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Christmas Weekend 2023 in Chicago: Holiday Celebrations, The Nutcracker, Lights, and More Things To Do With Kids

Enjoy the family-friendly holiday classic Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas. Photo by Michael Brosilow
Enjoy the family-friendly holiday classic Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas. Photo by Michael Brosilow
12/20/23 - 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. Do some last-minute Christmas shopping at Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza or Gallagher Way—both are open on Christmas Eve. Get into the holiday spirit with a Christmas movie at the Music Box Theater or Chi-Town Movies. Catch one last showing of The Nutcracker or The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party before Santa comes.

In fact, 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.

Here are our top picks for events to attend with your kids this weekend.

More Things To Do in Chicago this Week with Kids 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Sugar Hill:The Ellington /Strayhorn Nutcracker offers a jazz spin on the classic holiday tale. Photo courtesy of the Auditorium Theatre
Sugar Hill:The Ellington /Strayhorn Nutcracker offers a jazz spin on the classic holiday tale. Photo courtesy of the Auditorium Theatre

Things To Do Christmas Weekend in Chicago

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Daily through January 7, 2024 (closed on Christmas)—Museum Campus
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 Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago

Friday, December 22- Sunday, December 31, 2023—Old Town
Step into the enchanting world of The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle, where cutting-edge technology meets the artistry of ballet dancers. This mesmerizing 30-minute immersive experience, set to Tchailkovsky’s music, weaves the classic tale of Marie and her toy nutcracker. Join them, on their magical adventure through the Land of Sweets, brought to life by renowned ballet dancers and innovative projection mapping technology.  READ MORE

The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker 2023

Wednesday, December 20- Sunday, December 24, 2023—Downtown
This holiday season, The Joffrey Ballet celebrates the return of Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s magical production of The Nutcracker. Set in Chicago’s World Fair in 1893, The Nutcracker highlights the rich cultural heritage of Chicago and the wonder of the season. A beloved Chicago tradition for the entire family to enjoy, The Nutcracker will be presented at the historic Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, in 25 performances, from December 2–27, 2023. READ MORE

Holiday Movies at Gallagher Way

Thursday, December 21, 2023—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

Chi-Town Movies Drive-in Holiday Movies

Daily through December 25, 2023—Pilsen
Families can enjoy movies from their cars year-round in the parking lot of the Chi-Town Futbol stadium. Holiday movies include Home Alone, Elf, The Santa Clause, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, The Grinch, The Polar Express, Love Actually, and A Muppet Christmas Carol. READ MORE

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party

Thursday, December 21- Sunday, December 24, 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

Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box

Friday, December 24-Sunday, December 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

Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas

Friday, December 22- Sunday, December 24, 2023—Downtown
Based on the beloved television special originally created by legendary puppeteer Jim Henson, the family-friendly musical is about Ma and Emmet Otter, who are each trying to find a way to win Mayor Fox's Christmas talent contest so they can secretly buy each other a Christmas gift. Each must choose whether to risk damaging what they already have to go for the win. READ MORE

Live Nativity and Christmas Story

Friday, December 22, 2023—Elmhurst
See and hear the Christmas story complete with sheep, goats, alpacas and other animals at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus will also be present at this live outdoor event. READ MORE

Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker

Thursday, December 21- Sunday, December 24, 2023—Downtown
This jazz-themed version of The Nutcracker tells the story of the daughter of a high-society Black Manhattan family and her fantastic dream world in the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem. Set in the 1930s to the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, this unique play encourages kids to find what makes them different. READ MORE

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

Daily through December 22, 2023 (December 23 sold out)—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

‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil

Thursday, December 21-Sunday, December 24, 2023—Downtown
'Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil is returning to The Chicago Theatre this holiday season. The holiday-themed show will run for 28 performances from December 7 through December 28, 2023. 'Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show and is based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. READ MORE

Light Up the Lake

Daily through December 31, 2023 (closed on Christmas)—Navy Pier
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

Mrs Claus! A Holiday Musical at the Stahl Family Theatre

Friday, December 22, 2023- Saturday, December 23, 2023—Beverly
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

Explore Elmhurst Story Time

Saturday, December 23, 2023—Elmhurst, FREE
Join the Elmhurst Public Library staff for a special seasonal story time on board the Explore Elmhurst Trolley. Story time begins at the York and Park stop and continues on the trolley throughout its loop. READ MORE

Rialto Square Theater Holiday Movies

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

Holiday Magic at Ellis Park

Saturday, December 23, 2023—Douglas
Families can kick off their holiday weekend at Ellis Park with arts and crafts, face and hand painting, games, a dance contest, food, balloon making, and a toy giveaway. Also visit with local seniors to brighten up their holiday weekend. READ MORE

Experience Winter

December 23-24, 2023—Lemont
Families can see what winter in Cook County has to offer by going on a hike with a naturalist. The event is weather dependent. READ MORE

Little Miss Ann Concert at Uncommon Grounds

Saturday, December 23, 2023—Wrigleyville
Join Chicago children's musician Little Miss Ann as she performs live at the Uncommon Grounds. Little Miss Ann has made seven family music albums that span different genres such as folk, rock, punk, country, bluegrass and more. Her songs about letting your light shine within yourself, with your friends and family and in your community will also inspire kids to jump, clap, sing, dance and more! READ MORE

Merry Merry Chicago

December 23,2022—Downtown
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs familiar carols and festive holiday songs, including I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Winter Wonderland and Sleigh Ride. Ashley Brown, who originated the role of Mary Poppins on Broadway, will sing and Thomas Wilkins conducts. READ MORE
Delight in holiday magic at the Jack Frost Winter Walk Pop-up. Photo courtesy of the event
Delight in holiday magic at the Jack Frost Winter Walk Pop-up. Photo courtesy of the event

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Places featured in this article:

Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago
Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
The Morton Arboretum