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A Chicago street with an L train overhead and a tree covered in blue Christmas lights
Chicago, Illinois · 38 family events · 10 free

Christmas in Chicago with kids.

Chicago is one of the best Christmas cities in the country, and much of it is free. The Christkindlmarket fills Daley Plaza, the city tree lights up in Millennium Park, and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival kicks off the season with a parade and fireworks.

It's cold, so plan indoor breaks. The Museum of Science and Industry's Christmas trees and Navy Pier's indoor Winter Wonderfest are the best warm-up stops for kids.

Before you go

  • Visit the Christkindlmarket on a weekday morning or mid-afternoon. Weekends and lunch hours are packed.
  • The Wrigleyville market is calmer for small kids than Daley Plaza.
  • ZooLights now needs a ticket for everyone, babies included. Book ahead.
  • Dress for real cold: hats, mittens, and warm boots, even for short walks.
  • Plan an indoor stop between outdoor events to warm up.

Family Christmas events in Chicago

38 events

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  • Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers

    Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza

    Dates
    Nov 20 - Dec 24 · Daily. Sun-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve 11am-4pm.
    Where
    Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., The Loop
    Price
    Free to enter
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Walk up

    Chicago's big German-style Christmas market fills Daley Plaza with wooden huts. Expect hot drinks, pretzels, sausages, ornaments and wooden toys.

    Parent tip: Go on a weekday morning or mid-afternoon. Lunch, after work and weekends get packed. Bring cash, since many vendors don't take cards.

    Official site
  • Zoo lights Good for toddlers

    ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

    Dates
    Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Most nights 4:30-9pm, last entry 8pm. Closed Nov 26, Dec 1, 8, 15, 24 and 25.
    Where
    Lincoln Park Zoo
    Price
    $7-12 ahead for a set date, $20 on the day or for a flexible ticket. Free on Mondays Nov 23, Nov 30, Dec 7 and Dec 14 with a reservation.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Book ahead. The zoo asks for a ticket for everyone in your group, babies included. Free-night tickets open a week ahead.

    Lincoln Park Zoo lights up after dark for the holidays. It's right in the city, so it makes an easy evening trip.

    Parent tip: Zoo parking is paid and fills up on Friday and Saturday nights. The 151 bus up Michigan Avenue gets you close.

    Official site
  • Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers

    Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

    Dates
    Nov 21 · Sat Nov 21. Parade at 5:30pm, fireworks at 7:30pm.
    Where
    North Michigan Avenue, heading south from Oak Street, Magnificent Mile
    Price
    Free
    Ages and booking
    All ages · No tickets. Arrive early for a spot by the curb.

    A free evening parade moves down Michigan Avenue and lights up the street's trees for the season. Fireworks over the river end the night.

    Parent tip: Pick a spot near the Oak Street end if you want to leave early. The fireworks are best seen from Wacker Drive by the river.

    Official site
  • Holiday festivals Good for toddlers

    Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

    Dates
    Nov 7 - Jan 3 · Daily during museum hours. Check the museum site for holiday closures.
    Where
    Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Hyde Park
    Price
    Museum ticket needed. Check the museum site for prices.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Buy museum tickets online ahead

    More than 50 trees fill the museum, each one decorated to show how a different culture celebrates. A four-story Grand Tree stands in the middle.

    Parent tip: Make a day of it with the rest of the museum. Plan on about four hours with kids.

    Official site
  • Shows and Nutcracker

    The Joffrey Ballet's The Nutcracker

    Dates
    Dec 4-27 · Dec 4-27. Check the schedule for show times.
    Where
    Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr., The Loop
    Price
    Ticketed. Prices vary by seat.
    Ages and booking
    Kids who can sit through a full ballet · Buy ahead online or by phone at 312-386-8905

    Chicago's big holiday ballet, with a live orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's music. This version sets the story in Chicago instead of a fancy old mansion.

    Parent tip: Pick a matinee for younger kids, and let them watch a short Nutcracker video first so they know the story.

  • Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers

    City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting

    Dates
    Nov 20 · Fri Nov 20, in the evening. The tree stays up through the holidays.
    Where
    Millennium Park, near Michigan Ave and Washington St, The Loop
    Price
    Free
    Ages and booking
    All ages · No tickets

    The city lights its official Christmas tree in Millennium Park with a free show. The tree then stays lit for the season.

    Parent tip: The Christkindlmarket opens the same day a few blocks west at Daley Plaza, so you can do both.

