Finding "Warmth" in the Winter: Chicago's Winter Festivals

Every year pickers, collectors, and treasure hunters are in shopper's delight as they make their way through this European inspired indoor-outdoor market. With over 200 vendors, shoppers have the opportunity to buy anything from collectible furnishings to vintage clothing. Spend the day at your own leisure embracing the energetic holiday ambiance, shopping for antique holiday gifts, and enjoying the fancy food markets. 

Inspired by Christkindlmarket in Nuremberg, Germany which began in 1545, Christkindlmarket Chicago celebrates German and European tradition with its own local flare. Since 1996, visitors from all over the world travel to the Chicago loop to enjoy the region's largest open air Christmas festival. This magnificent outdoor market offers a unique shopping experience, with typical German Food and Drinks. A must try is the hot mulled wine in ceramic boots! As you walk along the glistening streets, you'll find incredible holiday entertainment, including live music and seasonal crafts. 

Chicago locals know the best remedy for post holiday blues is the Chicago Sketchy Comedy Festival. This comic oasis has been providing the Chicago area with laughter and entertainment for 16 years and has become the largest Sketch Comedy Festival in the world, hosting over 180 groups from around the globe and performing nearly 200 shows in over 8 days. Join the 11,000 patrons who brave the wintery nights for original entertainment, and order your ticket to one of this year's 16th anniversary shows.   

The Windy City's festive Pub Crawl is the perfect way for adults to celebrate the holiday season. The fun-filled night begins around 4pm at a local bar and continues as a "run" or drunk walk, to four other popular bars. Make sure to wear your best Santa outfit because the night ends with a North Pole party and Hottest Santa Contest. Tickets provide entry to the bars, entertainment, and drink specials! A portion of the proceeds from the Running of the Santas benefit the Leukemia Foundation and the That Others May Live Foundation. Be sure to check the site for this year's dates as December approaches.