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Best of December: Top Things To Do in Chicago with Kids

Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
12/2/22 - By Maureen Wilkey

The holidays are here, and December 2022 brings the return of indoor holiday events, concerts, and shows. Enjoy some Chicago favorite sing-along traditions in Millennium Park and at the Music Box Theater, bringing cheer to the holiday season as carolers sing among the beautifully decorated park or along with their favorite films. Live performances, including perennial favorites like the Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker and the Goodman Theater's A Christmas Carol are joined by the adorable visiting Bluey's Big Play. Celebrate the holidays in another culture with events at the Irish American Cultural Center, Swedish American Museum, or DANK Haus. 

Santas are ready for kids to return to their sets for Santa pictures at malls across the city and suburbs. There are at least 20 places to go see The Nutcracker in the city or within an hour drive. And opening this month are plenty of outdoor skating rinks to glide across. But don't forget, your Elf on the Shelf is watching!

Don't forget to sign up for our free monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest news and events. From all of us at Mommy Poppins, Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year!

 

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Blackberry Farm Holiday Express photo courtesy of the farm
Blackberry Farm Holiday Express photo courtesy of the farm

Top Things To Do in Chicago with Kids in December

Blackberry Farm Holiday Express

December 1-4, 8-11, and 15-18, 2022—Aurora
See the thousands of twinkling lights at Blackberry Farm while riding the Holiday Express around Lake Gregory. Kids can also take a hay ride, make crafts, visit the reindeer food bar, and enjoy holiday story time readings at the one-room school house. Santa will be available for visits. READ MORE

Holiday Movies at Gallagher Way

December 1,8,15, and 22—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

Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza

Daily through December 24, 2022—Downtown
The 25th annual Christkindlmarket features holiday themed drinks, snacks, shopping, and games outside the Daley Center. READ MORE

Aurora Festival of Lights

Daily through December 26—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

A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theater

Tuesdays through Sundays through December 31, 2022—Downtown
Charles Dickens's holiday classic is brought to life at this annual play at the Goodman Theater. Nearly two million people have seen the show, which is now in its fifth decade. READ MORE

Light Up the Lake

Daily through January 7, 2023—Downtown
Enjoy an indoor winter wonderland at Navy Pier, complete with indoor light sculpture displays, ice skating, and visits with Santa. Guests can also enjoy Santa's Merry Main Street gift market and ride the iconic Navy Pier Ferris wheel. Roast marshmallows for s'mores around a fire pit or make someone a gift at a holiday workshop. READ MORE

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Daily through January 8, 2023—Hyde Park
The Museum of Science and Industry hosts its dazzling annual Christmas tree exhibit, where guests can enjoy decorated trees inspired by customs and cultures from countries all around the world.  READ MORE

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

December 2, 9 and 16, 2022—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

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party

Saturdays and Sundays through December 24, 2022—West Loop
The Chicago Children's Theatre returns to in-person performances with The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party, an interactive puppet show featuring four Beatrix Potter classics. After the show, kids can come up to the stage to explore the puppets and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. READ MORE

Roscoe Village Winterfest

December 3-4, 2022—Roscoe Village
Enjoy a weekend of tree lighting, shopping, hot cocoa and cider sipping, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and caroling in the Roscoe Village neighborhood. Santa will visit on Sunday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. READ MORE

The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker

Wednesdays through Sundays through December 27, 2022—Downtown
The Joffrey Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker. This classic ballet has been reimagined for a modern audience and set in Chicago at the 1893 World's Fair. READ MORE

Hyde Park Holly-Day

December 3, 2022—Hyde Park
Hyde Park Holly-Day, sponsored by the University of Chicago, is back for 2022! Guests can enjoy an ice carving demo, and sculpture stroll, pictures with Soul Santa & Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf and live reindeer. READ MORE

Santa's Winterland Workshop at Gallagher Way

Weekends through December 18, 2022—Wrigleyville
Santa visits the friendly confines each weekend in December. Kids can meet Santa for a photo near the CD Peacock entrance lobby or bring their pets to meet Santa. READ MORE

Sparkle Light Festival

Daily through December 27, 2022
Rosemont’s Impact Field will shine a little brighter with the debut of Sparkle Light Festival. Scheduled to open Friday, November 17, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking immersive display of millions of holiday lights amongst outdoor holiday activities including train rides, winter tubing and themed mazes.  READ MORE

Villa Park Joyful Traditions with a Peppermint Twist

December 3, 2022—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

The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle

Wednesdays through Sundays through December 27, 2022—Old Town
Following in the footsteps of Immersive Van Gogh and Immersive King Tut, Immersive Nutcracker brings fans into the action with the music of Tchaikovsky and images projected on the walls, ceilings, and floor of the Lighthouse Art Space. Featuring "The March of The Toys" and "The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," this new exhibit delights holiday lovers of all ages. READ MORE

