Blue Skies Ahead: Tree Lightings, Toy Drives and Christkindl Markets

As the days get shorter and the air gets colder, Chicago is transitioning out of the spooky season into the wonderful season of winter extravaganza. 

To kick off holiday festivities, the annual Loyola Christmas tree and campus lighting will take place Nov. 15 in the St. Ignatius Community Plaza. 

To celebrate all cultures in the upcoming winter holiday season the Global Engagement department will be putting on Global Fest Nov. 19 where students are invited to come together to enjoy global flavors, music and connection. 

Loyola Tree Lighting: Nov. 15

The school’s annual tradition of lighting the tree and campus begins 6 p.m. Nov. 15, with hot cocoa and cider provided beforehand. Fr. Thomas Neitzke, S.J., will bless the tree, and President Mark Reed will deliver remarks. The event will conclude at 8 p.m., and the first attendees to arrive will receive free beanies.

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Gardens: Nov. 13-Jan. 3

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden begins Nov. 13 and runs through Jan. 3. Lightscape is a trail over 1.3 miles long illuminated by lights and featuring seasonal musical and art displays. This year, 20 of the 24 installations are new. Tickets are available for purchase on Chicago Botanic Garden’s website, pricing dependent on the day and time.

‘Legacy in Motion’: Nov. 19-22

Loyola’s Annual Dance Concert for 2026 is a 20th anniversary celebration for the dance program. The concert is meant to honor the vision of Sandra Kaufmann — the founding director — for the program to connect the Loyola campus to dance and serve others through art. Event tickets are available on the university’s ticketing website, $10 for students. 

Library card sign up days: Until Nov. 19

Loyola University Chicago Libraries is partnering with the Chicago Public Library to supply students with free library cards for the winter — enabling students to enjoy access to publications including The New York Times, select Chicago museums, CDs, vinyl and much more. Locations, times and required documents are listed on the webpage.

Lurie toy drive: Until Dec. 9

The School of Communication (SOC) Media Fellows program is running a toy drive to supply toys to Lurie Children’s Hospital over the holiday season. Throughout the SOC building, drop boxes are marked for the drive where the Loyola community can donate toys. The drive will run through Dec. 9. 

Christkindlmarket: Nov. 20-Dec. 24

The annual Christkindlmarket will open Nov. 20 and run through Dec. 24. The German-style market is free admission and offers a variety of authentic German food and drinks, handcrafted gifts and live entertainment. More details are available on the Christkindlmarket website.