With the holiday season upon us, there is no shortage of festive fun to be had in the Chicago area this weekend.
If you’re not ready to dive into the holiday cheer, don’t worry, there’s plenty more to do.
Christmas Around the World & Holiday of Lights
WHAT: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Christmas Around the World & Holiday of Lights exhibition opens with a Tree Lighting & Cultural Festival.
WHERE: 5700 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive
WHEN: 11 a.m. on Nov. 8
Chicago Toy and Game Fair
WHAT: The 23rd annual Holiday Chicago Toy and Game Fair offers interactive exhibits and activities for all ages
WHERE: Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Road in Rosemont
WHEN: 10a.m. – 6p.m on Nov 8 and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Nov. 9
Navy Pier: Flyover
WHAT: Flyover’s new alpine adventure, ‘Call of the Canadian Rockies’, transports you over iconic mountain scenery. To celebrate the season, Flyover is offering 50% off single-experience tickets booked from November 28 to December 1, 2026, valid for rides through March 20, 2027.
WHERE: 600 East Grand Avenue in Chicago
WHEN: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
Movie: ‘Twilight’ in Concert
WHAT: Experience the original ‘Twilight’ movie accompanied by a live band on stage, presented by Broadway in Chicago.
WHERE: Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 West Randolph Street in Chicago
WHEN: 7 p.m. on Nov. 7; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 8
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater
WHAT: Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, a company known for its’ powerful visual storytelling, is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
WHERE: Logan Center for the Arts, 915 East 60th Street in Chicago
WHEN: 7 p.m. on Nov 7 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Nov. 8
Soweto Gospel Choir
WHAT: The internationally known Soweto Gospel Choir presents powerful acappella renditions of both traditional and contemporary songs
WHERE: McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Boulevard in Glen Ellyn
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 8
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
WHAT: From the creators of ‘Million Dollar Quartet’, your favorite Rock ‘n’ Roll legends present a brand-new holiday musical experience, comes ‘Million Dollar Quartet Christmas’.
WHERE: Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire
WHEN: Runs through Jan. 4
312 Comedy Fest
WHAT: The 312 Comedy Festival features more than 20 comedians, from national headliners to rising stars.
WHERE: Various venues
WHEN: Runs thru Nov. 9
Comedy: Hasan Hates Ronny/Ronny Hates Hasan
WHO: Comedians Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng will face off about America’s most pressing issues.
WHERE: The Auditorium, 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive in Chicago
WHEN: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 and 7 p.m. on Nov. 8
Comedy: Jo Koy
WHO: Comedian Jo Koy is known for his uniquely relatable inspiration from his colorful family.
WHERE: United Center, 1901 West Madison Street in Chicago
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Nov. 7
Chicago Asian American Jazz Fest
WHAT: Asian Improv aRts Midwest presents the 30th anniversary of the Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival, which features established and emerging multigenerational voices.
WHERE: Elastic Arts, 3429 West Diversey Ave in Chicago
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8; 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30p.m. on Nov. 9; 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 10
Concert: Grizzly Bear
WHO: The band Grizzly Bear, known for its intricate vocal harmonies and genre-blending sound brings its tour to Chicago.
WHERE: The Salt Shed, 1357 North Elston Avenue in Chicago
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9
Concert: Brian Culbertson
WHO: Jazz Musician Brian Culbertson, who plays multiple instruments, blends jazz, R&B, funk, pop, and new age into his own unique sound.
WHERE: The Venue, Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive in Hammond
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Nov. 7