    Official site
  • Holiday festivalsIce skating Good for toddlers

    Wintrust Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier

    Dates
    Nov 27 - Jan 3 · Daily from 10am. Closing time is 5pm, 8pm or 10pm depending on the day. Closed Christmas Day.
    Where
    Festival Hall, Navy Pier, Streeterville
    Price
    $27 online a day ahead, $32 at the door. Kids 2 and under free.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Buy online at least a day ahead to save $5

    Navy Pier's Festival Hall turns into a big indoor holiday fair. Ice skating is included with every ticket.

    Parent tip: Check the closing time for your date. Many December weekdays close at 5pm.

    Official site
  • Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers

    Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville

    Dates
    Nov 20 - Dec 31 · Mon-Thu 3-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm. Open from 11am Dec 21-23 and 28-30. Closed Christmas Day.
    Where
    Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., Wrigleyville
    Price
    Free to enter
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Walk up

    A smaller Christkindlmarket sits right next to Wrigley Field. It stays open a week longer than the downtown market, through New Year's Eve.

    Parent tip: Families with small kids often find it calmer than Daley Plaza. On weekdays it doesn't open until 3pm.

    Official site
  • Ice skating

    Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon

    Dates
    Nov 13 - Mar 7 · Daily, in two-hour sessions. Session times change from Dec 11 to Jan 3.
    Where
    Maggie Daley Park, The Loop (Grant Park)
    Price
    Skate rental $17-23. Bring your own skates for $5.
    Ages and booking
    Kids old enough to skate on their own · Reserve a session online. Tickets come out in blocks ahead of time.

    A skating path loops through the park like a ribbon, with tall buildings all around. Kids keep moving instead of going in circles on a rink.

    Parent tip: Strollers aren't allowed on the ice, and you can't carry a child while you skate.

    Official site
  • Christmas lights Good for toddlers

    Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden

    Dates
    Nov 13 - Jan 3 · Select nights from 4:30pm. Last entry 8:45pm, or 7:45pm on shorter nights.
    Where
    Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe (North Shore suburbs)
    Price
    Timed tickets. Prices change by date and time.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Book a timed ticket ahead

    A 1.3-mile trail of light displays winds through the garden. Plan on 45 to 75 minutes to walk it.

    Parent tip: Strollers are fine on most nights. Skip Dec 10 and Jan 1, which are adults-only.

    Official site
  • Christmas lights Good for toddlers

    Illumination at The Morton Arboretum

    Dates
    Nov 14 - Jan 2 · Nightly, with timed entry. Check the calendar for times.
    Where
    The Morton Arboretum, Lisle (western suburbs)
    Price
    Adult tickets from $22. Prices change by date and time.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Book a timed ticket ahead

    A one-mile walking trail through the trees has 22 light displays. The trail is built to be accessible.

    Parent tip: A new indoor model train display is a separate add-on ticket. It's a good place to warm up.

    Official site
  • Zoo lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers

    Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

    Dates
    Nov 21 - Jan 3 · Select nights, 3-9pm. Check the calendar for open nights.
    Where
    Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Brookfield (western suburbs)
    Price
    From $29.95 for adults
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Buy online ahead. The South Gate needs advance tickets and parking.

    The zoo stays open into the evening with light tunnels, a lit maze and a holiday market. Santa visits on set dates.

    Parent tip: Arrive at 3pm to see the animals in daylight, then stay as it gets dark.

    Official site
  • Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers

    Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum

    Dates
    Nov 27 - Dec 21 · Nov 27-29, Dec 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and Dec 21. Trains leave from late morning into the evening.
    Where
    Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union, IL (far northwest suburbs)
    Price
    Tickets needed for everyone 2 and up. Under 2 free.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Buy ahead online. Arrive 30 minutes before your train.

    A decorated train ride with Santa on board, plus treats and hot chocolate. The museum grounds have light displays and a model railroad too.

    Parent tip: If bright lights and loud music upset your child, ask for the quiet car.

    Official site
  • Shows and Nutcracker

    A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre

    Dates
    Nov 13 - Dec 31 · Nov 13-Dec 31. Check the schedule for show times.
    Where
    Goodman Theatre (Albert Theatre), The Loop
    Price
    Ticketed. Prices vary by seat.
    Ages and booking
    Ages 5+ (kids under 5 aren't allowed) · Buy ahead

    Chicago's long-running stage version of the Dickens story. It suits kids who can sit through a full play and handle a few ghost scenes.

    Parent tip: A sensory-friendly show runs Sun Dec 27 at 2pm.

    Official site
  • Holiday festivalsFree

    Winter Fireworks at Navy Pier

    Dates
    Nov 21 - Dec 26 · Saturdays, Nov 21-Dec 26. 8:30pm on Nov 21, 8pm on the other nights.
    Where
    Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Streeterville
    Price
    Free
    Ages and booking
    All ages · No tickets

    Navy Pier sets off free fireworks over the lake every Saturday night through late December.

