The annual Let it Shine light show is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Hop in a car to see a drive-through display of over 1 million synchronized lights. There are two drive-through locations for this immersive experience in Illinois: Wintrust Field in Schaumburg, IL, and another at Northbrook Court in Northbrook, IL. One ticket per vehicle is required. Additional purchasing information will be available online.
More than one million lights illuminate Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo in one of the city's greatest holiday traditions. As guests take in the lights throughout the zoo, they can also visit animal exhibits that stay open into the night. Arts, crafts, and many more holiday-themed activities scatter the zoo in a unique and breathtaking setting. Zoolights runs from 4 to 10 p.m., beginning on November 19 through January 2, with some days off in between. Tickets can be purchased online. They are free on Monday and Tuesdays and just $5 Wednesday through Sunday.
If you're in Chicago, a city sometimes called the comedy capital of the world, you should make a stop at the Sketch Comedy Festival. Founded in 2002 with just 5 local comedians, this event has grown into one of the largest comedy events in the world. Over 10 days, there will be 180+ shows with over 1000 performers.
January is a cold month in Chicago, but who wants to let the cold weather stop the fun from going on? Luckily, on two separate dates, there's a way to hop around to some of the coolest bars in the Chicago area, all while still bundled in your comfiest onesie. Crawl admission tickets start at $14.99 and range to $29.99, prices depend on availability. The fee includes waved door charges, up to 50% off of drinks, up to 25% off of select foods, themed drinks, top DJs at the selected bars, on-site staff guiding the crawl, and more. A digital bar map will be sent to attendees the week of the fest. More info and tickets can be found online.
Since it was founded in 2002, locals and visitors have braved the Chicago cold for this music festival. Hosted at independent venues across the city, Tomorrow Never Knows is a celebration of the best rising local indie artists as well as national comedy and music acts. Multiple venues across Chicago will be hosting, including Metro, Schubas, and others. Advance ticket prices start at $29.
What's better than a serving of mac & cheese to keep you warm during one of Chicago's coldest months? Seven servings while drinking and bar hopping during the Mac & Cheese Crawl. In addition to plates of cheesy goodness, tickets to the crawl will include specialty drinks, giveaways, and more.
Raise money for struggling Chicago families by participating in the 2022 Chicago Polar Bear Plunge. After a quick jump into the icy waters, celebrate your achievement with food, drinks, raffles, and other entertainment on the shore. Sign up in advance here.
