What to do in Salem Lakes

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.

Santa's Magical Market The Big Freeze

Nov 22A festive market experience.

'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.

Holiday Floral Show at Mitchell Park Domes

Nov 22The Show Dome transforms with unique, themed floral shows.

Christmas at the Pabst Mansion

Nov 20Holiday decorations and tours at the historic Pabst Mansion.

Dec 29Comedy performance by Jackie Kashian.

Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off

Dec 28College hockey tournament.

Dec 28Comedy performance by Jackie Kashian.

Twilight Tours at Pabst Mansion

Dec 27Evening tours of the historic Pabst Mansion.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Dec 27Highly anticipated 2025 Winter Tour performance with shows at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Play Date with Art: Winter

Dec 27An art-themed play date for kids.

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

Nov 20A festival of festive light displays throughout downtown Milwaukee.

Christkindlmarket Aurora

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

Festival of Lights

Dec 27A holiday light display.

Dec 27Enjoy a live music performance by Julia Danielle at the Council Oak venue.

Dec 27An ongoing event or exhibit.

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.

HPFM Holiday Market 2025

Dec 20Shop local in Hyde Park.

Hyde Park Handmade Holiday Artisan Bazaar

Dec 21Holiday artisan bazaar featuring handmade goods.

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

Dec 28Emilio performing at the Hard Rock Cafe.

2025 Holiday Festival of Lights

Dec 22Drive through Sinnissippi Park and enjoy dozens of holiday light displays, a cherished stateline family tradition since 1989.

Christmas at Pabst Mansion / Twilight Tours

Nov 28A self-guided evening tour through lavishly decorated rooms with twinkling lights and live holiday music.

USM's Winter Day Camp

Dec 22Day camp for children in PK through 8th grade with winter-themed activities.

A Christmas Carol

Nov 21Essential to the holiday season in Denver, this classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation is brought to life on stage.