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FOLLOW US FOR ACTIVITY PICKS, DEALS, AND GIVEAWAYS
View on Map
Wed, Dec 31
DuPage Children's Museum Bubble Bash
DuPage Chidren's Museum
In-person
Pick
Kids can ring in the new year with their choice of bubbles, confetti, a music launch, or a quiet countdown at the DuPage Children's Museum's annual year-end celebration. Kids can enjoy creating wearable art, DIY confetti poppers, or 2D or 3D bubble wands. They can also visit Sensoryland, take part...
09:00 AM
All dates and times
Learn more
Noon Year's Eve at Wonder Works
Wonder Works Children's Museum
In-person
Pick
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 two countdown times at 10am, and 12pm to accommodate all of the...
09:00 AM
Learn more
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry
In-person
Pick
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. Among the trees are other displays celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and more
09:30 AM
All dates and times
Learn more
This Week's
Picks
Best of January
Chicago Kids Winter Guide
100 Things
To Do in Chicago
FREE
Malcolm X: Kwanzaa 2025
Malcolm X College
In-person
Pick
Visit Malcolm X College to experience Kwanzaa. Celebrate seven days of culture, community, and creativity from December 26, 2025 – January 1, 2026. Daily events include a vendor's market, children's story time, and a drum call at noon. Experience powerful performances by Ayodele Drum &...
10:00 AM
All dates and times
Learn more
Noon Year's Eve Concert at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Peggy Notebaert Museum
In-person
Pick
You don't need to skip nap time to count down to 12:00 on New Year's Eve! Family-friendly music will get everybody out of their seats, dancing along, singing, and celebrating together. And during intermission, guests will be able to make their own party blower that looks like one of the Nature...
10:30 AM
Learn more
Mr. Dave’s NYE Baby Rave: Countdown to Noon
Lincoln Hall
In-person
Pick
Little rock stars can count down to the new year early at Schuba's Lincoln Hall. Mr. Dave and DJ Matt Roan play a set through vibrant realms of music, color, and movement. Complete with glow sticks, beach balls, obnoxious light-up rave accessories (ahem, adult beverages), and a countdown to...
11:00 AM
Learn more
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo
In-person
Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo has been a favorite holiday event for more than 30 years, with light displays and seasonal activities throughout the zoo. The event is free on Monday evenings, and $7 most other weekdays, and $12 on weekends and premium dates.
4:00 PM
All dates and times
Learn more
Bonne Annee Family-Friendly Pajama Party
Une Annee Brewing
In-person
Pick
Une Annee Brewery and Hubbard's Cave Brewery team up for a family-friendly New Year's celebration. Grownups and kids can come in their pajamas for s'mores on the patio, dancing in the taproom, family-friendly board games, and a balloon drop at 6:30.
4:00 PM
Learn more
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo
In-person
Pick
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.
Various times
All dates and times
Learn more
Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center
In-person
Pick
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, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and more will be featured.
Various times
All dates and times
Learn more
Rudolph Runs Wild...
Second City
In-person
Pick
Share silliness this holiday season with Rudolph Runs Wild… a jolly extravaganza for kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and reindeer of all ages! Featuring a fun and festive blend of family-friendly songs and sketches from The Second City’s rich comedy archives, fresh new material...
Various times
All dates and times
Learn more
FREE
Sing in the New Year Karaoke at Harold Washington Library
Harold Washington Library
In-person
Pick
Say goodbye to 2025 and sing in the New Year with your favorite tunes! We have the equipment; all we need is your voice. We'll be kicking off this event with a noon-for-midnight countdown.
Various times
Learn more
FREE
Holiday Flower Show at Wilder Park Conservatory
Wilder Park
Elmhurst's Wilder Park Conservatory shows off a unique display of poinsettias throughout the holiday season.
08:00 AM
All dates and times
Learn more
FREE
Winter Flower Show: Merry & Bright at Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory
In-person
This year’s Winter Flower Show “Merry & Bright” evokes the festivity of the season. While the outdoor landscape is gray (and maybe white!), the indoor Show House reveals a cheerful selection of poinsettias including ‘Viking Cinnamon’, ‘Lemon Glow’, ‘Chorus Hot Pink’, and...
09:00 AM
All dates and times
Learn more
FREE
Free Days at the DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American Art
In-person
The DuSable Museum of African American History has free admission on Wednesdays.
10:00 AM
All dates and times
Learn more
Noon Year's Eve Palos Heights
Palos Heights Recreation Center
In-person
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.
