21 Things to Do at Christmas in Chicago & Suburbs With Kids 2025
Wondering what to do this holiday season in Chicago? I've got you covered with a complete list of the best things to do at Christmas in Chicago. Magical ways to celebrate the 2024 Christmas season with family and friends this year. Find fun Christmas events for kids and adults to help get everyone into a festive mood.
Head out into the windy city to enjoy twinkling Christmas lights, see the official Christmas tree in Millennium Park, shop at the Daley Plaza's Christkindlemarket or State Street, see a holiday parade on Michigan Avenue, and visit the city's amazing Lincoln Park Zoo and Museum of Science and Industry.
In the suburbs visit the Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Botanic Garden, Morton Arboretum, cool light festivals, holiday shows, ice skating, and more.
There's a favorite holiday activity for everyone in the family. Use this list of the 23 top things to do in Chicago at Christmas time to start planning your new holiday traditions.
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21 Festive Things to Do at Christmas in Chicago 2025
It might be cold outside but that won't keep Chicagoans from enjoying the Christmas season. Our amazing city offers so many fun things to do from downtown Chicago to the suburbs.
Enjoy everything from beautiful holiday light displays to Zoolights, ice skating, holiday shows, and Christmas markets.
Find more ways to enjoy the city all year long in Fun Things to Do in Chicago with Kids or on our Chicago Attractions Page.
Here's our list of the best Christmas activities in Chicago
1. Look at Christmas Light Displays
There are so many magical holiday light displays throughout the city of Chicago and its suburbs during this festive season. It's on the top of our list of things to do at Christmas in Chicago because you're sure to have a light show close to where you live.
You'll find tree lights on Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park in the city plus lights at Zoolights and museums.
In the suburbs find amazing light festivals with huge drive-thrus and walk-thru displays.
If you have a Taylor Swift fan be sure to visit the Naperville home decorated with a Taylor Swift Christmas light display. Highlighting the Eras tour-inspired music and decor.
Find all of them in our complete list of the Best Chicago Light Displays in the city and suburbs. (includes the Taylor Swift light display)
2. See the Official Christmas Tree in Millennium Park
In Millennium Park you will find Chicago's 112th official Christmas tree. The annual tree lighting ceremony will be held on November 21st and the lights will stay on through January 11, 2026.
While you're there, go ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink or take a fun spin around the skating ribbon. You can bring your own skates or use the skate rentals.
If you like to sing, join in on a holiday sing-along on Fridays, December 5, 12, 19th at Millennium Park's Wrigley Square. Each week, a local Chicago choral group will lead the family sing-along that begins at 6 -7 pm.
There will also be a Millennium Park Holiday Market to go along with the lighting of the Christmas tree. It's free admission to wander around and enjoy at the Chase Promenade North.
Make sure to grab a hot chocolate while you walk around the Bean and play in the awesome Maggie Daley Park playground, too!
Event Dates - November 21st, 2025 - January 11, 2026
Learn more about what to do at Millennium Park with Kids.
3. Visit Christkindlmarket Chicago
Get in the Christmas spirit by shopping at cute holiday markets. Christkindlmarket has a fun theme of an old German outdoor market during the holidays. You'll find festive holiday gifts to purchase, European holiday decorations, food, and drinks for the whole family.
2025 is back to three locations in the Chicagoland area -1. Daley Plaza in Chicago, 2. Wrigleyville in Chicago 3. Aurora in the suburbs.
Get more information on time and address on the Christkindlemarket website.
4. Shop on State Street & Macy's Holiday Events
Head over to State Street after visiting the Christkindlemarket in Daley Plaza for some more holiday festivities. Visit the Macy's department store to see the holiday window displays. These aren't as great as when Marshall Field was here but they're still fun to see if you're in the area.
After visiting the windows, head inside to have lunch or dinner in the Walnut Room, where you'll have amazing views of their huge Christmas tree. Make sure to leave time to really admire all the unique ornaments on the tree.
You can also visit Santa Claus while you're there and let him know if you've been Naughty or Nice.
Pro Tip: You will need to make reservations in advance for the Walnut Room they book up quickly.
