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12/3/23 - By Siobhan Adcock

Looking for free Christmas events in Chicago this season? We've got a list of over 30 fun free holiday events in Chicago for kids.

Free Christmas events in Chicago for kids and other holiday fun are everywhere this season, including long-standing annual holiday events like Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Naper Lights in the western suburbs, and the city's Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along. While all of the holiday and Christmas events in Chicago on this list are free, be aware that many still require tickets for time reservations.

Click through the the event listings for details, including times and location information, and keep an eye on our action-packed Event Calendar—there's always something new to do in the Chicago area. For more seasonal ideas, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities.

 

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See one of your favorite holiday movies this season. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way.
See one of your favorite holiday movies this season. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way.

Free Holiday and Christmas Events for the 2023 Season

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Mondays through January 1, 2024—Lincoln Park
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo has been a favorite holiday event for more than 25 years, with light displays and seasonal activities throughout the zoo. The event is free on Monday evenings, and $7 most other weekdays, and $10 on weekends and premium dates. READ MORE

Naper Lights

Daily through January 1, 2024—Naperville
Downtown Naperville's annual holiday light extravaganza features light displays and music throughout the downtown Naperville and Riverwalk areas. Admission is free. Get a photo with Santa beside the Great Tree on November 24-26 or December 23. READ MORE

Art on the Mart

Daily through December 30, 2023—Downtown
Families can watch as works of art are projected on The Merchandise Mart, while listening to a variety of unique music. The show is about 30 minutes long and repeats at 7:30 and 8pm each night. READ MORE

Nights of Lights

Daily through January 7, 2024—Wheaton
The new holiday light experience at Adams Park is hosted by the Downtown Wheaton Association and the City of Wheaton and has plenty of holiday spirit and socially-distanced community. Don't forget to drop your letter to Santa in the Nights of Lights mailbox to be delivered directly to the North Pole. READ MORE

Aurora Festival of Lights

Daily through December 25, 2023—Aurora
A one-mile trail of lighted displays decorates Aurora's Philips Park. Families can drive through the arcs, skate on an expanded skating rink, and visit Santa's toy factory. READ MORE

Christkindlmarket Daley Plaza

Daily through December 24, 2023—Downtown
The annual Christkindlmarket features a variety of German and European vendors selling holiday decor, gifts and treats. Throughout the market, families can also experience live performances from European artists. READ MORE

Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Daily through March 3, 2024—Downtown
Families can enjoy free ice staking at Millennium Park throughout the winter season. Free lessons are also available most Saturdays at 9 a.m. Please reserve a 90-minute ice time session in advance at https://millenniumparkiceskating.showare.com/ READ MORE

Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville

Daily through December 24, 2023—Wrigleyville
Fröhliche Weihnachten! Taste a lit bit of Germany during the holiday season at this authentic outdoor market. READ MORE

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

Fridays, December 1, 8 and 15, 2023—Downtown
Sing together with other Chicagoans in this multi-cultural holiday event. A different performer will lead the sing-along each week at the Cloudgate sculpture. Songbooks will be distributed so participants can sing along. READ MORE

Winter Lights at Central Park

Daily through January 7, 2024—Oak Brook
Winter lights adorn a half-mile path in Oak Brook's Central Park, and are lit each night through January 7 for families to enjoy. Photo opportunities abound throughout the park. READ MORE

Winter Flower Show: Celebrating Silver at Garfield Park Conservatory

Daily through January 7, 2024—Garfield Park
The Garfield Park Conservatory hosts its annual holiday flower show. This year, the theme is Celebrating Silver, which honors the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance's 25th anniversary with beautiful silver foliage, lush poinsettias in pink and white hues, and more favorite winter flowers and plants.  READ MORE

Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park

Daily through January 1, 2024—Lombard
An array of light shows adorn Lilacia Park for the holiday season. Animated light shows, a gingerbread house, and decorated trees provide enjoyment for families throughout the west suburban park. READ MORE

Holiday Movies at Gallagher Way

Thursdays, November 30, 2023- December 21, 2023—Wrigleyville
Enjoy a holiday classic film outside at Wrigleyville's Gallagher Way. Families can watch while ice skating, with a hot chocolate from the market, or from one of the restaurants nearby. READ MORE

Villa Park Joyful Traditions with a Peppermint Twist

December 2, 2023—Villa Park
Families can visit food vendors, meet characters like an elf, Mickey Mouse, or The Cat in the Hat, and ride a trolley. Santa will arrive via fire truck, and kids can visit a petting zoo, take a pony ride, or enjoy food from food trucks. READ MORE

Santa's Pajama Jam

December 2, 2023—Lombard
Santa's Pajama Jam is back! Make magical memories with the family as you visit Santa and gear up for the holiday season with a day of free, fun activities at Yorktown Center, located on the Lower Level near Marshalls/HomeGoods. READ MORE

Christmas Past at Sand Ridge Nature Center

December 2, 2023—South Holland
Learn about Christmas in the past at the pioneer cabins in Sand Ridge Nature Center. Kids can play with handmade toys, make a craft, and see what's cooking over the open fire. READ MORE

Oak Forest Jolly Jamboree

December 2, 2023—Oak Forest
Oak Forest City Hall and Fire Station host residents for lots of holiday fun. Take pictures in a giant snow globe outside of the buildings, or step inside for cookie decorating, a holiday sing along, face painting, a caricature artist, or photos with Santa. Bluey will also be on hand for a meet and greet. READ MORE