    Parent tip: Pair it with Winter WonderFest at the pier earlier in the day. The bangs are loud, so bring ear covers for little ones.

    Official site
  • Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers

    Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

    Dates
    Nov 26 · Thu Nov 26, 8-10am. It steps off at 7:40am, earlier than in past years.
    Where
    State Street, from Ida B. Wells Dr. north to Randolph St., The Loop
    Price
    Free to watch along State Street
    Ages and booking
    All ages · No tickets. Paid VIP seats are sold near Macy's.

    Chicago's Thanksgiving morning parade heads north up State Street. It's an easy way to start the holiday season downtown.

    Parent tip: You can bring a blanket or a stadium seat. Outside food and drinks aren't allowed, and bags are checked.

    Official site
  • Santa visits Good for toddlers

    The Great Tree at the Walnut Room

    Dates
    Nov 7 - Jan 17 · Daily during holiday hours. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
    Where
    Marshall Field's Walnut Room, Macy's on State Street, The Loop
    Price
    No entry fee. You pay for your meal.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Reserve ahead online or at 312-781-5219. Some same-day tables open up.

    Eating under the Great Tree in the Walnut Room is an old Chicago holiday habit. A Breakfast with Santa buffet runs on set dates, with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

    Parent tip: Tables go fast. Book as soon as you know your dates, and check the site for Breakfast with Santa days.

    Official site
  • Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers

    The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza

    Dates
    Nov 21 - Dec 20 · Nov 21-Dec 20. Check the schedule for show times.
    Where
    Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park
    Price
    Kids 12 and under from $22.95, adults from $32.95. Peak shows cost more.
    Ages and booking
    Ages 3+ · Buy ahead online

    Mo Willems' Pigeon gets his own holiday stage show, made for young kids. It runs about an hour.

    Parent tip: Super-saver show times cost less. Check which dates have them before you book.

    Official site
  • Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers

    Ruth Page's The Nutcracker Suite

    Dates
    Nov 21 · Sat Nov 21, 1pm and 5pm
    Where
    Beverly Arts Center, Beverly (far South Side)
    Price
    Ticketed. Check the official site for prices.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Buy ahead

    A short version of a long-running Chicago Nutcracker, under an hour. It makes a good first ballet for small kids.

    Parent tip: The full-length show plays college theaters around the area in December. See the official site for those dates.

    Official site
  • Shows and Nutcracker

    The Hip Hop Nutcracker

    Dates
    Nov 24-29 · Nov 24-29. Check the schedule for show times.
    Where
    Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., The Loop
    Price
    Ticketed. Prices vary by seat.
    Ages and booking
    Kids who can sit through a full show · Buy ahead

    The Nutcracker story told through hip-hop dance. It's in town for less than a week around Thanksgiving.

    Parent tip: A good pick for kids who would rather watch street dance than classic ballet. Book early, since the run is short.

  • Shows and Nutcracker

    Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

    Dates
    Dec 9-27 · Dec 9-27. Check the schedule for show times.
    Where
    James M. Nederlander Theatre, The Loop
    Price
    Ticketed. Prices vary by seat.
    Ages and booking
    Kids who can sit for about 85 minutes · Buy ahead

    A stage musical of the Dr. Seuss story. It runs 85 minutes with no break.

    Parent tip: Daytime shows suit younger kids better than evening ones.

  • Shows and Nutcracker

    Elf in Concert

    Dates
    Dec 11-13 · Dec 11-13. Check the schedule for show times.
    Where
    Symphony Center, The Loop
    Price
    Ticketed. Check the official site for prices.
    Ages and booking
    Kids who can sit through a full movie · Buy ahead

    Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra play the music live while the movie Elf shows on a big screen.

    Parent tip: It's the whole movie, so plan for a long sit. A snack and a bathroom stop before the show help.

  • Shows and Nutcracker

    A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage

    Dates
    Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12, 1pm
    Where
    Auditorium Theatre, The Loop
    Price
    Ticketed. Check the official site for prices.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Buy ahead

    A live stage version of the Peanuts TV special, for one afternoon only.

    Parent tip: Doors open an hour before the show. Watch the TV special at home first so kids know the story.

  • Shows and Nutcracker

    Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

    Dates
    Nov 28 - Dec 27 · Saturdays and Sundays, 1pm and 4pm
    Where
    Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St., Edgewater
    Price
    Ticketed. Check the official site for prices.
    Ages and booking
    Ages 5+ · Buy ahead online

    A one-hour Hanukkah play for families, back for its ninth year. A nice pick if your family celebrates Hanukkah.

