Chicago is set to officially open its holiday season this weekend as several of the city’s most recognizable Christmas traditions return across multiple neighborhoods. The start of these annual events is expected to draw large crowds, increased traffic and a series of planned road closures, according to city officials. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications advised residents, visitors and motorists to prepare for heavier travel conditions throughout the weekend as celebrations get underway.
Among the highlights are the opening of the Chicago Christkindlmarket locations, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Millennium Park, the Lincoln Park ZooLights display, the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and the seasonal reopening of the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. Each event is anticipated to attract substantial turnout as Chicagoans and tourists mark the beginning of the holiday season.
The Christkindlmarket, one of the city’s most popular winter attractions, launches Friday with its Daley Plaza and Aurora markets. The Wrigleyville site will follow on Sunday. Known for its traditional German food, handcrafted ornaments, seasonal treats and the signature hot spiced wine, the free markets remain a beloved Chicago holiday tradition. The Daley Plaza market opens daily at 11 a.m., operating until 8 p.m. on most weekdays and until 9 p.m. on Fridays. Special holiday hours will apply on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, when the market hosts its final day. Visitors should anticipate street closures around Clark and Washington due to the influx of foot traffic.
Another major draw is the city’s official Christmas tree, a 68-foot Norway spruce installed in Millennium Park earlier this month. The lighting ceremony will take place Friday near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street. Pre-show entertainment begins at 5 p.m., followed by the formal lighting at 6 p.m., with fireworks bringing the evening to a close. The tree will remain on display through January 11, 2026. Access to the park will be available through entrances on Monroe and Randolph, though several surrounding streets will close beginning Friday morning.
Across the North Side, Lincoln Park ZooLights begins Friday with more than three million lights illuminating the zoo grounds. Visitors can expect large-scale LED displays, interactive features, a Ferris wheel offering elevated views of the lights, and an expansive tunnel installation along the Main Mall. Tickets begin at $7, with flexible admission options and free Monday entries on select dates. ZooLights will run through January 4.
On Saturday, the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will take over Michigan Avenue with a full day of activities. Lights Festival Lane will open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., leading into the evening parade, which steps off at 5:30 p.m. from Oak Street. The parade will feature illuminated floats, musical performances and appearances by popular Disney characters, culminating in a fireworks show over the Chicago River at 7:15 p.m. Extensive street closures will occur throughout the afternoon and evening to accommodate the parade route, staging areas and crowd management.
Rounding out the weekend, ice skating returns to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park starting Friday. Skating sessions run daily from 11 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Admission is free with required registration, and skate rentals are available for a fee. The rink remains one of the city’s most visited winter attractions.
With numerous festivities scheduled across the city, Chicago officials encourage attendees to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and stay alert to traffic changes. The weekend marks the beginning of a busy holiday period that promises both festive experiences and significant congestion throughout the downtown area.
