Holiday Ticketed Events You Should Buy Now
August 27, 2026
This post is dedicated to all of my planners out there, if you are a procrastinator, keep scrolling. To my ahead-of-the-schedule folks, here is a post for you with all the deadlines for Chicago holiday tickets coming out soon. Since we know many holiday events sell out quickly, I also added a list below of what usually sells out, but no information has been released yet! Feel free to share this and add it to your group chat to get those holiday plans booked!
Holiday Events On Sale Now with Booking Links
- Holiday Afternoon Tea Service at the Drake’s Palm Court – The holiday tea time hasn’t been officially announced, but you can still make reservations now.
- MSI Christmas Around the World (opens Nov 7) – included in the Museum Entry. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Saturday, November 7.Tickets are available now.
- A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre (Nov 13 – Dec 31) – tickets are available.
- Holiday Magic Sip & Stroll at Brookfield Zoo (Nov 20) – tickets are available now
- Santa at 900 North Michigan Shops (Nov 21 – Dec 24) – tickets available here.
- Hip Hop Nutcracker at Cadillac Palace Theatre (Nov 24 – 29) – Tickets on sale now.
- Blue Man Group “A New Holiday Surprise” at CIBC Theatre (Nov 24-Dec 13) – Tickets are on sale now.
- Rudolph Runs Wild at Second City (Nov 27 – Dec 23) – Tickets are available now.
- Breakfast with Santa at Drury Lane (Nov 27 – Jan 9) – Reserve a table here.
- The Nutcracker by The Joffrey Ballet. (Dec 4 – 27) Available now.
- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the Nederlander Theatre (Dec 9 -27) – tickets on sale now.
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays Elf in Concert (Dec 11-13) – Tickets are available now.
Tickets on Sale soon
- Walnut Room at Macy’s (Nov – Jan) – tickets will be available beginning at 9:00am, October 1st on their website. December dates and weekends sell out quickly! If they are sold out, I suggest joining the Open Table waitlist.
- Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo (Nov 20 – Jan 3) – tickets go on sale for the general public on 10/6.
- Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum (Nov 15 – Jan 3) – tickets on sale October 15.
- Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden (Nov 13 – Jan 3) – tickets will go on sale in September on their website.
- Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo (Nov 21 – Jan 3, 2026) – details coming soon.
- Adults Night Out: Holidaze at Lincoln Park Zoo (Dec 10) – tickets on sale soon.
- Jack Frost – no info yet! Check their website later in the fall.
- Macy’s Santaland (Nov – Dec) – check back in mid-September, reservations aren’t available yet.
Below are some of my favorite places that have great holiday lights, but don’t take reservations. I recommend going early and during the week, if possible.
- Butch McGuires – a bar in Gold Coast, usually decorated by the week of Thanksgiving
- Happy’s – inside of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel. There is no information posted now (the link post is from last year), but they will most likely be doing it again.
- Wrigleyville has lots of decorated places – Hotel Zachary, Santa Baby (during the day is very family friendly) and Elf’d up is cute, but small.
I hope this helps! We will update as more comes out as the holidays approach.
Holiday Headquarters
- Bright Lights in the Big City: Chicago Outdoor Holiday Attractions
- Winter Magic: Best Ice Skating and Curling Spots in Chicago
- Gifts Under $25
Happy planning!
Christine
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