As the sun begins to set earlier and the weather gets colder by the day, the festive spirit of Chicago emerges. Before you settle in to study for the finals, head to town to find an abundance of vacation classics and hidden gems. Here are the Daily’s top picks:

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Savor hot hot chocolate and a range of delicious treats at the Christkindlmarket, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this winter. Open at 50 W Washington St. from November 19 to December 24, admission to the market is free. You can also buy its famous mugs and other products from the online market.

A little closer to Northwestern’s Evanston campus, the Wrigleyville site will take place from November 19 to December 31 and offers an equally lively atmosphere.

Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza includes 54 markets selling souvenir items, drinks and food, Christmas decorations and other holiday items.

Lincoln Park Lights

Stroll through illuminated tunnels and past towering candy canes at Lincoln Park Zoo. Open on certain dates between November 19 and January 2, admission is $ 5 per person from Wednesday to Sunday and free on Mondays and Tuesdays. ZooLights will once again have limited capacity this year, so the website advises future viewers to grab their tickets as soon as possible.

ZooLights hosts ice sculpting demonstrations with the light show.

Jack Frost Winter Walk and Christmas Tree Farm

Located at 1265 W Le Moyne St. on the Near North Side, the Jack Frost Winter Walk & Christmas Tree Farm offers activities ranging from ice skating to ax throwing and bumper cars. The venue’s decorations, like sleighs and Christmas trees, set the stage for the perfect Instagram post. Plus, choose a Christmas tree from the tree farm and explore a variety of dining options like themed donuts and seasonal drink specials. Ticket prices vary depending on the date and the pop-up will be open from December 2 to January 2, 2022.

Amaze Light Festival at Impact Field

With seven different themed worlds of light shows and a light show every half hour, the Amaze Light Festival at Impact Field just outside of Chicago in the village of Rosemont is an event not to be missed. The Festival of Lights, with a candy store and festive food and drink, opened on November 19 and will run until January 2, 2022. Tickets are $ 23 for adults and $ 18 for children. ages 2 to 12.

Chicago City Christmas Tree

The 108th anniversary of the City of Chicago’s annual Christmas tree lighting took place on November 19. The 51 foot Blue Spruce is located in Millennium Park. near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street in downtown Chicago and will remain lit from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until January 9, 2022.

103.5 Kiss FM Jingle Ball

Just outside the Chicago area, 103.5 Kiss FM will be hosting their annual Jingle Ball at the Allstate Arena. Live music is making a comeback with lineup featuring headliners like Doja Cat, Lil Nas X and Saweetie. The holiday-themed show will honor the city on December 7. Guests planning to attend must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the show. Masks are mandatory in the arena and ticket prices vary by seat.

Ice skating at Maggie Daley Park

Surrounded by skyscrapers and pristine Chicago architecture, Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon welcomes skaters of all levels. The ribbon opened for the season on November 19 and ticket prices vary throughout the season. Reservations can be made in line to enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere of the downtown ice rink.

Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier is an indoor garden of LED light sculptures, an ice rink and train rides.

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Twitter: @selenakuznikov

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– Evanston groups organize first winter games

– Holiday Guide: Things to Do in Chicago This Winter