Tour the retro-cool lighted decorations in Bayfront Festival Park, including a tree that dances to music, Dinosaurland and Penguin Park, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There's free hot chocolate, cookies, popcorn and marshmallows to roast over fire pits. Bring cash or food to donate to food shelves. There will be fireworks at 5:30 p.m. on the last night.
This is the most authentic Old World Christmas market, with many German vendors who bring over toys, ornaments and sweets. There's a Children's Lantern Parade, appearances by the Christkind and entertainment most days. In Daley Plaza in the Loop.
This satellite of the famous Chicago market is in RiverEdge Park on the Fox River, with more than 50 vendors from around the world and daily entertainment.
This satellite of the famous downtown Christmas market is held outside Wrigley Field.
This Christkindlmarkt in Union Depot features choirs, dancers, hot mulled wine, holiday beers, European-inspired food and artisan goods.
This outdoor European-style market on North Loop Green, near Target Field, features vendors and such German and Swiss favorites as Glühwein, raclette, pretzels and potato pancakes.
This town on the Illinois River kicks off its downtown festival with a parade, followed by fireworks.
This satellite of the famous downtown Christmas market is held outside Wrigley Field.
The free display in Olin Park is open from dusk to dawn. Candy canes are handed out till 10 p.m.
Admission to the annual display of 2.5 million lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo is $7-$10 per person. Tickets are free on some Mondays. Reserve time slots in advance.
The season-long lights festival includes more than 500,000 lights throughout downtown's parks and streets.
This free light show on Lake Winnebago includes animated scenes and trees that dance to 20 minutes of music played on 87.9 FM (you can listen on your car radio).
In Riverside Park, see a holiday display of 3 million lights with music. It opens with a parade and fireworks, and Santa and reindeer are there every night through Dec. 22, with a live Nativity and carriage rides some nights. There is an ice rink with free use of skates, and free s'mores at fire pits.
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