    Parent tip: Tickets were not on sale yet in late October. Check back in November.

    Official site
  • Holiday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers

    Naughty or Nice: All Ages Edition at the Griffin Museum

    Dates
    Dec 19 · Sat Dec 19, 6-10pm
    Where
    Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Hyde Park
    Price
    Adults $35, kids 2-12 $28, under 2 free. Members pay less.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Buy tickets online ahead

    An evening family night at the museum. See the holiday trees, catch Santa and Mrs. Claus on stage, and take photos with the Grinch.

    Parent tip: Crowds are kept low, and parking in the museum garage is free that night.

    Official site
  • Parades and tree lightingsHoliday festivals Good for toddlers

    Central Street Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting

    Dates
    Nov 14 · Sat Nov 14, during the day. Tree lighting at 5pm.
    Where
    Central Street; tree lighting in Independence Park, Evanston (north suburbs)
    Price
    No ticket price listed. Trolley rides are free.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Walk up

    Evanston's Central Street starts the season with shop deals, free trolley rides and street entertainment. The day ends with a tree lighting.

    Parent tip: Come mid-afternoon so kids can ride the trolley before the 5pm lighting.

    Official site
  • Parades and tree lightingsSanta visits Good for toddlers

    Illuminate the Orchard

    Dates
    Nov 21 · Sat Nov 21, 4-6pm. Fireworks at 5:30pm.
    Where
    Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie (north suburbs)
    Price
    No ticket price listed
    Ages and booking
    All ages · The mall's page links to a sign-up form.

    The mall lights its tree with Santa and Mrs. Claus, then ends the evening with fireworks.

    Parent tip: It's short and early, which works well with small kids. Fireworks are loud, so bring ear covers.

    Official site
  • Christmas lightsFree Good for toddlers

    Winter Lights at Central Park

    Dates
    Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Nightly from 4pm until 9:30pm. Closed in bad weather.
    Where
    Central Park, Oak Brook Park District, Oak Brook (western suburbs)
    Price
    Free. Donations welcome.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Walk up

    A free half-mile loop through a park full of light displays. The path is paved, so it's easy with a stroller.

    Parent tip: From 4 to 4:30pm the lights stop blinking and the music is off. That helps kids who get overwhelmed.

    Official site
  • Holiday festivalsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers

    Feztival of Trees

    Dates
    Nov 23-28 · Nov 23-26 noon-8pm, Fri Nov 27 10am-8pm, Sat Nov 28 10am-7pm
    Where
    Medinah Shrine, 550 N. Shriners Dr., Addison (western suburbs)
    Price
    Free
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Walk up

    A free indoor show of decorated Christmas trees, with Santa photos, snacks and raffle prizes.

    Parent tip: It's open on Thanksgiving Day, which helps if you're looking for something to do that afternoon.

    Official site
  • Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers

    Glenview Holiday in the Park and Parade

    Dates
    Nov 28 · Sat Nov 28, 4-6pm
    Where
    Glenview Road to Jackman Park, 1011 Lehigh Ave., Glenview (north suburbs)
    Price
    Free
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Walk up

    A small-town parade heads down Glenview Road to Jackman Park. In the park, kids can visit Santa and take a hay ride or a kids' train ride.

    Parent tip: Free hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn are part of the fun. Dress warm, since it's all outside.

    Official site
  • Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers

    Santa's Trolley Express at the Fox River Trolley Museum

    Dates
    Nov 28 - Dec 20 · Sat-Sun Nov 28-Dec 20 from 10:30am. Also Fri evenings Dec 4, 11 and 18.
    Where
    Blackhawk Station, Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, South Elgin (far western suburbs)
    Price
    Ticketed. Everyone needs a ticket, babies included.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Pick a time slot and buy ahead online. All sales are final.

    A holiday ride on vintage trolley cars, with a story and sing-alongs. Santa climbs aboard and visits each family.

    Parent tip: Trains leave from Blackhawk Station, about two miles south of the museum. You wait in a heated car with hot chocolate and cookies.

    Official site
  • Santa visits Good for toddlers

    Santa's Craft Corner at Cosley Zoo

    Dates
    Nov 28 - Dec 12 · Sat Nov 28, Dec 5 and Dec 12, 10am-1pm
    Where
    Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton (western suburbs)
    Price
    $20 per household, paid at the door. Zoo entry is free during the zoo's holiday festival.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Walk up. No sign-up needed.

    Kids can visit Santa, make crafts and have a snack at this small zoo. Then walk around and see the animals.

