10 Things to Do in Chicago and DuPage This Weekend (November 13–15, 2026)
CHICAGOLAND— The holiday season is beginning to take shape across Chicago and DuPage County this weekend, with new ice skating openings, illuminated gardens, holiday markets and live performances.
From Friday, November 13, through Sunday, November 15, 2026, visitors can skate beneath Chicago's skyline, browse holiday gifts in the West Loop or explore one of the Western Suburbs' most popular seasonal light displays.
There are also free family activities in Glen Ellyn and Oak Brook, along with theater, music and independent film screenings.
Here are 10 things to do in Chicago and DuPage County this weekend, including dates, admission prices and official event links.
Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend
1. Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon Opening Weekend
Photo: Illinois Office of Tourism / Enjoy Illinois.
One of Chicago's most recognizable winter attractions officially returns this Friday.
The Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon offers a winding outdoor skating path surrounded by views of Downtown Chicago's skyline.
Unlike a traditional circular rink, the ribbon allows visitors to skate along a curved route through the park, making it a popular seasonal outing for families, couples and visitors.
Reservations are required for all skaters, including those bringing their own equipment.
Event details
Date: Friday–Sunday, November 13–15
Time: Friday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.–10 p.m., divided into two-hour sessions
Location: Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph Street, Chicago
Admission: Skate rentals $21 online or $23 at the venue, subject to availability. Bring-your-own-skates admission is $5, with free designated sessions at 11 a.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Official Event: Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
2. Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer Near University Village
Photo: Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer / official website.
One of North America's largest barrel-aged beer festivals returns to Chicago's Near West Side this weekend.
The 24th annual Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer (FoBAB) brings breweries from across the country to Credit Union 1 Arena near the University of Illinois Chicago campus.
Each tasting session features more than 250 specialty beers, ciders, meads and perries, including limited releases and wood-aged creations.
The event also includes a national brewing competition and a Lager Lounge featuring lighter selections.
Event details
Date: Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14
Time: Friday, 6–10 p.m.; Saturday, 1–5 p.m.
Location: Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S. Racine Avenue, Chicago
Admission: $85 general admission, plus applicable fees
Age Requirement: 21 and older
Official Event: Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer
3. Randolph Street Holiday Market in the West Loop
2026 market promotional artwork. Source: Randolph Street Market via Chicago Star Media.
Holiday shopping season arrives in the West Loop with the return of the Randolph Street Holiday Market.
The indoor market will feature approximately 125 vendors selling vintage clothing, handmade gifts, jewelry, art, home décor and collectibles.
Visitors can browse the stalls, enjoy food and music, and discover gifts that aren't typically found in large department stores.
The market also features children's activities and an early-shopping option on Saturday morning.
Event details
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, November 14–15
Time: Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington Boulevard, Chicago
Admission: $19 online or $20 at the door for general admission covering both days. Children under 12 enter free.
Official Event: Randolph Street Holiday Market
4. A Christmas Carol Opens at Goodman Theatre
2026 promotional artwork source: Goodman Theatre.
A longtime Chicago holiday tradition returns to the stage this Friday.
Goodman Theatre begins its 2026 production of A Christmas Carol, following Ebenezer Scrooge as three spirits help him reconsider his life and relationships.
Directed by Malkia Stampley, this year's production features Chicago actor Tim Hopper as Scrooge.
The show runs through December 31, but opening weekend offers an early opportunity to enjoy one of Downtown Chicago's established holiday performances.
Event details
Dates: Friday–Sunday, November 13–15
Time: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.
Location: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago
Admission: Ticket prices vary by performance and seat selection.
Age Requirement: Children under five are not permitted.
Official Event: A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre
5. Chicago International REEL Shorts Film Festival
2026 festival promotional artwork. Source: Chicago REEL Shorts Film Festival.
Film lovers looking for something different can spend Friday or Saturday watching independent short films from around the world.
The 23rd annual Chicago International REEL Shorts Film Festival features 48 short films presented across five screening programs.
The lineup includes comedy, drama and experimental storytelling, offering visitors a chance to discover filmmakers and stories beyond traditional movie releases.
Because each program features different films, visitors can choose the screenings that interest them most.
Event details
Dates: Friday and Saturday, November 13–14
Time: Friday, 7 and 9 p.m.; Saturday, 4, 6 and 8 p.m.
