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43 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids

Winterland photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
Winterland photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
11/5/23 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for holiday activities near Chicago this holiday season 2023? We've got you covered.

The holiday season brings plenty of good cheer, impressive theater and shows, and other holiday and Christmas events near Chicago. Families can celebrate the season from all corners of the city—there are more light shows in Chicago than ever before, with the return of perennial favorites like the Morton Arboretum's Illuminations and Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo Lights. Now that we can enjoy the season indoors again, families can go back to seeing Christmas events like "A Christmas Carol" at the Goodman Theater, "The Nutcracker" at the Joffrey Ballet, and "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" at the Strawdog Theater. Buy some unique gifts at the Christkindlmarkets in Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville, and enjoy Christmas around the world at the Museum of Science and Industry. 

To take a break from all of the iconic holiday activities and Christmas events in Chicago, don't forget to take part in one of our favorite holiday volunteering activities, or get out of town to one of the best Christmas towns in the Midwest. For more holiday and Christmas events near Chicago, check out our Chicago Holiday Fun Guide. Don't forget to follow @MommyPoppinsChicago on Facebook for daily updates on more to do around town.

Zoolights photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo
Zoolights photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo

Best Holiday and Christmas Events Near Chicago: North Side

Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville

November 24, 2023-December 24, 2023—Wrigleyville
Fröhliche Weihnachten! Taste a lit bit of Germany during the holiday season at this authentic outdoor market. READ MORE

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

November 17, 2023- January 7, 2024—Lincoln Park
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo has been a favorite holiday event for more than 25 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

Ruth Page's "The Nutcracker"

December 2,3, 16 and 17, 2023—North Park and Grayslake
Ruth Page is an icon in Chicago dance history. Bring your family to see this version of the Nutcracker choreographed by Ruth Page herself. International guest artists, as well as an elite company, bring you this beloved holiday tradition in its original full-length staging. Watch the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets come to life through dancing, costumes, and magical settings. READ MORE

Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box

December 8-10, 15-17, and 21-24, 2023—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

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, December 3-23, 2023—Loop
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

Chris White Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas

December 10, 2023—Lincoln Park
The Chris White Trio plays a jazzy version of Vince Guaraldi’s 1965 A Charlie Brown Christmas. Guests of all ages can tap their toes and sing along. READ MORE

Winterland at Gallagher Way

November 21, 2023- January 4, 2024—Wrigleyville
Families can enjoy the winter season outdoors at the ice rink at Gallagher Way, right outside of Wrigley Field. Enjoy shopping at Christkindlmarket, ice skating at Gallagher Rink, and more attractions to be announced. READ MORE
Hyde Park Holly Days photo by Sophia Castro, via the 53 Street Hyde Park Facebook page.
Hyde Park Holly Days photo by Sophia Castro, via the 53 Street Hyde Park Facebook page.

Best Holiday and Christmas Events in Downtown Chicago and the South Side

Visit with Santa at Macy’s State Street

November 4, 2023-December 24, 2023—Downtown
Bring your list to visit with Santa at Macy's on State Street. Travel through Santaland on the fifth floor to get to the man in red for your photo. Macy's can even accommodate special requests for children with a specific vision of Santa-- Black Santa is on hand Fridays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. READ MORE

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

November 18, 2023- January 7, 2024—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

Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza

November 17, 2023 -December 24, 2023—Downtown
The 25th annual Christkindlmarket features holiday themed drinks, snacks, shopping, and games outside the Daley Center. READ MORE

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

November 23, 2023—Downtown
Chicago's Thanksgiving Parade will have the theme of "Where Grateful Hearts Gather." Families can watch as floats, bands, and dignitaries travel along State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. READ MORE

110th Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 17, 2023—Downtown
Chicagoans of all ages can enjoy the annual lighting of the Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park in this event. The event will also include fireworks and many musical and theatrical performances. READ MORE

A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theater

November 19- December 31—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

November 26-January 7—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

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

Fridays, November 24, 2023- December 15, 2023—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

