Our favorite Christmas tree farms near Chicago turn picking out a tree into a memorable holiday adventure. Many of these adorable Christmas tree farms near Chicago also have festive treats, gift shops, and hayrides out to the fields. Whether you’re looking to grab one that’s pre-cut, fresh from the farm, or to cut-your-own Christmas tree, this list has them all. While many of the farms offer saws and twine to cut and transport your tree, but you’re also welcome to bring your own to help avoid lines and keep the wait times with little ones to a minimum.  A few farms, noted below are also pet friendly. 

For more festive, holiday fun, check out our Holiday Guide for Kids.

If you’re looking for the ultimate list of holiday and Christmas lights in Chicago neighborhoods, we’ve got you covered. From the city to the 'burbs, these houses, streets, and neighborhoods go all out with their impressive self-made holiday and Christmas lights displays. Some homes on this list are best viewed from the car, while others encourage you to get out and walk. Many homes and streets feature light-up tunnels, visits from Santa, and treats for the kids. We’ve also noted which shows on the list are synchronized to music and what radio stations to tune into. 

For more holiday light displays, check out this mega list, Where to See the Best Holiday and Christmas Lights in Chicago. More holiday fun at our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families.

Lincoln Square is a historically-German Chicago neighborhood at the Western stop of the Brown Line. This fun neighborhood is anchored by Giddings Plaza, a pedestrian plaza with a historic-looking fountain just east of Lincoln Avenue between Leland and Lawrence. Its location just off the L and with narrow streets makes it a pedestrian-friendly location with lots of unique shops and restaurants for families to explore.

Many families come to Lincoln Square for its street festivals or for a concert at The Old Town School of Folk Music, which is not actually located in Old Town. But there's plenty to do, see, hear, and eat even after those events are over. Here are some great things to do with kids in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.

If you want to venture to other great Chicago neighborhoods, check out our list of 100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids. 

Are you ready for the CTA Holiday Trains and Buses 2023! Here's what you need to know.

The Chicago Loop Alliance has announced that the CTA Holiday Train will be riding the rails again for the 32nd year in 2023. Holiday buses are back, too! Look for Santa Claus as he returns to the trains and buses and for pictures with kids.

Read on for our CTA holiday train tips and more Chicago Christmas train show recommendations. And don't miss our list of Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in Chicago.