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31 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Chicago for Kids

The zoo is all aglow! Lincoln Park Zoo Lights photo by Brandon Tucker, courtesy of the zoo.
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12/1/24 - 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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Photo courtesy of the Garfield Park Conservatory
Photo courtesy of the Garfield Park Conservatory

Free Holiday and Christmas Events for the 2024 Season

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park
Mondays, December 2, 9, and 16, 2024
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo has been a favorite holiday event for more than 30 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

Free Holiday Movies at the Glen Art Theatre

Glen Ellyn
Saturdays, November 30, December 7, 14, and 21, 2024
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

Cocoa with Santa at Adams Park

Lincoln Park
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Event includes holiday crafts. hot cocoa, and a photo opportunity with Santa! READ MORE

Tree Lighting at Wilder Park

Elmhurst
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Trees sponsored by community organizations, families, and groups of friends will be lit at the Tree Lighting in Wilder Park. The event also includes a visit from Santa, holiday music and games, and treats from local food trucks. READ MORE

Winter Lights at Central Park

Oak Brook
Daily through January 5, 2025
Winter lights adorn a half-mile path in Oak Brook's Central Park, and are lit each night through January 5 for families to enjoy. Photo opportunities abound throughout the park. READ MORE

Naper Lights

Naperville
Daily through January 1, 2025
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 select dates. READ MORE

Winter Flower Show: Snowflakes at Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park
Daily through January 5, 2025
The Garfield Park Conservatory hosts its annual holiday flower show. This year, the theme is Snowflakes, which celebrates the beauty of snow with more than 25 macro images of snow crystals hanging above the annual display of poinsettias and lighted conifer trees.  Visitors will enjoy a colorful selection of poinsettias including ‘FabYULEous Red’, ‘Lemon Glow’, ‘Frozen’, and ‘Orange Glow’.  READ MORE

Nights of Lights

Wheaton
Daily through January 5, 2025
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

Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza

Downtown
Daily through December 29, 2024
The 25th annual Christkindlmarket features holiday themed drinks, snacks, shopping, and games outside the Daley Center. READ MORE

Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Downtown
Daily through February 2, 2025
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

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

Downtown
Fridays, December 6, 13, and 20, 2024
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

Art on the Mart

Downtown
Thursdays through Sundays through December 30, 2024
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

Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park

Lombard
December 8, 2024 - January 1, 2025
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

Villa Park Joyful Traditions

Villa Park
Saturday, December 7, 2024
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 Jolly Jamboree

Lombard
Saturday, December 7, 2024
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

South Holland
Sunday, December 8, 2024
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

Oak Forest
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Oak Forest City Hall and Fire Station host residents for lots of holiday fun. Take pictures in a giant snow globe outside the buildings, or step inside for cookie decorating, a holiday sing along, face painting, a caricature artist, or photos with Santa. Marshall from Paw Patrol will be at the fire house for photo opportunities. READ MORE

Among the Leaves So Green

West Chicago
December 7-8, 2024
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

Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration

Hyde Park
Saturday, December 7, 2024
The Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration is back for 2024! 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.    READ MORE

Tinley Park Parade of Lights

Tinley Park
Sunday, December 8, 2024
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

Downtown
Saturdays and Sundays, December 14, 2024 - January 5, 2025
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

Bensenville
Saturday, December 7, 2024
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

Holiday Movies at Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville
Thursdays, December 12 and December 19, 2024
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

Frosty Fest

Wheaton
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Unwrap holiday magic with Elsa, Olaf, the Grinch and more! Strolling carolers, complimentary hot cocoa, and giveaways round out the fun.   READ MORE

Spring Road Winter Fest

Elmhurst
Saturday, December 14, 2024
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 Christmas Tree Walk and Hinsdale for the Holidays Celebration

Hinsdale
Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7, 2024
Historic downtown Hinsdale will be lit up for the holidays as families come to see the tree lighting and Santa's arrival on December 6. Friday night's festivities also include a trackless train and a carousel Families can visit Santa, decorate gingerbread cookies, shop at local boutiques, and enjoy horse drawn carriage rides on December 7. READ MORE

The Chi Nutcracker at Austin Town Hall

Austin
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Get ready for an unforgettable magical explosion as “The Chi Nutcracker" takes you on a journey through the Chicago Park District as Cara and her family remember all the Joy and the wonderful experiences that have filled their lives. This production is created and performed by Chicago Park District staff and program participants. READ MORE

The Living Nativity

Bridgeport
Saturday, December 14, 2024
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

Evanston Menorah Lighting

Evanston
Thursday, December 26, 2024
The entire Evanston community is invited to join Tannenbaum Chabad House on Thursday, Dec. 26, at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate Hanukkah and ignite a public 10-foot menorah erected at Fountain Square. The celebration will feature greetings from Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, live music, an LED robot dancer, and Hanukkah treats. Evanston's menorah is one of more than 15,000 large public menorahs sponsored by Chabad in more than 100 countries around the world, including in front of landmarks such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower, and this year throughout Ukraine, helping children and adults of all... READ MORE

Kwanzaa Celebration at Dan Ryan Woods

South Side
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Celebrate community, honor Pan-African Heritage and embrace the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Learn and practice Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujaama (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose),Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Unity)  during the week following Christmas. READ MORE

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Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink