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 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 200+ trees along The Magnificent Mile. The parade will feature Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse of Walt Disney World® Resort, fabulous floats with beloved friends from Walt Disney World® Resort, 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 the surrounding streets so it is easier to walk or take a train.

When: Saturday, November 22, 2025. You can find a schedule of events here.

Where: The parade takes place on Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive. There is also a festive outdoor celebration filled with live entertainment, music, and family-friendly activities leading up to the parade at 401 N Michigan Avenue.

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

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: Through January 5, 2026.

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.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd 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 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL

Cost: $7–$12. Free admission on Mondays.

Passport to Santa

Step into the North Pole with Passport to Santa, an interactive holiday adventure where every child becomes a traveler on a festive quest. Along the way, they’ll sign the Naughty or Nice List with Mrs. Claus, build toys in Santa’s Workshop, train with Rudolph, race in the Gingerbread Tower Challenge, test their strength in Nutcracker Kingdom, dunk the Grinch, and write wishes with the Christmas Angel. Each completed activity earns a stamp in their passport, which can be redeemed during a personal visit with Santa himself for exclusive access to his Christmas Carnival — complete with obstacle courses, bounce houses, festive arts & crafts, and an array of holiday carnival games.

When: November 29 – December 31, 2025 (select dates)

Where: Pioneer Court, 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60611

Cost: Prices start at $35 per person. Click here to see prices and purchase tickets.

Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier

Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier is an indoor holiday experience, complete with dazzling décor, thrilling rides, ice skating, and seasonal fun for all ages.

Other fun attractions at Navy Pier include the (large Ferris wheel, Flyover Chicago and the Chicago Children’s Museum.

Where: Navy Pier (600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611)

When: December 5, 2025 – January 4, 2026

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.

Gallagher Way will also be home to the Wrigleyville location of Christkindlmarket (an authentic German-style outdoor market) until December 31. After Winterland, you can stop by Christkindlmarket to pick up ornaments or holiday gifts and enjoy various food and warm drinks including hot chocolate.

When: November 23 – December 31, 2025

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 the Christkindlmarket and famous sights around Chicago including the Bean, the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and Buckingham Fountain. The bus will travel multiple CTA bus routes throughout the city, as part of regular service.

When: The CTA holiday bus will run from November 25-December 20, 2025 and the CTA holiday train will run from November 28-December 22, 2025. 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: December 6–28, 2025 (select dates)

Where: Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave. in the West Loop

Cost: Tickets range from $47.25 – $57.25 (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:  Through January 4, 2026 (select dates).

Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Cost: Prices vary. See full prices and purchase tickets in advance here.

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: Through January 3, 2026 (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.