Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families

Christmas or Xmas, Hanukkah or Chanukah, there are plenty of ways for families to enjoy the season around Chicago.

Find fun holiday events, Christmas activities in Chicago, including Christmas lights, Hanukkah celebrations, polar express and Christmas trains, Santa visits, and more seasonal fun in our awesome Chicago Holidays Guide

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Holiday Activities for Chicago Kids
The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
Cut your own tree this year at one of these Christmas tree farms near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Comstock Images
Top Christmas Tree Farms Near Chicago
Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
Visit Santa at the Midwestern Christmas town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, photo courtesy of cedarburgfestival.org
The Best Christmas Towns in the Midwest
The mysterious Great Impresario, the man who has designed and created the World’s Fair, brings the magic of the season to life! Photo by Tod Ros for the Joffrey Ballet.
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago
Lightscapes is a beautiful holiday lights event near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Lightscapes
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago

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Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
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Christmas jokes for kids make the season a bit jollier all around!
25 Christmas Jokes for Kids and Holiday Riddles
The Furoshiki method is a practical way to wrap gifts using pieces of cloth. Photo courtesy of Invaluable
Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas Kids Can Do: Holiday and Christmas Gift Wrap with Less Waste

Latest Christmas/Hanukkah News

Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
Check out these neighborhoods near Chicago for the best lights displays in the area.
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Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
Pictures with Santa in Chicago: From Museums to the Mall
Share a pizza, cookies, or just a photo with Santa!
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Cookeez Makery is one of the hottest new toys of 2024!
Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Hottest Toys and Christmas Gifts for Kids
The coolest gifts & hottest toys of the season.
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The mysterious Great Impresario, the man who has designed and created the World’s Fair, brings the magic of the season to life! Photo by Tod Ros for the Joffrey Ballet.
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago
Our curated list of the best versions of The Nutcracker in the Chicago area.
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The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
The must-do holiday events for families in every corner of Chicago.
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Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!
These amazing places are giving out free toys for kids this holiday season.
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