Searching for what to do next weekend in Chicago? Below are the top things to do in Chicago next weekend (December 27-29, 2024). (You can find the best things to do this weekend here.)
While some holiday activities and attractions like Christkindlmarket and CTA Holiday Train will be done by next weekend, there are still plenty of holiday activities taking place in Chicago. (If you want to relax this weekend and save your energy for NYE, you can also find unique things to do for New Year’s Eve here.)
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I will be updating it regularly with new events and activities.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Next Weekend Events in Chicago
Below are the best next weekend events in Chicago:
Winter Fireworks Show at Navy Pier – Saturday, December 28, 2024, 9pm | FREE
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert (Symphony Center) – Sunday, December 29, 2024, 2:30 PM
Wonderverse Holiday Brunch: New Year’s Eve Character Brunch (Oak Brook) – Sunday, December 29, 2024
More Next Weekend Events in Chicago
Below are more events taking place next weekend in Chicago:
Winter Break Family Programming at the Garfield Park Conservatory – December 26-27, 2024, 11am-2pm
Concerts at Fourth Church: Douglas Cleveland – Friday, December 27, 2024, 12:10 pm | FREE
A Very Asian Holiday: A Mini AAPI Market – Saturday, December 28, 2024, 1-6pm – Vibrant mini market featuring AAPI-owned businesses and delicious food & boba.
Home for the Skalidays 2024: Mustard Plug with special guests The Crombies, The Operators, Something To Do, DJ Chuck Wren (at the Bottom Lounge) – Saturday, December 28, 2024, 8pm
Neon Brush: A Glow-in-the-Dark Painting Experience – Saturday, December 28, 2024, 8:15pm
Neon Brush Kids: A Fun Neon Painting Class for the Family – December 28-29, 2024
Unique Sweets Pop-Up (Navy Pier) – December 28-29, 2024, 12-6pm – Enjoy a variety of pastries, cupcakes, and cookies crafted by young people with autism. Every purchase directly supports Autism acceptance, as 100% of the profits go back to empowering and uplifting the Autism community.
More Things to Do in Chicago Next Weekend
In addition to the weekend events listed above, below are more of the best things to do in Chicago next weekend:
Watch Digital Art at Art on the Mart
This is the last weekend see Art on theMART before it goes on hiatus until April. This is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, projecting contemporary artwork across the 2.5-acre river-façade of theMART. The programming changes every few months and you can see current projections here.
When: 30-minute program of projections are displayed twice nightly
Where: The Merchandise Mart, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654. Spectators can watch the show from the jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk on Wacker Drive between Wells Street and Franklin Street.
Cost: Free.
See Blue Man Group Before They Leave Chicago
If you are interested in seeing Blue Man Group in Chicago, time is running out. This is second to last weekend before the Blue Man Group ends its long time Chicago run.
Where: Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
Spray Paint ‘n’ Sip Urban Art Workshop
Grab some spray paint and unleash your inner street artist at a Spray Paint ‘n’ Sip Urban Art Workshop. This interactive spray paint workshop will teach you the ins and outs of working with spray paint and other elements of graffiti and street art as you create your own painted mural.
Where: Studio W.I.P. at The Chicago Kedzie Plaza, 800 North Kedzie Avenue, Unit 208
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience is an immersive experience that will be in Chicago only for a limited time. This is a family friendly whimsical holiday wonderland filled with festive delights and sparkling lights.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: $15.00 for adults and $12.50 for children 12 and under. Click here to purchase tickets in advance.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier offers free outdoor holiday lights, as well as fun activities and attractions such as axe throwing and a new ice slide.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: Includes both free and ticketed activities. Single and pre-bundled tickets are available.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ at Lincoln Park Zoo is a cheerful, family-friendly holiday event featuring hundreds of luminous LED displays and seasonal experiences, all under the glow of millions of lights.
Go Outdoor Ice Skating
Outdoor ice skating season is here. McCormick Tribune Ice Rink right in front of the Bean and skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park are both open.
Look for Street Art
Chicago is full of street art and there are always new murals popping up. One of the most famous Chicago murals is “Moose Bubblegum Bubble” (pictured above) by Jacob Watts located at 33 E. Ida B. Wells Drive. It is part of the Wabash Arts Corridor which is walking distance to Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and other tourist attractions.
Another famous mural is the Greetings From Chicago Mural at 2226 N Milwaukee Ave. You can see this mural and other street art on this street art tour.
Titanic: The Exhibition
Titanic: The Exhibition is ending its limited time run in the Chicago area in a few weeks. This interactive experience allows you to step inside recreations of the Titanic’s interior. Immerse yourself in the stories of its passengers, see hundreds of artifacts, and discover the tale of the design, creation, launch, maiden voyage, and tragedy of the historic ship.
Where: 4963 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, IL 60077 (about 17 miles from downtown Chicago)
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
As you can see there are many things to do in Chicago next weekend. If you are looking for things to do during the week, here are more things to do in Chicago in December.
