Chicago Seasonal Stroll Walking Tour of Holiday Attractions
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Chicago Seasonal Stroll Walking Tour of Holiday Attractions

Active
(4 reviews)
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

There’s nothing more magical than Christmas in Chicago, & this 2hr guided Chicago Walking Tour takes you straight into the heart of it. Journey through the Chicago Loop, Millennium Park, & the Magnificent Mile with an internationally recognized tour company proudly headquartered right here in Chicago. Our entertaining guides will spark your holiday spirit with fun facts, cultural insights, & the very best seasonal décor—like the surprising fact that Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created in Chicago! Along the way, you’ll marvel at the iconic Christmas window displays of the original Marshall Field’s store, admire Chicago’s official Christmas tree, Mag Mile lights, and take in the festive Millennium Park ice skating rink. You’ll even enjoy VIP access—no waiting in line—to the legendary Christkindlmarket, the city’s beloved German holiday market. If you’re searching for Things to do in Chicago during the holidays, this experience is a perfect fit. Note: This is a walking tour only.

Available options

Chicago's Seasonal Stroll

What's included

Walk beneath millions of glittering lights as the Magnificent Mile glows for the season.
Skip the Lines—enjoy festive, VIP front-of-line access to Christkindlmarket’s holiday magic.
Stroll through Millennium Park as it sparkles with lights and joyful holiday energy.
Watch skaters glide under the skyline as Millennium Park transforms into a holiday wonder.
Experience State Street’s festive shops bursting with lights, décor, and holiday cheer.
See Chicago’s soaring Christmas tree glowing with festive lights—pure holiday magic.
See the Wrigley Building glow with festive lights—an elegant icon shining bright for Christmas.
Join a lively local guide who brings Chicago’s holiday spirit to life with every story.
Marvel at Macy’s iconic holiday windows—sparkling scenes that capture pure Christmas joy.

Detailed itinerary

1

Skip the long lines and get VIP entry into Christkindlemarket. Experience the magic of Christmas in Chicago Christmas as our Chicago Walking Tour guides you through the heart of the Christkindlmarket Chicago — one of the most beloved Things to do at Christmas in Chicago. Wander past glowing wooden stalls, savor the scent of roasted nuts and warm cider, and learn insider stories about how this Old World tradition became a cherished part of Chicago’s Holidays. Along the way, your local guide shares hidden details about vendors, festive treats, and cultural traditions you won’t find on your own. This joyful stop blends European charm with Chicago soul, creating an unforgettable holiday moment. Perfect for culture lovers, food explorers, and anyone seeking a little extra sparkle this season.

2

Marvel at one of the most iconic Things to do at Christmas in Chicago as our Chicago Walking Tour leads you to the dazzling Chicago Christmas Tree, glowing proudly in Millennium Park. This towering symbol of Christmas in Chicago Christmas shines with thousands of twinkling lights, handcrafted ornaments, and a history that stretches back generations. Your guide shares insider stories about how the tree is chosen, the families behind past donations, and the quiet traditions locals cherish during the Holidays. Surrounded by joyful music, crisp winter air, and the warm buzz of the season, this festive stop becomes more than a photo op—it becomes a moment of wonder. Perfect for culture seekers who want to experience the city’s holiday heartbeat up close.

3

Discover one of the most joyful Things to do at Christmas in Chicago as our Chicago Walking Tour brings you to the Millennium Park Ice Rink, sparkling with festive lights during Christmas in Chicago. Skaters glide beneath the skyline, music floats through the crisp air, and the entire scene captures the classic charm of the Holidays. Your guide shares insider tips about the rink’s traditions, the best times to visit, and how this beloved winter spot became a seasonal must-do for locals and visitors alike. With Cloud Gate reflecting the twinkle of holiday décor just steps away, this stop surrounds culture lovers with pure Chicago magic—perfect for anyone seeking iconic winter memories in the heart of the city.

4
Stop 4

Experience one of the most iconic Things to do at Christmas in Chicago as our Chicago Walking Tour leads you to Cloud Gate—“The Bean”—shimmering beneath the winter lights. During Christmas in Chicago, this mirrored monument becomes a festive masterpiece, reflecting the skyline, twinkling decorations, and joyful crowds celebrating the Holidays. Your guide shares insider stories about the sculpture’s creation, its surprising engineering secrets, and how it became a global magnet for holiday photos. As you step beneath its arch, the polished steel captures every sparkle of the season, creating a magical moment only Chicago can offer. Perfect for culture lovers seeking an unforgettable blend of art, architecture, and holiday spirit in the heart of Millennium Park.

