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Christmas in Chicago, Gay events
Markets & New Years Fireworks 2025
Chicago is a magical city during the Holiday Season. Explore traditional German-style Christmas Markets, take in a festive parade.
Christmas in Chicago, Gay events
Christmas Markets and New Year Fireworks 2025
Chicago is a magical city during the Holiday Season. Explore traditional German-style Christmas Markets, take in a festive parade, visit Boystown for some festive fun nights out and shop till you drop on the Magnificent Mile. Here’s our shortlist on what to see and do this holiday season.
- Stay close at the Hotel Zachary for the perfect gay Christmas escape. The 4-star hotel has chic rooms with excellent amenities and a delicious onsite bakery. It is also close to the markets and the city’s busy gay district.
Christkindlmarket
- Awaiting dates – Christkindlmarket is a Christmas market held annually at Daley Plaza. The festival attracts more than 1 million visitors each year.
- The smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hot spiced wine, the sound of festive music, and the glimmer of sparkling Christmas ornaments, all in a cosy atmosphere – a visit to the market, takes all your senses on a journey!
- Open Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm, Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm
- Stay at the Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop – Theatre District , rated “fabulous” with spacious rooms located on the steps of the plaza, the perfect location to take in the markets.
Winterland at Gallagher Way
- Typically from mid November – Go ice skating, take curling lessons, enjoy a Hanukkah celebration, and shop at the holiday market at this winter wonderland.
- This market is close to all the gay bars in Lakeview.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
- Awaiting dates – Festivities begin at 11:00 am, starting in Lights Festival Lane (401 North Michigan Avenue) with a festive thoroughfare of booths and family activities until 4:00 pm ending with the grand tree-lighting parade down North Michigan Avenue at 5:30 pm.
- The parade features more than 60 minutes of fabulous floats, giant helium balloons, exciting marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus, and more, all helping to illuminate more than 1 million lights along The Magnificent Mile. The event draws to a grand conclusion with spectacular fireworks over the Chicago River at the DuSable Bridge at 7:00 pm (9 mins drive from the gay district, Boystown)
- Enjoy the lights of the Magnificent Mile throughout the holiday season. The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s premier commercial district, perfect for all your Christmas gifts. The vibrant, bustling area is home to upscale shops, luxe fashion outlets, fabulous restaurants and the city’s top hotels.
Chicago Speedo Run, Northalsted
- Early December, Runners strip down to their skivvies for this annual holiday charity run (link to our page event you just created – dont have the link ), during which scantily-clad participants traverse a 1-mile stretch of the city’s downtown.
Chicago Gay men’s Choir – Totally 80s Holigay.
- Awaiting dates – Celebrate the holiday spirit with Chicago’s most colorful chorus! Join CGMC as we ring in the festivities with A cappella favorites.
- Celebrate the holiday season in neon colours, boomboxes and big hair! Songs from this decade are sure to get you in the festive spirit.
Christmas Light Experiences
- Awaiting dates – Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden: – Be awed by this magical outdoor light show that takes over these sprawling Glencoe gardens. Hum along to the melodic tunes of the singing trees. Surround yourself in the twinkling glow of the Winter Cathedral, and find new features that shine with all the colours imaginable. This holiday season set a merry mood with friends and family.
- Awaiting dates – ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo: This over-the-top light display, which includes more than one million twinkling bulbs, is a beloved local tradition.
- Awaiting dates – Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum: – Each winter, the trees at this Lisle nature attraction come to life with festive lights and music. Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of colour, light, and sound.
Christmas Tree & Ice skating in Millennium Park
- Awaiting dates – Capture that Instagram moment at the Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park.
- Grab your skates and check out the two scenic and free ice rinks that pop up in the park each winter.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
- From late November – Light sculptures, a skating rink, holiday beer garden and more take over Navy Pier for the holidays all season long. The indoor, temperature-controlled experience features a sprawling light garden of large-scale sculptures comprising more than 600,000 twinkling lights. Take a ride on the iconic Centennial Wheel, offering inspiring views of the city all decked out for the holidays. (10 mins drive from the gay district, Boystown)
- For a unique Christmas experience close to the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier, stay at The Langham Chicago offering fantastic views of the city. The hotel has a superb indoor pool, a great gym, and just steps from Chicago’s Christmas festivities.
New Year Fireworks at Navy Pier
- December 31st – Ring in the New Year with a breathtaking firework display over Lake Michigan at Navy Pier.
- The fireworks are set to music, and the event attracts thousands of visitors.
Gay New Year Parties
- Hydrate hosts an annual NYE countdown, one of the most popular in the city.
