Free Christmas Events and More Holiday Fun for Chicago Kids
Free Christmas events for kids and other holiday fun are everywhere in Chicago this season, including long-standing annual favorites like Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Naper Lights in the western suburbs, and the city's annual tree lighting ceremony. While all of the holiday and Christmas events 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.
While we are trying to promote safer activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, please keep your family and others safe by always wearing a mask and maintaining appropriate distance. If you arrive at an event that appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our event calendar to find something else to do.