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Christmas Events and Holiday Activities
in Chicago for Kids
Best Holiday and Christmas Events Near Chicago: North Side
Ruth Page's "The Nutcracker"
James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, Grayslake, North Park, and University Park
December 21-22, 2025
Ruth Page is an icon in Chicago dance history. Bring your family to see this version of the Nutcracker choreographed by Ruth Page herself. International guest artists, as well as an elite company, bring you this beloved holiday tradition in its original full-length staging. Watch the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets come to life through dancing, costumes, and magical settings. Website
Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box
Lakeview
Weekends, December 6 - December 24, 2025
Bring your family to see two holiday classics and sing holiday carols with Santa during intermission. Enjoy the double feature of It's a Wonderful Life and Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Santa will be accompanied by the Music Box organist while the lyrics are projected on the screen for everyone to join in the fun. Website
Chris White Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas
Cafe Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park
December 7, 2025
The Chris White Trio plays a jazzy version of Vince Guaraldi’s 1965 A Charlie Brown Christmas. Guests of all ages can tap their toes and sing along. READ Website
Best Holiday and Christmas Events in Downtown Chicago and the South Side
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Hyde Park
November 8, 2025 - January 5, 2026
The Griffin 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. Website
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Downtown
November 27, 2025
Chicago's Thanksgiving Parade will have the theme of "Where Grateful Hearts Gather." Families can watch as floats, bands, and dignitaries travel along State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. Website
Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown
November 21, 2025
Chicagoans of all ages can enjoy the annual lighting of the Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park in this event. The event will also include fireworks and many musical and theatrical performances. Website
A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theater
Downtown
November 15- December 31, 2025
Charles Dickens's holiday classic is brought to life at this annual play at the Goodman Theater. Nearly two million people have seen the show, which is now in its fifth decade. Website
Window Wonderfest
Navy Pier, Downtown
December 5, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Relive cherished memories and make magical new ones at Chicago’s favorite holiday experience. Step inside and kick off the season with rides, slides, and festive fun. From thrilling attractions like the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity to family favorites like the kiddie train, bumper cars, and ice skating– there’s something for everyone! Every ticket includes a ride on the iconic Centennial Wheel, where you can soar to heights of nearly 200 feet and take in dazzling views of the Pier’s holiday lights. Website
Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along
Downtown
December 5, 12, and 19, 2025
Sing together with other Chicagoans in this multi-cultural holiday event. A different performer will lead the sing-along each week at the Cloudgate sculpture. Songbooks will be distributed so participants can sing along. Website
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
Chicago Children's Theatre, West Loop
December 6 - December 28, 2025
Four adorable Beatrix Potter favorites come to life in this mesmerizing, interactive trunk and puppet show, complete with original music. Storytellers weave Potter’s classic narration with gentle interactive moments, recruiting young watchers to join the adventure. After the show, head to the lobby to play with the puppets, take pictures with the cast, and join fellow Chicago families for a communal tea party featuring a festive spread of holiday treats! Website
Mrs Claus! A Holiday Musical at the Beverly Arts Center
Beverly
December 3 - December 23, 2025
Chicago Kids Company’s holiday classic celebrates the 25th year of MRS. CLAUS! A HOLIDAY MUSICAL. This show is so popular that we decided to present it in TWO different theaters in December 2024. Get your tickets early…many shows sell out! Website
Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration
Hyde Park
December 6, 2025
The Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration is back for 2024! The event is presented by the University of Chicago in partnership with Downtown Hyde Park, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, and the South East Chicago Commission. Lots of free events are planned, including an ice carving demonstration, self-guided ice sculpture stroll, free photos with Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, costumed characters, and dance performances. Website
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
Downtown
December 5-28, 2025
The Joffrey Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker. This classic ballet has been reimagined for a modern audience and set in Chicago at the 1893 World's Fair, where Marie and her mother, a sculptress creating the fair’s iconic Statue of the Republic, partake in a festive celebration with a surprise visit from the mysterious Great Impresario. Website
Best Christmas and Holiday Activities Near Chicago: Northern Suburbs
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe
November 14, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Go for a stroll down a mile-long path filled with holiday wonder at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Website
Kohlights
Glenview
November 28- December 21, 2025
Kids can walk through a unique light display with a learning glow stick that controls and changes the lights, providing a different experience every time. Visit the pixel play meadow, rainbow arbor, color play tree, rainbow caterpillar, color walk, and rainbow art installation. Website
Evanston Children's Choir Winter Concert
Alice Millar Chapel, Evanston
December 12, 2025
Join the ECC Concert Choir, Pop Hits Choir and Pope John XXIII School Choir in our most popular concert of the year, as we celebrate the season in typical ECC style!
Duke It Out! Nutcracker
Evanston
December 6, 2025
The Music Institute of Chicago brings back a holiday tradition with “Duke It Out!,” featuring the classical (Tchaikovsky) and jazz (Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn) versions of The Nutcracker in a music and dance performance. Website
Best Holiday Activities Near Chicago: Western Suburbs
Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum
Lisle
November 15, 2025 -January 3, 2026
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 sculptures from The Morton Arboretum’s newest exhibition Vivid Creatures, by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz. See these colorful sculptures lit up for the holidays and transformed for the Illumination experience. Website
Reindeer Run
Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
November 15, 2025
Run with the animals at Brookfield Zoo's annual Reindeer Run. The course is entirely within the zoo and allows runners to be the first to see the Holiday Magic lights. Music, drinks, food and animal ambassadors will be on hand after the run. Website
Winter Lights at Central Park
Oak Brook
November 21, 2025 -January 4, 2026
Winter lights adorn a half-mile path in Oak Brook's Central Park, and are lit each night through January 5 for families to enjoy. Photo opportunities abound throughout the park. Website
Oak Park Winterfest and Cookie Walk
Oak Park
December 6, 2025
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. Enjoy a free holiday movie at the Lake Theater. Website
Kid-Friendly Holiday Activities in Chicago: South and Southwest Suburbs
Mokena Parade of Lights
Mokena
November 22, 2025
See the Village of Mokena lit up for the holidays as local business show off their best lighted floats at this annual parade. Vehicles and costumed characters will parade down Front Street before the village Christmas tree is lit. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be the parade's finale! Website
CASA Christmas Express
New Lenox Train Station, New Lenox
December 6-7, 2025
Ride the Polar Express from New Lenox to Tinley Park, where families can enjoy breakfast or lunch at Harald Viking Lodge. The event includes visits and photos with Santa, holiday cookies, activities throughout the day, and goody bags and souvenirs for children. Proceeds benefit Will and Grundy County children experiencing abuse or neglect. Website
Tinley Park Parade of Lights
Tinley Park
December 7, 2025
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. Website
Rialto Square Theater Holiday Movies
Joliet
November 29, December 7 and 21, 2025
Rialto Square Theater shows classic Christmas movies for families to enjoy together. Read the whole movie schedule below. Website
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