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Christmas Around the World, Winter Festivals, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

Christmas Weekend 2024 in Chicago: Holiday Celebrations, The Nutcracker, Lights, and More Things To Do With Kids

Santa's Winter Land Workshop at Gallagher Way. Photo by Donte Tatum
Santa's Winter Land Workshop at Gallagher Way. Photo by Donte Tatum
12/18/24 - By Siobhan Adcock

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

Santa is on his way to town this Christmas weekend in Chicago, and there's lots to do before or on Christmas Day for Chicago kids. Skate with Santa at Holiday Skate or Winter Break Rolling Skating. Or, get into the holiday spirit with a Christmas movie at the Music Box Theater or Rialto Square Theater. 

We have a list of our top 10 things to do on Christmas Day itself for families that are done opening gifts and eating pie. Planning ahead for the rest of winter break? Our roundup of fun winter break activities has plenty of suggestions. Or check out one of our fun ways to ring in 2024 to plan ahead for the new year.

Enter the Wiggles Bouncing Balls! Tour Giveaway! This month, we’re giving away a family four pack of tickets to The Wiggles Bouncing Balls! Tour concert. You can enter to win by signing up for our newsletter here!

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Christmas Carol production. Photo courtesy of Manuel Cinema
Christmas Carol production. Photo courtesy of Manuel Cinema

Things To Do Christmas Weekend in Chicago

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

Downtown
Friday, December 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

Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center

South Side
Friday, December 20- Wednesday, December 25
Skate or bowl with special and character parties every day during winter break at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center. The Grinch, Santa, Minions, Olaf, Stitch, and more will be featured. READ MORE

Ballet Chicago The Nutcracker at the Harris Theater

Downtown
Friday, December 20- Sunday, December 22
Share the magic of the holidays at Ballet Chicago's annual production of The Nutcracker.  The ballet travels to the Harris Theater in honor of its 20th anniversary. 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

Kids Holiday Cookie Decorating Workshop at The Table at Crate

Oak Brook
Friday, December 20 and Sunday, December 25
Take the stress out of holiday baking and let The Table at Crate do the work! This December, The Table at Crate is hosting two festive Kids Holiday Cookie Decorating Workshops, designed to sprinkle a little extra magic into the season. On Friday, December 20th and Sunday, December 22nd, little chefs can don their apron and join in the fun from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a jolly good time decorating holiday cookies. From snowmen to reindeer, children will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity while decorating delicious cookies with a variety of colorful, festive toppings. READ MORE

Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical

Beverly
Closes Sunday, December 22
Mrs. Claus and the Elf Class of 2021 go on an adventure to find Santa's list in this musical from the Chicago Kids Company at Beverly Arts Center and the Stahl Family Theater. Kids will find out who stole the list and if Mrs. Claus saves the day! READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at the Dock at Seven Bridges

Woodridge
Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22
Enjoy brunch with Santa inside the scenic Dock at Seven Bridges Golf Club. Brunch includes made-to-order omelets, a carving station, waffles, fruit, and more. READ MORE

Winter Solstice Day

River Forest
Saturday, December 21
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

Kohlights

Glenview
Ends Sunday, December 22
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

Ruth Page's "The Nutcracker"

Grayslake
Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22
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

Little Chef's Holiday Donut Decorating

West Loop
Saturday, December 21
Spread holiday cheer with our Little Chef Holiday Donut Decorating Class with 2d restaurant! Young chefs will have the opportunity to create festive and delicious Santa's Belly, Chocolate Reindeer, and Vanilla Snowman donuts. With a variety of holiday-themed toppings and sprinkles, the possibilities are endless! READ MORE

I|O Godfrey Roofscape Christmas Eve Brunch with Santa

Downtown
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

Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box

Lakeview
Closes Tuesday, December 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

Holiday Skate with Santa at Midway Plaisance

Hyde Park
Saturday, December 21
Visit Midway Plaisance for a special skate with Santa before Christmas arrives! Skate on your own or with sled assistance; the facility has specialty sleds for both children and adults are designed with a foot guard, ABS bucket seat, foot rest and pusher handle. READ MORE

Cirques Experience: Enjoy the Season Show

Rogers Park
Saturday, December 21
Cirques Experience presents a Holiday Spectacular for the whole family on the outdoor ice rink! Moments to connect, perform, and shine in spirited performances with acrobatics, gym wheels and circus arts. Enjoy the Season! READ MORE

Manual Cinema's Christmas Carol

South Loop
Friday, December 20- Tuesday, December 24
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

A Mariachi Christmas with Mariachi Herencia de Mexico

Lincoln Square
Friday, December 20- Sunday, December 22
Mariachi Herencia de Mexico performs Mexican and American Holiday favorite at the Old Town School of Music. The group's holiday hit "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is the highlight of this cheery, colorful family show. READ MORE

Rialto Square Theater Holiday Movies

Joliet
Saturday, December 21
Rialto Square Theater shows classic Christmas movies for families to enjoy together. Read the whole movie schedule below. READ MORE

Santa's Winterland Workshop at Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville
Closes 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

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield
Thursday, December 19- Sunday, December 22
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

Merry Merry Chicago

Downtown
Friday, December 20- Monday, December 23
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs familiar carols and festive holiday songs, including Joy to the World, White Christmas, and Sleigh Ride. Featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Symphony Chorus in glorious arrangements conducted by Alastair Willis, the program is sure to inspire holiday cheer for all. READ MORE

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