- Start your night out in Sidetrack, one of the most popular bars in the gay village.
- Organised Grime host the CunTea and LOAD parties during the festive season.
- Luxuria, a pop-up party promoter also hosts several parites during Christmas.
Recommended Hotels
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action,
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Where we stay!
The Hyatt Regency is close to all the main
events & offers superior rooms & service.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Christmas in Chicago visit The Website
Gay Map of Chicago
The area in Chicago with the most gay bars is Boys town offering over 20 bar, we have chosen hotels close to this area that have good revues on bookings.
108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Located along the Magnificent Mile, this Chicago hotel is 5 minutes' walk from the Museum of Contemporary Art. The hotel offers a full-service Asian-inspired spa, award-winning restaurants, and spacious luxury guest with city views.
A 42-inch flat-screen TV and free WiFi are featured in every room at the Chicago Peninsula. Each room includes a temperature and lighting control console and soaking tub in the en suite bathroom.
21 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago,
Located in the Chicago city centre, this luxury boutique hotel boasts an on-site restaurant and complimentary property-wide WiFi access. Shopping and dining on Michigan Avenue is 2 minutes’ walk away.
A flat-screen cable TV and a mini bar are offered in every modern guest room at Thompson Chicago. The bathrooms feature bathrobes, deluxe bath amenities and modern rain shower-heads.
122 W Monroe St, Chicago,
Just blocks away from the luxury shopping, dining and entertainment of Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, this boutique hotel is located in the heart of the Loop in downtown Chicago and offers a rooftop bar, complimentary evening and contemporary-styled guest rooms with free WiFi.
Every room at Hotel includes a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station and a private bathroom with bathrobes and luxury Atelier Bloem bath products. Select rooms offer a separate living room and spa bath.
10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago,
Located in the centre of the Loop, near ’s theater and financial district, this hotel is close to dining, shopping, and many . include cable TV and free WiFi.
Featuring a contemporary design, each room includes a refrigerator and coffeemaker at The Hotel. Guests can enjoy pay-per-view movies in the high-ceiling rooms.
933 West Belmont AvenueChicago, IL 60657
Located in the city’s Boystown neighborhood, this hotel features Art Deco style décor, complimentary daily breakfast and free WiFi.
Every room at provides a flat-screen cable TV and a work desk. A fully-stocked minibar and small refrigerator are also included.
3434 North BroadwayChicago, IL 60657
This historic hotel is within 10 minutes' walk of and the Red Line train to downtown . It features a glass-enclosed hot tub and contemporary rooms with free Wi-Fi.
A 42 inch flat-screen TV and laptop safe are included in each guest room at Best Western Hawthorne Terrace. A microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator stocked with free bottled water are provided.
528 West Brompton AvenueChicago, IL 60657
Near Wrigley Field, home to baseball's Cubs, the historic Majestic Hotel offers to Chicago attractions and a free daily breakfast. It includes complimentary WiFi access and guestrooms with 32-inch flat-screen TV.
Built in the 1920s, the completely non-smoking Majestic Hotel provides 24-hour coffee and tea service along with free . Guests can also enjoy relaxing in the hotel's sitting area in front of a wood-burning fireplace.
3558 N Wilton Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
This modern apartment is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. Boasting free WiFi. Everything you need to enjoy your stay
631 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60657
Luxury apartment offering a living room with flat screen TV, a fitted with a kitchen with a washing machine 1 bedroom with double bed and 1 bathroom with shower, this apartment features free WiFi.
3441 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
This vintage modern décor 2-bedroom apartment Offers a living room with flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and 1 bathroom with a shower. Located in middle of all the excitement of Boystown
933 W Newport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
This lovely 3-bedroom apartment is professionally designed with modern furniture, a spacious living room, a fully furnished kitchen and bathroom. Your ideal accommodation for a perfect getaway.
3439 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL
Replay gay bar is the premier entertainment establishment. An extensive collection of the finest bourbons and a huge selection of craft beers (over 20 on tap alone!), Replay also boasts the largest collection of vintage arcade games in the East Lakeview!
3359 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
Progress Bar Chicago. Boystown neighborhood bar located at the corner of Roscoe & Halsted. Progress Bar features a friendly staff, great DJs, music videos, your favorite libations & 16 draft beers to choose from!
3452 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
Whether a date, casual night out with friends or a private party to celebrate a special occasion, elixir gay bar is an ideal spot for cocktails, conversation & small plate dining.
