Free and cheap things to do in Chicago this weekend: Nov. 30 – Dec. 2

SHARE Free and cheap things to do in Chicago this weekend: Nov. 30 – Dec. 2
mptree_ftr_111618_16.jpg

The City of Chicago’s official Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Millennium Park. Chicago, Nov. 16, 2018. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times

After all that Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, you might be looking for something to do this weekend that’s completely free of charge.

If that’s the case, you came to the right place. We rounded up some great events, and they’re all free or cheap.

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: All weekend, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Dr.

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 weekend.

Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.

Holiday Lights Gifts & Crafts Fair – Free

What: This fair, in its 38th year, offers unique holiday gifts by over 100 exhibitors.

When: All weekend.

Where: Arlington International Racecourse, 2200 Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights.

Hinsdale Christmas Walk – Free

A pair of youngsters take in the view of the fountain of green lights at the Hinsdale Christmas walk on Dec. 6, 2013. | Jon Cunningham/For the Sun-Times

A pair of youngsters take in the view of the fountain of green lights at the Hinsdale Christmas walk on Dec. 6, 2013. | Jon Cunningham/For the Sun-Times

What: This Christmas walk boasts rides, carolers, a tree lighting and more.

When: Friday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Downtown Hinsdale.

More Sun-Times Guides with things to do

Feel like exploring a new neighborhood this weekend? Check out “The Grid,” a series of Sun-Times neighborhood guides that have the scoop on where to eat, drink and shop. Or check out our guide to having fun in Chicago, which rounds up the hottest shows and events in the city.

Tell us about free and cheap things to do!

We’d love to hear about your suggestions 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.

The Latest
Coby White led with a career high 42 points, and the Bulls will face the Heat on Friday for No. 8 seed in the East.
Shermain Sargent, 41, is accused of beating Timothy Ash, 74, on Jan. 7 in the 6400 block of South King Drive. Ash died Jan. 12 of injuries suffered from the assault, the medical examiner reported.
“It may be the best option available,” Marc Ganis, the co-founder and CEO of Chicago-based Sportscorp Ltd., said Wednesday. “Sometimes you just have to take the best option available, even if it’s not ideal.”
Anderson became a full-time NHL player for the first time on the 2023-24 Hawks, and he did so by not focusing so singularly on that exact objective.