Free Things to Do in Chicago for Christmas
- Grant Park/Millennium Park is a park complex located in downtown Chicago. During the Christmas season, this park offers free ice skating. The juxtaposition of the ice ring and the massive Chicago skyline provides a one of a kind skating experience. A walk across the BP Bridge located in the park allows tourists to view the skyline of Chicago, the snow in the area, and the stunning view of Lake Michigan all at once. Throw in Christmas decorations that can be seen throughout the park and you have a scenic Christmas experience.
- On Chicago's famous and historic Navy Pier during Christmas, there is a wonderland of Christmas lights. The pier is lit up with over 750,000 lights, 25,000 ornaments, and over one hundred fully decorated trees. A walk on the pier and through the array of lights is a perfect free Christmas activity in Chicago.
- The Christkindlmarket Festival, open only for the Christmas season, is the largest German market/festival in the United States. Chicago's strong German roots are visible during this fabulous festival. Vendors are there providing unique German foods, hand made Christmas ornaments, and other trinkets. Entering the festival and market is completely free. Visiting this marvelous festival allows an opportunity to view Chicago's German heritage, listen to live music, and enjoy a day at an eclectic festival/market right in the midst of the Christmas season.
- Visiting Macy's Holiday Happenings is one of Chicago's favorite Christmas activities. During November and December, Macy's fills its store with a 45-foot, fully decorated tree with over 1,200 ornaments and over 25,000 lights. Every floor is decorated with lights, statues, and themed displays. Visiting one of America's largest Macy's is an absolute treat for Christmas.
- December 1st through the 19th is Chicago's free Holiday Concert Series. Featuring several children's choirs singing classic Christmas songs; the concert culminates with a performance from the renowned Chicago adult choir, The Celestials. All concerts are from noon to one o' clock PM. Located downtown by the city hall building, don't miss one of Chicago's favorite Christmas music spectacles.