    Parent tip: The craft room is up a flight of stairs, so leave the stroller downstairs.

    Official site
  • Shows and Nutcracker

    Salt Creek Ballet's The Nutcracker

    Dates
    Nov 28 - Dec 20 · Hinsdale Nov 28-29, Skokie Dec 4-5, Glen Ellyn Dec 18-20. Afternoon and evening shows.
    Where
    Hinsdale Central High School; North Shore Center for the Performing Arts; McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, Western and north suburbs (three venues)
    Price
    Ticketed. Check the official site for prices.
    Ages and booking
    Kids who can sit through a ballet · Buy ahead

    A suburban ballet company's 40th-year Nutcracker, staged at three theaters around the area.

    Parent tip: Pick the theater closest to you. The 1pm shows suit younger kids best.

    Official site
  • Shows and Nutcracker

    A Christmas Carol Family Series at Metropolis

    Dates
    Dec 3-19 · Dec 3-19, 10am and 12:30pm. Sensory-friendly show Fri Dec 11 at 10am.
    Where
    Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Arlington Heights (northwest suburbs)
    Price
    Ticketed. Check the official site for prices.
    Ages and booking
    All ages, but the ghosts may scare small kids · Buy ahead

    A 90-minute daytime version of the theater's Christmas Carol, made for families.

    Parent tip: Morning shows make this an easy outing before lunch. Talk about the ghosts with young kids first.

    Official site
  • Parades and tree lightingsHoliday festivals Good for toddlers

    Geneva Christmas Walk

    Dates
    Dec 4 · Fri Dec 4, from 6pm. Santa arrives and the tree is lit between 6 and 6:30pm.
    Where
    Downtown Geneva, Geneva (far western suburbs)
    Price
    No ticket price listed. It's a street festival.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Walk up

    A small-town holiday night where Santa Lucia lights the big tree and Santa arrives. Carolers, a live nativity and roasted chestnuts fill the streets.

    Parent tip: Get there before 6pm. The tree lighting and Santa come first, so you can head home early with little ones.

    Official site
  • Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers

    Downtown Evanston Holiday Light Celebration

    Dates
    Dec 5 · Sat Dec 5, 4:30-7pm. Tree lighting around 5pm.
    Where
    Fountain Square, Evanston (north suburbs)
    Price
    Free
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Walk up

    Local singers perform, then the tree is lit in Fountain Square. Afterward, families can take free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

    Parent tip: The Santa photos start around 5:30pm indoors at The Merion, 1611 Chicago Ave., a good place to warm up.

    Official site
  • Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers

    Laurie Berkner Holiday Concert

    Dates
    Dec 5 · Sat Dec 5. The 11am show is sold out. A 3pm show was added.
    Where
    Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston (north suburbs)
    Price
    Ticketed. Babies under 1 on a lap are free.
    Ages and booking
    All ages · Buy ahead

    Kids' music star Laurie Berkner plays a holiday party concert with winter songs and her best-known hits. It runs about 75 minutes.

    Parent tip: Kids are asked to bring a stuffed animal and dancing shoes.

  • Shows and Nutcracker

    A Christmas Carol at the Paramount Theatre

    Dates
    Nov 11 - Jan 3 · Nov 11-Jan 3. Times vary, so check the schedule.
    Where
    Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora (far western suburbs)
    Price
    Ticketed. Prices vary by seat.
    Ages and booking
    Kids who can sit through a full play · Buy ahead

    Aurora's big downtown theater stages the Dickens story as a play with live music.

    Parent tip: Pay-what-you-can shows run Thu Nov 12 at 7pm and Sat Nov 14 at 2pm.

    Official site

Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.

On a budget? See every free Christmas event in Chicago, including parades and tree lightings.

Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in Chicago, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.

Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in Chicago, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.

Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in Chicago, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.

Planning the whole trip? See our full guide to Chicago with kids.

Questions parents ask

What is there to do in Chicago for Christmas with kids?

Walk the Christkindlmarket, see ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, and watch the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Visit Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry.

For indoor fun, try Wintrust Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier. Older kids love the Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker.

When is the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival?

It's on Saturday, November 21, 2026. The parade starts at 5:30pm and the fireworks are at 7:30pm. It's free.

What are the free Christmas events in Chicago?

The Christkindlmarket (both locations), the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and the city's tree lighting are free.

Tap "Free" above to see them together.

What are the best Christmas events in Chicago for toddlers?

Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier is indoors and made for kids. The Wrigleyville market and early ZooLights entries also work well.

The Maggie Daley skating ribbon isn't a good fit, because you can't carry a child or push a stroller on the ice.

Christmas in other cities