The Perfect Christmas Weekend in Chicago: The Ledge, Ice Skating, Christkindlmarket & More
Experience the magic of Chicago this Christmas with a perfect weekend itinerary blending iconic sights, festive markets, and delightful treats. From the dazzling lights of the Magnificent Mile to the cheerful stalls of Christkindlmarket and breathtaking city views, discover the best of the Windy City during the holiday season.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
A German Christmas market that has been running since 1996, offering a variety of food items and souvenirs, and is often voted the best in the United States.
Maggie Daley Park
Features the Ice Skating Ribbon, a unique ice skating track in the middle of downtown Chicago with skyscrapers in the background.
Lincoln Park Zoo
A staple of Chicago for over a century that hosts Zoo Lights, a magical wonderland with hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights.
Stan's Donuts & Coffee
A doughnut shop created in partnership with the original Stan's in Los Angeles, offering a variety of doughnuts and coffee.
Chicago Riverwalk
A 1 and 1/4 mile pedestrian walkway that leads to Lake Michigan, offering beautiful views of the buildings and bridges.
Millennium Park
Home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (The Bean) and the Chicago Christmas tree.
Willis Tower
Originally named the Sears Tower, it was one of the largest office buildings in the world when completed in 1973, and is now known for the Sky Deck and The Ledge attraction.
Skydeck Chicago
Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, offering 360° views and featuring The Ledge, glass boxes that extend 4 ft outside of the tower.
Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop - Theatre District
A hotel located less than a block away from the Christmas Market.
Intelligentsia Coffee
A Chicago-based coffee shop that opened in the 1990s, known for its coffee and pastries.
Museum of Science and Industry
Features a Christmas exhibit with trees from all around the world that they've been doing since the 1940s.
Cindy's Rooftop
A rooftop restaurant overlooking Millennium Park, known for its great food and incredible views.
Macy's
Located in the historic Marshall and Field Company Building, this massive department store is a popular spot to visit during Christmas, with lots of windows and Christmas decorations.
The Walnut Room
A historic restaurant within Macy's that opened in 1907, featuring a Christmas tree that people come from all over to see.
Magnificent Mile
One of the most popular shopping areas in Chicago and one of the best decorated Christmas areas, with Christmas lights and decorations.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago
A four-story Starbucks location on the Magnificent Mile offering unique coffee experiences and cocktails.
Chicago Water Tower
The old Chicago water tower, the only thing that survived the Great Fire in 1871, surrounded by trees decorated with Christmas lights.
Giordano's
A popular pizza place to try Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
Navy Pier
A great spot to visit with a family, as they have a fun Children's Museum and a ferris wheel.
Cloud Gate
Also known as The Bean, it is closed until early 2024.