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Top Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in Chicago for Kids

The Nutcracker is always one of Chicago's top holiday events. Photo by Cheryl Mann, courtesy of The Joffrey Ballet
The Nutcracker is always one of Chicago's top holiday events. Photo by Cheryl Mann, courtesy of The Joffrey Ballet
11/11/22 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for holiday activities near Chicago this holiday season 2022? We've got you covered.

The holiday season brings plenty of good cheer, impressive theater and shows, and other holiday and Christmas events near Chicago. Families can celebrate the season from all corners of the city—there are more light shows in Chicago than ever before, with the return of perennial favorites like the Morton Arboretum's Illuminations and Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoo Lights, along with the newly located Amaze Light Festival in Tinley Park. Now that we can enjoy the season indoors again, families can go back to seeing "A Christmas Carol" at the Goodman Theater, "The Nutcracker" at the Joffrey Ballet, and "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" at the Strawdog Theater. Buy some unique gifts at the Christkindlmarkets in Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville, and enjoy Christmas around the world at the Museum of Science and Industry. 

To take a break from all of the iconic holiday activities and Christmas events in Chicago, don't forget to take part in one of our favorite holiday volunteering activities, or get out of town to one of the best Christmas towns in the Midwest. For more holiday and Christmas events near Chicago, check out our Chicago Holiday Fun Guide. Don't forget to follow @MommyPoppinsChicago on Facebook for daily updates on more to do around town.

Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville photo courtesy of Gallagher Way

Best Holiday and Christmas Events Near Chicago: North Side

Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville

November 18-December 31—Wrigleyville
Fröhliche Weihnachten! Taste a lit bit of Germany during the holiday season at this authentic outdoor market. READ MORE

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

November 19- January 1—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

Holiday Movies at Gallagher Way

December 1, 8, 15, and 22—Wrigleyville
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. READ MORE

Ruth Page's "The Nutcracker"

December 3-4—North Park
Ruth Page is an icon in Chicago dance history. Bring your family to see this version of the Nutcracker choreographed by Ruth Page herself. READ MORE

Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box

December 9-11, 16-18, and 21-24—Lakeview
Bring your family to see two holiday classics and sing holiday carols with Santa during intermission. READ MORE

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

Weekends, December 10-31—North Center
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. READ MORE

Chris White Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas

December 11—Lincoln Park
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 MORE

Come Celebrate Chanukah!

December 18—Lakeview
Celebrate Chanukah with young children at Bernard Zell Ashe Emet Day School. Kids and their parents can build a recyclable menorah, make an edible dreidel, and dance to a live concert with Mr. Todd. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, Facebook
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, Facebook

Best Holiday and Christmas Events in Downtown Chicago and the South Side

Visit with Santa at Macy’s State Street

November 5-December 24—Downtown
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. Macy's can even accommodate special requests for children with a specific vision of Santa-- Black Santa is on hand Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. READ MORE

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

November 16- January 8—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

Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza

November 18 -December 24—Downtown
The 24th annual Christkindlmarket features holiday themed drinks, snacks, shopping, and games outside the Daley Center. READ MORE

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

November 24—Downtown
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. READ MORE

109th Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 19—Downtown
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. READ MORE

Snow Day! Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory

November 25- January 8—Garfield Park
The Garfield Park Conservatory hosts its annual holiday flower show. This year, the theme is "Snow Day!" and features a variety of textures and hues of white, silver and pink, this wintry exhibit features scented geraniums, pansies, sweet alyssum, poinsettias and more, creating an illusion of a snow-covered garden. There will also be a 12-foot Christmas tree made of hundreds of white poinsettias. READ MORE

A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theater

November 19- December 31—Downtown
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. READ MORE

Light Up the Lake

November 26-January 7—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

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

Fridays, November 25- December 16—Downtown
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. READ MORE

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party

Weekends, November 19-December 24—West Loop
Four adorable Beatrix Potter favorites come to life in this mesmerizing, interactive trunk and puppet show, complete with original music. Levers are pulled and cranks are turned to reveal images that surprise and delight. Charming storytellers interweave the classic narration and guide gentle interactive moments, recruiting young watchers to join the adventure. After the show, come up on stage to gently play with the puppets and take pictures. Then, head to the lobby for a festive spread of chocolate milk and cookies! READ MORE

Mrs Claus! A Holiday Musical at the Beverly Arts Center

November 30- December 23—Beverly
Chicago Kids Company’s holiday classic celebrates the 23rd year of MRS. CLAUS! A HOLIDAY MUSICAL. This show is so popular that we decided to present it in TWO different theaters in December 2022. Get your tickets early…many shows sell out! It’s almost Christmas, and Santa’s list is missing!  Join Mrs. Claus and the Elf Class of 2022 as they try to find it in time to save Christmas.  Who stole the list?  How will they get it back?  Will Mrs. Claus save the day?  Chicago Kids Company’s biggest and most colorful show will put you in the... READ MORE

Hyde Park Holly-Day

December 3—Hyde Park
Hyde Park Holly-Day, sponsored by the University of Chicago, is back for 2022! Guests can enjoy an ice carving demo, and sculpture stroll, pictures with Soul Santa & Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf and live reindeer. READ MORE

A Magical Cirque Christmas

December 6-11—South Loop
Cirque du Soleil promises a great variety show featuring jaw-dropping circus acts, stunning costumes, and extraordinary talent. Music will include favorite Christmas carols. READ MORE

