Burn off some energy at the Grant Park Turkey Trot. Photo courtesy of All Community Events
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in Chicago: Thanksgiving Parade, Turkey Trots, Christmas Shows
Let one of these Chicago restaurants do the cooking this Thanksgiving.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Chicago
Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago
Pumpkin picking is a firm fall favorite. Photo courtesy of Keller's Farmstand
GUIDE
Chicago Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024
Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
Pictures with Santa in Chicago: From Museums to the Mall
The mysterious Great Impresario, the man who has designed and created the World’s Fair, brings the magic of the season to life! Photo by Tod Ros for the Joffrey Ballet.
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago
Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Photo by Brian & Jaclyn Drum via Flickr 2.0
Best of November: Day of the Dead, Thanksgiving Parade, and More Things to Do in Chicago
It's apple season! Photo courtesy of Apple Holler Orchard
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 37 Things To Do in Chicago This Fall
The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids
The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals
There are plenty of fishing lakes in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Fishing Lakes Near Chicago and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook
Things to do with Kids in Chicago's West Loop

35 Best Things to Do in Chicago December 2024 with Kids

Bundle up for a Christmas market this December. Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
Bundle up for a Christmas market this December. Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
11/29/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

December in Chicago is stacked with favorite holiday events, concerts, and shows for kids and families. Sing along with carolers in Millennium Park and at the Music Box Theater, or see classic live performances like the Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker and the Goodman Theater's A Christmas Carol. Celebrate the holidays in another culture with events at the Irish American Cultural Center, Swedish American Museum, or DANK Haus. 

Santas are ready for Santa pictures at malls across the city and suburbs. We have a list of our favorite 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!

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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

Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza

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

A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theater

Downtown
Wednesdays through Sundays through December 29
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

Downtown
November 29 through January 5
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. New in 2024 are drone shows lighting up the sky over Lake Michigan and a two-story ice slide. READ MORE

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Hyde Park
Daily through January 5
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

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party

West Loop
Saturdays and Sundays through December 29
Four adorable Beatrix Potter favorites come to life in this mesmerizing, interactive trunk and puppet show, complete with original music. Storytellers weave Potter’s classic narration with gentle interactive moments, recruiting young watchers to join the adventure. After the show, head to the lobby to play with the puppets, take pictures with the cast, and join fellow Chicago families for a communal tea party featuring a festive spread of holiday treats! READ MORE

The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker

Downtown
Thursdays through Sundays, December 6- December 28
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, where Marie and her mother, a sculptress creating the fair’s iconic Statue of the Republic, partake in a festive celebration with a surprise visit from the mysterious Great Impresario. READ MORE

Filament Theatre's FORTS: Build Your Own Adventure

Old Irving Park
Saturdays and Sundays throughout December
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 30, 204 – January 5, 2025.  This production kick off Filament’s 17th Anniversary of creating work for, by, and with young audiences. READ MORE

Christmas Bazaar and Santa Breakfast at the Irish American Heritage Center

Mayfair
Sunday, December 1
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

MRS CLAUS! at the Apollo Theater

Lakeview
December 5-21
Chicago Kids Company’s Holiday Classic returns for the 25th Year!  Our biggest and most colorful show will put you in the Holiday Spirit in no time.  Join the new Elf Class of 2024 as they try to find the missing “list” in time for Christmas. READ MORE

Drury Lane Brunch with Santa

Oak Brook
December 1, 8, 15 and 22
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

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

Downtown
December 6, 14, and 20
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

Roscoe Village Winterfest

Roscoe Village
Friday, December 6- Sunday, December 8
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

Santa's Winterland Workshop at Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville
Fridays through Sundays, December 6- December 22
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

Ravenswood Light-Up Night

Ravenswood
Saturday, December 7
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. The event includes a scavenger hunt for kids, tree decorating contest, multimedia window, photo stations, and caroling. READ MORE

Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting Celebration at Mary Bartelme Park

West Loop
Saturday, December 7
Mary Bartelme Park hosts a Menorah Lighting Celebration, including live music, face painting, delicious snacks, and a children's story time! This year's event includes music from Merit School of Music, Skinner West Choir, and DJ Eric Tenfelde. Santa will be on hand for pictures! READ MORE

Hyde Park Art Center Hosts Artistic Center Day

Hyde Park
Saturday, December 7
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

Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box

Lakeview
December 7-9, 13-15, and 20-24
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

Winterfest at Poplar Creek Country Club

Hoffman Estates
December 7
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

Frozen Holiday Festival

Six Corners
Saturday, December 7
Enjoy free rides on the Holiday Trolley around the Six Corners Business District, or take the trolley to the Patio Theater for a showing of Frozen and related short films. Enjoy holiday meet and greets, live performances, and Arendelle photo opps. READ MORE

Movie with Santa at Hollywood Boulevard

Woodridge
Saturday, December 7
Families can enjoy a screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!​ with Santa Claus. This year, Santa will be joined by Rudolph, Buddy the Elf, and the Grinch. Kids can write a letter to Santa and receive a response, enjoy holiday decorations, and have a professional photo taken with Santa. READ MORE

Free Holiday Movies at the Glen Art Theatre

Glen Ellyn
December 7, 14 and 21
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

Santa's Jolly Jamboree

Lombard
Saturday, December 7
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

Pinstripes Brunch with Santa

River North, South Barrington, Northbrook, and Oak Brook
December 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22
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

Villa Park Joyful Traditions

Villa Park
Saturday, December 7
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

Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration

Hyde Park
Saturday, December 7
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
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

Holiday Movies at Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville
December 12 and 19
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

St. Lucia Celebration

Andersonville
Friday, December 13
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

Evanston Children's Choir Holiday Concert

Evanston
Saturday, December 14
The Evanston Children's Choir will celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the resilience of the human spirit. Join the ECC Concert Choir, Youth Chorale Pops and our Pope John XXIII School Choir for this free event. READ MORE

Winter Solstice Festival at North Park Village

North Park
Saturday, December 14
Welcome winter at North Park Village Nature Center. Enjoy star gazing, a bonfire, nature walks, tasting chestnuts and more. READ MORE

Weihnachsmarkt at DANK Haus

Lincoln Square
Saturday, December 14
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

Frosty Fest

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

I|O Godfrey Roofscape Christmas Eve Brunch with Santa

River North
Tuesday, December 24
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 Rosemont

Rosemont
Friday, December 27
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

Noon Year's Eve at Wonder Works

Oak Park
Tuesday, December 31
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 two countdown times at 11am, and 1pm to accommodate all of the nap times. READ MORE

DuPage Children's Museum Bubble Bash

Naperville
Tuesday, December 31
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

Places featured in this article:

Drury Lane Theater and Conference Center
Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club