5

Step into one of the most beloved Things to do at Christmas in Chicago as our Chicago Walking Tour brings you to the enchanting Macy’s on State Street Holiday Display. During Christmas in Chicago, the windows come alive with handcrafted scenes, nostalgic animations, and storybook artistry that has captivated Chicagoans for generations. Your guide shares insider details about how these magical displays are designed, the decades-old traditions behind them, and the cultural moments that shaped their themes throughout the Holidays. As twinkling lights glow against the historic building and holiday music fills the air, this stop becomes a warm, whimsical celebration of Chicago’s creative spirit—perfect for culture lovers seeking a deeper connection to the city’s seasonal magic.

6
Stop 6

Witness one of the most dazzling Things to do at Christmas in Chicago as our Chicago Walking Tour guides you beneath the shimmering Magnificent Mile Lights. During Christmas in Chicago, this famous stretch glows with millions of twinkling bulbs draped across trees and towering storefronts, turning Michigan Avenue into a glowing holiday corridor. Your guide shares insider stories about how the lights are installed, the traditions behind the lighting procession, and the hidden gems along the avenue that locals love during the Holidays. With festive window displays, street musicians, and the sparkle of the skyline all around, this stop immerses culture lovers in the radiant heart of Chicago’s holiday spirit.

7
Stop 7

Experience one of the most iconic Things to do at Christmas in Chicago as our Chicago Walking Tour guides you through the festive heart of Millennium Park. During Christmas in Chicago, the park transforms into a glowing winter wonderland filled with shimmering lights, holiday art installations, and joyful crowds celebrating the Holidays. Your guide shares insider stories about the park’s creation, surprising design secrets, and how its landmarks—like Cloud Gate, the Great Lawn, and towering evergreens—take on new magic in the winter season. With music drifting through the air and the skyline shining in every direction, this stop immerses culture lovers in the very essence of Chicago’s holiday spirit.

8
Stop 8

Take in one of the most enchanting Things to do at Christmas in Chicago as our Chicago Walking Tour brings you onto the historic Michigan Avenue Bridge, glowing with festive lights during Christmas in Chicago. From this iconic spot, the riverfront sparkles with reflections of holiday décor, towering trees, and the warm glow from nearby landmarks. Your guide shares insider stories about the bridge’s engineering marvels, its role in shaping Chicago’s skyline, and why locals consider this overlook a secret favorite during the Holidays. With twinkling lights above, shimmering water below, and the city’s seasonal energy all around, this stop invites culture lovers to soak in the true magic of Chicago’s winter beauty.

9
Stop 9

Discover a quieter gem among the Things to do at Christmas in Chicago as our Chicago Walking Tour leads you through Daley Bicentennial Plaza, where peaceful pathways and skyline views take on a warm glow during Christmas in Chicago. This serene corner of Grant Park becomes a winter hideaway filled with twinkling trees, festive décor, and a gentle calm that contrasts beautifully with the bustle just steps away. Your guide shares insider history about the park’s transformation, its hidden connections to Millennium Park, and why locals treasure this spot during the Holidays. Wrapped in crisp air and holiday charm, this stop offers culture lovers a reflective moment surrounded by Chicago’s seasonal beauty.

10

Experience a cultural highlight of the season as our Chicago Walking Tour brings you to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, one of the most breathtaking Things to do at Christmas in Chicago. During Christmas in Chicago, Gehry’s sweeping steel ribbons shimmer with festive reflections, creating a dramatic winter backdrop unlike anything else in the city. Your guide shares insider details about the pavilion’s world-class acoustics, its role in Chicago’s music scene, and how this architectural marvel comes alive during the Holidays with lights, performances, and seasonal energy. Standing beneath its iconic trellis, you’ll feel the heartbeat of Chicago’s artistic soul wrapped in pure holiday magic—perfect for culture lovers seeking an unforgettable winter moment.

11
Stop 11

Experience one of the most photogenic Things to do at Christmas in Chicago as our Chicago Walking Tour brings you to the legendary Chicago Theatre marquee, glowing brilliantly during Christmas in Chicago. Its neon lights shine even brighter against the crisp winter air, creating a cinematic holiday moment you can’t find anywhere else. Your guide shares insider stories about the theatre’s century of showbiz history, secret architectural gems hidden behind the marquee, and how this iconic sign became a symbol of the city’s Holidays. Surrounded by festive crowds, shimmering decorations, and the hum of State Street’s seasonal energy, this stop immerses culture lovers in Chicago’s theatrical heart—illuminated with pure holiday magic.

12
Stop 12

Step inside one of the grandest Things to do at Christmas in Chicago as our Chicago Walking Tour brings you into the richly decorated lobby of the historic Palmer House. During Christmas in Chicago, this legendary hotel transforms into a glowing holiday escape filled with sparkling garlands, towering wreaths, and the warm scent of chocolate from the original brownie recipe born right here. Your guide shares insider stories about the hotel’s famous guests, hidden design details, and the traditions that make this spot a beloved treasure during the Holidays. With its gilded ceilings and festive décor, the Palmer House becomes a breathtaking pause in the city’s winter bustle—an unforgettable moment for culture lovers seeking the true magic of Chicago’s holiday season.