10:00 AM
Learn more
Skokie Park District Itty Bitty New Year
Oakton Community Center
In-person
Celebrate the Eve of the Eve in Skokie with dancing, games, prizes, and crafts. Kids can also play in the Exploritorium, which will be open for event attendees only.
10:00 AM
Learn more
Naperville Yard New Year's Eve Pajama Party
Naperville Yard
In-person
Count down to the new year with games, inflatables, food, and a raffle at Naperville Yard. A juice box countdown will ring in the last noon of 2025.
10:00 AM
Learn more
Take Care with Peanuts: The Exhibit
Chicago Children's Museum
Good grief! Join Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang at Chicago Children’s Museum! Step into Take Care with Peanuts: The Exhibit and be transported into the world of Charles M. Schulz’s iconic comic strip. See beloved characters spring to life with interactive displays and activities focused on...
10:00 AM
All dates and times
Learn more
Museum of Ice Cream's Pinkmas!
Museum of Ice Cream
Pinkmas at Museum of Ice Cream is officially back for the season, step into the sweetest holiday celebration of the season, happening now through January 19th! This year, their spaces have transformed into a breathtaking forest of pink, where holiday magic meets immersive wonder. Wander through...
10:00 AM
All dates and times
Learn more
Marshmallow Play 2026 New Years Party
Marshmallow Play
In-person
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 a little early with a magical Noon Year party featuring Mickey & Minnie! This special two-hour event is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who want all the fun of New Year’s Eve without staying up late. Kids will enjoy a festive balloon drop countdown at noon...
10:00 AM
Learn more
Family New Year's Eve Warrenville
Warrenville Recreation Center
In-person
Bounce houses, a DJ, snacks, and party favors welcome families to the recreation center gym for Warrenville Park District's New Year's Eve party. A balloon drop at noon welcomes the new year.
10:30 AM
Learn more
Happy Noon Year Party in Glenview
Glenview Park District
In-person
Celebrate Noon Year's Eve with inflatables, games and activities. The event concludes with a balloon drop at noon!
10:30 AM
Learn more
FREE
Drop & Pop New Year's Eve Kids Celebration
Bradley A. Stephens Community Center
In-person
Celebrate the new year at noon for kids who can't stay up until midnight in Franklin Park. Food, entertainment, games, and prizes make for a fun morning. Please reserve your spot in advance.
10:30 AM
Learn more
New Year's Eve Party at Noon at Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park Cultural Center
In-person
Ring in the "noon year" in Lincoln Park. The whole family is welcome to join in for music, crafts, and balloons.
10:30 AM
Learn more
Ring in the New Year at Pinstripes
Pinstripes Oak Brook
In-person
Bowling, bocce, dinner, live music, and balloon drops at 8pm and midnight help families ring in the new year at Pinstripes. Reservations are encouraged. This event will take place at Pinstripes locations in Oak Brook and Northbrook.
11:00 AM
Learn more
Noon Year's Skate Party and Balloon Drop
Just for Fun Roller Rink Mundelein
In-person
Celebrate New Year's Eve by roller skating at Just for Fun Roller Rink in Mundelein. Thousands of balloons will drop from the ceiling after the countdown to noon.
11:00 AM
Learn more
Noon Year's Eve Celebration at Bubbles Academy
Bubbles Academy
In-person
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, Bucktown or Highland Park locations.
11:00 AM
All dates and times
Learn more
Noon Year's Eve Celebration at Bubbles Academy
Bubbles Academy
In-person
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, Bucktown or Highland Park locations.
11:00 AM
All dates and times
Learn more
Noon Year's Eve Celebration at Bubbles Academy
Bubbles Academy Highland Park
In-person
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, Bucktown or Highland Park locations.
11:00 AM
All dates and times
Learn more
Frankfort New Year's Countdown
Founders Community Center
In-person
Get ready for New Year's with dancing, party games, crafts, and ice cream at the Frankfort Park District. A countdown to 2024 complete with a balloon drop caps off the event.
11:00 AM
Learn more
Noon Year's Eve 2025
Artifact Events
In-person
Ring in the New Year early with a joyful, family-friendly celebration inside one of Chicago’s most beautiful historic venues. Join us at Artifact Events for a joyful daytime countdown packed with music, dancing, activities, and festive moments perfect for kids and grown-ups alike. Celebrate...