Weekends, November 4, 2023-December 31, 2023—West Loop
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

Mrs Claus! A Holiday Musical at the Beverly Arts Center

November 29, 2023- December 23, 2023—Beverly
Chicago Kids Company’s holiday classic celebrates the 24th year of MRS. CLAUS! A HOLIDAY MUSICAL. This show is so popular that we decided to present it in TWO different theaters in December 2023. Get your tickets early…many shows sell out! It’s almost Christmas, and Santa’s list is missing!  Join Mrs. Claus and the Elf Class of 2023 as they try to find it in time to save Christmas.  Who stole the list?  How will they get it back?  Will Mrs. Claus save the day?  Chicago Kids Company’s biggest and most colorful show will put you... READ MORE

Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration

Saturday, December 2, 2023—Hyde Park
The Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration is back for 2023! 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.  Note: This is a very popular event. We will do our best to accommodate as many people as possible, but we may have to stop the line prior to... READ MORE

The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker

Thursdays through Sundays, December 2-24, 2023—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
Lightscapes at the Chicago Botanical Gardens, photo courtesy of the event.
Lightscapes at the Chicago Botanical Gardens, photo courtesy of the event.

Best Christmas and Holiday Activities Near Chicago: Northern Suburbs

Lightscapes at Chicago Botanic Garden

November 10, 2023-January 7, 2024—Glencoe
Go for a stroll down a mile-long path filled with holiday wonder at the Chicago Botanic Garden. READ MORE

World of Illumination: Arctic Adventure

November 18, 2023-December 31, 2023—Gurnee
Join Beti the Yeti in exploring the Arctic tundra in the parking lot of Six Flags Great America. Be immersed in the mesmerizing snowflake tunnel, and meet all of Beti’s tundra-bound friends. Holiday music and whimsical winter characters add to the nostalgic storybook adventure. READ MORE

Willow Hill’s Winter Lights

November 17, 2023- January 7, 2024—Northbrook
Come one, come all, to Willow Hill’s Winter Magic—the drive-thru holiday event in Chicago. Peek inside the North Pole’s toy land, road trip through a 250-foot animated video tunnel, watch Santa instruct his Reindeer Flight School, get breezy in the beautiful snowflake valley, join Frosty on his winter adventure, and be mesmerized by the towering 25-foot lighted tree. READ MORE

Kohlights

November 24-26, 2023, and December 2-3, 1,2,8,9, 15 and 16, 2023—Glenview
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

Evanston Children's Choir Holiday Concert

Friday, December 7, 2023—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

Duke It Out! Nutcracker

December 9, 2023—Evanston
The Music Institute of Chicago brings back a holiday tradition with “Duke It Out!,” featuring the classical (Tchaikovsky) and jazz (Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn) versions of The Nutcracker in a music and dance performance.  READ MORE

Sir Andrew Conducts Handel’s Messiah

December 21-23, 2023—Downtown
Chicago Symphony Choru spresents Handel's Messiah, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis. From “The Trumpet Shall Sound” to the rousing “Hallelujah” Chorus, Handel’s Messiah is packed with regal choral passages, exultant arias and glittering instrumental fireworks. The award-winning Chicago Symphony Chorus and four world-class soloists join a chorus of nearly a hundred to sing this holiday classic. READ MORE
Illuminations: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of mortonarb.org
Illuminations: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of mortonarb.org

Best Hannukah and Christmas Events Near Chicago: Western Suburbs

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

November 18, 2023-January 6, 2024—Lisle
Visitors walk a one-mile path with thousands of lights in displays illuminating the trees, accompanied by music. An awe-inspiring display illuminates the new Grand Garden. Visitors can enjoy some old favorites and new displays. Stop along the way to roast s'mores around a campfire or drink a hot beverage from concession stands.  READ MORE

