Christmas in Chicago: 2024 Family Events & Activities

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo is definitely one of the most popular things to do for Christmas in Chicago, with luminous displays and holiday activities throughout the zoo grounds. The Pepper Family Wildlife Center will transform into the North Pole, hosting visits with Santa alongside the zoo’s holiday tree and festive décor.

Inspired by the Christkindlmarket in Germany, Christkindlmarket is an enchanting holiday village and a beloved tradition during Christmas in Chicago. Enjoy a unique shopping experience featuring a variety of handmade and European goods. Vendors also serve roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, hot chocolate, and hot spiced wine. In addition to the classic downtown Chicago market, you'll also find Christkindlmarket in Aurora.

hallichicagokids:  Chicago Kids Company’s Holiday Classic returns for the 25th Year! Our biggest and most colorful show will put you in the Holiday Spirit in no time. Join the new Elf Class of 2024 as they try to find the missing “list” in time for Christmas.

Enjoy ice skating and other holiday offerings leading up to the Park’s annual tree lighting event.

From the comfort of your car, you'll be in awe as over 3 million lights synchronized to holiday music and dazzling displays, twinkle and dance. With lighted tunnels galore, and old-fashioned Christmas twinkle lights as far as you can see, you don't want to miss it! But it doesn't end there. At the end of the route, you can enjoy tube slide fun, an enchanted Christmas Village of family photo memories, funnel cakes, hot chocolate, and of course a meet and greet with Santa himself! Online reservations are required.

Looking for free things to do for Christmas in Chicago? Art on THE MART transforms one of Chicago's notable landmarks, THE MART (formerly known as The Merchandise Mart), into a permanent, larger-than-life canvas. During the holiday season, enjoy their Season of Light display nightly at 7:30pm. Performances are free for all to enjoy, and can be best viewed from The Chicago Riverwalk between Wells and Lake St.

Cosley Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, an amazing selection of Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery, and hot chocolate.

This immersive experience at the Kohl Children's Museum allows kids to interact with light and color as they explore hues and patterns in this interactive holiday light installation. The light display is an indoor and outdoor experience, and includes admission to the museum's wonderful indoor exhibits as well.

Carolina E:  The Village of Rosemont is thrilled to announce the return of Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field, the premier holiday destination for family fun. This year Sparkle Light Festival will feature a brand new, completely redesigned layout and the addition of an ice skating rink. Visitors are invited to make magical memories while enjoying breathtaking displays of millions of holiday lights alongside a variety of activities. Sparkle Light Festival will open on Friday, November 17 and will run through Sunday, December 31.

Sparkle Light Festival guests will stroll through five illuminated villages including the Frozen Forest, Snowflake Circle, Winter Wonderland, the North Pole and Deck the Walls. Guests are invited to visit Santa Claus, ice-skate with friends, enjoy free train rides on the “Holly Trolly” train, and go tubing down the Alpine Slide. Festive food and beverage options will also be available.

One of Chicago's favorite botanic gardens presents Lightscape, bringing the night alive with color, imagination and sound, from a playful choir of singing trees to a spectacular Winter Cathedral. This is one of the most popular places to see Christmas lights around Chicago, and tickets sell out quickly so buy yours early to guarantee a spot!

Holiday Magic is one of Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festivals, with over two million twinkling LED lights. Along with the light displays (including a tunnel light show!), families can enjoy photo ops, letters to Santa, roaming carolers, ice carving and more. Advance reservations are required for all, except for members entering through the North Gate. Admission to Holiday Magic is free for all members.

Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound along a 1-mile paved walking path. Ticket prices can go up over time up depending on availability, so get yours early for the best price.

Downtown Naperville is converted into a holiday lights extravaganza with lighted trees, large holiday-themed figures and a combination of other holiday displays. Visit Naper Lights to get your 3D Viewing glasses to enjoy the full effect of these spectacular Christmas lights in Naperville! Whether permitting, you can also take pictures with Santa by the great tree on Friday and Saturday evenings.

This annual display from one of Chicago's must-see museums for kids explores rich holiday traditions from around the globe. There are over 50 trees and displays representing a variety of cultures and traditions, including a floor-to-ceiling Grand Tree with thousands of twinkling lights.