Monthly and Weekend Events for Kids and Families:
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The Nutcracker Performed by Salt Creek Ballet at The Mac
Glen Ellyn
Friday, December 19- Sunday, December 21
Salt Creek Ballet performs the holiday classic The Nutcracker at various locations throughout the Chicago area, including the McAninch Center at the College of DuPage on December 19-21 in both matinee and evening shows. The show's set includes a magic Christmas tree that grows to 60 feet tall and 125 beautiful costumes will be worn by internationally recognized dancers. Website
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
Downtown
Saturday, December 5- Sunday, 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
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe
Friday, November 14- Sunday, January 4
Go for a stroll down a mile-long path filled with holiday wonder at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Website
Elf The Musical at the Auditorium Theater
Downtown
Tuesday, December 2- Sunday, December 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
Saturday, November 15- Wednesday, 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
Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum
Lisle
Saturday, November 15- Saturday, January 3
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. Stop along the way to roast s'mores around a campfire or drink a hot beverage. Website
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park
Friday, November 21- Sunday, January 4
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. Website
Rudolph Runs Wild...
Old Town
Saturday, November 28- Wednesday, December 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. Website
Visit with Santa at Macy’s State Street
Downtown
Saturday, November 1- Wednesday, December 24
Bring your list to visit with Santa at Macy's on State Street. Travel through Santaland on the fifth floor to get to the man in red for your photo. Santa accommodates kids with special needs. Reservations open on October 27. Website
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