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Activities in Chicago for Kids in December 2025

Elf The Musical at the Auditorium Theater
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, South Loop
December 2-14
Elf The Musical, inspired by the hit film, is the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve. When he discovers he is human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and, in turn, helps the Big Apple rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Website

A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theater
Downtown
Wednesdays through Sundays through December 31
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

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at the Raven Theatre
Rogers Park
December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28
Let the Strawdog Theatre Company take your family on a Hanukkah adventure with characters such as Herschel of Ostropool and the goblins who are haunting a village. Website

Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest
Downtown
December 5- January 4
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 skating on The Verizon | Google Pixel Ice Rink-there’s something for everyone! Website

Rudolph Runs Wild...
Second City, Old Town
December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 23, and 26-31
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. Brighten your winter with this one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical experience offering audience members, young and old, the chance to enjoy the comedy fun both from their seats and by joining The Second City performers onstage! Website

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
Chicago Children's Theatre, West Loop
December 6-7. 13-14, 20-23, and 27-28
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

The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
Lyric Opera, Downtown
Thursdays through Sundays, December 5- December 28
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

Christmas Bazaar and Santa Breakfast at the Irish American Heritage Center
Mayfair
Sunday, December 7
Kick off the holiday season at the Irish American Heritage Center with Irish breakfast and visits from Santa, a craft and bake sale, music, dancing, and children's activities. Breakfast begins at 10 a.m. with reservations required. Website

MRS CLAUS! at the Beverly Arts Center
BeverlyArts Center
December 3-23
Chicago Kids Company’s Holiday Classic returns! Its 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. Website

Holiday Movies at Gallagher Way
Wrigleyville
December 4,11, and 18
Enjoy a holiday classic film outside at Wrigleyville's Gallagher Way. Families can watch while ice skating, with a hot chocolate from the market, or from one of the restaurants nearby. Website

Santa's Winterland Workshop at Gallagher Way
Wrigleyville
December 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21
Santa visits the friendly confines each weekend in December. Kids can meet Santa for a photo near the CD Peacock entrance lobby or bring their pets to meet Santa. Website

Live Holiday Caroling at the JW Marriott Chicago
Downtownbr> December 5, 12, and 19
The holidays are magical in Chicago, and JW Marriott Chicago places guests at the center of it all. Step into the spirit of the season with complimentary live holiday caroling in the hotel’s grand lobby at 5 p.m. on Fridays, December 5, 12, and 19. Each 30-minute performance is open to guests and the public, filling the historic space with joyful harmonies, twinkling décor, and timeless holiday cheer. Website

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along
Downtown
December 5, 12, and 19
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

Roscoe Village Winterfest
Roscoe Village
Saturday, December 6- Sunday, December 7
Enjoy a weekend of tree lighting, shopping, hot cocoa and cider sipping, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and caroling in the Roscoe Village neighborhood. Santa will visit from noon to 4 p.m. at various local businesses. Families can also enjoy the new Winterfest Art Stroll where students from Audobon Elementary will display their artwork at local businesses. Website

Ravenswood Light-Up Night
Ravenswood
Saturday, December 6
Residents in the Ravenswood area light up their yards for the weekend before Christmas. With lights, disco balls, light-up figurines, and a selfie-station set up in the greenway, residents create a winter wonderland for visitors. Restaurants will feature specials for visitors. The event includes a scavenger hunt for kids, tree decorating contest, multimedia window, photo stations, and caroling. Website

Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting Celebration at Mary Bartelme Park
West Loop
Saturday, December 6
Mary Bartelme Park hosts a Menorah Lighting Celebration, including live music, face painting, delicious snacks, and a children's story time! Santa will be on hand for pictures! Website

Winterfest at Poplar Creek Country Club
Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, Hoffman Estates
December 6
Celebrate the holiday season with s'more making, ice-less skating, a gingerbread house making contest, sled dogs, stage shows, and more. Bundle up to stay warm in the cold. Website

Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box Theater
Lakeview
December 6-7, 12-14, 18-21, and 23-24
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

Free Holiday Movies at the Glen Art Theatre
Glen Ellyn
December 6, 13 and 20
Families can enjoy classic holiday movies courtesy of the Glen Art Theatre and the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce on the Saturdays leading up to Christmas. Seats are limited, so families should arrive early. Website

