Diane Pathieu's Weekender Report
CHICAGO (WLS) -- This weekend the sights and sounds of the holiday season will be turned on across our area. And it's not just lights you can ice skate too!
Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon 10th Anniversary- Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park's 2024-2025 Ice Skating Ribbon season is here celebrating its 10th anniversary as a beloved Chicago winter attraction.
The quarter-mile Ribbon, which can hold over 700 skaters, offers skate rentals, lockers, and children's skate aids, providing a unique skating experience with scenic views of the city.
The Ribbon has daily time slots and "Bring Your Own Skate" sessions free on weekdays and select weekends. Online reservations recommended.
Lightscape - Chicago Botanic Garden
Lightscape is back at the The Botanic Garden! Walk the gorgeously illuminated walking trail and watch light installations take over the grounds. This year, an all-new path is filled with transformed vistas and dazzling installations from around the world debuting for the first time, plus your showstopping favorites like the Winter Cathedral.
Zoo Lights - Lincoln Park Zoo
More than one million lights make up the mesmerizing displays at ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, which is now officially open for the holiday season! This year's family-friendly holiday event includes light shows set to music, an 18-foot tree, and live entertainment. This season, the zoo will be offering free admission to ZooLights every Monday.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum - Lisle
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum transforms the winter landscape into a festive wonderland along a one-mile path. This year's exhibit includes 17 dazzling light displays synced with music, and A new interactive Celebration Circle.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light - MSI
A holiday favorite it back! Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry features over 50 trees celebrating different cultures from around the world - truly a one-of-a-kind experience! It runs now thru January 6th.
Randolph Street Holiday Market Festival - 1341 W. Randolph Street
The Randolph Street Market returns to Chicago's West Loop with a festive holiday market! Featuring over 125 top vintage and antiques dealers, the market offers unique holiday shopping with vintage décor, fashion, art, jewelry, retro furnishings, and more. Visitors can enjoy live DJ music, diverse local food options, festive cocktails, and free gift wrapping. Another market will take place next month!
Visits with Santa - Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Fashion Outlets of Chicago is kicking off their Santa visits, with themed days to enhance the holiday experience. Pet Nights on Mondays where cats and dogs are welcome, with $10 donated to PAWS Chicago for each visit. Pajama Party Tuesdays invite families to wear cozy pajamas, Baby's First Wednesdays celebrate infants' first Santa visits, and Ugly Sweater Thursdays encourage everyone to wear festive sweaters for a fun photo with Santa!
Holiday Magic - Deer Park Town Center
Deer Park Town Center is gearing up for the holiday season with a festive line-up of family-friendly events including the return of the annual Santa's Arrival & Fireworks on Saturday, and more holiday popup events throughout the season1.
Magical Tree Lightning Ceremony - 900 N. Michigan
Chicago's tallest Christmas tree will be lit up in gorgeous holiday lights next Thursday the the 21st at the 900 north Michigan shops! The event is called Illuminate 900, the six-story holiday party will include seasonal entertainment, food and activities for all! Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois.