13

Experience one of the most festive Things to do at Christmas in Chicago as our Chicago Walking Tour guides you through State Street Holiday Shopping, where the storefronts glow with dazzling décor during Christmas in Chicago. This legendary shopping district comes alive with sparkling lights, nostalgic displays, and the joyful bustle of locals preparing for the Holidays. Your guide shares insider stories about historic department stores, decades-old traditions, and the hidden architectural touches you might miss on your own. From enchanting window scenes to seasonal pop-ups tucked between iconic buildings, this stop offers culture lovers a vibrant blend of history, style, and Christmas charm—capturing the very heartbeat of Chicago’s winter season.

What's not included

Optional gratuity: $6 per person (or more) suggested guide gratuity (via Cash, Venmo and PayPal)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
This is purely a walking tour, no food or drink offered on this tour

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All of our walking tours at the present moment do allow for ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
TripAdvisor rated Bobby’s Bike Hike its highest-level Traveler’s Choice Award each year since 2002.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Our groups have exclusive VIP access to locations we visit, including VIP access to Christkindlmarket.

Meeting point

Departure Point: Petterino's (This is the start of your Chicago Seasonal Walking Tour)
Directions: You will meet your guide inside of Petterino's restaurant. Please feel free to arrive early to grab a bite or coffee at the restaurant before your tour. Then you'll start your walking tour in Chicago.

Important notes

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled Chicago Walking tour time
$6per person (or more) suggested guide gratuity. (via Cash, Venmo and PayPal)
Wear comfortable clothing/shoes
Please use the Restroom before your arrival to your seasonal walking tour in Chicago.
Bring water.
Tours run rain or shine or snow
Ho Ho Ho....Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

About Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and world-class cuisine. Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, it offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.

Top Attractions

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a famous public park in downtown Chicago, known for its modern art and architecture. It's home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as 'The Bean'.

Park 1-2 hours Free

Art Institute of Chicago

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago houses an impressive collection of artworks from around the world.

Museum 2-3 hours $25 (adults), Free for children under 14

Skydeck Chicago

Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. Visitors can step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending out from the building.

Observation Deck 1-2 hours $28 (adults), $20 (children 3-11)

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.

Entertainment 2-4 hours Free to enter, individual attractions have varying costs

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.

Sports 2-4 hours (game duration varies) Ticket prices vary depending on the game and seating

Must-Try Local Dishes

Deep-Dish Pizza

A thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. It's a Chicago classic and a must-try for pizza lovers.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some restaurants.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

A steamed or grilled all-beef hot dog topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all served on a poppy seed bun.

Snack Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some hot dog stands.

Italian Beef Sandwich

Thinly sliced beef cooked in its own juices and served on an Italian roll. It's typically dipped in the juices and topped with sweet or hot peppers.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten and beef. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some Italian beef restaurants.

Chicago-Style Popcorn

A sweet and savory snack made with caramel and cheese-flavored popcorn, often sold in colorful boxes at street corners and ballgames.

Snack Contains dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some popcorn stands.

Popular Activities

Kayaking on the Chicago River Biking along Lake Michigan Rock climbing at First Ascent Picnicking in Millennium Park Yoga in the park Spa treatments at The Peninsula Chicago Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago Attending a performance at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Chicago for outdoor activities, festivals, and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's parks and attractions.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish, Polish, Chinese
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chicago is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Some areas of the city have higher crime rates, and visitors should research their destinations before traveling.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
  • • Avoid walking alone in isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night

Getting there

By air
  • O'Hare International Airport • 27 km (17 miles) from city center
  • Midway International Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center
By train

Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center

By bus

Greyhound Station, Megabus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The 'L' is a convenient and affordable way to get around Chicago. It consists of eight color-coded lines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

The Loop Lincoln Park Wicker Park Magnificent Mile Pilsen

Day trips

Navy Pier
2 km (1.2 miles) • Half day to full day

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.

Wrigley Field
10 km (6.2 miles) • Half day to full day

Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.

Museum Campus
3 km (1.9 miles) • Half day to full day

The Museum Campus is a 57-acre park located on the southern tip of Grant Park in Chicago. It's home to several world-class museums, including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium.

Festivals

Lollapalooza • Early August (4-day festival) Chicago Jazz Festival • Late August to early September (weekend festival) Chicago Food Festival • Early September (weekend festival)

Pro tips

  • Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and long wait times
  • Use the Ventra card for easy and convenient payments on public transportation
  • Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and culinary scene to get a true sense of Chicago's character and culture
  • Take an architecture river cruise to see the city's stunning skyline and learn about its architectural history
  • Visit the city's many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, even in the heart of the city
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-99
1
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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