Christmas Events in Chicago 2006

It's that time of year again; mistletoe, silver bells and Santa Claus are everywhere, announcing that the Christmas season has arrived. In Chicago, you can enjoy it with fun and entertaining festivals and events, most of which are perfect for kids and adults. Relieve the stress from crowded malls, packed parking lots and maxed-out credit cards by taking in some of the sights and sounds of the holiday season in the Windy City. Beautiful lights, unique shopping and the "Nutcracker" ballet are just a few of the festive events happening this year as Chicago celebrates Christmas.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

The holiday season kicks off in Chicago with the illuminating of millions of lights on Michigan Avenue. The glittering trees create a merry atmosphere in the city's most famous shopping area, and the celebration of lights is more than just throwing a switch; it's an all-day event. Taking place Saturday, November 18^th, the Lights Festival is full of activities for the whole family. From 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Pioneer Court, located at 401 N. Michigan Ave., kids can enjoy Winter Walk with carolers, a petting zoo, and performances by the American Girl Theatre and American Girl Ambassadors, which are based upon the popular series of books and dolls. A station for constructing Lego Murals will be available for little builders and artists, and after those activities, tumblers and choirs will entertain crowds on Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive. Beginning at 6 p.m., Mickey Mouse will lead a parade of his Disney friends down Michigan Avenue as the trees are lit. And just when the terrestrial light show is complete, a fireworks display will light up the sky above the Chicago River at 6:55 p.m. This all-day celebration is sure to get you in the holiday spirit, and all the activities are free.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

If the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival isn't enough illumination for you, the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Daley Plaza will inspire you with even more electricity. On November 24^th at 50 W. Washington Street, a gigantic, 85-foot-tall tree will be lit up, officially starting the Christmas season in Chicago. At 4:30 p.m. seasonal music will create a festive mood on the plaza, and at five o'clock the switch will be flipped, brightening downtown with this classic Christmas symbol. This year will be the 93^rd annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, and every year it's a fun, free event. The tree, which is actually a collection of over 100 smaller trees, completes the cheerful atmosphere created by the traditional Christmas market bustling around the giant balsam fir at Daley Plaza.

Christkindlmarket

Based on the holiday marketplace in Nuremberg, , that dates back to 1545, Christkindlmarket offers Old Worldcharm and unique gifts from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. Opening on November 23^rd, this is the 11^th year the market has enlivened Daley Plaza. Vendors gather outdoors selling handmade keepsakes, ornaments, fabrics and other distinctive presents. Traditional German foods such as brats, potato pancakes and goulash are available, too. This market is the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind gift when you're not sure what to get for someone. With the huge Christmas tree and traditional atmosphere, you'll feel like you're shopping at an old-fashioned European street market, right in the middle of Chicago. Christkindlmarket is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 23^rd, and then from the 24^th to December 23^rd, it's open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and on Christmas Eve, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is always free.

Santa's House at Daley Plaza

From November 23^rd until December 24^th, kids of all ages can visit with Santa and tell him what they want for Christmas at Daley Plaza in Chicago. With the giant Christmas tree and lively Christkindlmarket nearby, the festive setting will delight children as they tell Santa their wish list. Santa's House is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 23^rd, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on November 24^th, (it will be closed during the Tree Lighting Ceremony), then from November 25^th to December 23^rd, Santa will be available from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and on Christmas Eve he closes up at 4 p.m. so that he will have enough time to prepare his sleigh.

Dance-Along Nutcracker

On Sunday, December 3^rd, at the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington Street, kids can participate in their own special Nutcracker performance. Children of all ages are invited to dance and sing along to this holiday ballet with professional dancers. Workshops at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. will introduce kids to basic ballet steps, and the performers can make their own tutu or crown for the performances, which take place at noon and 3 p.m. Not only is this a unique and interactive way for kids to experience this Christmas tradition, but the event is free as well!

The Joffrey Ballet "Nutcracker"

The beloved holiday classic is brought to life by the Joffrey Ballet at the magnificent Auditorium Theatre, located at 50 E. Congress Parkway, from December 8^th through the 27^th. This ballet tells the story of Clara, who, on Christmas Eve, dreams of dueling mice and toy soldiers, an enchanted snow forest, and the magical Land of the Sweets, all with her Nutcracker Prince at her side. The dancers of the famous Joffrey Ballet, as well as local children, create a beautiful and world-class version of this annual holiday favorite. The Chicago Sinfonietta plays Tchaikovsky's grand score, adding the thrill and class that only a live orchestra can. Tickets can be bought through Ticketmaster, and they range in price from $25 to $100. Providing the most outstanding version of this Christmas ballet in all of Chicago, the Joffrey's Nutcracker will entertain kids and adults alike.

In short, Chicago is full of fun Christmas festivals and events, and many are family-friendly, too. Celebrations like the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony are free, so you can still enjoy the holidays despite the cost of presents. Experience Christmas in the Windy City and you'll be inspired by the holiday spirit.