Holidays
Chicago holiday events 2026 kick off with one big weekend. On Friday, November 20, the city lights its Christmas tree, Christkindlmarket opens and ZooLights begins. On Saturday, November 21, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival fills Michigan Avenue. Here are the dates, times and tips for the whole season.
The city's official tree goes up in Millennium Park, near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street. The ceremony is in the evening, with live music and fireworks after the tree lights up. The tree stays lit into January, so you can visit anytime during the season.
The German-style Christmas market turns 30 this year at Daley Plaza. All three markets open on Friday, November 20, and entry is free:
On Thanksgiving (November 26) and Christmas Eve, hours are shorter, 11 AM to 4 PM. The Wrigleyville market is closed on Christmas Day. See the Christkindlmarket website for full hours at each spot.
ZooLights runs from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027. The zoo fills with millions of lights, a light tunnel and holiday displays. Check the Lincoln Park Zoo website for tickets and nightly hours before you go. Parking near the zoo is tight on busy nights, so a Lincoln Park drop-off makes it easy.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival turns 35 this year. It is free, and it is billed as the largest evening parade in the country.
Michigan Avenue closes to cars in the afternoon for the parade. The sidewalks along the route get packed, so get there early for a good view. If you stay home, the parade airs on ABC7 Chicago on Sunday, November 22 at 6 PM.
Downtown garages fill up fast on Lights Festival weekend. We drop you off near the Magnificent Mile or Streeterville, outside the street closures, and meet you at a set spot after the fireworks. Flat rate, no surge.
Make it a full weekend. The Bears host the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field at noon on Sunday. See our Bears home game guide for the full schedule.
One of the best ways to see the city in December is a lights tour by car. Book an hourly chauffeur, start at the tree in Millennium Park, walk through Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza, cruise the lights on Michigan Avenue, and end at ZooLights or the Wrigleyville market. You stay warm between stops, and nobody has to drive.
For a group of friends or a family night out, a stretch limo makes it feel like an event. For bigger groups, our party buses fit the whole crew.
Late November and December are some of our busiest weeks of the year. Reserve now to lock in your vehicle and flat rate.
December is also office party season. If your team is heading to a downtown dinner or a party in the suburbs, our corporate car service gets everyone there and home safely. And if family is flying in for Thanksgiving or Christmas, we handle pickups at O'Hare and Midway with flight tracking included.
Chicago holiday events in 2026 start fast, with the tree lighting, Christkindlmarket and ZooLights on November 20, and the Lights Festival on November 21. Mark your calendar, check official hours before you go, and let us handle the driving so you can enjoy the season.
For Chicago holiday events in 2026, one car and driver can take you from the tree lighting to the markets to the lights.
Holiday kickoff weekend, market trips, light tours and holiday party rides, all at flat rates.