Location: Chicago Filmmakers Firehouse Cinema, 1326 W. Hollywood Avenue, Chicago
Admission: $16 per screening program
Official Event: Chicago International REEL Shorts Film Festival
Things to Do in DuPage County This Weekend
6. Illumination: Tree Lights Opens at The Morton Arboretum
One of DuPage County's most popular holiday experiences officially opens Saturday in Lisle.
The 14th annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum transforms the outdoor landscape into a nighttime display of color, music and illuminated trees.
This year's exhibition features 22 displays, including four new large-scale installations, along an approximately one-mile walking trail.
Visitors can also explore the new Pine Whistle Railroad miniature train attraction with a separate ticket, while seasonal treats and hot chocolate are available for purchase.
Event details
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, November 14–15 (continues through January 2, 2027)
Time: Evening sessions with timed entry
Location: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Admission: Date-based ticket pricing. Pine Whistle Railroad costs an additional $9 for nonmembers or $7 for members.
Official Event: Illumination at The Morton Arboretum
7. The Rink at Block 59 Grand Opening in Naperville
Event visual source: Block 59.
Naperville is welcoming the holiday season with an outdoor ice skating celebration at Block 59.
The Rink at Block 59 opens Friday with skating, festive lighting, character appearances and live entertainment.
Opening-night activities include artificial snowfall beginning at 6 p.m., a snowman character, stilt walkers, giveaways and a holiday tree-lighting ceremony.
The shopping and dining district also makes it convenient to plan dinner before or after skating.
Event details
Date: Friday, November 13
Time: 5–10 p.m.; snowfall begins at 6 p.m.
Location: Block 59, 404 S. Route 59, Naperville
Admission: Skating admission generally $14, with a $12 advance promotional price through November 12. Skate rentals cost an additional $5.
Official Event: The Rink Grand Opening at Block 59
8. Wintersong 2026: Peace on Earth Concert in Elmhurst
Event artwork source: Arts DuPage / Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale.
For a relaxing evening filled with live music, the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale is presenting its seasonal concert, Wintersong 2026: Peace on Earth, in Elmhurst.
The community choir, now celebrating its 41st season, will perform a selection of traditional and contemporary choral works.
A highlight is Frostiana, composer Randall Thompson's musical setting of seven poems by Robert Frost.
Under new artistic director Jesse Borower, the concert offers a quieter way to begin the holiday season.
Event details
Dates: Friday and Saturday, November 13–14
Time: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m.
Location: Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst
Admission: Advance tickets $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students through November 11. Door tickets $27, $22 and $17, respectively.
Official Event Organizer: Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale
9. Free Family Movie: Shrek 2 at Glen Art Theatre
Looking for a Saturday morning activity that doesn't require buying tickets?
The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce continues its Free Family Movies series with a screening of Shrek 2 at the historic Glen Art Theatre.
The animated comedy follows Shrek, Fiona and Donkey as they visit the kingdom of Far Far Away and meet Fiona's parents.
Families can enjoy the movie before exploring the nearby shops, restaurants and cafés in Downtown Glen Ellyn.
Event details
Date: Saturday, November 14
Time: Doors open at 10 a.m.; screening begins at 10:30 a.m.
Location: Glen Art Theatre, 540 Crescent Boulevard, Glen Ellyn
Admission: Free
Official Event: Glen Ellyn Free Family Movies
10. Free Lapidary Activity Day at the Lizzadro Museum
For families interested in art, gemstones and hands-on learning, Oak Brook's Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art has a free event this Saturday.
Lapidary Activity Day introduces visitors to the process of turning natural stones into polished gemstones, jewelry and decorative artwork.
Artists from the West Suburban Lapidary Club will demonstrate stone cutting, polishing, wire wrapping, silversmithing and beadwork.
Children can also participate in hands-on activities while exploring the museum's collections.
Event details
Date: Saturday, November 14
Time: Activities, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; free museum admission, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook
Admission: Free; all ages welcome
Official Event: Lapidary Activity Day
Explore the Communities Behind Chicagoland's Weekend Events
From Chicago's Downtown parks and University Village to Naperville, Elmhurst, Lisle and Glen Ellyn, community events offer a glimpse into what makes each area distinctive.
For buyers and families considering a move, exploring local restaurants, parks, entertainment and neighborhood traditions can help reveal what everyday life might look like.
The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier helps buyers, sellers and relocation clients compare neighborhoods, understand local housing markets and explore real estate across Chicago and the Western Suburbs.
Planning a move in Chicagoland? Connect with our team to discover available homes and find a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, priorities and budget.
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