11:00 AM
Learn more
New Year's Eve Family Brunch Cruise
Spirit Cruises at Navy Pier
In-person
The whole family can celebrate New Year's Eve at a kid-friendly time aboard the Spirit of Chicago for a lunch cruise. Tickets include a two-hour cruise, bruch buffet, and a live DJ.
11:30 AM
Learn more
WhirlyBall Family Fun New Year's Eve Party
WhirlyBall Chicago
In-person
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.
12:00 PM
Learn more
WhirlyBall Family Fun New Year's Eve Party
Whirlyball Vernon Hills
In-person
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.
12:00 PM
Learn more
FREE
Free Illinois Resident Evenings at the Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium
In-person
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.
4:00 PM
All dates and times
Learn more
FREE
Naper Lights
Downtown Naperville
In-person
Downtown Naperville's annual holiday light extravaganza features light displays and music throughout the downtown Naperville and Riverwalk areas. Admission is free. Get a photo with Santa beside the Great Tree on select dates.
4:00 PM
All dates and times
Learn more
GLOW Pickleball & Cider Toast at SPF Chicago
SPF Chicago
In-person
Celebrate the new year by playing glow pickleball, toasting with sparkling cider, and experiencing a pickleball drop at SPF Chicago! This kid-friendly event includes crafts, turf games, glow pickleball, dance breaks, a photo booth, a raffle, and a sparkling cider toast and pickleball drop. Make...
4:00 PM
Learn more
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanical Gardens
In-person
Go for a stroll down a mile-long path filled with holiday wonder at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
4:30 PM
All dates and times
Book it
Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum
In-person
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. New this year—Illumination features four colorful animal...
4:30 PM
All dates and times
Learn more
FREE
Nights of Lights
Adams Park
In-person
The new holiday light experience at Adams Park is hosted by the Downtown Wheaton Association and the City of Wheaton and has plenty of holiday spirit and community. Don't forget to drop your letter to Santa in the Nights of Lights mailbox to be delivered directly to the North Pole.
4:30 PM
All dates and times
Learn more
FREE
Winter Lights at Central Park
Central Park
In-person
As the sun sets and darkness descends, Central Park transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the 1/2 mile walk through the beautifully lit Central Park, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Discover dancing trees, colorful rainbow arches, cascading...
4:30 PM
All dates and times
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Willow Hill’s Winter Lights
Willow Hill's Winter Magc
In-person
Come one, come all, to Willow Hill’s Winter Magic—the drive-thru holiday event in Chicago. Peek inside the North Pole’s toy land, road trip through a 250-foot animated video tunnel, watch Santa instruct his Reindeer Flight School, get breezy in the beautiful snowflake valley...
4:30 PM
All dates and times
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Light Of Christmas Drive Thru at Rate Field
Rate Field
In-person
Chicago's Drive Thru Light Show is back at Chicago White Sox Park, Rate Field for the winter of 2025. Experience the magic of the holidays like never before! Stay cozy in your car, tune into our festive radio station, and embark on a journey through over a million synchronized lights that...
5:00 PM
All dates and times
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Family New Year's Bash Elk Grove Village
Elk Grove Village Pavilion
In-person
Elk Grove Village invites families to celebrate the new year with music, dancing, ice cream sundaes, a photo booth, balloon drop, and more. Ring in 2026 with those you love the most.
6:00 PM
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New Year's Eve Family Party at Enchanted Castle
Enchanted Castle Family Entertainment Center
In-person
Ring in 2026 at Chicago’s greatest New Year’s Eve family party on Tuesday, 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...
6:00 PM
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NYE Bowling Bash at Stardust!
Stardust Bowl
In-person
Visit Stardust Bowl for a fun-filled evening of bowling and celebration at the NYE Bowling Bash! This exciting event is perfect for anyone looking to ring in the New Year with a bang. Grab your bowling shoes and get ready for a night of strikes, spares, and laughter.
6:00 PM
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FREE
Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Families can enjoy free ice staking at Millennium Park throughout the winter season. Free lessons are also available most Saturdays at 9 a.m. Please reserve a 90-minute ice time session in advance at https://millenniumparkiceskating.showare.com/
Various times
All dates and times
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FREE
Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park
Lilacia Park
In-person
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.
Various times
All dates and times
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Jack Frost Winter Walk Pop-up
Fulton Market
In-person
Families can walk through a pop-up multisensory in Chicago's Fulton Market. Ice skating, holiday lights and music, photo opportunities, axe throwing, and bumper cars round out the winter fun.
Various times
All dates and times
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