CHICAGO — Celebrate temperatures (and snow) falling with holiday markets, ice skating, light shows and more.
Here are 15 things to do this weekend in Chicago:
Christkindlmarket
Starts Friday Downtown and in Wrigleyville.
11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sunday–Thursdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.
3-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St.
This outdoor German market is a holiday tradition, and it returns this weekend with locations Downtown and in Wrigleyville. Admission is free, but there are plenty of opportunities to shop for handmade goods, food and drinks.
The Downtown market runs through Dec. 24 and the Wrigleyville market runs through Dec. 31.
Ice Bumper Cars
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday
Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St.
Ice bumper cars are making their way to Wrigley Field this weekend through Jan. 8, weather permitting. You can buy tickets for $16 on site. Early bird ticket packages are also available online. All riders must be 7 years old and at least 42 inches tall to ride alone.
Millennium Park Christmas Tree Lighting
4-7 p.m. Friday
Millennium Park, near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street
The Millennium Park Christmas tree is making a return this weekend for the 109th year. It will be lit up 4 p.m. Friday and through Jan. 8.
Archer Avenue Cookie Walk
1-4 p.m. Saturday
Archer Avenue, from New England to Nashville avenues
Visit participating businesses on Archer Avenue to grab free cookies and visit holiday vendors. You’ll be able to collect more than a dozen cookies while also doing some holiday shopping at this 2nd annual event. Register online for $20 and join the waitlist for your own cookie tin.
Asleep With The Fishes At The Shedd Aquarium
6 p.m. Friday-8:30 a.m. Saturday
Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Explore exhibits throughout the evening, create aquatic crafts, go on a scavenger hunt and more while sleeping over at the aquarium. This overnight event is designed for families and groups with children ages 5-12. Tickets are available here, starting at $40 for evening visits and $85 for overnight stays.
Winter Bryn Mawrkets
3-7 p.m. Fridays, 1-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays
1052 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
The Winter Bryn Mawrkets kick off this weekend and will run through Feb. 12. Gather with neighbors to see art installations and purchase work from local artists and makers.
Ice Skating
Various times and locations
You can go ice skating in Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park or Wrigleyville’s Gallagher Way this weekend and throughout the winter season. Tickets and more information for each location are available online.
Comedy At The Silver Room
6-8 p.m. Thursday
The Silver Room, 1506 E. 53rd St.
The Portal, a roaming comedy show, is making its way to The Silver Room with standup, sketches, improv, video, music and more. Tickets, which you can buy through a donation of any amount, are available here.
Millennium Park Art Market
Noon-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday
Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.
Get started on your holiday shopping at this art market, which features local vendors selling jewelry, pottery, paintings and more. There will also be a lounge area with food, cocktails and live music. Admission is free.
Andersonville Viking Pub Crawl
3-6 p.m. Saturday
Atmosphere Bar, 5355 N. Clark St.
The Andersonville Viking Pub Crawl is back for its fifth edition, with over nine participating bars. You can also show up in costume for a chance to win a costume contest — and gift certificates to a variety of Andersonville businesses.
Tickets are available online for $35. Each ticket includes admission to the crawl, a commemorative glass, an appetizer at check in, plus access to drink specials. You can email laustin@andersonville.org for discounts on orders of at least six tickets.
Illinois Vintage Fest
3-8 p.m. Friday
North Park University, Hamming Hall, 3225 W. Foster Ave.
This vintage fest features vendors from around the Chicagoland area, plus a clothing swap pit for North Park students and community members. You can also bring your gently used items to trade with other attendees.
Salsa/Bachata Party
8-11 p.m. Friday
Dance Center Chicago, 3868 N. Lincoln Ave.
Learn how to salsa for the first 30 minutes, then dance the night away at Dance Center Chicago. This is a beginner-friendly event. BYOB (and friends). Admission is $10.
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
4:30-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and select dates through Jan. 1
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St.
Enjoy a night of lights at the zoo starting this weekend and through the holiday season. $5 general admission tickets are available here.
Sloomoo Institute
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday
Sloomoo Institute, 820 N. Orleans St.
This interactive pop-up experience all about slime opens this weekend. There’s a DIY slime bar, a slime waterfall, ASMR experiences and more. You can buy tickets starting at $39 here.
Adults Night At The Trampoline Park
7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday
Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park. 404 N. Armour St.
You can jump around on over 30 trampolines, play trampoline basketball, jump in foam pits and more at this 21+ event. Plus, you’ll get a cold beer afterwards to wind down. $21 presale tickets and $30 last minute tickets are available here.
Friendsgiving Candle Making Sip & Pour Workshop
6-9 p.m. Saturday
2451 S. Oakley Ave.
You can make your own candle at this BYOB workshop hosted by J’Maure Candle Co., plus enjoy cocktails, entertainment and karaoke. Tickets for $60 are available here.
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