicago Concerts and theater Performances
Winter hits a bit differently in Chicago.
Sure, summer is a wonderful time to visit – neighborhood festivals and street parties, patio life, an abundance of sports, and the beaches all make the warmer months a remarkable experience.
In the winter, the gray skies and cold give the Midwest a bad wrap but once the snow falls, the lights go up, and the annual Christmas market springs up – the magic of the holiday season is tough to beat.
Chicago is home to a number of annual holiday events, concerts, and theater performances that we think are can’t miss.
One of the highlights of the Chicago Christmas season is the selection of concerts and theater performances. The Allstate Arena will host the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Jingle Ball in December, featuring some of the biggest names in music. Mariah Carey will also be performing at the United Center for her stunning festive tour. These concerts are sure to get audiences in the holiday spirit with their festive tunes and energetic performances.
For those looking for a more traditional holiday experience, there are also plenty of theater performances to choose from. The Marriott theater will present The Snow Queen, a classic tale about a young girl's journey to rescue her friend from the clutches of an evil queen. Meanwhile, Broadway Playhouse will offer Christmas with CS Lewis, a play that shares the life of fantasy legend C.S. Lewis with the world. With so many options to choose from, Chicago is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays with loved ones.
Setting the Stage: Chicago Christmas
Chicago is a city that truly comes alive during the Christmas season. The city is known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and bustling food scene, but during the holidays, it's the festive atmosphere that takes center stage. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and holiday-themed events and performances.
One of the most popular events during the Christmas season in Chicago is the Christkindlmarket. This German-inspired market takes over Daley Plaza and features vendors selling traditional Christmas gifts, food, and drinks. Visitors can sip on warm glühwein (mulled wine) while browsing handcrafted ornaments and other holiday trinkets.
For those looking for a more theatrical experience, there are plenty of Christmas-themed shows and performances to choose from.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be returning to the Allstate Arena with their "Ghosts of Christmas Eve" show with two performances on Dec. 28.
Lindsey Stirling will be performing her "Snow Waltz" tour at the Auditorium theater on New Year’s Eve.
The Metropolis Performing Arts Center will also be putting on their annual production of "A Christmas Carol” from Nov. 25 through Dec. 24.
Is it really Christmas time if you’re not playing Mariah Carey? Nope. Well, you can mark your calendars for Dec 3., when the unofficial Queen of Christmas blows the roof off the United Center with a stop on her holiday tour.
It certainly isn’t Christmas without listening to some Mannheim Steamroller. Don’t miss your chance to see them live on their national tour stop in Rosemont at the Rosemont Theatre on Dec. 16 at 8 p.m.
It’s been a decade since the first Jingle Ball rocked Chicago and now it’s time for one of their best lineups yet. Part of the national iHeartRadio Jingle Ball will make a stop at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont with a lineup including Nicki Minaj, Jelly Roll, Big Time Rush, Doechii, Kaliii, and more.
But the Christmas spirit isn't limited to just these events. From ice skating at Millennium Park to taking in the city's stunning holiday lights on a trolley tour, there's something for everyone in Chicago during the holidays. The city truly comes alive during this time of year, and visitors are sure to be swept up in the festive atmosphere.
Most Popular theater Christmas Events in Chicago 2023
Chicago is a city that loves to celebrate Christmas in style. With a plethora of theater performances and concerts, it's no wonder that people from all over the world flock to the city during the holiday season. Here are some of the most popular theater Christmas events in Chicago for 2023:
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. The Joffrey Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is one of the most popular theater Christmas events in Chicago. It's a magical experience that will transport you to a world of sugarplum fairies and dancing snowflakes. The production is known for its stunning costumes and beautiful sets, making it a must-see during the holiday season, Dec. 2 through Dec. 27, 2023.
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is another classic that has become a holiday tradition for many families. The Goodman theater's production of A Christmas Carol is one of the most popular theater Christmas events and is considered the “perfect Chicago holiday tradition.” The production has been running for over 40 years, and it's easy to see why. It's a heartwarming story that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. This year, Larry Yando will return for his 15th season playing Scrooge.
Handel's Messiah
Handel's Messiah is a beloved Christmas tradition that has been performed around the world for over 250 years. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's performance of Handel's Messiah (Dec. 21-23) is one of the most popular theater Christmas events in Chicago and one of the most magnificent in America. Be sure to get tickets for a can’t-miss holiday tradition led by Nicholas McGegan, considered one of the country’s finest Baroque conductors. All ticket holders are allowed access to a pre-concert conversation 75 minutes before the performance.
Whether you're looking for a classic Christmas story or something a little more unique, Chicago has a theater Christmas event for everyone. These are just a few of the most popular events, but there are many more to choose from. Be sure to book your tickets early, as these shows tend to sell out quickly.
The Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House
The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday classic that has been reimagined by choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and is returning to the Lyric Opera House in Chicago for the 2023 holiday season. The story follows Marie and the Nutcracker Prince on a magical journey through the 1893 World's Fair, filled with enchantment and wonder.
The Lyric Opera House will host 20 performances of The Nutcracker from December 2-23, 2023. This year's production promises to be a dazzling spectacle of sights and sounds that will transport the audience to a magical world of fantasy and wonder.
The Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House is presented by the Joffrey Ballet, a world-renowned dance company that has been performing in Chicago since 1956. The Joffrey Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is known for its stunning choreography, breathtaking sets, and talented performers.
Tickets for The Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House are expected to sell out quickly, so interested patrons are encouraged to purchase their tickets early. Prices for tickets vary depending on the date and time of the performance, as well as the seating location.
The Lyric Opera House is located in downtown Chicago at 20 North Upper Wacker Drive, making it easily accessible by public transportation, Uber, or car. The venue is known for its beautiful architecture and world-class acoustics, making it the perfect location for a holiday performance.
Other Holiday Events in Chicago for Christmas 2023
In addition to the Christmas concerts and theater performances, there are plenty of other holiday events to enjoy in Chicago during Christmas 2023. Here are some popular options:
- Christkindlmarket: This annual outdoor market is a Chicago holiday tradition and is considered one of the most authentic outside of Europe. Visitors can browse through rows of vendors selling handcrafted ornaments, toys, and other gifts while sipping on hot cocoa or mulled wine. The market is open from November 17 to December 24, 2023, and is located in Daley Plaza.
- Ice Skating: There are several places to go ice skating in Chicago during the holiday season, including the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park and the Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon. Both rinks offer skate rentals and are open from November to March, weather permitting.
- ZooLights: The Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with its annual ZooLights event. Visitors can stroll through the zoo while admiring the festive light displays and enjoying holiday treats. The event is free and open to the public from November 24, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
- Holiday Tea: The Drake Hotel offers a festive holiday tea service in its elegant Palm Court. Guests can enjoy a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, and pastries while listening to live music. The holiday tea service is available from November 24 to December 31, 2023.
Chicago is full of holiday cheer during Christmas 2023, and these events are just a few of the many options available to visitors and locals alike.
