Best Free Holiday Events In Chicago

Chicago is the place to be this holiday season, and the amount of free events are abundant. The ranges of free activities are expansive and there is something for everyone. Here are the five best free holiday events in Chicago.

Don't miss the iconic ice rink in Millennium Park.  Family and friends can enjoy free ice skating in Millennium Park, located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison St.  The rink is located just below Chicago's famous "Bean." The ice rink draws over 100,000 visitors each year.

The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park opens on Friday Nov. 13, 2015 through Sunday March 6, 2016.  The ice rink is open to the public and is free of charge. Skate rentals available for $10 a pair. For those who need to warm-up with hot chocolate, the Park Grill Café is only a few feet away.

Hours of Operation:

• Mondays to Thursdays: 12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m.
• Fridays: 12:00 noon - 10:00 p.m.
• Saturdays, through January 2: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Sundays: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Special Holiday Hours:

• Dec. 24, Christmas Eve: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Dec. 25, Christmas Day: 10:00 a.m.  - 4:00 p.m.
• Dec. 26-30: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Dec. 31, New Year's Eve: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Enjoy free entry to ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo.  This year ZooLights will feature millions of holiday lights, ice carvings, music, carousel and train rides, food, and gift shopping (plus photos with Santa some days).

December Schedule:

• Dec. 4 - 6
  
• Dec. 11 - 23
  
• Dec. 26 - 31

Enjoy free entry to the Festival Hall at Navy Pier for Winter Wonderfest. Navy Pier becomes an indoor Winter WonderFest  for the holidays. This year, they will have music, carnival rides and entertainment. This is an extremely popular free event destination. As such, one should absolutely expect to encounter crowds.

December Schedule:

• Dec. 5 - Jan. 10
  
• Closed on Dec. 25
  

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Bring in 2016 with a spectacular fireworks show at the New Year's Eve Fireworks at Navy Pier at midnight. Entrance to Navy Pier for the fireworks show is free of charge. Cozy up with your loved ones and celebrate the start of the new year together will a beautiful show.

Caroling at Cloud Gate does not require the purchase of tickets, just another bonus to the fun.  Just show up on a Friday night at 6 p.m. on any of the dates highlighted below. Different choruses perform each week.  Individuals, families and friends will hear a variety of Christmas and holiday music from incredible Chicago choral groups. Joining them in a holiday sing-along will be one of the most fun things visitors can do this holiday season. This free event is definitely worth driving downtown to experience… attendees are sure to be impressed.

Holiday Schedule and Time:

• Dec. 4  at 6 p.m.
• Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.
• Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.

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