Free and cheap things to do in Chicago this week: Dec. 20-26

SHARE Free and cheap things to do in Chicago this week: Dec. 20-26
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The City of Chicago’s official Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Millennium Park. Chicago, November 16, 2018. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times

Christmas is here, and we’ve got plenty of options for your entire extended family to enjoy.

ZOOLIGHTS — FREE

More than half a million guests visited ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo this holiday season. / photo courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo

More than half a million guests visited ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo this holiday season. / photo courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo

What:Get outside and walk through the zoo while enjoying the beautiful Christmas lights display for ZooLights.

When: Every day, 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark

HOLIDAY FLOWER SHOW — FREE

A Salmon-Star Poinsettia fairly glows with tones of red and pink. | Robin Carlson, Chicago Botanic Garden

A Salmon-Star Poinsettia fairly glows with tones of red and pink. | Robin Carlson, Chicago Botanic Garden

What: The Lincoln Park Conservatory is filled with poinsettias, trees, sparkling lights and model trains for the annual flower show.

When: Every day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton

LIVE-ACTION DISNEY FILMS FEST — $7-$11

A friendly codfish greets Roy Snart on his underwater voyage to the storybook island of Naboombu. Filmed in Technicolor, “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” features a musical score by Richard M. and Robert B, Sherman. | Disney/Buena Vista Films

A friendly codfish greets Roy Snart on his underwater voyage to the storybook island of Naboombu. Filmed in Technicolor, “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” features a musical score by Richard M. and Robert B, Sherman. | Disney/Buena Vista Films

What: The Music Box Theatre presents a mini-festival featuring screenings of a handful of films from the Disney vault: “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” “Return to Oz,” “Newsies,” “Heavyweights,” “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” and “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Tickets, here.

When: Dec. 26, 2018 -Jan. 3

Where: Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport

FIFTH THIRD BANK WINTER WONDERFEST — $20

Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest. | Provided

Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest. | Provided

What: This festival packs Navy Pier with carnival rides, slides, ice skating and other activities.

When: All week, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closes at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve; closed on Christmas Day.

Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand

CHRISTKINDLMARKET — FREE

People browse the souvenirs available at the Bavarian Workshop in the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

People browse the souvenirs available at the Bavarian Workshop in the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

What: It’s your last week browse all the beautiful handmade Christmas trinkets and grab a bite of German food at this annual favorite.

When: Every day through Dec. 24

Where: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington

ICE SKATING IN THE PARK — FREE

People ice skate around the McCormick rink in Millennium Park. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

People ice skate around the McCormick rink in Millennium Park. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

What: Go ice skating at the ice rink in Millennium Park. Skate rentals and sharpening are available for a fee.

When: Mon.-Thurs. noon – 8 p.m.; Fridays noon–10 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Where: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph

Contributing: Mary Houlihan

If you have a suggestion for free and cheap things to do in Chicago, email us at freeandcheap@suntimes.com and we may include your event in a future roundup.

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