Chicago events guide: things to do in Chicago in the third week of December 2025

Chicago events in December 2025 reach peak holiday intensity during the third week of December, when the city is fully lit, theaters are packed, sports schedules heat up, and nightlife shifts into full celebration mode ahead of Christmas. This guide covers the best cultural events, concerts, holiday markets, sports games, shopping, nightlife, and social experiences happening across Chicago from December 15 through December 21, 2025. Chicago events December 2025 offer something for everyone, whether you are visiting for the holidays or planning one last big week before the year winds down.

Culture and holiday traditions in Chicago, December 15 to 21, 2025

Christkindlmarket Chicago and final shopping week

The countdown to Christmas makes this one of the busiest weeks at Christkindlmarket Chicago. The Daley Plaza market in the Loop and the Wrigleyville location at Gallagher Way remain open daily through December 24, drawing office workers, visitors, and last-minute shoppers. Official information from Choose Chicago confirms extended evening hours during the final shopping stretch, making it easy to stop by after dinner or a show.

This is the best week to visit if you want maximum atmosphere, with carolers, themed nights, and a steady flow of people celebrating the season. Expect crowds, but also the most festive energy of the year.

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at MSI

For daytime culture, the Museum of Science and Industry continues its beloved Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit. Running through January 5, 2026, the exhibition features more than 50 trees decorated by cultural groups from across the Chicago area, plus a towering Grand Tree that anchors the museum’s main hall.

This exhibit is ideal for families, visiting relatives, or anyone looking for indoor activities during the coldest days of December. Pair it with lunch in Hyde Park or a walk along the lakefront when weather allows.

ZooLights and immersive holiday light shows

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo continues nightly during the third week of December, featuring millions of lights, themed installations, and festive music throughout the zoo grounds. Weeknight visits between December 15 and 18 tend to be slightly less crowded than weekends, making them ideal for couples or visitors who want a calmer experience.

North of the city, Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden and Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum both run through early January, offering ticketed evening walks through large scale light installations. These are popular date night options during the third week of December, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Ice skating at Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park

Outdoor skating remains a classic December ritual. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park operates daily with free admission and timed reservations, while the winding skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park offers a more playful experience for families and groups.

During the third week of December, skating after sunset delivers full holiday visuals, with skyline lights, nearby markets, and the city Christmas tree creating a postcard backdrop.

Theater, ballet, and holiday stage shows

Goodman Theatre – A Christmas Carol

The Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol continues nightly performances through December 31, 2025. The third week of December is prime time for this Chicago holiday tradition, with sold out weekends and strong demand for weekday evening shows.

If you are entertaining out of town guests, this production remains one of the most reliable crowd pleasers in the city.

Joffrey Ballet – The Nutcracker

The Joffrey Ballet’s Chicago themed The Nutcracker continues at the Lyric Opera House throughout the third week of December. Evening performances during this stretch are especially popular for date nights, while matinees remain ideal for families.

Elf The Musical and SIX

Elf The Musical runs through December 21, 2025 at the Auditorium Theatre, making this the final week to catch Buddy the Elf on stage. Meanwhile, SIX continues at the CIBC Theatre, offering a high energy alternative to traditional holiday shows.

Live music and concerts in Chicago, December 15 to 21, 2025

Holiday concerts and special performances

The third week of December often features seasonal concerts across the city. Venues like the Chicago Theatre, Symphony Center, and neighborhood clubs host holiday themed performances ranging from gospel and jazz to pop and orchestral music. Listings aggregated by Songkick show dozens of shows scheduled between December 15 and 21, making it easy to find a concert that fits your taste.

For classical fans, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra typically schedules holiday focused programs during this week, while jazz clubs lean into festive sets and special guest appearances.

Sports in Chicago during the third week of December

Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks home games

The Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks both typically host home games during the third week of December. These midweek and weekend games provide easy night out options, especially for groups looking to combine sports with dinner or drinks in the West Loop.

Chicago Bears late season matchups

The Chicago Bears usually play a late season game during this stretch, either at Soldier Field or on the road. Even when traveling, watch parties across the city draw crowds, especially in sports heavy neighborhoods like River North, Old Town, and Wrigleyville.

Fashion, shopping, and holiday markets

Last minute gifting and local shopping

As Christmas approaches, shoppers turn to neighborhood boutiques, pop up markets, and malls for final gifts. Christkindlmarket remains the centerpiece, but areas like Andersonville, Lincoln Square, and West Loop offer walkable shopping corridors filled with independent retailers.

For outlet shoppers, Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont continues holiday programming through December 24, making it a convenient stop for visitors staying near O’Hare.

Nightlife and social events, December 15 to 21

Holiday pop up bars and themed nights

Holiday pop up bars remain in full swing during the third week of December. Locations like Santa Baby Bar in Wrigleyville and Jack Frost Christmas Pop Up in Fulton Market continue nightly sessions featuring themed cocktails, photo installations, and high energy crowds.

Pre holiday celebrations and office party season

This week also marks peak office party season. Bars and venues across River North, West Loop, and Fulton Market host private events early in the week, while public crowds surge Thursday through Saturday as people celebrate before traveling for Christmas.

Sample itineraries for the third week of December 2025

Midweek holiday classic

Visit Christkindlmarket after work, skate at Millennium Park, then see A Christmas Carol or a Bulls game in the evening.

Friday date night

Start with ZooLights or Lightscape, follow with dinner, and end at a holiday pop up bar or late performance of The Nutcracker.

Weekend with visitors

Spend Saturday at MSI or Lincoln Park Zoo, shop in local neighborhoods, then attend a holiday concert or Elf The Musical before it closes.

FAQ about Chicago events in December 2025

What are the best things to do in Chicago in December 2025?

Highlights include Christkindlmarket, ZooLights, Christmas Around the World at MSI, ice skating at Millennium Park, A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, holiday concerts, Bulls and Blackhawks games, and festive pop up bars across the city.

Is December a good time to visit Chicago?

Yes. While cold, December offers unmatched holiday atmosphere, cultural programming, and seasonal events. Planning indoor activities alongside outdoor highlights makes it one of the most memorable months to visit.

What holiday events are happening in Chicago the third week of December?

Between December 15 and 21, visitors can experience Christkindlmarket, ZooLights, Lightscape, Winter concerts, A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, Elf The Musical, holiday pop up bars, and multiple professional sports games.

Plan your third week of December with ChiVibe

The third week of December 2025 is Chicago at its most festive and intense. From markets and museums to sports, theater, and nightlife, there is no shortage of things to do in Chicago before Christmas. Use ChiVibe.com to discover events, compare neighborhoods, and build the perfect December 15 to 21 itinerary that fits your style.

Categories: Chicago Events, Nightlife, Music & Concerts, Sports & Culture Tags: chicago, things to do in chicago, december 2025, chicago events, chicago nightlife, chicago concerts, chicago sports, holiday events, chicago christmas, winter in chicago, third week of december