It's that time of year when snuggling up together to watch a holiday movie with the kids sounds pretty delicious. This weekend, families can catch a double feature of classic Christmas movies, including a rousing caroling session led by Santa and the theater organist, at the Music Box theater. The holiday tale It's a Wonderful Life is also presented as a live radio broadcast, or you can see a FREE showing of The Polar Express on Saturday in Glen Ellyn. Live holiday shows and performances this weekend include Elf the Musical Jr. and Mrs. Claus: A Holiday Musical, proving that behind every jolly old elf there's an even busier lady elf.

This time of year we could all use some FREE holiday fun (the better to free up some budget for presents), and this weekend there's plenty to be had. Families can appreciate winter's natural beauty at the free Winter Solstice Festival at North Park Village Nature Center, at Northerly Island's free Polar Adventure Days, or at Garfield Park Conservatory's free Holiday Flower Show. Meanwhile, the Evanston Children's Choir hosts a free holiday concert, a historic farmhouse dressed up for an old-fashioned Christmas opens its doors for free tours and activities, kids can take a free sleigh ride and gawk at impressive ice sculptures, or the whole fam can lace up those ice skates to skate with Santa for FREE at Maggie Daley. 

On Sunday, Lincoln Park Zoo hosts its annual Santa breakfast—but if you didn't manage to snag seat, never fear, we have a list of other ways to get facetime with Santa Claus, including a musical singalong brunch, and a Santa breakfast especially for families affected by hearing loss. 

For even more weekend fun, be sure to check out the event calendar, updated daily.