Chicago's affordable afterschool programs are located around the city. ​Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Chicago
Photo courtesy of Enchanted Castle
The Best Indoor Birthday Party Spots for Chicago Kids
Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
25 Back-to-School Tasks You Didn't Know You Could Pay Someone Else to Do
Batter up! There are classes for kids of all ages and interests in Chicago.
GUIDE
Guide to the Best Classes for Kids in Chicago
Starved Rock State Park
Visiting Starved Rock State Park With Kids: Things To Do, Places To Stay, and More
Paradise Bay Water Park will cool you down all day. Photo courtesy of the Lombard Park District
Heat Wave Hot List: Best Ways to Keep Cool in Chicago with Kids
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
This August is full of fun things to do in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Howard Street Chalk Fest
30 Best Things to Do in Chicago August 2023 with Kids
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
The entering class of Hogwarts.
Harry Potter: Magic at Play at Water Tower Place in Chicago
Try one of these fun Chicago mini golf courses. Photo courtesy of Diversey Driving Range and Mini Golf
17 Mini Golf Courses Near Chicago for Kid-Friendly Putt-Putt
Chicago has many great swim schools in the area. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Swim School
Best Swim Schools and Swimming Lessons in Chicago for Kids
Pool Day Birthday Party. Photo by @anjanettew, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Chicago's Best Parks & Playgrounds for Kids Birthday Parties
GUIDE
Ultimate Chicago Kids Summer Vacation Guide
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Free Public Swimming Pools in Chicago for Summer 2023
The Thompson Strawberry Farm in Bristol, Wisconsin. Photo by the author
  VIDEO
Best Sunflower Fields Near Chicago for Pick-Your-Own Flowers
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
These swimming spots are perfect for summer birthday parties. Photo courtesy of the Whealan Pool Aquatic Center
Swimming Spots to Host a Pool Party for Your Chicago Kid
Rides, a children's museum, and more on Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Things to Do with Kids on Navy Pier in Chicago
Take in a free summer concert in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way
Chicago's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer
White, sandy beaches line St. Joseph. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
St. Joseph with Kids: Best Things to Do in St. Joseph, MI
It's a block party on State Street with Sundays on State. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Loop Alliance
50 Free Things To Do in Chicago This Summer With Kids
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Water comin' at you from all sides! Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Chicago
Millennium Park Summer Film Series offers free outdoor movies in Chicago. Photo courtesy of chicago.gov
39 Free Outdoor Movies in Chicago this Summer for Kids
Strawberries taste sweeter when you pick them yourself at one of these berry picking farms near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Olive Berry Acres
Best Strawberry Picking in Chicago and Summer Strawberry Festivals
The Royal Grocer is a Bucktown neighborhood family-friendly restaurant (with tiki torches)!
Best Outdoor Dining in Chicago at Family-Friendly Restaurants
GUIDE
Chicago Theme Parks & Water Parks Guide
St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families
Tinkering Camp in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Dupage Children's Museum
Free and Affordable Summer Camps In Chicago
Stay cool with an outdoor water park near Chicago.
Best Outdoor Water Parks in Chicago for Family Fun
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
GUIDE
Chicago Summer Camp Guide
Try one of these Chicago salons for baby's first haircut. Photo courtesy of My Kids Place
Best Places for Kids Haircuts in Chicago For Baby or Toddler’s First Cut
Ride high on Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America.
The Best Amusement Parks Near Chicago for Families
Teen Filmmaking Camp is a summer camp for teens in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Chicago Filmmakers
Best Summer Camps for Teens in Chicago
Hit the spa with your kid for a spa party in Chicago. Photo by Lisa Gagne for Canva
Kid-Friendly Spas and Kid Spa Parties in Chicago
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Art summer camps are popular in Chicago. Photo courtesy of ChiArts
Best Art Summer Camps for Chicago Kids
​Chicago History Museum located in Old Town. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Old Town with Kids: What to Do Just North of Downtown Chicago with Kids
