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Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids: Santa Sightings, Nutcrackers, Holiday Fests

Navy Pier's Winter Wonderfest kicks off with slides, rides, and more indoor fun.
Navy Pier's Winter Wonderfest kicks off with slides, rides, and more indoor fun.
12/4/19 - By Siobhan Adcock

Santa Claus is coming to town, and to say he's a little busy this weekend might be the understatement of the season. Two cruises with Santa Claus sail this weekend, the Chicago Christmas Cruise and the Lunch with Santa Cruise, but there are plenty of ways for landlubbers to score facetime with Santa, too. There are special Santa breakfasts at Soldier Field and at the Brookfield Zoo, Santa storytimes at the Wonder Works museum and the Driehaus Museum, and Santa sings with the elves in the musical North Pole Holiday Spectacular and boards a holiday train ride in Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Santa makes appearances at a full roster of lovely neighborhood holiday festivals and parades around Chicagoland this weekend: the Joyful Traditions Festival in Villa Park, the Christmas Festival in Wheaton, Hyde Park's Holly Day, the Jingle Bell Jubilee in Lombard, the Toyland Parade and Parade of Lights in Tinley Park, and the Hinsdale for the Holidays celebration. 

Kids are encouraged to dance into the fun at two special Nutcracker performances this weekend: the Do-It-Yourself Nutcracker at Indian Boundary Park, and the Dance-Along Nutcracker at the Chicago Cultural Center. Little ones can also step into an interactive performance with hot cocoa at the Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party. Too wiped out from all the holiday fun to put on dancing shoes? Settle into a seat for the lavish production that is the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker, or the homegrown but just as magical Ruth Page Civic Ballet Nutcracker.  

It's opening weekend for Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier, this Saturday is FREE for Illinois residents at the Adler, there's a FREE showing of Elf at Elmhurst's York Theater, and kids can catch a ride with Elsa the snow queen aboard the FREE Elmhurst Holly Trolley. And that's just the highlight reel—read on for even more family fun happening this weekend, and as always, keep an eye on our super-stuffed event calendar.


 

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Visit with Santa at the Driehaus Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
Visit with Santa at the Driehaus Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Things To Do All Weekend

Santa at the Driehaus Museum

Streeterville
The Driehaus Museum hosts visits with Santa so kids can tell him if they are naughty or nice and take a selfie. Tickets are required and are sold in 15 minute increments. READ MORE

Brookfield Zoo Dinner with Santa

Brookfield
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. Each date includes multiple seatings for a buffet of freshly carved meats, seasonal accompaniments, children’s buffet for the young classic eaters. READ MORE

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party

West Loop
The Chicago Children's Theater presents Beatrix Potter's Holiday Tea Party, an interactive trunk and puppet show. READ MORE

Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier

Navy Pier
Families can come to the annual Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier's gigantic Festival Hall and enjoy carnival rides, giant slides, games, and refreshments, all indoors. READ MORE

Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park

Lombard — FREE
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

Holiday One of a Kind Show and Sale at the Mart

River North
The Holiday One of Kind Show at the Mart features handmade items from hundreds of makers and artists, as well as great food and entertainment while you shop. READ MORE

Ruth Page Civic Ballet's "The Nutcracker"

North Park
Ruth Page is an icon in Chicago dance history. Bring your family to see this version of the Nutcracker choreographed by Ruth Page herself. READ MORE
Catch a ride with Elsa aboard the free Elmhurst Holly Trolley. Photo courtesy of Elmhurst
Catch a ride with Elsa aboard the free Elmhurst Holly Trolley. Photo courtesy of Elmhurst

Things To Do Saturday, December 7

Elmhurst Holly Trolley

Elmhurst — FREE
The Explore Elmhurst Holiday Holly Trolley is back on Saturdays from November 30 to December 2, stopping at six intersections throughout Elmhurst to take visitors to the Elmhurst Metra Station or to explore several downtown businesses. Special visitors will board the trolley each week to entertain riders all around the town READ MORE

Do-It-Yourself Nutcracker at Indian Boundary Park

Rogers Park — FREE
Do-It-Yourself Nutcracker is back. Wear your ballet slippers and costumes and join the dancers on stage at this interactive presentation of the holiday classic. READ MORE

Villa Park Joyful Traditions with a Peppermint Twist

Villa Park — FREE
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

Cookies with Santa at Vittum Park

Vittum Park — FREE
Vittum Park hosts Cookies with Santa for the whole family, where kids can enjoy cookies and a visit from the big guy himself! READ MORE

Free Illinois Resident Evenings at the Adler Planetarium

Museum Campus — FREE
The Adler Planetarium provides free general admission for Illinois residents on Wednesday Evenings! A valid ID with an Illinois address is required at the box office. Illinois Resident Discount Days also allow Illinoisans to add special exhibits to their free pass for a discounted price. READ MORE