The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker

December 3-4, 15-18, 21-24 and 26-27—Downtown
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. READ MORE
Dreidels and Donuts! Photo by Robert Thiemann courtesy of Unsplash
Dreidels and Donuts! Photo by Robert Thiemann courtesy of Unsplash

Best Holiday and Christmas Events Near Chicago: Northern Suburbs

Let It Shine Light Show

November 8- January 1—Schaumburg and Northbrook
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

Lightscapes at Chicago Botanical Gardens

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

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia

November 19-January 1—Gurnee
Starting the weekend before Thanksgiving and going through January 2, 2024, Six Flags Over Georgia gets into the holiday spirit. Families enjoy photos with Santa, hot chocolate, beautiful light displays, and of course, all of the thrilling Six Flags rides.  READ MORE

Willow Hill’s Winter Magic

November 20- January 2—Northbrook
Come one, come all, to Willow Hill’s Winter Magic - the most fantastic of drive-thru holiday events in Chicago.  Truly, a world of winter wonder awaits you!  Now, don't worry about the cold, COVID-19, or Krampus - you'll be safe and warm in your car the whole time.  Hey, wear your pajamas and bring your hot chocolate, if it pulls your sled.  Drive thru one mile of the most amazing, mesmerizing, WINTERrifically magical holiday light experiences you've ever laid your gazers on.   READ MORE

Kohlights

December 2-4, 9-11, 16-23 and 26-29—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

Evanston Children's Choir Holiday Concert

December 4—Evanston
The Evanston Children's Choir will celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the resilience of the human spirit at its first live concert since 2019. Join the ECC Concert Choir, Youth Chorale Pops and our Pope John XXIII School Choir for this free event. READ MORE

Duke It Out! Nutcracker

December 10—Evanston
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 Saturday, December 10 at 2 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston.  READ MORE

Dreidels and Donuts

December 12—Highland Park
Visit Highland Park's West Ridge Community Center for a Hanukkah themed craft and sufganiyot, traditional jelly doughnuts. READ MORE

Handel’s Messiah

December 17—Downtown
The Harris Theatre presents Handel's Messiah, featuring the Apollo Chorus of Chicago. READ MORE
Illuminations: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum, photo courtesy of mortonarb.org
Illuminations: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum, photo courtesy of mortonarb.org

Best Hannukah and Christmas Events Near Chicago: Western Suburbs

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

November 19-January 7—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

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sales

November 25- December 30—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

Reindeer Run

November 19—Brookfield
Run with the animals at Brookfield Zoo's second 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. READ MORE

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

Wednesdays through Sundays, November 26- December 18, and December 26-31—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

Winter Lights at Central Park

November 24-January 8—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

Aurora Festival of Lights

November 25- December 26—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

Oak Park Winterfest and Cookie Walk

December 3—Oak Park
Families can purchase a cookie tin for $205and 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. READ MORE

Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park

December 3- January 1—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

Villa Park Joyful Traditions with a Peppermint Twist

December 3—Villa Park
Villa Park's Joyful Traditions is back for a live and in-person event. 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 at 5 p.m. Kids can also make their own s'mores around a campfire and stick around for caroling. READ MORE

LEGO Train Show

December 10-11—Wheaton
The Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club presents it's largest annual show at Cantigny Park. Visitors are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for the Marine Toys for Tots Drive. READ MORE

JUF YOUNG FAMILIES CELEBRATES THE MAGIC OF CHANUKAH!

December 18—Lisle
Celebrate the festival of lights by seeing the lights at Morton Arboretum! This event also includes an indoor Chanukah magic show, selfies with Judah Maccabee, and the singing of a Chanukah blessing. READ MORE
The Holiday Movie line-up at the Rialto Square Theater includes The Polar Express. Movie poster courtesy of Castle Rock Entertainment
The Holiday Movie line-up at the Rialto Square Theater includes The Polar Express. Movie poster courtesy of Castle Rock Entertainment

Things to do with Kids for Christmas and Hanukkah near Chicago: South and Southwest Suburbs

Mokena Parade of Lights

November 19—Mokena
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! READ MORE

Amaze Light Festival

November 20- January 8—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

SOLD OUT CASA Christmas Express

December 3—New Lenox
Ride the Polar Express from New Lenox to Tinley Park, where families can enjoy breakfast or lunch at the outdoor tent 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. READ MORE

Tinley Park Parade of Lights

December 4—Tinley Park
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. READ MORE

Orland Park Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting

November 27—Orland Park
Orland Park's first holiday parade will culminate in the lighting of the village Christmas tree! Live entertainment, reindeer and pictures with Santa will join the holiday market at Orland Park Civic Center. READ MORE

Rialto Square Theater Holiday Movies

December 3, 11, and 18—Joliet
Rialto Square Theater shows three classic Christmas movies for families to enjoy again. On November 26, kids can see The Polar Express. Home Alone will play on December 11. The classic It's a Wonderful Life will be shown on December 18rd. READ MORE

Holly Jolly Trolley in the Ridge

December 16—Chicago Ridge
Take a tour of Chicago Ridge's holiday lights aboard the trolley. Then come inside the community center to visit with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. READ MORE

Beyond the Nutcracker by School of Ballet 5:8

December 17-18—Frankfort
Chicago’s South Suburbs’ favorite Nutcracker is back! Beyond the Nutcracker by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager featuring dancers from the School of Ballet 5:8 and guest artists from Ballet 5:8 will be presented at Lincoln-Way East High School for three performances. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium
Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School
The Promontory (and various other locations)
The Morton Arboretum