3729 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60613
Bobby Love's gay bar has been active in the Chicago community since 1999. It is the only karaoke bar in Boystown, and during the day is a neighborhood bar home to beloved regulars. A variety of specials happen day-to-day, and the occasional event. Bobby's is a favorite during pride season, as the parade runs right past our door, and is just down the block from the Market Days festival.
3352 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
D.S. Tequila Co. is a contemporary casual, full service, tex-mex restaurant and bar in the heart of Lakeview, Chicago. polular with gay boys
3325 North Broadway Street Chicago, IL 60657
Popular Lesbian bar always busy
3726 North Broadway Street Chicago, IL 60613
Great staff, killer drink specials, and good music. Charlie's is a fun place to bring all your friends. Regular events like Kareoke, drag queens, Two Stepping and line dancing
3733 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60613
Chicago's neighborhood gay sports bar since 1983! Offering cold drinks, a great beer selection, pool, darts, and all the games on TV.
3320 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
The go to gay dance bar in Boystown. Great place to go if you're looking for a fun, energetic atmosphere with an incredibly friendly staff.
3339 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
Gay bar with a diverse crowd open late offeing drah shows & dancing.
3641 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60613
Chicago's Premier Gay Dance Club, Featuring the Incredible Phazon Sound System from the Legendary Twilo-NYC, Laser Lights, Visual Effects and a Friendly Staff.
3169 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
Gay Night Club Featuring Hot male dancers!
3702 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60613
Cell Block is the only Leather/Fetish bar in Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood and has been serving the community for 25 years. Originally opened as “The Loading Dock” bar it has always attracted a wide range of people from Chicago’s diverse gay community. When The Loading Dock ceased to operate it was sold and re-opened as Cell Block. Today, Cell Block thrives and is still an important part of the neighborhood in addition to serving the leather and fetish interests of Chicago’s LGBTQ community. Cell Block is known throughout the country for its monthly puppy patrol parties.
3458 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
Boystowns hottest Dj line up and best 21+ gay dance club!
3356 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
Chicago’s leader in nightlife and entertainment best drag queens in town
3349 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657
Sidetrack has welcomed Chicago's LGBTQ+ community, and the world, for 38 years with a unique mix of your favorite music videos. Join us for our famous Frozen Cocktails, Show Tunes 3 times a week, our fabulous rooftop deck and our fun nightly parties.
3317 North Broadway Street Chicago, IL 60657
Gay Bar and Cocktail Lounge Boystown Chicago
Recommended Hotels in Chicago By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Chicago that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The Peninsula Chicago
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star, Asian-Inspired Spa
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Spacious luxury, city views
- Luxurious Magnificent Mile location, Asian-inspired spa, award-winning dining, & city-view rooms.
The Silversmith Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4 Star, Theater District Proximity
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Contemporary design, refrigerator
- Ideal for theater & financial district visits, contemporary rooms, & close to major attractions.
Gray Hotel Chicago
4 Star, Great Value
- 4 Star, Rooftop Latin Cuisine
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- iPod dock, luxury bath
- Stay for the rooftop views, Latin-inspired cocktails, & rooms with iPod docks & luxury baths.
Thompson Chicago
4 Star, Location
- 4 Star, Steps from Michigan Avenue
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Modern guest room, mini bar
- Perfect for Michigan Avenue shopping & dining, modern rooms with minibars, in a boutique setting.
Video Of The Chicago Christmas Market
Chicago’s favorite winter wonderland, Christkindlmarket.
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Chicago
Chicago, affectionately known as the “Windy City,” is a must-visit destination for LGBTQ+ travellers seeking a vibrant, welcoming, and diverse experience. The city is home to Northalsted (formerly Boystown), one of the first officially recognized gay villages in the United States. Remember, Chicago has an efficient public transit system, so you’ll have easy access to all the city offers no matter where you stay.
Northalsted | The Gay Village
Photo: Chicago’s Northalsted has a bar for all types and tastes.
- Located in the Lakeview East neighbourhood of Chicago, 5 miles north of downtown Chicago, or what locals refer to as “The Loop”.
- Northalsted is a hub for LGBTQ+ life and culture in Chicago, hosting Market Days and Chicago Pride.
- Easy to get to from downtown via public transit, 30 minutes by the CTA “L” train’s Red or Brown lines.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Chicago
The Loop
The heart of Chicago’s downtown and home to some of its most iconic landmarks with great hotels.
Magnificent Mile
Home to high-end hotels, shops & restaurants, the place for those who want to be in the middle of the action.
River North
A great place to stay if you’re a foodie or a fan of the arts, and close to the city’s best shopping.
Andersonville
Located to the north of Lakeview,filled with unique, locally-owned businesses and a quirky atmosphere.
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