Hyde Park Holly-Day

Hyde Park — FREE
Hyde Park Holly-Day, sponsored by the University of Chicago, is back for 2022! Guests can enjoy an ice carving demo, and sculpture stroll, pictures with Soul Santa & Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf and live reindeer. READ MORE

Soldier Field Breakfast with Santa

Museum Campus
Even if Santa didn’t bring the Bears anything this season, kids can still have some fun at Solider Field with a lavish holiday breakfast and photos with Santa and his elves at Soldier Field. The event includes a historic train display, a cookie decorating area, and an ornament contest in which kids make ornaments at home and bring them to be judged. READ MORE

SOLD OUT-Holly Jolly Express

Lombard — FREE
All aboard the Holly Jolly Express! At this FREE holiday drive-through event, families will enjoy milk and cookies, holiday entertainment, a goody bag from Santa and a socially distanced Santa picture. READ MORE

Chicago Christmas Cruise

DuSable Harbor
Families can enjoy a 1.5 hour Christmas themed cruise on Lake Michigan aboard a 3-story yacht, including visits with Santa, Christmas music, and a dance floor. READ MORE

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Holiday Open House

Oak Park — FREE
Families can tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio which will be decorated for the holidays with a tree with German glass ornaments, poinsettias, and wreaths. READ MORE

Stories with Santa

Oak Park
Kids from the nice list and the naughty list can listen to stories with Santa at the Wonder Works Children's Museum in Oak Park. The event includes writing post cards to Santa and a hot chocolate kit to take home. READ MORE

WAIT LIST Villa Park Holiday Train Ride

Villa Park
Just like in The Polar Express, kids can wear their pajamas on the train for a ride to "The North Pole" (aka Elburn) aboard the UP Western Line from Villa Park. The event includes a story and a visit with Santa.  READ MORE

Tinley Toyland Parade

Tinley Park — FREE
Celebrate the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at this annual parade through Tinley Park. The couple will receive visitors at Tinley Park's Oak Park Avenue Train Station immediately following the parade. Kids can bring an unwrapped toy to donate to kids in need. READ MORE

11th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Mary Bartelme Park

Greektown — FREE
Mary Bartelme Park hosts its 11th annual Christmas tree lighting, including live musical performances, sleigh rides, and a visit from Santa! Pizza and hot chocolate will also be available, while supplies last. READ MORE

North Pole Holiday Spectacular

Schaumburg
Ho! Ho! Ho! Schaumburg Park District presents a musical holiday experience with Santa, his elves, and other helpers as well as festive activities for your family. Kids can enjoy a holiday themed musical show, games, prizes, and cookie decorating.  READ MORE

Hometown Holiday Movie: Elf

Elmhurst — FREE
The York Theater is offering a free showing of holiday favorite Elf, followed by visits with Santa, a DJ and dancing at the City Centre Fountain.  READ MORE

Hinsdale for the Holidays Celebration

Hinsdale — FREE
Historic downtown Hinsdale will be lit up for the holidays on December 9 and 16. Families can visit Santa, decorate gingerbread cookies, shop at local boutiques, and enjoy horse drawn carriage rides. READ MORE

Oak Park Winterfest and Cookie Walk

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

An Evening with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Wheaton
Holiday fun is growing at Cantigny, where families can enjoy holiday decorations throughout the park, or pop in to the Education Center to snap a photo with Santa. Mrs. Claus will be telling stories at the Visitors Center Theater. Other Christmas characters, like snowmen and reindeer will be on the park grounds for pictures. READ MORE
Sugar plum fairies and mouse kings of all ages and abilities are invited to point their toes and dance at the Dance Along Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the City of Chicago
Sugar plum fairies and mouse kings of all ages and abilities are invited to point their toes and dance at the Dance Along Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the City of Chicago

Things To Do Sunday, December 8

Dance-Along Nutcracker

Chicago Loop
The Chicago Cultural Center hosts a special Nutcracker dance-along event for sugar plum fairies and mouse kings of all ages and abilities. Members of Ballet Chicago will teach basic ballet positions and movements at an optional lesson at 9am and 12pm, followed by a performance at 10am and 1pm, where new dancers are invited to join the Ballet Chicago dancers.  READ MORE

Lunch with Santa Cruise

Navy Pier
Santa takes to the chilly wavs of Lake Michigan aboard the Spirit of Chicago for a special two-hour lunch cruise. The event includes a lunch buffet with kid friendly treats, holiday music, and onboard entertainment, in addition to pictures with the jolly old elf. READ MORE

Tinley Park Parade of Lights

Tinley Park — FREE
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

Greektown Tree Lighting Ceremony

Greektown — FREE
Greektown hosts its annual tree lighting ceremony, featuring Greek Christmas carols, hot chocolate, treats, and hand-painted Karavakia boats on display. READ MORE

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

Rosemont
America's favorite ballet is coming to Rosemont. The Nutcracker is a classic holiday tradition cherished by generations. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium - Steinberg Fine Arts Center
The Promontory (and various other locations)
Anita Dee II Boarding at Dusable Harbor
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Wonder Works, a Children's Museum