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.
The free display in Olin Park is open from dusk to dawn. Candy canes are handed out till 10 p.m.
The season-long lights festival includes more than 500,000 lights throughout downtown's parks and streets.
Admission to the annual display of 2.5 million lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo is $7-$12 per person. Tickets are free on most Mondays. Reserve time slots in advance.
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 market on the grounds of the Corner of the Past Museum, a recreated pioneer homestead south of town, features local vendors and artisans, live music, and German dishes served inside a large barn.
This downtown market features vendors in outdoor huts as well as heated tents for music, German food, gingerbread-decorating and a beer garden.
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.
The Old World downtown market in this town on the Illinois River features live entertainment and kids' crafts as well as artisan vendors.
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.
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