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids
Play inside again at places like Present Place. Photo courtesy of Present Place
Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
Have some fun in the water even in the winter at one of these indoor water parks near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Kalahari Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks Near Chicago
The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
Head to the free Artist's Studio on cold and rainy days. ​Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
21 Free Things To Do in Chicago on Cold and Rainy Days: Indoor Places To Play
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
​Photo courtesy of Kido
Local Baby Stores in Chicago For Gifts, Gear, and More
There are many popular bar and bat mitzvah venues in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Pinstripes
Top Bat and Bar Mitzvah Venues in Chicago
Family-friendly and voted one of the top 5 escape rooms in the USA! Photo courtesy of Escape Factor in Forest Park
Best Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Chicago
Top 10 Best Hotdogs in Chicago to Try with Kids
Checking out the exhibits at Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Chicago's Adler Planetarium with Kids: Top Things to See and Do
Take pregnancy classes from a birth center or doula if you choose. Photo courtesy of Chicago Family Doulas
Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Chicago
Cooking classes for kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Kid's Table
Cooking Classes for Kids in Chicago: A Baker's Dozen of the Best Culinary Experiences in the City and Suburbs
Bright Horizons operates more than 1,000 nurturing, enriching, and convenient early education centers across the globe.
How to Find the Right Chicago Daycare or Preschool for Your Kid
Birthday parties at these indoor skydiving venues include a flight class, two flights per guest, and party room time. Photo courtesy of iFly
Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Chicago: 18 Cool Party Places for Teens
Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. Photo by @zoblue, Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
The Zoo is one of the best things to do with kids in Lincoln Park. Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo
Best Things to Do in Chicago's Lincoln Park Neighborhood with Kids
Best Things to See and Do at the Shedd Aquarium with Kids
Get packing and check out this list of hotels in Chicago for a family vacation.
10 Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago for a Family Vacation
There are plenty of fishing lakes in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Fishing Lakes Near Chicago and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook
Things to do with Kids in Chicago's West Loop
Dine with a view at any Chicago riverfront restaurant. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Restaurants on the River: Chicago River Dining for Families
Chicago's museums are some of the top attractions in the city. Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
Top Attractions in Chicago: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
Semicolon is a Black-owned bookstore in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Semicolon
Black-Owned Businesses to Discover in Chicago
Kids will have a hard time deciding between all the delicious treats at Dinkel's, the 100 year old Bavarian bakery
Favorite Things To Do with Kids in Roscoe Village and North Center
The iconic ConAgra mural in Chicago, created by artist Jeff Zimmermann, is visible from the 606 elevated Bloomingdale Trail. Photo courtesy of jazim.com
Our Favorite Things to Do with Kids in Bucktown and Wicker Park
Spectacular city views of the Chicago Skyline in River North. Photo courtesy of Wendella Boat Tours.
The Best Things to Do In Chicago's River North and Gold Coast Neighborhoods with Kids
The Field Museum is home to some of the country's most complete dinosaur skeletons.
The Land Before Time: How to Do Chicago's Field Museum with Kids
Calling all Chicago Cubs fans! Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
Things To Do in Wrigleyville with Kids
Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals
See the elephants at the Milwaukee Zoo.
The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids
Take your little one for a splash in the Crown Fountain. Photo by Sandor Weisz
20 Things To Do with Chicago Babies Before They Turn One
Chalk Howard Street is one of the street festivals in Chicago this weekend. Chalk art by Anat Ronen, photo courtesy of Chalk Howard Street
Street Fests and More Fun Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend with Kids

