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
Lightscapes is a beautiful holiday lights event near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Lightscapes
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago
The zoo is all aglow! Lincoln Park Zoo Lights photo by Brandon Tucker, courtesy of the zoo.
35 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Chicago for Kids
Winterland photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
25+ Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
Pictures with Santa Claus in Chicago
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
There are many beautiful Christmas lights in Chicago neighborhoods. Photo courtesy of Lights on Easton
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights 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

Happy Holiday Railway. Photo courtesy of the Illinois Railway Museum
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Chicago
Where can you still get Polar Express tickets? Check here.
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Make memories at the DuPage Children's Museum's Bubble Bash. Photo courtesy of the museum
25 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Other Chicago Celebrations for Kids
Get kids in on the festive fun well before bedtime.
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Walk amid thousands of outdoor lights at Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of the event
Christmas Vacation in Chicago: 30 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
Winter break is here. We can help fill the days with fun, engaging activities.
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Ice skating is always a festive thing to do on Christmas Day. Photo courtesy of the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Here's What's Open on Christmas Day in Chicago
Not everything is closed on Christmas Day. Get out of the house and enjoy one of these fun ideas.
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Christmas jokes for kids make the season a bit jollier all around!
25 Christmas Jokes for Kids and Holiday Riddles
Why was the Grinch such a great gardener?
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The artfully decorated Peninsula is a wonderful venue for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dining, Holiday decorations by Kehoe Designs, photography by Mark Segal
Kid-Friendly Local Restaurants Open on Christmas in Chicago
Because there's no time to cook when you're busy assembling toys...
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