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.

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

If you are looking for a small-town holiday experience, the Village of Long Grove invites you to stroll around its quaint downtown area, which will be featuring horse-drawn carriage rides on the weekends, open houses and promotions by local merchants, and holiday caroling and Santa visits at set times throughout the season.

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!

As the City of Aurora's official kick-off to the holiday season, this free family-friendly event will be filled with merry-making moments and a sleigh full of fun for the entire family. Santa and Mrs. Claus will usher in the holiday season with an illuminated parade filled with reindeer, elves, special guests, and other holiday favorites! Following the Parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the crowd in a countdown to flip the magic switch and illuminate the City's holiday tree!

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.

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.

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.

This annual festival in downtown Chicago kicks off the holiday season in style with family activities throughout the day, including photos with Santa Claus. The main event is an epic tree-lighting parade down North Michigan Avenue, led by Grand Marshals Mickey & Minnie Mouse and featuring awesome floats, gigantic helium balloons, marching bands, musical performances, Santa Claus, and more, all helping to light up The Mag Mile with more than a million twinkling lights.

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

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.

Kick off the holiday season by welcoming Santa as he makes his grand entrance by boat on the iconic Seadog, operated by City Cruises, before heading to Harry Caray’s Tavern for brunch, photo ops, and live music in the cozy setting of the Lakefront Lodge pop-up!

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!