Chicago Holiday Lights Along State Street and the River

4.6 (45)

Mon – Fri, 04:00 – 19:00; Sat – Sun, 10:00 – 19:00

820 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

Chicago Red Stars bring professional women's soccer to a holiday-week itinerary, with a competitive NWSL club, a gritty playing style, and dedicated fans. Check the current fixture calendar before making this a match-centered outing, since the supplied information does not establish holiday-week dates. The club is listed at 820 W Jackson Blvd.

4.7 (191)

6525 N Sheridan Rd

For a holiday-week sports stop, check the current schedule before going. Joseph J. Gentile Arena is an intimate Loyola University Chicago venue for basketball and volleyball at 6525 N Sheridan Rd. It also hosts graduation ceremonies, with close-to-the-floor seating and food and drink available. Some sections use continuous bench rows, and reviews mention occasional sound issues in upper areas.

4.8 (28)

Mon – Fri, 07:00 – 19:00

4120 W Diversey Ave

The Fields Studios turns a former Marshall Field's warehouse on West Diversey Avenue into a 23-acre film and television campus. Nine sound stages have high-grid ceilings and silent HVAC systems. The grounds also include production offices, residential lofts, retail and dining. For an event or exhibition, confirm pricing and external ticketing with the production.

4.7 (949)

Tue – Sat, 12:00 – 16:00

1331 N Milwaukee Ave

The Den Theatre hosts stand-up comedy, theater, podcasts, and live music across multiple stages in Wicker Park. Guests can order drinks from their seats via QR code for table service during shows. Reviewers praise the intimate setting and welcoming layout. Check the lineup for a performance that fits your holiday-week plans.

4.6 (774)

Tue – Thu, 16:00 – 00:00 (+1); Fri, 14:00 – 02:00 (+1); Sat, 12:00 – 03:00 (+1); Sun, 12:00 – 00:00 (+1)

4659 N Clark St

Carol's Pub brings live country bands, ticketed concerts, and late-night karaoke to a spacious honky-tonk with a classic dive-bar feel. The menu includes pub food, and the room shows sports on game days. It is a 21+ venue, and Monday is closed, so check the current calendar and hours before planning a holiday-week night here.

4.9 (1,299)

Mon – Fri, 10:00 – 18:00; Sat, 11:00 – 17:00; Sun, 11:00 – 15:30

4450 N Clark St

Black Ensemble Theater presents musicals rooted in African American history and culture in a 170-seat Uptown venue. Its productions include Men of Soul, a revue pairing legendary songs with the personal stories of the artists behind them. For a holiday-week outing, confirm which production is playing and its performance dates with the venue.

4.1 (1,425)

Wed – Fri, 16:00 – 00:00 (+1); Sat – Sun, 11:00 – 00:00 (+1)

1059 W Addison St

Cubby Bear sits across from Wrigley Field at 1059 W Addison St, pairing a sports-bar setting with bar food and billiards. Depending on the day, the room hosts live music or a DJ, giving a holiday-week itinerary an easy evening option. Listed hours start at 4 PM Wednesday through Friday and 11 AM on weekends, so confirm before going.

4.7 (10,943)

Mon – Fri, 12:00 – 18:00

175 N State St

The Chicago Theatre is a downtown landmark at 175 N State St, recognized by its iconic neon marquee. The 1921 venue pairs grandiose French Baroque architecture with a six-story lobby and majestic staircase. Concerts, comedy, theatrical performances, and guided tours offer different ways in, while backstage signatures preserve links to past performers. Check current event and tour times before a holiday-week visit.

4.6 (1,123)

Tue – Fri, 12:00 – 16:00

2936 N. Southport Ave.

Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture hosts community arts and performances in a 1911 building in Lakeview. Chicago's oldest continuously operating Off-Loop theatre has an intimate auditorium with balconies. A nook-style concession area serves beer, wine, soda, and snacks. An elevator is available.

4.8 (4,323)

Mon, 08:30 – 08:00 (+1); Tue – Wed, 09:00 – 08:00 (+1); Thu, Sun, 08:30 – 09:00 (+1); Fri, 08:30 – 09:30 (+1); Sat, 08:00 – 09:30 (+1)

112 E. Wacker Drive

Chicago's First Lady Cruises departs from the Riverwalk at 112 E. Wacker Drive for official Chicago Architecture Center river tours. Docents point out more than 50 buildings from an open-air upper deck, while a climate-controlled lower cabin offers refreshments. The listed 2026 cruising season runs March 15 through November 22, so verify dates and departures before adding this to a holiday-week plan.