ART on THE MART: Winter Holiday Projections

About this adventure

The world's largest permanent digital art projection installation, ART on THE MART transforms the 2.5-acre riverfront facade of THE MART (formerly the Merchandise Mart) into a mesmerizing open-air canvas. During the holiday season, the massive facade lights up four nights a week with animated scenes from The Joffrey Ballet's critically acclaimed production of The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky's unforgettable orchestral score. The best viewing location is along the Chicago Riverwalk jetty between Wells Street and Franklin Street, where synchronized stereo audio is broadcast through permanently installed outdoor speakers. Families can bundle up with thermal cups of hot cocoa, listen to the music bouncing across the river, and watch gigantic dancing sugar plums and toy soldiers illuminate the city water. The 30-minute show is completely free and requires no tickets.