Santa's Jolly Jamboree
Yorktwon Shopping Center, Lombard
Saturday, December 6
Santa's Jolly Jamboree is back! Make magical memories with the family as you visit Santa and gear up for the holiday season with a day of free, fun activities at Yorktown Center. Website

Pinstripes Brunch with Santa
Pinstripes
(312) 527-3010
435 E Illinois Street, Chicago, IL, 60611
December 5-7, 13-14, and 19-21"
Santa tries to bowl a turkey while families enjoy brunch at Pinstripes in Chicago, Northbrook, and South Barrington on weekends leading up to Christmas. The man in red will be available for photos and to accept holiday wish lists during brunch. Website

Villa Park Joyful Traditions
Rugaard Gazebo, Villa Park
Saturday, December 6
Families can visit food vendors, meet characters like an elf, Mickey Mouse, or The Cat in the Hat, and ride a trolley. Santa will arrive via fire truck, and kids can visit a petting zoo, take a pony ride, or enjoy food from food trucks. Website

Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration 2025
Harper Court, Hyde Park
Saturday, December 6
Sponsored by the University of Chicago, Hyde Park Holly-Day is back for 2025 with lots of FREE family holiday activities throughout Hyde Park on Saturday, December 6 at select times between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Don’t miss the ice carving demo & self-guided sculpture stroll, pictures with your favorite Santas, live reindeer & sleigh, free screening of “Zootopia 2", Buddy the Elf, costumed characters, dance performances, and holiday crafts. See you in Hyde Park! Website

2025 Clark Street Cookie Crawl
Lincoln Park
Sunday, December 7
Kick off the holiday season with sweet treats and festive fun at the Clark Street Cookie Crawl! Put on your coziest holiday pajamas or favorite holiday sweater and get set for a day of holiday cheer. Visit businesses along Clark Street to collect a variety of delicious holiday cookies. Enjoy surprises along the way including carolers, hot chocolate, and the chance to snap photos with Santa. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends! Website

Tinley Park Parade of Lights
Tinley Park
Sunday, December 7
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

Evanston Children's Choir Holiday Concert
Alice Millar Chapel, Evanston
Friday, December 12
The Evanston Children's Choir will celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the resilience of the human spirit. Join the ECC Concert Choir, Youth Chorale Pops and our Pope John XXIII School Choir for this free event. Website

St. Lucia Celebration
Swedish American Museum, Andersonville
Friday, December 13
Follow the Swedish tradition of St. Lucia with Lucias from Swedish organizations throughout Chicagoland as they perform a candlelit procession from the temporary location of the Nordic House at the Wrigley Building to the Swedish American Museum to Andersonville Winter Market. The Lucia candidates will also perform at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Website

Winter Solstice Festival at North Park Village
North Park Village Nature Center, North Park
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

Frosty Fest
TownSquare. Wheaton
Saturday, December 13
Unwrap holiday magic with Elsa, Olaf, the Grinch and more! Strolling carolers, complimentary hot cocoa, and giveaways round out the fun. Website

Weihnachsmarkt at DANK Haus
Lincoln Square
Saturday, December 13- Sunday, December 14
Support German educational and cultural programming by visiting DANK Haus for visits with Santa and shopping for unique goods at festive stands. German food and drink will be available for purchase. Website

Do-It-Yourself Nutcracker at River Park
Lincoln Square
Sunday, December 14
Wear your ballet slippers and costumes and join the dancers on stage at this interactive presentation of the holiday classic. Website

I|O Godfrey Roofscape Christmas Eve Brunch with Santa
I|O Godfrey Hotel. River North
Wednesday, December 24
Help Santa gear up for his big ride in style in an igloo on the rooftop of the I|O Godfrey Hotel. The menu includes a carving station, omelet station, acai bowl station, avocado toast bar, pancakes, French toast, a a salad bar, and a dessert table. Website

Harlem Globetrotters in Rosemont
Allstate Arena, Rosemont
Sunday, December 28
The Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs is coming with game like never before. Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skills, outrageous athleticism, and a nonstop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals, who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team. Website

Noon Year's Eve at Wonder Works Children's Museum
Oak Park
Wednesday, December 31
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 nap times. Website

DuPage Children's Museum Bubble Bash
Naperville
Wednesday, December 31
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 in a fluorescent adventure, or visit the photo booth. Website