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Looking for family-friendly activities in Chicago this weekend? Here are some fun events to add to your list!
Best Things To Do This Weekend In and Near Chicago With Kids
Evanston Children's Choir Holiday Concert
Alice Millar Chapel, Evanston
Friday, December 12
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. Website
Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical at Stahl Family Theatre
Stahl Family Theater, Belmont Cragin
Opens Thursday, December 11
Chicago Kids Company’s Holiday Classic returns for the 26th Year! Our biggest and most colorful show will put you in the Holiday Spirit in no time. Join the new Elf Class of 2025 as they try to find the missing “list” in time for Christmas. All CKC shows feature professional actors, sets and costumes and are best suited for kids ages 2-10. Website
Passport to Santa
Beverly Center, Downtown
Saturday, December 13- Sunday, December 14
Step into the North Pole with Passport to Santa, an interactive holiday adventure where every child becomes a traveler on a festive quest. Along the way, they’ll sign the Naughty or Nice List with Mrs. Claus, build toys in Santa’s Workshop, train with Rudolph, race in the Gingerbread Tower Challenge, test their strength in Nutcracker Kingdom, dunk the Grinch, and write wishes with the Christmas Angel. Website
St. Lucia Celebration
Swedish American Museum, Andersonville
Saturday, December 13
Lucia is celebrated on Dec. 13 in Sweden and we honor this special day along with our Andersonville neighbors. St. Lucia was known for her generous spirit. Children dress up as St. Lucia, wearing crowns of candles and singing throughout the neighborhood, and someone will be crowned this year's Lucia. At the Museum, we will have a performance by our Lucia candidates and a procession on Clark Street by all St. Lucia participants, including children playing the part of Star Boys as well. This is one of the most special neighborhood holiday traditions. Website
Winter Solstice Festival at North Park Village
North Park Village Nature Center - FREE
Saturday, December 13
Welcome winter at North Park Village Nature Center. Enjoy star gazing, a bonfire, nature walks, tasting chestnuts and more. After, warm up inside with The Emily Kuhn Quintet and a festive bird craft sponsored by Chicago Bird Alliance. Website
Rudolph Runs Wild...
Second City, Old Town
Saturday, December 13- Sunday, December 14
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 written specifically for young audiences, and – of course – the ridiculous improv hijinks The Second City is world famous for. Website
Breakfast with Santa at The Community House Hinsdale
Hinsdale
Saturday, December 13
Bring the family together during the holidays. Eat breakfast and meet Santa! You will be able to enjoy a nice breakfast of scrambled eggs, hash browns, pancakes, fruit, juice, and coffee! Make sure to look your best because you will be able to take a picture with the jolly old man! Children under 1 yr eat FREE with a paying adult. Website
Frosty Fest
Wheaton- FREE
Saturday, December 13
The annual tradition at Town Square Wheaton is back! Unwrap the holiday magic with Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Elf, Grinch, Santa, and more - plus strolling carolers, complimentary hot cocoa, and more! Website
Movie with Santa at Hollywood Boulevard Cinema
Woodridge
Get ready for some holiday magic! Santa Claus is making a special stop at Hollywood Blvd Cinema on Saturday, December 13th. Bring the whole family or just come by yourself for photos with Santa. Anyone with a movie ticket for that day can get pictures with Santa! Santa will be in the lobby from 4-6pm. Please be mindful of your time with him so all guests can visit and take complimentary photos. Website
The Cozy Cabin Tales
Cornservatory Theater, North Center
Opens Saturday, December 13
The Cozy Cabin Tales is a series of wintry fables and folktales, as told by a group of friends waiting out a snowstorm in their cabin with only a small fire to keep them warm. To pass the time, they bring their fantastical tales to life, while learning some real-life lessons along the way. Pour yourself a cup of cocoa and cozy up to the fire for this heartwarming series of vignettes that's sure to be fun for the whole family. Advanced Purchase Recommended. Website
Spring Road Winter Fest
Spring Road Gazebo, Elmhurst- FREE
Saturday, December 13
Join the Winter Fest where kids can enjoy a visit from Santa, Mrs Claus and Santa’s main photographer Elf, Cinderella & Bluey characters, horse drawn sleigh rides, hot chocolate and cookies, and choir groups performances by the Student Choir from Immaculate Conception HS and the Acappellago Group. Website
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at the Raven Theatre
Rogers Park
Saturday, December 13- Sunday, December 14
The beloved Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins returns for its 9th year at Strawdog Theatre Company! Celebrate the holiday season with the whole family with this adaptation of the classic book by Eric Kimmel. Website
Wilmette Menorah Lighting
Wilmette Village Hall
Sunday, December 14
Brave the cold and share in a beautiful community tradition! Chabad of Wilmette, in partnership with the Chamber, invites the community to the annual Menorah Lighting at Village Hall on Sunday, December 14 at 5:30 PM. Enjoy festive music by the Wilmette Junior High Choir, remarks from village dignitaries and community partners, hot cocoa, a 12-foot menorah lighting, songs, and even a visit from a stilt walker! Website
Breakfast with Santa at Harry Caray's Navy Pier
Navy Pier
Sunday, December 14
Ho-Ho-Holy Cow! Join us at Harry Caray's Tavern at Navy Pier to kick off the holiday season in style! Treat the whole family to a festive breakfast buffet filled with holiday-inspired favorites, photo-ops with Santa, and classic carols filling the air while creating memories that will last all season long. Website
Do-It- Yourself Nutcracker
River Park, Lincoln Square
Sunday, December 14
Join student dancers on stage for a re-telling of this holiday classic where you become the star. Wear your tights, slippers, and holiday finest for this unique and fun-filled interactive holiday dance event. Don't miss the chance to relive the magic of the Nutcracker. Website
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