Filament Theatre's FORTS: Build Your Own Adventure

December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, and 30-31, 2022—Old Irving Park
Chicago’s Filament Theatre returns with its hit immersive play experience for families FORTS: Build Your Own Adventure, in which Filament transforms into a play space for children and parents to build new worlds using cardboard boxes, sheets, clotheslines and more, November 19, 2022 – January 8, 2023.  This production kick off Filament’s 15th Anniversary of creating work for, by, and with young audiences. READ MORE

Pinstripes Brunch with Santa

December 3-4, 10-11. and 17-18, 2022—River North, South Barrington, and Northbrook
Santa tries to bowl a turkey while families enjoy brunch at Pinstripes in Chicago, Northbrook, and South Barrington on weekends leading up to Christmas. The man in red will be available for photos and to accept holiday wish lists during brunch. READ MORE

Winter WNDRland

Daily through January 2, 2023—West Loop
WNDR Museum, Chicago’s original immersive art and technology experience, invites guests to immerse themselves in the magic of the holiday season with the return of its Winter WNDRland celebration. From November 27 to January 2, WNDR Museum features the brand-new interactive Iced In! installation. Exhibits are transformed by a shimmering blanket of snow and ice, enveloping guests in the enchanting embrace of the cold. READ MORE

Santa's Pajama Jam

December 3, 2022—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

Frosty Fest

December 3, 2022—Wheaton
Unwrap holiday magic with Elsa, Olaf, the Grinch and more! Strolling carolers, complimentary hot cocoa, and giveaways round out the fun.   READ MORE

Free Holiday Movies at the Glen Art Theatre

December 3, 10, and 17, 2022—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

Northwest Side Holiday Trolley and Patio Theater Holiday Cartoons and Movies

December 3, 2022—Six Corners
Enjoy free rides on the Holiday Trolley around the Six Corners Business District, or take the trolley to the Patio Theater for free holiday cartoons from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Holiday characters will be available for pictures at the Patio Theater, along with local vendors. Elf will play at 5:30, with free tickets available on the trolley or $10 tickets for those who walk in. READ MORE

Roscoe Village Winterfest

December 3-4, 2022—Roscoe Village
Enjoy a weekend of tree lighting, shopping, hot cocoa and cider sipping, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and caroling in the Roscoe Village neighborhood. Santa will visit on Sunday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. READ MORE

Tinley Park Parade of Lights

December 4, 2022—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

Menorah Car Parade

December 4, 2022—Lakeview
Chabad of Lakeview invites families to pick up a menorah to place on top of their car for a drive around Lakeview on the seventh night of Hanukah. Families can also watch from the street to see menorahs lit up around Irving Park and Broadway. READ MORE

Christmas Bazaar and Santa Breakfast at the Irish American Heritage Center

December 4, 2022—Mayfair
Kick off the holiday season at the Irish American Heritage Center with Irish breakfast and visits from Santa, a craft and bake sale, music, dancing, and children's activities. Breakfast begins at 10 a.m. with reservations required. READ MORE

Drury Lane Brunch with Santa

December 4, 11, and 18, 2022—Oak Brook
Kids can enjoy homemade donuts while adults can partake in bottomless mimosas while having a brunch with Santa at Drury Lane Theater. The event includes pictures with Santa in front of the theater’s 20-foot tree. Elves will visit each table to collect letters to Santa. READ MORE

Mrs Claus! A Holiday Musical at the Stahl Family Theatre

December 6-23, 2022—Belmont Cragin
Chicago Kids Company’s holiday classic celebrates the 23rd year of Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical. It’s almost Christmas, and Santa’s list is missing; join Mrs. Claus and the Elf Class of 2022 as they try to find it in time to save Christmas.  READ MORE

A Magical Cirque Christmas

December 6-11, 2022—Downtown
Cirque du Soleil promises a great variety show featuring jaw-dropping circus acts, stunning costumes, and extraordinary talent. Music will include favorite Christmas carols. READ MORE

Weihnachsmarkt at DANK Haus

December 10, 2022—Lincoln Square
Support German educational and cultural programming by visiting DANK Haus for visits with Santa and shopping for unique goods at festive stands. German food and drink will be available for purchase. READ MORE

Movie with Santa at Hollywood Boulevard

December 11, 2022—Woodridge
Families can enjoy a screening of The Polar Express with Santa Claus. This year, Santa will be joined by Rudolph, Clarice, and the Abominable Snowman. Kids can write a letter to Santa and receive a response, enjoy holiday decorations, and have a professional photo taken with Santa. READ MORE