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago

Light Up the Lake for a Christmas lights display. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Light Up the Lake for a Christmas lights display. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
11/13/22 - By Siobhan Adcock

Our city turns up the shine during the holidays, with Christmas lights in Chicago blazing from the lakeshore to the far suburbs. Every neighborhood has homes and buildings that go all out, but there are also holiday and Christmas lights in Chicago worth traveling for, from walk-through spectacles at zoos and gardens to massive drive-through displays, and even holiday lights you can appreciate indoors. Bundle up the kids and head out to one of these holiday and Christmas lights displays in Chicago before they wink out for the season!

Lights are just the tip of the iceberg of our holiday events! Check out our list of 50 top Christmas and Hanukkah events in Chicago and the suburbs. Also, be sure to book your Polar Express adventure now before they sell out.  But CTA Santa trains and buses are still running throughout the season.

Here's our list of top holiday light shows in Chicago and the suburbs!

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Art on the Mart is a fun Christmas lights show in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Art on the Mart
Art on the Mart is a fun Christmas lights show in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Art on the Mart

Holiday and Christmas Lights in Chicago

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Wednesday, November 16, 2022 - Sunday, Jan 8, 2023—Hyde Park
The 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.  READ MORE

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Saturday, Nov 19, 2022- Sunday, January 1, 2023—Lincoln Park
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo has been a favorite holiday event for more than 25 years, with light displays and seasonal activities throughout the zoo. The event is free on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and $5 all other days. READ MORE

Art on the Mart: Funtime Unicorn: Ruby Rides Through Four Seasons

Friday, November 18, 2022-Friday, December 30, 2022—Downtown
Families can watch as works of art are projected on The Merchandise Mart, while listening to a variety of unique music. The show is about 30 minutes long and repeats at 7:30 pm and 8:00 p.m. each night this spring. READ MORE

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Friday, November 18, 2022- Saturday, November 19, 2023—Magnificent Mile (Lights up through New Year)
Chicago's Magnificent Mile hosts the annual Lights Festival, complete with a parade of lights with Grand Marshalls Minnie and Mickey Mouse. The event includes booths full of family friendly activities, including pictures with Santa. The parade of floats, giant helium balloons, exciting marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus, and more begin at 5:30 p.m., helping illuminate the more than 200 trees along The Magnificent Mile. READ MORE

Light Up the Lake

Saturday, November 26, 2022- Monday, January 2, 2023—Downtown
Enjoy an indoor winter wonderland at Navy Pier, complete with indoor light sculpture displays, ice skating, and visits with Santa. Guests can also enjoy Santa's Merry Main Street gift market and ride the iconic Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. READ MORE
Walk through a Christmas lights display at Amaze Light Festival. Photo courtesy of the Amaze Light Festival
Walk through a Christmas lights display at Amaze Light Festival. Photo courtesy of the Amaze Light Festival

Holiday and Christmas Lights Near Chicago

Lightscapes at Chicago Botanical Gardens

Friday, November 11, 2022- Sunday, January 8, 2023— Glencoe
Go for a stroll down a mile-long path filled with holiday wonder at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. READ MORE

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

Saturday, November 17, 2022 - Sunday, January 7, 2023 — Lisle
Visitors will walk a one-mile path with thousands of lights in displays illuminating the trees, accompanied by music. An awe inspiring display will illuminate the new Grand Garden. Visitors can enjoy some old favorites and new displays. Stop along the way to roast s'mores around a campfire or drink a hot beverage from concession stands.  READ MORE

Naper Lights

Thursday, November 24, 2022 - Sunday, January 1, 2022—Naperville
Downtown Naperville's annual holiday light extravaganza features light displays and music throughout the downtown Naperville and Riverwalk areas. Admission is free. Get a photo with Santa beside the Great Tree on Friday and Saturday nights, and enjoy performances from Bach 2 Rock on December 17 and 18. READ MORE

Aurora Festival of Lights

Friday, November 25, 2022-Monday, December 26, 2022— Aurora
A one-mile trail of lighted displays decorates Aurora's Philips Park. Families can drive through the arcs, skate on an expanded skating rink, and visit Santa's toy factory. READ MORE