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sales

November 24, 2023- December 30, 2023—Wheaton
Families can visit the animals, buy a Christmas tree or wreath, and view a fantastic light display at Cosley Zoo this holiday season. Admission is free during holiday lights season, but donations are appreciated. READ MORE

Reindeer Run

November 18, 2023—Brookfield
Run with the animals at Brookfield Zoo's annual Reindeer Run. The course is entirely within the zoo and allows runners to be the first to see the Holiday Magic lights. Music, drinks, food and animal ambassadors will be on hand after the run. READ MORE

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

Thursdays through Sundays, November 24- December 31, 2023—Brookfield
Featuring more than a million LED lights, a 41-foot talking Christmas tree, and a 600-foot tunnel of lights with coordinating music, Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic highlights the holidays and loads of animals. READ MORE

Winter Lights at Central Park

November 23, 2023-January 7, 2023—Oak Brook
Winter lights adorn a half-mile path in Oak Brook's Central Park, and are lit each night through January 7 for families to enjoy. Photo opportunities abound throughout the park. READ MORE

Aurora Festival of Lights

November 24, 2023- December 25, 2023—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

Oak Park Winterfest and Cookie Walk

December 2, 2023—Oak Park
Families can purchase a cookie tin for $26 and visit up to 25 merchants in downtown Oak Park to have it filled with cookies. Each business will provide an individually wrapped cookie. Santa Claus will be on hand for visits, and children can warm up with a hot chocolate at the hospitality tent at Marion and Lake Street. Carolers and choirs will provide entertainment along the way. READ MORE

Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park

December 2, 2023- January 1, 2024—Lombard
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 with a Peppermint Twist

December 3—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

JUF YOUNG FAMILIES CHANUKAH AT CANDYCOPIA

December 10, 2023—Oak Park
Celebrate Chanukah at Candycopia in Oak Park with candle lighting, singing and candy! READ MORE
The Holiday Movie line-up at the Rialto Square Theater includes The Polar Express. Movie poster courtesy of Castle Rock Entertainment
The Holiday Movie line-up at the Rialto Square Theater includes The Polar Express. Movie poster courtesy of Castle Rock Entertainment

Things to do with Kids for Christmas and Hanukkah near Chicago: South and Southwest Suburbs

Mokena Parade of Lights

November 18, 2023—Mokena
See the Village of Mokena lit up for the holidays as local business show off their best lighted floats at this annual parade. Vehicles and costumed characters will parade down Front Street before the village Christmas tree is lit. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be the parade's finale! READ MORE

SOLD OUT CASA Christmas Express

December 3, 2023—New Lenox
Ride the Polar Express from New Lenox to Tinley Park, where families can enjoy breakfast or lunch at Harald Viking Lodge. The event includes visits and photos with Santa, holiday cookies, activities throughout the day, and goody bags and souvenirs for children. Proceeds benefit Will and Grundy County children experiencing abuse or neglect. READ MORE

Tinley Park Parade of Lights

December 3, 2023—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

Orland Park Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting

November 26, 2023—Orland Park
Orland Park's first holiday parade will culminate in the lighting of the village Christmas tree! Live entertainment, reindeer and pictures with Santa will join the holiday market at Orland Park Civic Center. READ MORE

Rialto Square Theater Holiday Movies

November 12 and 25, 2023, and December 17 and 22, 2023—Joliet
Rialto Square Theater shows classic Christmas movies for families to enjoy together. Home Alone is featured on December 22. READ MORE

Holly Jolly Trolley in the Ridge

December 9 and 16, 2023—Chicago Ridge
Take a tour of Chicago Ridge's holiday lights aboard the trolley. Then come inside the community center to visit with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. READ MORE

Beyond the Nutcracker by School of Ballet 5:8

December 16-17, 2023—Frankfort
Chicago’s South Suburbs’ favorite Nutcracker is back! Beyond the Nutcracker by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager featuring dancers from the School of Ballet 5:8 and guest artists from Ballet 5:8 will be presented at Lincoln-Way East High School for three performances. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts
The Morton Arboretum