Back to Blog

Celebrate the Holidays in Chicago

Celebrating the holidays in Chicago with outdoor lights

Celebrating the holidays in Chicago with outdoor lights

We know the holidays look a little different this year, but 2020 is certainly a year that needs some extra holiday cheer. If you need ideas on how to celebrate the holidays in Chicago, we have you covered with some pandemic-friendly options:

Watch a Classic Seasonal Performance

What would be Chicago December without The Nutcracker at The Joffrey Ballet? This year, the company has a few options for catching the iconic show. You can see Tchaikovsky’s beloved score aligned with digital animations as part of Chicago’s Art on theMart, a larger-than-life experience in a free, outdoor setting downtown. You can also watch a documentary of the making of The Nutcracker, or see the performance itself virtually. Whatever you choose, see what The Joffrey has to offer here

Light Up Your Holiday

Enjoying holiday lightscapes are a favorite tradition, and thankfully many already align with COVID-19 precautions. The Lincoln Park ZooLights have festivities ranging from ticketed nights at the zoo, to members-only events, and are even hosting a few virtual events as well. If you can travel to the suburbs easily, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape always dazzles, as does Northbrook Court’s Let It Shine Drive-Thru Lightshow. For more ideas, TimeOut Chicago has a full list.

Practice Generosity

This year hasn’t been easy, and giving time or resources is a great way to spread end-of-the-year cheer. Whether you’re giving back as a family or as an individual, there are plenty of ways to be generous while staying socially distant. During the holiday season, there’s no better time of year to pour a little love into your local community. 

From our team to your household, we hope you have a healthy and happy time celebrating the holidays in Chicago!