FEATURED EVENTS

Celebrate the shortest day by traversing our snowy trails with nature lanterns! We will share poems and songs from diverse winter traditions from around the world as we proceed—if you have a favorite from your family traditions, you are welcome to bring and share it. First, we will gather to make nature lanterns at Heller Nature Center. Then we will parade through the park, with stops to sing, read a poem, or tell a story along the way. After our walk, we will return to the Nature Center for a much needed warming beverage.

We’re lighting up the night this holiday season! Returning with a brand new light display, celebrate more than 40 years of Holiday Magic. Now with more than 3.5 million lights, this spectacular interactive display transforms the Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stroll through themed areas featuring giant holiday displays, a maze, tunnels, and animal-themed lights. Experience the magic that has made this event a beloved holiday tradition.

A winter visit to Cosley Zoo has become a favorite family tradition. Cosley Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, an amazing selection of Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery, hot chocolate and a unique assortment of holiday gifts in the Wild Side Gift Shop. All proceeds from this event benefit Cosley Zoo. Admission is free during the festival. Cosley Zoo has four varieties of trees ranging from 3’ to 12’! Wreaths, greens, and garland are also available for purchase. Christmas lights turn on at 3 pm. Hot Chocolate is available weekdays 3-9 pm; weekends 9 am-9 pm. *Holiday Hours: December 24 & 31 | 9A-Noon

Tickets On Sale Now: Experience the Magic of Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier! Get ready to relive cherished memories and create magical new moments at Chicago’s favorite indoor holiday experience, complete with dazzling décor, thrilling rides, ice skating, and seasonal fun for all ages. Spot twinkly light displays and playful pops of holiday cheer inside Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, take in the towering 42-foot Holiday Tree, and discover endless ways to play. From heart-pumping rides like the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity to fan favorites like the classic kiddie train, electric bumper cars and the new motorcycle jump, plus bounce houses and slides, there’s something fun waiting around every corner.

Christmas at Cantigny returns for its third season, bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever. From Friday, November 21, through Tuesday, December 23, Cantigny transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with lights, music, food, and festive cheer for our Christmas at Cantigny celebration. NEW Magical Twist for 2025: A Wickedly Popular Christmas, Christmas at Cantigny’s Sunday evening light shows ‘flip the switch’ to feature the hues and music of Wicked (available 11/23, 11/30, 12/7 and 12/14). Guests at Christmas at Cantigny will stroll a half mile, fully accessible path through brilliantly illuminated gardens and landscapes—no dark gaps, just a seamless journey of light, color, and creativity. After Christmas, the magic continues through Saturday, January 4, with 'Lights, Camera, Action,' a show set to iconic movie soundtracks.

Get ready for some holiday cheer – all aboard the Holiday Express! Tickets are $10, purchase online starting November 6 at 9 a.m. Please Note: If you have purchased tickets for Hot Cocoa with Anna & Elsa or Storytime with the Grinch, you do NOT need to purchase Holiday Express Tickets. Santa and his elves will be at Blackberry Farm each weekend, collecting children’s wish lists at the Carriage Museum. There’s a sleigh full of other activities, including: Gift Shop: Find antique vintage toys and stocking stuffers, A Huntoon Christmas: Visit holiday displays and color a Holiday Express coloring book, North Pole Oasis (Carriage Museum): Visit Santa Claus and pose for a picture! Be sure to let Santa know what presents you would like, Candy Cane Village (Adventure Playground): Enjoy Blackberry’s beautifully lit playground (weather permitting), North Pole Depot: All Aboard the Holiday Express Train, Winter Sleigh Ride: Dash through the snow on a cozy wagon ride, Little Elf Hobby Shoppe (Weaver’s Cabin): Create a candy cane ornament to hang on your tree, Sugar Plum Playland: Explore the winter-themed sensory table. This attraction closes at dusk, Gingerbread School House: Listen to classic holiday stories while keeping warm by our real wood burning stove, Kringle’s Café: Stop by Santa’s favorite café for some delicious hot cocoa and treats, Holiday Village (Early Streets Museum): Warm up with an indoor craft and great Christmas music. Stop by our Reindeer Food Bar and create a feed bag to put out on Christmas Eve.