Santa's Winter Wonderland Ravenswood

December 10-11 and 17-18, 2022—Ravenswood
Redline VR presents a multi-faceted holiday celebration for kids that includes pictures with Santa, a virtual reality sleigh ride, kiddie cocktails, a scavenger hunt, and more. Kids can also take part in the Ravenswood's Got Talent show or watch the Early Early Show sketch comedy performance. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Poplar Creek Country Club

December 10, 2022—Hoffman Estates
Celebrate the holiday season with s'more making, ice-less skating, a gingerbread house making contest, sled dogs, stage shows, and more. Bundle up to stay warm in the cold. READ MORE

Winter Solstice Festival at North Park Village

December 10, 2022—North Park
Welcome winter at North Park Village Nature Center. Enjoy star gazing, a bonfire, nature walks, tasting chestnuts and more. READ MORE

Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box

December 9-11 and 16-18, and 23-24, 2022—Lakeview
Bring your family to see two holiday classics and sing holiday carols with Santa during intermission. Enjoy the double feature of It's a Wonderful Life and Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Santa will be accompanied by the Music Box organist while the lyrics are projected on the screen for everyone to join in the fun. READ MORE

Hyde Park Art Center Hosts Artistic Center Days

December 10, 2022—Hyde Park
Hyde Park Art Center, the renowned non-profit hub for contemporary art located on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, is hosting a day of free immersive art exhibitions and activities as part of their series Center Days, an all-ages program filled with artmaking activities, workshops, and artist talks. READ MORE

Bluey's Big Play

December 10-11, 2022—Downtown
Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chill​i embark on their first live US tour. Featuring puppetry, live actors, and iconic sets, Bluey's Big Play is based on an original story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and also contains new music by series composer, Joff Bush. READ MORE

LEGO Train Show

December 10-11, 2022—Wheaton
The Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club presents it's largest annual show at Cantigny Park. Visitors are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for the Marine Toys for Tots Drive. READ MORE

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

December 10-11, 16-18, 23-24, and 30-31, 2022—North Center
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

St. Lucia Celebration

December 13, 2022—Andersonville
Follow the Swedish tradition of St. Lucia with Lucias from Swedish organizations throughout Chicagoland as they perform a candlelit procession from the temporary location of the Nordic House at the Wrigley Building to the Swedish American Museum to Andersonville Winter Market. The Lucia candidates will also perform at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. READ MORE

Elves and Arrows at Oriole Park

December 15, 2022—Oriole Park
Santa's elves will teach kids ages 8-14 how to shoot arrows at Oriole Park. Kids of all skill levels are welcome. READ MORE

Rollin' with Frosty

December 16, 2022—River 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 17, 2022—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

Evanston Children's Choir Holiday Concert

December 18, 2022—Evanston
The Evanston Children's Choir will celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the resilience of the human spirit at its first live concert since 2019. Join the ECC Concert Choir, Youth Chorale Pops and our Pope John XXIII School Choir for this free event. READ MORE

Menorah Lighting Celebration at Mary Bartelme Park

December 18, 2022—West Loop
Mary Bartelme Park hosts a Menorah Lighting Celebration, including live music, face painting, delicious snacks, and a children's story time! READ MORE

Ravenswood Light-Up Nights

December 16-18, 2022—Ravenswood
Residents in the Ravenswood area light up their yards for the weekend before Christmas. With lights, disco balls, light-up figurines, and a selfie-station set up in the greenway, residents create a winter wonderland for visitors. Restaurants will feature specials for visitors. READ MORE

SOLD OUT I|O Godfrey Roofscape Christmas Eve Brunch with Santa

December 24, 2022—River North
Help Santa gear up for his big ride in style in an igloo on the rooftop of the I|O Godfrey Hotel. The menu includes a carving station, omelet station, acai bowl station, avocado toast bar, pancakes, French toast, a a salad bar, and a dessert table. READ MORE

Harlem Globetrotters in Chicago

December 27, 2022—West Loop
The Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs is coming with game like never before. Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skills, outrageous athleticism, and a nonstop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals, who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team. READ MORE

DuPage Children's Museum Bubble Bash: SOLD OUT

December 31, 2022—Naperville
Kids can ring in the new year with their choice of bubbles, confetti, a music launch, or a quiet countdown at the DuPage Children's Museum's annual year-end celebration. Kids can enjoy creating wearable art, DIY confetti poppers, or 2D or 3D bubble wands. They can also visit Sensoryland, take part in a fluorescent adventure, or visit the photo booth. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Wonder Works

December 31,2022—Oak Park
Dress up in something sparkly and celebrate New Year's Eve at Wonder Works children's museum. The event features New Year's crafts, a balloon drop, encounters with costumed characters, and a fun photo booth. Wonder Works offers three countdown times at 9am, 11am, and 1pm to accommodate all of the nap times. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The Promontory (and various other locations)
Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago
Drury Lane Theater and Conference Center
Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club
Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden