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Join in on the New Year's Eve fun at Enchanted Castle. Photo courtesy of the venue
Join in on the New Year's Eve fun at Enchanted Castle. Photo courtesy of the venue
12/27/23 - By Siobhan Adcock

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

2023 went by fast, and we're excited to see what 2024 will bring. Kids can celebrate New Year's or Noon Year's this weekend with a family-friendly countdown that accommodates different nap times at Wonder Works in Oak Park, a performance by the Blue Man Group in Lakeview, or a game of WhirlyBall in Lincoln Park or Naperville. Kwanzaa is in its final days, and families can celebrate at Dan Ryan Woods. Or check out the last weeks of The Snow Queen at the Marriott Theatre or Christmas trees from around the world at MSI. The Harlem Globetrotters bring their brand of basketball wizardry to the CreditUnion 1 Arena on Friday, December 29. 

Winter break stretches through the first week of the year, so if you need something to do, check out our list of winter break events. If winter weather cooperates in January, check out our lists of outdoor skating rinks and snow tubing hills. Or visit one of Chicago's newest attractions, CAMP, while the Doodles experience is still going on.

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

More Things To Do in Chicago this Week with Kids

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Blue Man Group ushers in the new year at the Briar Street Theatre in Lakeview. Photo courtesy of the venue
Blue Man Group ushers in the new year at the Briar Street Theatre in Lakeview. Photo courtesy of the venue

Things To Do New Year's Weekend in Chicago with Kids

Harlem Globetrotters - Chicago, IL

Wednesday, December 27, 2023—Rosemont | Friday, December 29, 2023—West Loop
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2024 WORLD TOUR - PRESENTED BY JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS: Where, "WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?: happens all the time! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters global tour as they take the court with moments of extreme basketball innovation and unparalleled fan FUN! See the Globetrotter stars live as they dribble, spin, slam, and dunk their way past their relentless rivals, the Washington Generals. READ MORE

The Snow Queen at the Marriott Theatre

Wednesday, December 27, 2023-Sunday, December 31, 2023—Lincolnshire
Adapted from the Hans Christian Anderson story that inspired the movie Frozen, this adventure is more than just a bedtime story. Join Gerda as she tries to save her best friend Kai before he is trapped forever in the Snow Queen's palace. The hourlong show includes singing flowers, talking animals, and riddles that must be solved. READ MORE

Jurassic Quest

Thursday, December 28, 2023-Monday, January 1, 2024—Rosemont
Jurassic Quest is back and indoors this year, with over 100 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, including a 50-foot-long megalodon. Hop on dino rides, dig for fossils, and visit a craft or science station to round out the jurassic journey. READ MORE

Teenie Weenie New Year's Eve Ball

Friday, December 29, 2023—Carol Stream
Kids who are too little to stay up until midnight can count down to a noon balloon drop at this party for parents and children. Activities include a bounce house, games, crafts, and a balloon drop. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Palos Heights

Friday, December 29, 2023—Palos Heights
Little revelers who can't make it to midnight can watch the ball drop at noon at the Palos Heights Recreation Center. Festivities include crafts, games, a bounce house, and food. READ MORE

Kwanzaa Celebration at Dan Ryan Woods

Daily through January 7, 2024—South Side
Families who celebrate Kwanzaa can enjoy seven days of music and nature-based activities following the seven principles of the holiday. Learn and practice Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujaama (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose),Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Unity)  over the week following Christmas. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Party at Naperville Public Libraries

Saturday, December 30, 2023—Naperville
Can't make it until midnight? Visit the Nichols Library or 95th Street Library for Noon Year's crafts and surprises. The event will be limited to 140 people and tickets will be handed out at the library on the day of the event. READ MORE

Winter Play Day at Crabtree Nature Center

Saturday, December 30, 2023—Barrington Hills
Outdoor and indoor family fun take over Crabtree Nature Center with a variety of stations. Families can discover seasonal nature through the self-directed activities. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Celebration at Bubbles Academy

Saturday, December 30, 2023—Gold Coast
Toddlers and preschoolers can ring in the new year early at Bubbles Academy. Make your own crown and party down at a bubble-filled finale at the Magnificent Mile location. READ MORE

