chicago christmas bus tour

Chicago holiday tours

When Christmas comes around, Chicago lights up. There’s no shortage of glittering lights displays, holiday markets, seasonal treats, snowy sights, and exciting events all season long. So how do you see and do it all? With a holiday tour of the city! Whether you’re looking to walk, ride, or cruise, these tours cover the very best of the season, from the most dazzling light shows to the tastiest hot chocolate and beyond.

Here are a few ways to see Christmas lights and more with holiday tours in Chicago.

Chicago holiday lights tours

Chicago is known for our dazzling holiday experiences, from ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo on the lakefront to the towering Christmas tree in the heart of downtown. See it all with these festive tours that cover the very best of Chicago’s holiday events and traditions.

Popular annual attractions include the European-inspired outdoor market Christkindlmarket and themed holiday windows at Macy’s on State Street . Whether you prefer admiring holiday lights by foot, segway, or trolley — there’s something for everyone in this magical city.

• Holiday Lights Tour with Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours
• Chicago Holiday Tour by Free Tours by Foot
• The Christmas Tree Crawl by Inside Chicago Walking Tours
• BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley Tour

Historic holiday tours

Step back in time this holiday season with these fascinating tours. Explore the interiors of gorgeous historic homes, all decked out for the holidays. You’ll learn about history, architecture, and how beloved customs fit into the story of the Chicago area.

• Christmas Candlelight Tours at Glessner House
• Annual Candlelight House Walk in Pullman
• Holiday Candlelight Tour at Pleasant Home in Oak Park
• Virtual Tour: Holiday Lights and Sights by Inside Chicago Walking Tours

Festive food tours

Eat and drink your way through Christmas in Chicago. This holiday walking tour offered through Bobby’s Bike Hike hits all the indoor and outdoor highlights , including Christkindlmarket, Millennium Park, and the historic Palmer House hotel . Bring your appetite for samples of the famous Palmer House brownies, seasonal craft beer, and traditional German fare at Chicago’s famous Christmas market.

• Holiday Hike: Season Sampling Walking Tour by Bobby’s Bike Hike

Holiday dinner cruises

For unmatched views of the city horizon all lit up for the holidays, take an unforgettable dinner cruise along the lakefront or down the Chicago River or Lake Michigan. Step aboard a stunning ship for gourmet meals, top-shelf cocktails, dancing, live music, and plenty of holiday glitz. Celebrate a special occasion or holiday like New Year’s Eve with this unique dining experience, or simply enjoy quality time with loved ones for the fun of it.

• Holiday cruises by City Experiences
• Holiday Fireworks Cruise by Wendella

Check out Chicago dinner cruise options for more.

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Holiday Lights Tour

• 875 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago 60611 USA
• (773) 648-5000
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Price — $18.00 – $49.00

Experience the magic of the holidays with Chicago’s most spectacular light displays at the city’s most popular destinations!

The Holiday Lights Tour starts at the John Hancock Center’s spectacular tree at the top of The Magnificent Mile. Over the next 2 1/2 hours, festive trolleys make two stops to let you hop off and explore the magic of Chicago’s lights and sights.

First, you’ll head over to the Gold Coast where Sprinkles treats you to a handcrafted holiday cupcake. From there, you'll be whisked down State Street and through the Loop to Chicago’s famous Christkindlmarket where Daley Plaza becomes an old German village filled with quaint shops and holiday treats. Next, you’ll make our way over the river and up to ZooLights, where Lincoln Park transforms into a brilliant array of lights, music, and crafts for the whole family. Finally, take one last look at the city’s lights as you weave your way back to Michigan Avenue and the John Hancock Center.

• Mon-Fri Closed
• Saturday Closed
• Sunday Closed

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Chicago Holiday Lights Tour featuring Lincoln Park Zoo Lights & Christkindlmarket

Home > Tours > Chicago Holiday Lights Tour featuring Lincoln Park Zoo Lights & Christkindlmarket

Chicago Holiday Lights Tour featuring Lincoln Park Zoo Lights & Christkindlmarket

Get into the holiday spirit with this tour of Chicago's Holiday Lights! See famous landmarks such as Lincoln Park Zoo, the Magnificent Mile, State Street, Chicago's Christmas Tree, and Daley Plaza, all beautifully lit up with Christmas lights. Time permitting there will be a 20-30 minute stop at Lincoln Park Zoo where you can walk around and enjoy ZooLights. There will also be 20 minute stop at Christkindlmarket, a German-inspired Christmas market full of vendors and family-friendly festivities. It might be cold so please dress appropriately as Zoo Lights and Christkindlmarket are outdoors

• Sightseeing Tour of Holiday Lights in downtown Chicago
• Lincoln Park Zoo Lights up close as, time permitting, there will be a 20-30 minute stop at Lincoln Park Zoo where you will be able to walk around and see the Zoo Lights
• Christkindlmarket - A German-inspired Christmas market full of vendors and family-friendly festivities.
• Macy's World Famous Holiday Windows
• The Magnificent Mile
• Chicago's Christmas Tree
• Sightseeing Tour of Chicago's Holiday Lights.
• 20-30 minute stops at Lincoln Park Zoo and Christkindlmarket. These stops are time permitting as sometimes traffic will slow down our sightseeing tour. Please be sure to dress appropriately as you will get off the vehicle at the stops to take in the fun and festivities up close.
• Holiday Music
• Lots of fun!!
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities (optional)

Pickup Info

Ticket Office & Main Departure Point: Gray Line Chicago office is located on the northwest corner of Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street. Enter the Grant Park North Parking Garage located on the west side of Michigan Ave. just north of Monroe St. and go down the stairs and the office is on the right. For reference, the closest street address is 30 S. Michigan Avenue. There is an elevator just north of the stairs on Michigan Ave. that will take you right to the office on Parking Level 1 Parking Information: https://www.millenniumgarages.com/grant-park-north-garage/

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