3Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is another bustling city that knows how to celebrate Christmas in grand style. The city’s famous Magnificent Mile is decked out in millions of twinkling lights and holiday displays, offering excellent shopping opportunities for those looking to tick off their gift lists. Millennium Park features a towering Christmas tree, and the ice skating rink underneath offers a picturesque way to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

One of Chicago’s top holiday attractions is the Christkindlmarket, an open-air market inspired by traditional German Christmas markets. Here, visitors can browse for handmade gifts, sip hot mulled wine, and enjoy German sausages and other holiday treats.