Frozen Double Feature at Wrightwood-Ashburn Library

Saturday, December 30, 2023—Ashburn
Kids can enjoy a classic double feature of Frozen and Frozen II to celebrate the final days of 2023 at Wrightwood-Ashburn Library. The event is part of the Community Cinema series that is bringing hundreds of movies to libraries across Chicago. READ MORE

Kukla, Fran and Ollie Days

Through Sunday, December 31, 2023—Old Town
The Chicago History Museum presents newly digitized episodes of the kitschy '50s puppet show Kukla, Fran and Ollie in its Robert R. McCormick Theater. After kids watch these fun episodes their grandparents once enjoyed, they can meet the real-life Madame Ooglepuss on the museum's second floor. READ MORE

Blue Man Group Chicago’s New Year's Eve Performances

Sunday, December 31, 2023—Lakeview
Blue Man Group invites guests to celebrate the New Year with festive New Year’s Eve performances Sunday, December 31 at 1pm, 4pm, 7pm, and 10pm.at the Briar Street Theatre (3133 N. Halsted). Families with young children can take advantage of Blue Man Group’s performances at 1 and 4pm. These shows feature early “midnight” countdowns after the show, complete with party hats, noisemakers, and a special performance of Auld Lang Syne by the Blue Men. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Wonder Works

Sunday, December 31, 2023—Oak Park
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 three countdown times at 9am, 11am, and 1pm to accommodate all of the nap times. READ MORE

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

Through Sunday, 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

Skating in the Park and New Year's Eve Fireworks

Sunday, December 31, 2023—Rosemont
Skate the night away leading up to fireworks at midnight at Parkway Bank Park. The full-size rink will be lit up with spectacular lights. Call or check the venue's social media for any weather-related closings. READ MORE

WhirlyBall Family Fun New Year's Eve Party

Saturday, December 31, 2023—Lincoln Park, Naperville, and Vernon Hills
Have fun playing WhirlyBall and Laser Tag with your family leading up to the new year. A pizza lunch buffet and unlimited games provide fun for all ages. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Family Party at Enchanted Castle

Sunday, December 31, 2023—Lombard
Ring in 2024 at Chicago’s greatest New Year’s Eve family party on Sunday, December 31 from 6 to 10 pm. Enjoy a New Year’s buffet, including soft drinks and dessert, plus each paid guest receives $15 in game play, unlimited select video games, four hours of unlimited go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf, bumper cars, catapult thrill ride and Quest II Adventure Playland plus a balloon drop, party favors, New Year’s toast, and countdown celebration. Advance reservations are required READ MORE

Light Up the Lake

Daily through December 31, 2023—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

Winter WNDRland

Daily through January 15, 2024—West Loop
WNDR Museum, Chicago’s original immersive art and technology experience, invites guests to immerse themselves in the magic of the holiday season with the return of its Winter WNDRland celebration. From November 27 to January 2, WNDR Museum features the brand-new interactive Iced In! installation. Exhibits are transformed by a shimmering blanket of snow and ice, enveloping guests in the enchanting embrace of the cold. READ MORE

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Daily through 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

New Year's Eve Pajama Party at Naperville Yard

Sunday, December 31, 2023—Naperville
Kids might feel as if they're staying up late as they count down to noon in their pajamas at Naperville Yard. The venue's New Year's Eve Pajama Party includes organized games as well as access to the five-level climbing structure and field with inflatables. READ MORE
Kids can explore the slime at the Sloomoo Institute in Chicago. Photo by Lauren LaRoche
Kids can explore the slime at the Sloomoo Institute in Chicago. Photo by Lauren LaRoche

More Fun Activities for Chicago Area Kids

25 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Other Chicago Celebrations for Kids

Get kids in on the festive fun well before bedtime. READ MORE

Christmas Vacation in Chicago: 30 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids

Winter break is here. We can help fill the days with fun, engaging activities. READ MORE

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks for Chicago Kids and Families

Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families

Hit these slopes near Chicago for family-friendly snow tubing this winter season. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Palos Heights Recreation Center
Enchanted Castle Family Entertainment Center