Looking for fun things to during the Christmas holiday season in Chicago with kids? Below are the best family Christmas activities in Chicago that are guaranteed to get the whole family into the holiday spirit!
Looking for a travel inspired gift for your kids? Check out our list of the best travel gifts for toddlers and young kids.
Christmas Activities in Chicago For Kids
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will celebrate 33 years with a live parade (the largest nighttime parade in the US) when one million lights are illuminated on the trees along The Magnificent Mile. Led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse of Walt Disney World® Resort, the parade will feature floats with beloved characters Buzz Lightyear and Woody, Anna and Elsa, Tiana and Belle, marching bands from across the country, musical celebrities, Santa Claus and the The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular.
TIP: The parade is very popular and draws over a million spectators so line up early for the best spot. The city will close many surrounding streets so it is best to walk or travel by train.
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024. You can find a schedule of events here.
Where: The parade takes place on Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
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The Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science and Industry annual celebration began in 1942 and features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by a forest of more than 50 holiday trees, each decorated to represent a different country.
When: November 16, 2024 – January 6, 2025. There will be a Tree Lighting Festival celebration on November 16, 2024 from 10 am to 3 pm.
Where: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
Cost: Included in regular museum entry. Click here to purchase a skip the line ticket.
Tip: If you are visiting a few museums, consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card to save money on entrance fees.
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience is a new immersive holiday wonderland experience that takes place indoors at Navy Pier.
When: November 22, 2024–January 5, 2025.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: $15.00 for adults and $12.50 for children 12 and under. Click here to purchase tickets in advance.
While you are at Navy Pier, check out the Flyover Chicago, a new immersive flyover experience.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Light Up the Lake is an outdoor holiday experience at Navy Pier. In addition to seeing the free outdoor holiday lights, paid outdoor activities include axe throwing and a new ice slide.
When: November 29, 2024–January 5, 2025.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: There are both free and ticketed activities.
Ride the large Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. Click here to purchase a fast pass ticket and skip the long line.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ at Lincoln Park Zoo is a family-friendly holiday event in the zoo. Zoolights features hundreds of luminous LED displays and seasonal experiences, all under the glow of millions of lights.
When: November 15, 2024–January 5, 2025
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL
Cost: $7–$10. Free admission on select Mondays.
Winterland at Gallagher Way
Winterland at Gallagher Way is back with family-friendly festivities at Gallagher Way including music, Santa, seasonal food and drinks, carnival rides and bumper cars.
When: Thursdays-Sundays from December 6-22, 2024
Where: Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Cost: Admission to Gallagher Way is free and does not require tickets. Ride tickets will be available on site for purchase.
Ride the CTA Holiday Train and Bus
The CTA Holiday Train is a holiday tradition unique to Chicago. As the train pulls into each station, Santa waves to riders from his sleigh on an open-air flatcar carrying his reindeer and decorated holiday trees. Each car of the train is wrapped with holiday and seasonal images. Thousands of twinkling lights outline the shape of the train and windows, with even more lights running across the tops of the cars.
The CTA Holiday Bus is 60-foot bus turned into a winter wonderland with holiday music playing and Santa waving and from the roof-hatch of the bus. The exterior of the bus features Chicago’s skyline one snowy evening with “Ralphie the Reindeer” leading the way, his nose aglow and Santa’s sleigh in tow. Festive strings of lights outline the bus and its windows, along with sparkling snowflakes that light-up at night.
When: The 2024 schedule has yet to be released but will be available soon. Check transitchicago.com/holidayfleet for exact routes and times.
Cost: Regular CTA fare. See transitchicago.com for prices.
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party is a fun activity for younger children. Four adorable Beatrix Potter favorites come to life in this interactive trunk and puppet show, complete with original music. After the show, head to the lobby to play with the puppets, take pictures with the cast, and join a communal tea party featuring a festive spread of holiday treats. The show is best for toddlers and younger kids (ages 2 to 8).
When: November 23-December 29, 2024 (select dates)
Where: Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave. in the West Loop
Cost: Tickets range from $45.25 – $50.25 (including fees), and are on sale now at chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
Walk the Illuminated Light Trail at Lightscape
Lightscape is an after-dark, illuminated trail with thousands of twinkling lights at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Despite the name, the garden is technically not in Chicago and is located in the suburbs (about a 30 minute drive from the city). Book early – tickets have sold out the last few years.
When: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (select dates).
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Cost: Mon-member ticket prices start at $34 and $19 for children 3-12 if purchased in advance. Children 2 and under are free. See www.chicagobotanic.org/lightscape for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum is another great holiday light show in the suburbs. This one-of-a-kind, interactive spectacle of color, light, and sound that has been delighting audiences since 2013. Stroll along a 1-mile paved walking path amid festive music and lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in winter.
When: November 16, 2024–January 4, 2025 (select days)
Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL
Cost: Tickets prices vary based on the day and time with discounts for members. They offer plan-ahead pricing so ticket prices may increase in the future. See their website for more information and to purchase tickets in advance.
More Holiday Activities in Chicago for Teens and Older Kids
In addition to the activities mentioned above, there are more Chicago holiday activities suitable for teens and older kids:
• Shop and eat at Christkindlmarket, a German-style outdoor market.
• See the tree lighting ceremony and take photos in front of the large Christmas tree at Millennium Park.
• Join a seasonal stroll walking tour of the top Chicago holiday attractions.
• Go outdoor ice skating at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (in front of The Bean) or the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park.
You can find more even more things to do for both kids and adults during Christmas in Chicago here.
As you can see there are many family friendly things to do in Chicago during Christmas and the holiday season.
