Month-Long Events

Explore the exhibits, festivals, and events that are here all month!

Dia de Los Muertos Window Walk
November 1 - 29, 2025

Pilsen Commercial Corridor, 18th Street from Damen to Morgan, W 18th St

Pilsen-based nonprofit organization, Pilsen Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Benito Juarez Community Academy and Pilarte to kick off their first Dia De Los Muertos Window walk in Pilsen, November 1, 2025, in observation of a Mexican holiday rooted in heritage.

Twenty-six participating businesses will activate their storefronts by designing holiday-themed storefront displays, exhibiting the creations of local elementary and high school student artists.

From November 1st - November 29th, local families and tourists alike can walk down 18th Street (from Damen Ave to Morgan St.,), and marvel at the hand-crafted holiday creations of almost 100 collaborating local student artists.

Spectators who view by November 28 will have the opportunity to cast their vote for their favorite design that best captures the essence of the Mexican holiday. Walk will take place at Pilsen's commercial corridor along 18th Street.

See more information here.

Christkindlmarket Chicago
November 21 – December 24

Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.

The German-style Christmas Market provides a safe outdoor experience for the whole family. All Christkindlmarkets are always free admission.

The smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hot spiced wine, the sound of festive music, and the glimmer of sparkling Christmas ornaments, all in a cozy atmosphere – a visit to the market takes all your senses on a journey!

Visitors can explore vendor products from around the world, participate in special events, and enjoy the unique shopping experience.Markets will open on November 20th and are free admission.

Hours:

• Sunday through Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm

• Friday through Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm
  

Special Opening Hours:

• Preview Event (November 20): 5 pm – 9 pm

• Thanksgiving (November 27): 11 am – 4 pm

• Christmas Eve (December 24): 11 am – 4 pm

Find more info here.

ZooLights Chicago is an annual holiday event at the Lincoln Park Zoo featuring over three million lights, dazzling LED displays, and festive attractions. The event transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland with activities like the Ferris wheel, light tunnels, carolers, and ice carving. It is a popular tradition for Chicago families to enjoy during the holiday season, running from November through early January.

What to expect at ZooLights:

• Lights and displays: See millions of lights, including a 65-foot light tunnel on Main Mall and animal-themed LED displays.

• Festive activities: Enjoy rides on the Ferris wheel, visit seasonal characters, and listen to strolling carolers and ice carvers on select nights.

• Food and drinks: Warm up with hot cocoa, roast s'mores, or enjoy themed snacks at various pop-up locations.

• Photo opportunities: Take festive photos throughout the zoo, including at themed areas and the Ferris wheel.

• Indoor options: Some zoo buildings remain open during the event, offering a chance to see animals while staying warm.

• Hours: The event typically runs daily from late November to early January.

  • Sunday–Thursday: 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM

  • Friday–Saturday: 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM

  • Note: The zoo closes daily for cleaning and preparation before reopening for ZooLights.

• Closures: The event is usually closed on certain holidays like Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
November 21 – Januar 4, 2026

2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614.

✨Christkindlmarket ✨ Chicago

✨Zoolights ✨

Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory
November 26 – January 4, 2026

300 North Central Park Avenue Chicago, IL 60624

This year’s Winter Flower Show “Merry & Bright” evokes the festivity of the season. While the outdoor landscape is gray (and maybe white!), the indoor Show House reveals a cheerful selection of poinsettias including ‘Viking Cinnamon’, ‘Lemon Glow’, ‘Chorus Hot Pink’, and ‘Candy Wintergreen’. Other plants include favorites such as brightly colored Coleus, flowering Lantana, and red Begonias along with freshly cut Frasier Fir trees adorned with multi-colored LED lights.

The Winter Flower Show runs from Wednesday, November 26, 2025 through Sunday, January 4, 2026. is included in all reservations to visit the Conservatory. You can book your visit using this link.

Chicago Museums with Free Admission

These Chicago museums offer free entry to everyone all year long:

• National Museum of Mexican Art

  • Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

• National Public Housing Museum

  • Wednesday–Sunday 10 am–5 pm

• National Museum Of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture

  • Tuesday-Saturday 10am-(varies - see website)

• Hyde Park Art Center

  • Daily 10am - (varies - see website)

• Jane Addams Hull-House Museum

  • Tuesday-Saturday 10am - (varies - see website)

Find more free museums all around Chicago.

Chicago Museums with Free Admission all Year Long

Curious Kids Chicago: Event Feed