Line 1 · Christmas & holiday
Chicago Christkindlmarket with kids
Illinois
Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo (free), and lunch under the tree at Macy's Walnut Room.
Very cold in December. Museums make good backup days.
Price it for your family from your ZIP →What it costs
Example for 2 adults and 2 kids, 5 days, including lodging, food and activities. Gas or flights depend on where you live, so price it from your ZIP for the full total.
| Where you stay | Estimated total* |
|---|---|
| Budget (1★) | $2,260 |
| Mid-range (3★) | $3,060 |
| Luxury (5★) | $5,490 |
*Planning estimate from typical recent prices, before travel, with an 8% buffer. Holiday weeks and school breaks cost more.
Best time to go
- JanOff
- FebOff
- MarOff
- AprOff
- MayGood
- JunGood
- JulGood
- AugGood
- SepGood
- OctOff
- NovBest
- DecBest
Top attractions in Illinois
- ChristkindlmarketGerman market in Daley Plaza
- Lincoln Park ZooZooLights in winter
- Millennium ParkCloud Gate (the Bean)
- Navy PierRides and lake views
- Field MuseumSUE the T. rex
- Museum of Science and IndustryChristmas Around the World trees
- Shedd AquariumBeluga whales
- Art Institute of ChicagoThorne Miniature Rooms
- Skydeck at Willis TowerGlass Ledge
- Adler PlanetariumLakefront skyline views
Where to eat in Illinois
- Lou Malnati's$$Deep dish
- Giordano's$$Stuffed pizza
- Portillo's$Hot dogs and Italian beef
- Al's #1 Italian Beef$Taylor Street classic
- Macy's Walnut Room$$Lunch under the tree
- Garrett Popcorn$Chicago mix
- Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse$$$Steaks
- Wildberry Pancakes & Café$$Breakfast
- Superdawg Drive-In$Retro hot dog stand
- The Purple Pig$$Mediterranean small plates
Things to do
- Skate the Maggie Daley Park ribbonWinter
- Magnificent Mile Lights FestivalMid-November parade
- Architecture boat tourSpring to fall
- Centennial WheelNavy Pier
- Step onto The LedgeSkydeck
- Bulls or Blackhawks gameUnited Center
- Cubs game at Wrigley FieldSummer
- North Avenue BeachSummer
- Second City family showImprov comedy
- Bike the Lakefront Trail18 miles
Places change. Tap any name to check it on Google Maps before you go.