Christmas in Chicago: 2024 Family Events & Activities

Holiday Magic is one of Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festivals, with over two million twinkling LED lights.  Explore the 300-foot light tunnels synchronized to seasonal sounds, the 16-foot-tall LED gingerbread house, the stunning illuminated Light Orb, and a 41-foot-tall tree adorned with colored LED lights choreographed to festive music.

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.

Enjoy this free dazzling display of holiday lights and sound as you stroll down Water Street, Foyo Plaza, Jaycees Park and the Riverwalk in Downtown Naperville! Visit Naper Lights to get your 3D Viewing glasses!

This annual holiday tradition celebrates the magic of the season and the rich cultural heritage that makes Christmas in Chicago so special.

Charles Dickens’ enchanting tale of redemption and hope comes to life in Arlington Heights’ favorite holiday tradition. On a snowy Christmas Eve brimming with memorable characters, ghostly apparitions and splendid holiday music, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge visits the past, present, and future to discover the true meaning of Christmas.

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.

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.

Experience the winter season’s magic as Light Up The Lake returns to Navy Pier! Stroll through the free dazzling outdoor lights and race down the exhilarating ice slide! Try your hand at axe throwing, take a spin on Pier Park rides like the iconic Centennial Wheel, and cozy up by firepits in the Beer Garden. Explore craft workshops, shop at local holiday artisan markets, and catch fireworks on Saturdays. Enjoy the exciting holiday-themed drone shows and a special meet and greet with Santa before his busy night begins!

The Walnut Room is a classic Chicago destination. Located in Chicago's historic Marshall Fields on State Street (now Macy's), the Walnut room is known during the holidays for its spectacular décor and special holiday menu. Bring your little ones to enjoy a festive holiday lunch alongside the 45-foot Great Tree while enjoying the musical joy of the season. Reservations are required.

Your family can watch as Ebenezer Scrooge journeys through Christmas Eve to discover the true meaning of Christmas in the classic story, A Christmas Carol. The whole family will love the music and dance that bring this performance to life.

The Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts presents the classic Nutcracker with the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble. The small theatre means there isn't a bad seat in the house, so it is ideal for the youngest performance enthusiasts!

Embrace the spirit and beauty of the season at Lightscape, setting the Garden aglow with light, music and art.

The Indiana Welcome Center features six animated displays depicting scenes from the holiday classic "A Christmas Story." The displays were first showcased in 2003 at Macy's in New York City. You can also have your picture taken with Santa and stop in the gift shop for "A Christmas Story" merchandise including your very own leg lamp souvenir!

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.

A group of life-sized toys set out to save Christmas in this traveling children's theater show by AlphaBet Soup Productions.