Things to do This Holiday Season at Palmer House
When holiday traditions of theater, ice skating and Christkindlmarket beckon you to the city to experience spirit of the season, it matters where you stay. Plan your winter escape to Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, located in the heart of Chicago’s loop and gather around the holiday tree for celebration all season long.
Holiday Tree Lighting, November 20th
Join us for complimentary brownie bites and hot chocolate as the Christmas Tree comes aglow to mark the start of the holiday season. To make the season even brighter for those in need, we are proud to host a Toys for Tots Drive in partnership with the United States Marines. We kindly invite attendees to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. Children are also invited to gather for a magical holiday story reading directly following the lighting ceremony.
Friday, November 20, 2026
11:00am
Gather in the Lobby
The Brownie Indulgence Menu
Celebrate National Brownie Day on Tuesday, December 8th and all month long with a bite of the Original Palmer House Brownie. Additionally, order a variety of brownie adjacent treats and the Holiday Brownie too, on the Brownie Indulgence Menu, available at Lockwood Restaurant all December long.
53rd Annual Tuba Christmas, December 19th
Feel the magnificent resonance of a spectacular live brass choir filling the air with grand holiday cheer and timeless winter magic.
Experience the 53rd Annual Tuba Christmas on Saturday, December 19th, 11:30am, Grand & State Ballrooms.
Entry Details: Wristband distribution, 9am-11am. Pick up your wristband at the 4th floor registration bay to secure your entry to this event. Doors to the performance open at 10am with seating priority based on wristband registration.
Lockwood Express: Sips of the Season
Celebrate the holidays with specialty hot cocoas and lattes–all served with a merry twist at Lockwood Express.
Sips That Sleigh
‘Tis the season for specialty cocktails that taste like the holidays. Enjoy our Seasonal cocktail menu, featuring delicious drinks, with non-alcoholic options, all December long.
Oh What Fun! Holiday Party Planning
Palmer House, a Hotel Hotel is the place to see & be seen this holiday season. Plan your holiday event now and take advantage of a special offer.
A Legacy Unlocked
Take a walk-through time on a winter day and learn more about the history of Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel.
Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
This annual event has become a tradition for many, located walking distance from the hotel in Daley Plaza, the Christkindlmarket is a festive holiday activity that opens in November.
Millennium Park & Maggie Daley Park
Just a short walk from the hotel is a Chicago winter wonderland at Millennium Park.
Visit the city Tree or enjoy skating at the Bean/Cloud or the Maggie Daley Ribbon.
Millennium Park Ice Skating Rink: Opens Friday, November 20th
Chicago Tree Lighting at Millennium Park: Friday, November 20th at 6PM
Millenium Park Holiday Market: Friday – Sunday, November 20th-22nd
Millenium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs: Consecutive Fridays at 6PM, December 4th, 11th, and 18th
Come in from the cold and warm up your day with a cozy evening in the Lobby at Lockwood Bar or in Potter’s Bar.
State Street
An iconic Chicago holiday shopping tradition awaits you on State Street, just a couple blocks from the hotel.
Fuel up at Lockwood Restaurant or Lockwood Express for all your shopping cardio– make sure treat yourself too at the Spa at Palmer House!
The concierge team is available to provide any recommendations and directions
