What to do in Merrillville

Between Monday, November 17, 2025 and Friday, January 16, 2026

Frosted in Franklin Park

Dec 20A festive display of thousands of bright lights in Franklin Park.

Helen Frankenthaler and Artists' Experiments on Paper

Dec 10An exhibition showcasing works by Helen Frankenthaler and other artists experimenting with paper.

The Block Collects 2025

Dec 10An exhibition of collected artworks at the Block Museum of Art.

Dec 27A festive display of lights at Lincoln Park Zoo.

HPFM Holiday Market 2025

Dec 20Shop local in Hyde Park.

Hyde Park Handmade Holiday Artisan Bazaar

Dec 21Holiday artisan bazaar featuring handmade goods.

Dec 22A gathering for singles to socialize and meet new people.

Santa's Magical Market The Big Freeze

Nov 22A festive market experience.

Adventsbummel Thun

Dec 17Ein geführter Adventsspaziergang durch Thun.

Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy w Policach

Dec 19Dwudniowe świąteczne wydarzenie z niepowtarzalną atmosferą, świątecznymi przysmakami, aromatycznymi napojami i kolorowymi dekoracjami

'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil

Dec 23A festive and acrobatic holiday show by Cirque du Soleil.

Ice Skating at Millennium Park

Dec 22Outdoor ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink in Millennium Park.

Illumination: Tree Lights

Dec 22An immersive outdoor light experience transforming the trees of the Morton Arboretum.

A Christmas Carol

Dec 23The 48th annual production of Charles Dickens' classic holiday story.

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Dec 22An authentic German-style outdoor Christmas market offering unique shopping, food, and beverages.

Holiday Jam Pajama Promo

Dec 22Guests who visit Skydeck in their favorite holiday pajamas receive a promotion.

Winter WonderFest

Dec 22Chicago's favorite indoor holiday event with rides, ice skating, and festive décor inside Festival Hall.

Drunk Shakespeare

Dec 27A boozy twist on a Shakespearean play.

Dec 28Musical based on the popular film.

The Signature Show

Dec 27Magic performance.

Dec 28Music performance by Chris Lake.

Ice Skating at Millennium Park

Dec 27Outdoor ice skating in a festive setting.

Illumination: Tree Lights

Dec 27An outdoor, immersive display of lights and sound.

Navy Pier Winter Fireworks

Dec 27Dazzling free fireworks display over Navy Pier.

World Famous Gospel Brunch

Dec 28Gospel music with brunch.

The Phantom of the Opera

Dec 27Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic musical.

The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet

Dec 27A classic holiday ballet performance.

Christkindlmarket Aurora

Nov 21A traditional German-style Christmas market with over 60 vendors offering gifts, food, and family-friendly entertainment.

Sacrament Meeting Springfield 2nd Ward

Dec 28A regular worship service.

Dec 28Outdoor holiday light display at the zoo

Michael & Amber

Dec 28Live music performance

Dasher's Drive Thru Holiday Lights Show

Dec 27A drive-through experience featuring holiday light displays

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Dec 28Screening of the cult classic film

Dec 27Live music performance by Mike DeHays

Dec 27Live music performance

Fire Arts 2025 Annual Resident Artist Holiday Show

Dec 26An annual show and sale featuring artwork created by Fire Arts resident artists. All works will be for sale.

Dec 26A holiday lights celebration with a wonderland of lights and seasonal activities designed to delight all ages.

Sparkling Wine Stock Up!

Dec 27Wine tasting and opportunity to purchase sparkling wines

Visits with Santa

Dec 22Meet Santa and receive an "I Believe" sticker for downtown discounts. Online reservations are highly recommended.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve

Dec 29A rock opera performance with a holiday theme.

'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil

Dec 27A festive Cirque du Soleil show inspired by the classic Christmas poem.

Winter Wonderfest

Dec 27Indoor holiday festival with rides, activities, live music, and festive displays.

A Christmas Carol

Dec 27The classic holiday play.

Live Blues Music

Dec 23Enjoy live blues performances at Chicago's legendary Rosa's Lounge.

Joffrey Ballet - The Nutcracker

Dec 22The classic holiday ballet presented by the Joffrey Ballet.