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!

Come enjoy the magic of the holiday season as the Judith Svalander School of Ballet transforms the Opera House stage into a realm of fantasy.

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

Gather with friends and loved ones in Orchestra Hall — decked with boughs of holly — for a program of familiar carols, holiday songs and festive surprises, including a rousing encore of the cherished local favorite Christmas in Chicago. Featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Symphony Chorus in glorious arrangements conducted by Alastair Willis, the program is sure to inspire holiday cheer for all.

Santa and his elves will be at Blackberry Farm each weekend, collecting children’s wish lists at the Carriage Museum. There’s a sleigh full of other activities including holiday stories, crafts and treats.

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.

Have a holly jolly Christmas in downtown Geneva! Your whole family can enjoy free carriage rides every weekend in December leading up to Christmas as part of their annual Christmas Walk, with a slew of festive activities to kick off the holidays that first weekend in December.

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.

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.

A classic holiday tradition with a Ballet 5:8 twist. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they embark on a miraculous journey through time and discover what Christmas is all about.

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.