Among the Leaves So Green

December 2-3, 2023—West Chicago
Families can learn more about how Christmas was celebrated more than 100 years ago by seeing Kline Creek's Farmhouse  decked out in all its splendor with antique ornaments, piney boughs, holly, and more. Learn about the importance of “planting” the tree and sprucing up in winter. Help decorate the farm by stringing popcorn and twisting greenery, and join staff around the fire to mull cider and enjoy some sweet treats.   READ MORE

Free Holiday Movies at the Glen Art Theatre

December 2,9, 16, and 23, 2023—Glen Ellyn
Families can enjoy classic holiday movies courtesy of the Glen Art Theatre and the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce on the Saturdays leading up to Christmas. Seats are limited, so families should arrive early. READ MORE

Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration

December 3, 2023—Hyde Park
The Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration is back for 2023! The event is presented by the University of Chicago in partnership with Downtown Hyde Park, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, and the South East Chicago Commission. Lots of free events are planned, including an ice carving demonstration, self-guided ice sculpture stroll, free photos with Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, costumed characters, and dance performances.  Note: This is a very popular event. We will do our best to accommodate as many people as possible, but we may have to stop the line prior to... READ MORE

Tinley Park Parade of Lights

December 3, 2023—Tinley Park
Festive floats, local businesses, community groups and school bands will march down Oak Park Avenue from 175th Street to the Subway parking lot. Special guests from the North Pole will make an appearance. READ MORE

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

December 3, 2023-December 23, 2023—Downtown
Let the Strawdog Theatre Company take your family on a Hanukkah adventure with characters such as Herschel of Ostropool and the goblins who are haunting a village. READ MORE

Farmside Christmas

December 3, 2023—Bensenville
Get into the holiday spirit of 1836 at Fischer Farm in Bensenville. Kids can listen to festive music, drink hot chocolate, make a holiday craft, and get a photo with Santa! READ MORE

Frosty Fest

December 9, 2023—Wheaton
Unwrap holiday magic with Elsa, Olaf, the Grinch and more! Strolling carolers, complimentary hot cocoa, and giveaways round out the fun.   READ MORE

Merry & Bright: A Victorian Christmas

December 9, 2023—Downers Grove
Learn about Victorian holiday traditions at the Blodgett House in Downers Grove. Visit Santa, stroll down the luminary walk, warm up around a campfire with carolers, and enjoy turn of the last century decorations. READ MORE

Spring Road Winter Fest

Saturday, December 9, 2023—Elmhurst
Decorated reindeer sculptures make an appearance at Spring Road and the Prairie Path in Elmhurst. Kids can also enjoy a sleigh ride (if there's snow) or a wagon ride (if there's not),free cocoa and cookies, and a visit with Santa. READ MORE

Hinsdale for the Holidays Celebration

December 9, 2023 and December 16, 2023—Hinsdale
Historic downtown Hinsdale will be lit up for the holidays on December 9 and 16. Families can visit Santa, decorate gingerbread cookies, shop at local boutiques, and enjoy horse drawn carriage rides. READ MORE

4th Night 4th Light at Gallagher Way

December 10, 2023—Wrigleyville
Celebrate the fourth night of Hanukkah at Gallagher Way with ice skating, music, games, and giveaways. Ignite the candles at sunset to celebrate Hanukkah. READ MORE

NewCity Menorah Lighting Ceremony

December 10, 2023—Lincoln Park
NewCity and Lincoln Park Chabad will lead a menorah lighting ceremony in the plaza. DJ Ken's Disco Party will add to the fun. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, jelly donuts, and latkes, and adults can sip on grown-up beverages. READ MORE

Holiday Showcase at Austin Town Hall

December 13, 2023—Austin
Chicago youth demonstrate their skills in dancing, singing, theater and more. This show should get everyone into the holiday spirit. READ MORE

Cocoa with Santa at White Park

December 16, 2023—Rogers Park
Take a picture and enjoy a cup of cocoa with Santa. The event is a partnership with 024 CAPS READ MORE

Rollin' with Frosty

December 14-15, 2023—Lakeshore East
Frosty the Snowman roller skates with families at Lake Shore Park. A limited number of skates will be available to borrow. READ MORE

Do-It-Yourself Nutcracker at Indian Boundary Park

December 16, 2023—West Ridge
Do-It-Yourself Nutcracker is back. Wear your ballet slippers and costumes and join the dancers on stage at this interactive presentation of the holiday classic. READ MORE

The Living Nativity

December 16, 2023—Bridgeport
Celebrate the Christmas season with St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish as the church brings the nativity story to life. Walk through this free outdoor "Live Nativity," complete with barnyard animals, music, and Christmas readings in multiple languages.  READ MORE

Holiday Sparkles at Shedd Park

December 16, 2023—South Lawndale
Families can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, pictures with Santa, a bounce house, and holiday arts and crafts at this event at Shedd Park. All ages are welcome. READ MORE

Kwanzaa Celebration at Dan Ryan Woods

December 26, 2023- January 1, 2024—South Side
Families who celebrate Kwanzaa can enjoy seven days of music and nature-based activities following the seven principles of the holiday. Learn and practice Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujaama (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose),Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Unity)  over the week following Christmas. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink