Light Displays and Holiday Markets
Christkindlmarket | Chicago, Illinois
Christkindlmarket is largely considered to be the most authentic holiday market outside of Europe and has been one of Chicago’s favorite holiday traditions since 1996. The annual market transforms Daley Plaza into a 16th-century holiday bazaar, with more than 50 vendors. Purchase a souvenir mug to sip hot spiced wine or pumpkin spice chai, and try a raclette sandwich, frankfurter, or German-style pretzel. There are plenty of handcrafted items, including ornaments, lace tablecloths, and lots of stocking stuffers. The market runs from November 21 through December 24.
An Old Time Christmas | Branson, Missouri
With more than 6.5 million lights and an eight-story animated tree, Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas is the six-time winner of the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice for the “Best Theme Park Holiday Event.” Light displays transform Joy on Town Square and Christmas in Midtown into magical holiday wonderlands. Don’t miss Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade, when lighted floats and dancing characters take to the street. With the Christmas Tasting Passport, you can sample five items from hearty soups to seasonal sweets. An Old Town Christmas runs from November 1 through January 4.
World of Winter | Grand Rapids, Michigan
From January 9–March 1, large art installations illuminate downtown Grand Rapids. This free festival is the largest of its kind and is packed with events for the entire family. Lit handmade lanterns parade down the Grand River as part of the opening celebration, and fire dancers take to the ice at the Fire & Ice performance. There are also ice sculpture walking tours and ice piano performances. Games include chess, skee-ball, shuffleboard, checkers, and cornhole—all made with ice.
New Years Celebrations
New Year’s Eve at the Temple XIV | Kansas City, Missouri
With eight party rooms across three levels, DJs playing a range of music including house and hip hop, large open bars, and a massive balloon drop, the celebration at Temple XIV is recognized as one of the hottest NYE parties in the area. The chandeliers and hand-carved columns in this historic Scottish Rite Temple juxtapose the modern LED wall and video screens, creating a festive backdrop to ring in the new year. This is the 16th anniversary for the NYE party at Temple; like the previous 15 years, it’s expected to sell out. Tickets can be purchased here.
New Year’s Eve on ROOF | Chicago, Illinois
Ring in the New Year 27 stories above Chicago at ROOF on theWit. Overhead lights and LED screens illuminate the recently renovated space, which offers sweeping views of the Chicago skyline. It’s the perfect setting for a Phantom-inspired masquerade-themed party. There will be DJs, dancers, and a champagne toast, and the party runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. You can also book a guest room or a luxury suite in theWit.
