Christmas in Chicago: 2023 Events & Activities for Families

Kelly R. said:  Celebrate the Christmas season at the Old Town School of Folk Music with an evening of family-friendly Irish musical, vocal, and dance performances, featuring celebrated Irish artists. You can start off your evening by having a bite to eat at one of Lincoln Square's many great restaurants!

8pm

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  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.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Ballet Legere's annual production of the Nutcracker is sure to amaze all spectators, young and old! With dazzling special effects, a cast of 120 performers, and spectacular scenery and costumes, they deliver a one-of-a-kind show that is sure to take you into the magic of the holiday season.

Katie G. said:  Experience this classic Christmas ballet with your whole family! The Nutcracker follows the story of Clara as her favorite toy, the nutcracker, comes to life on Christmas Eve. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, performing at the highest level of classical technique.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  The magic and music of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince are as Christmas as mince meat pies and mistletoe. With captivating sets and mesmerizing dancers, the Salt Creek Ballet's rendition of the Nutcracker is sure to be a family favorite this holiday season. With shows running at three different venues, make sure to catch one of the performances.

Erin P. said:  Blackberry Farm is a winter wonderland for celebrating Christmas in the Chicago suburbs, with thousands of twinkling lights, festive holiday decorations and music. Take a ride on the Holiday Express train, enjoy crafts, a reindeer food bar, story readings of holiday classics at the one-room schoolhouse, and a special visit with Santa!

Erin P. said:  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.

Kristy Pepping said:  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 600-foot Tunnel of Lights - families can also enjoy a 41-foot talking tree, skating rink (for an additional fee), photo ops and more.

3pm-9pm

Kristy Pepping said:  Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  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 cultures and traditions, including a 45-foot-tall, floor-to-ceiling Grand Tree twinkling with more than 30,000 lights.

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

Kristy Pepping said:  If you've grown up in the Chicagoland area, you may have visited this Santa-themed amusement park as a kid. This holiday season, you can also enjoy a one-of-a-kind drive thru experience with over 2 million lights set to music, festive displays, live animals, and of course, the big man himself! At the end of the trail you can park your car to take photos, and enjoy hot chocolate and yummy funnel cakes for purchase.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Come and see Lake County’s largest and most sumptuous performance of the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. This grand performance is known for its inclusion of internationally renowned guest artists supported with over 100 performers. A short version, "Clara's Dream," will be performed for young audiences at Libertyville High School. Full-length shows will be performed at Libertyville High School and Genesee Theatre in Waukegan.

Kristy Pepping said:  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, including photos with Santa through December 23. Families will enjoy 3D displays, holiday snacks (including festive adult beverages!), gift shopping and ticketed experiences including a light maze, Ferris wheel, carousel and Lionel Train Adventure.

Gina I. said:  Inspired by the Christkindlmarket in Germany, Christkindlmarket is an enchanting holiday village and 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 Wrigleyville and Aurora.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and special guests share music of the holiday season in this festive Christmas show for the whole family. The show runs 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Sarah D. said:   This event takes place in conjunction with the Village of Lisle Santa Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy a visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus in the depot, hot chocolate and hot apple cider, holiday crafts and a holiday workshop.

4pm -7:30pm

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Experience the wonder and magic of this timeless classic sure to appeal to the whole family. Join Clara in this grand adventure and live the dream!

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Ballet Chicago's production of The Nutcracker, performed at the Athenaeum Theatre, is everything you would expect from a Christmas show and much more. What makes this performance extra special is that it is performed by dance students who are on track to become professionals.

Yoli B said:  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.

10:30am-1:30pm

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Create a magical memory this holiday season and take your family to see the North Shore School of Dance bring to life this wonderful tale of the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King. The performance takes place at Lake Forest Academy.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Join Scrooge on his journey as the three ghosts of past, present and future get him to have a second look at his actions and how he is affecting the lives of people surrounding him especially his employee's family, the Cratchits.

Erin P. said:  Chicagoland’s largest indoor lights experience is back at Navy Pier for the holiday season. Families can enjoy festive Chicago Christmas activities in a comfortable indoor space, including interactive light displays, a whimsical skating rink, journeys through the birch tree maze, visits with Santa, and more.

Sarah D. said:  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.

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

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  The Rialto Square Theatre is kicking off this holiday season with the family favorite, The Nutcracker. Their exquisite sets even include a Christmas tree that grows before your eyes!

2pm

Yoli B said:  I crave Christmas music this time of year and the Arlington Heights Concert Band perfectly satisfies that craving! This Christmas concert in the Chicago suburbs will have all of your holiday favorites and get you into the spirit of the season.

3pm

Kristy Pepping said:  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 a picture with Santa by the great tree on Fridays and Saturday evenings.

4pm-10pm

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is unmatched for quality music and a fun, relaxing, cultural experience. From start to finish – the ESO brings world-class, big-city entertainment without the hassles of the big city. Great fun for the whole family!

Yoli B said:  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.