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sales

Friday, November 25, 2022-Friday, December 30, 2022 — Wheaton
Families can visit the animals, buy a Christmas tree or wreath, and view a fantastic light display at Cosley Zoo this holiday season. Admission is free during holiday lights season, but donations are appreciated. READ MORE

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

November 25-27, November 30- December 4, December 7-11, 14-18, and 26-31, 2022— Brookfield
Featuring more than a million LED lights, a 41-foot talking Christmas tree, and a 600-foot tunnel of lights with coordinating music, Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic highlights the holidays and loads of animals. READ MORE

Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park

Saturday, December 2, 2022 - Monday, Jan 3, 2023—Lombard
An array of light shows adorn Lilacia Park for the holiday season. Animated light shows, a gingerbread house, and decorated trees provide enjoyment for families throughout the west suburban park. READ MORE

Let It Shine Light Show

Tuesday November 8, 2022 - Sunday, Jan 1, 2023—Northbrook and Schaumburg
Northbrook Court and Wintrust Field present dazzling light shows featuring archways, giant candy canes, glowing snowmen, and more that families can enjoy from the comfort and safety of the car. Lights are synchronized to holiday classics that families can listen to while driving through the attraction. READ MORE

Amaze Light Festival

Sunday, November 20, 2022-Sunday, January 8, 2023—Tinley Park
Don’t miss the chance to explore this holiday season at the Amaze Light Festival in Chicago! This wonderland of light welcomes guests of all ages to an all-immersive storybook experience highlighting its five-themed worlds of displays and activities. At the Amaze Light Festival, you can find yourself mesmerized by colossal 3D lighted decor and photo opportunities around every corner from dancing with festive trees to holiday music and dynamic live performances. Visit the holiday market and then stop in and grab a treat at Sparky’s Sweet Spot. Enjoy savory and sweet culinary treats, as... READ MORE

Willow Hill Lights Show

Saturday, November 19, 2022- Sunday, January 1, 2023—Northbrook
Willow Hill Lights is a drive-through holiday lights show back for its second year with bigger and better displays!  This family holiday event features a 1.6-mile route with over one million lights, three drive through tunnels and a 30-foot Christmas tree.  Come see the abominable snowman and Rudolph and his reindeer pals as well as many other holiday favorites such as the Twelve Days of Christmas and Frosty and his friends.  READ MORE

Promenade Bolingbrook Holiday Lights Show Tree Lighting

Saturday, November 12, 2022-Sunday, January 1, 2023—Bolingbrook
More than 250,000 LED lights adorn this suburban shopping center's sixty foot holiday tree. Visitors can watch the lights dance to classic holiday music. To celebrate the lighting of the tree on November 12, families can enjoy horse drawn carriage rides, crafts, balloon twisters, face painters, and a magic show. Live entertainment, including music and dancing, will be presented on the stage in the round-about. READ MORE

Kohlights

Saturday, November 26, 2022- Thursday, December 29, 2022—Glenview
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. READ MORE

Winter Lights at Central Park

Thursday, November 24, 2022- Sunday, January 8, 2023—Oak Brook
Winter lights adorn a half-mile path in Oak Brook's Central Park, and are lit each night through January 8 for families to enjoy. Photo opportunities abound throughout the park. READ MORE

Nights of Lights

Friday, November 25, 2022- Sunday, January 8, 2023—Wheaton
The new holiday light experience at Adams Park is hosted by the Downtown Wheaton Association and the City of Wheaton and has plenty of holiday spirit and socially-distanced community. Don't forget to drop your letter to Santa in the Nights of Lights mailbox to be delivered directly to the North Pole. READ MORE

Sparkle Light Festival

Friday, November 18, 2022- Tuesday, December 27,2022—Rosemont
Rosemont’s Impact Field will shine a little brighter with the debut of Sparkle Light Festival. Scheduled to open Wednesday, Nov. 23, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking immersive display of millions of holiday lights amongst outdoor holiday activities including train rides, winter tubing and themed mazes.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article: