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Puppets Shows, Winter Solstice, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

Santa's ready for all the hugs around the dinner tables at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Santa's ready for all the hugs around the dinner tables at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Photo courtesy of the zoo
12/17/25 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

The countdown to winter break and Christmas is on! Check out the variety of holiday events going on this weekend. Puppets have taken center stage with winter and holiday themed shows, including Manual Cinema's Christmas Carol, Beatrix Potter's Holiday Party, and Jabberwocky Marionettes' Winter Show. It's also the shortest day of the year, so you can enjoy the dark at winter solstice events in Romeoville or River Forest.

Looking for something unique to do this holiday season? Check out our list of unusual and underrated Christmas activities. And kick off your winter break by checking a few ideas off of our winter bucket list.

 And want to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank? Don’t forget to look for the deals link at the top of the calendar to filter for special offers and the free filter to see only free activities!

More Things To Do in Chicago This Week With Kids

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Navy Pier puts on a festive dazzling light display and a booming firework show . Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Navy Pier puts on a festive dazzling light display and a booming firework show . Photo courtesy of Navy Pier

Best Things To Do This Weekend in Chicago With Kids

Kohlights

Glenview
Friday, December 19- Sunday, December 21
Kids can walk through a unique light display with a learning glow stick that controls and changes the lights, providing a different experience every time. Visit the pixel play meadow, rainbow arbor, color play tree, rainbow caterpillar, color walk, and rainbow art installation. READ MORE

Solstice Celebration at Isle a la Cache Museum

Romeoville
Friday, December 19
Chase away the dark and cold with a blazing bonfire celebration at Isle a la Cache! Cozy up around the flames with hot cider while listening to the ancients’ stories of the loss and rebirth of the sun. Discover how they partied, feasted and honored their way through the season. Lean how science explains the solstice today, which is no less extraordinary than the tales of old. Stick around to chat, enjoying the warmth of the fire and the brisk winter nighttime sky or an optional short hike around the island. READ MORE

Ballet Chicago The Nutcracker at the Harris Theater

Downtown
Friday, December 19- Sunday, December 21
Share the magic of the holidays at Ballet Chicago's annual production of The Nutcracker.  The show follows Marie as she travels to the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets. It features George Balanchine's Sugar Plum Fairy Pas De Deux.  READ MORE

Celebrate Chanukah with Skokie Chabad at Old Orchard

Skokie
Through Sunday, December 21
Join Skokie Chabad on December 14th - December 21st for a special event series with at Old Orchard. Enjoy Chanukah treats including hot cocoa, and cookies or donuts, crafts along with Dreidel Man mascot dances to Chanukah music. READ MORE

Dinner with Santa at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield
Friday, December 19- Sunday, December 21
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for photos and brunch at The Discovery Center, plus kids can visit the zoo’s real live reindeer before the meal. Decorate ornaments and gingerbread houses at stations in the Discovery Center. The event a buffet of freshly carved meats, seasonal accompaniments, children’s buffet for the young classic eaters. READ MORE

Manual Cinema's Christmas Carol

Downtown
Friday, December 19- Sunday, December 21
Starring hundreds of paper puppets, figurines, and silhouettes, this adaptation of A Christmas Carol is about a holiday skeptic who has been recruited to perform a Christmas Carol puppet show on a Zoom call with her family in lockdown. This year's show has moved to the Studebaker Theater. READ MORE

Oak Park's Home for the Holidays

Oak Park- FREE
Saturday, December 20
Downtown Oak Park invites residents and visitors to experience an old-fashioned holiday. Families can enjoy free horse-drawn sleigh rides, photo-ops with Santa on his way to the North Pole, music in the streets, and free hot cocoa in unique flavors from local businesses. READ MORE

Jabberwocky Marionettes: Winter Puppet Show

Irving Park
Saturday, December 20
A collection of Wintry Puppet Shorts. Snowflakes, dance, sledding, skating and building a snowman with puppets! Snowy owls sing and a little fox explores an a icy pond. Come out and join Color Club for this celebration of all things winter. Brrr! READ MORE

Christmas in Chicago Film Screening & Talkback

Pilsen
Saturday, December 20
Visit CineCity Studios for a special screening of Christmas in Chicago!  Enjoy the film on the big screen and stay afterward for an exclusive talkback offering a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process. In a feel-good, rom-com style, “Christmas in Chicago” turns the city vs. small town trope on its head. Set in the fictional Chicago neighborhood of Garrett Park (Lincoln Square) and filmed solely in Chicago, featuring several Chicago actors, businesses and notable landmarks, the film follows Felicity Jones, a marketing professional living downtown, who has a brilliant idea... READ MORE

Winter Solstice Day

River Forest
Saturday, December 20
Presented with American Indian Center, learn about the Winter Solstice through indigenous storytelling & songs. Snowshoeing (condition permitting), tracking, shelter building and other winter-related activities will be offered. READ MORE

NewCity Chanukah Winter Wonderland

Old Town- FREE
Sunday, December 21
NewCity and Lincoln Park Chabad will lead a menorah lighting ceremony in the plaza. Enjoy a dazzling evening of Chanukah light and joy. READ MORE

Winter Fireworks at Navy Pier

Downtown
Saturday, December 20
Fireworks fans of all ages can enjoy a spectacular display, synchronized to music, for FREE every Saturday night at Navy Pier.  READ MORE

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party

West Loop
Sunday, December 21 (Saturday show sold out)
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 holiday party featuring a festive spread of holiday treats! Our stories this year will include  a brand new tale, “The Tale of Pickles and Ginger,” with “The Tale of Tom... READ MORE

Free Holiday Movies at the Glen Art Theatre

Glen Ellyn - Free
Saturday, December 20
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
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Joffrey Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Joffrey Ballet

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