Chicago Star's top event picks

Chicagoland is filled with so much festive fun this season. Below are some of our top event picks that the whole family can enjoy: 

Jack Frost Winterfest popup

Close your eyes and imagine winter’s most exciting outdoor activities. Now open your eyes and head to Jack Frost’s Winterfest popup. It’s all you imagined—and more. With ice bumper cars, axe throwing, winter tubing, skating, fun photo ops and festive drinks, it’s Chicago's biggest holiday event. The frosty all-ages fun lasts from Dec. 3, 2022—Jan. 1, 2023, entry fee is $10 for adults, $5 for kids with package pricing available, Jack’s Christmas Tree Farm, 1265 West LeMoyne St., (312) 850-8188,welcometojacks.com

Santa Hustle 5K run

Amateur athletes all over the city are set to brave the cold in running shoes and gear. Why? It’s the most magical time of the year! Want in? Join the gang for the 2022 Santa Hustle Chicago 5K and Kids Dash. All 5k race participants receive a cozy, comfy unisex hoodie and Santa Hustle embroidered beanie. If you still have gas in your tank after the run, the fun continues at the after party. Funds from this year’s Santa Hustle Chicago will go toward supporting Cal's Angels. Dec. 3, entry is $49.99 for the 5K and $10 for the Kids Dash, Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Dr., (312) 235-7000, santahustle.com

Through Dec. 16

The Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along is a unique tradition that brings Chicagoans of all backgrounds and beliefs together to celebrate the magic of the season. Come sing and celebrate Chicago’s diverse holiday traditions. Arrive early for the best views and prepare to join in! Song books will be distributed at each event. Fridays, 6—7 p.m., , through Dec. 16, free admission, Millennium Park, Cloud Gate (The Bean), 201 E. Randolph St., (312) 742-1168,chicago.gov

Through Dec. 21

Chicago Holiday Lights Segway Tour

Get into the spirit this season with the Holiday Lights Segway Tour. It’s a unique adventure that’s the perfect way to see Chicago in all its holiday splendor. You’ll be a segway pro in no time as you roll with your guide through Millennium Park and past “the Bean,” Macy’s, festive Michigan Avenue, Christkindlmarket, the Chicago Art Institute and more. Tours run every Wednesday—Sunday at 6 p.m. through Dec. 21, tickets start at $70 for adults, Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours, 300 East Monroe St., (312) 552-5100, chicagosegways.com

Through Dec. 24

Macy’s Santaland

Ring in the holidays with the 115th Great Tree at Macy’s State Street, a Chicago tradition that dates back to 1907. You’ll be in awe as you gaze at the animated holiday scenes, take in the holiday spirit and make memories with loved ones. And of course, a visit with Santa is a must! Average wait times can be 30—90 minutes. Be sure to book your reservation online. Virtual visits are also available for those who can’t make it in person. Now through Dec. 24, free admission, Macy's State Street, 111 N. State Street, (312) 781-1000, www.macys.com

‘Holiday Hike’ food and walking tour

Experience all the holiday fun Chicago has to offer in a single afternoon The 3- hour holiday tour is perfect for families, friends and holiday parties. You’ll hit all the hotspots including the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park. Top it off with a warm, filling deep dish pizza and German-inspired festivities at Christkindlmarket. All food and non-alcoholic beverage samples are included in the ticket price. Through Dec. 24, Prices start at $69.99 for adults, Bobby’s Bike Hike Chicago, 540 N. Lake Shore Drive, (312) 245-9300. bobbysbikehike.com

Mag Mile Holiday Lights Tour

If you want to take in all of Chicago’s most spectacular light displays on a single, spectacular tour, the Mag Mile Holiday Lights Tour is the one for you. Over 2 1/2 hours, festive trolleys make two stops for you to hop off and explore the magic. Tours start at the John Hancock Center’s spectacular tree, wind through the Gold Coast, State Street and through the Loop to the famous Christkindlmarket. Through Dec. 24, prices start at $18, John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Ave., (773) 648-5000, themagnificentmile.com

Through Jan.1

Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont

This season, the ultimate destination for holiday magic is in Rosemont. With a reimagined holiday light experience, interactive children’s activities and winter rides for all, the holiday fun at Impact Field will warm the hearts of even the Scroogiest. General admission and suite level tickets available. Now through Jan. 1, $25  for adults, $20 for kids, Impact Field, 9850 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont, (847) 636-5450, sparklerosemont.com

‘ZooLights’ at Lincoln Park Zoo

Are you wild for the holidays? Come on down to the Lincoln Park Zoo where amazing holiday adventures await. Festivities include photos with Santa, hundreds of themed light displays, live ice carving, a holiday pop-up bar and more. Choose from ticketed attractions including the train adventure, carousel, Ferris wheel. Some events on select dates only. Call ahead. Through Jan. 1, free admission Mondays, $5 Tuesdays—Sundays, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., (312) 742-2000 Lpzoo.org

Through Jan. 7

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

This year, the holidays are even more special at the 10th annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. Why? It’s the Arboretum’s 100th anniversary year! Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound. New this year is Electric Illumination, a late-night experience for adults 18 and older with a curated mix of trance and progressive house music. Through Jan. 7, $11—$22 for members, $16—$27 for guests, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org

Light up the Lake

Chicagoland’s largest indoor lights experience is back at Navy Pier for the holidays. Experience the magic of interactive light displays, a whimsical skating rink, journeys through the Winter Wonderfest Forest, visits with Santa, and more. New this year, Stomp Light Activity, Light Memory Game and Reflecting Pond. Through Jan. 7, tickets start at $27 for adults, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., (312) 595-7437, navypier.org

Through Jan. 8

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science and Industry

This year is the 80th anniversary of the tradition that began in 1942 with a single tree. Today, Christmas Around the World features more than 50 trees highlighting a variety of countries and cultures. Plus, you can explore Holidays of Light, a celebration of global holidays throughout the year that honor light and enlightenment. It's the one-of-a-kind experience that brings a whole world of holiday joy under one roof. Through Jan. 8, free with museum entry, Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org

Through May 2023

Harry Potter: Magic at Play

Wizards and witches of all ages are invited to experience a Wizarding World of their own at “Harry Potter: Magic at Play.” It’s a unique, hands-on experience that will engage imaginations of all ages and bring out the young witch or wizard in all of us. Get your wands up and get ready to play! Now through May 2023, General admission starts at $42.50 for adults and $29.50 for kids, premium tickets also available, Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave, (312) 440-3580, harrypottermagicatplay.com