5. BMO Magnificent Mile Lights Festival & Parade
Kick off the holiday season and bring on your holiday spirit by watching the spectacular Magnificent Mile Lights festival parade. It goes right down Michigan Avenue and is led by Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse.
As the parade moves along, it magically turns on the Christmas tree lights all along Michigan Avenue as it passes by. These lights are kept on all Christmas season, so if you don't make the parade, you can still see the holiday lights.
You can learn more details in our Chicago Light Displays.
Event Date & Parade: Saturday, November 22, 2024 – Parade Starts at 5:30 pm
6. Visit Navy Pier - Winter Wonderfest & Fireworks
Head to Navy Pier for some family fun at their winter wonderland this year. Their Winter Wonderfest special event is a great day out with the kids in Navy Pier's Festive Hall.
They have twinkling light displays and a huge indoor ice rink where you can rent ice skates. Plus kiddie train rides, thrilling rides, bumper cars, bounce houses, and more.
Top the whole thing off with a visit to Santa Claus in the Family Hall.
Winter Wonderfest Event Dates - December 5, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Navy Pier's award-winning Holiday Fireworks are back every Saturday at 8 pm, off of Navy Pier.
Fireworks Dates - November 29, 2025 - December 27, 2025
Find more information about Navy Pier's Holiday Events
7. See Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science & Industry
The whole family will enjoy an afternoon out at the Museum of Science and Industry. Every holiday season they host their annual Christmas Around the World with over 50 Christmas trees representing different cultures.
Each tree has been decorated with items that represent each country and has the history of how each country celebrates the holiday season. It's really interesting to learn all the different ways people celebrate Christmas.
I like that this is a great event for all ages. Adults will enjoy learning about the different countries' Christmas traditions, and the kids will love all the unique holiday decorations. It's one of our family's Christmas traditions every year.
When you're done, spend the day exploring the awesome museum.
Pro Tip: Book your tickets for the museum ahead of time and go when it opens. On weekends, the underground parking lot fills up.
Buy tickets to this event here.
Event Runs November 8th, 2025 – January 5, 2026
8. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo - ZooLights Event
It's the 29th year of the Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo hosting its Zoolights event. The entire zoo is lit up with 2.5 million twinkling lights that you'll see as you wander around the zoo.
Enjoy a light show set to holiday music on the Main Lawn, live ice carvings, snowy spirits, holiday food, and of course, the animals.
Usually, this zoo is free all year long, but for this event, it is only free on Monday Nights and is $7-$12 per person the rest of the week.
New this year is a Flex rate for $20 that lets you come any day without a reservation. This could be useful to make sure you can go on a day with nice weather rather than a set date.
Pro Tip: You must purchase tickets ahead of time for this event at Lincoln Park Zoolights. If you want the free Monday night, make sure to book early.
Event Runs – November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026, (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
To learn more, visit our Lincoln Park Zoo Tips for Families.
9. Walk Through Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic
If you're in the suburbs, visit the Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic event. This year will be the 43nd year and it boasts being Chicagoland’s largest and longest-running lights festival.
This is another favorite of our familes. There is so much to do at this event for all ages.
You'll walk through 2 million twinkling lights, see a 41-foot talking tree, enjoy ice carvers, an ice skating rink, carolers, light shows, a magic tunnel of lights, tons of Christmas decorations, and much more.
When you get there, make sure to grab the event schedule so you don't miss anything. If you get cold, just pop into the indoor animal houses to get warm and watch the animals.
Pro Tip: You must buy tickets in advance for this event, which runs from 3-9 pm. I'd suggest getting there early, as the parking lot will fill up quickly.
Event runs November 21-23, 28-30, and December 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 26-31, 2025, January 1-4, 2026
To learn more, visit our Brookfield Zoo Tips for Familes.
10. Chicago Botanical Garden - Lightscape Event
A hugely popular holiday event in the northern suburbs is the Chicago Botanical Garden's Lightscape Event. The whole garden lights up with beautiful light displays. Visitors will walk through a 1.3-mile-long lighted path around the garden’s main island, through a lighted tunnel, and through unique lighted displays.
The path is new this year, so if you've been before, there will be new things to see. Finish it off with a hot chocolate and some holiday treats.
Pro Tip: These tickets sell fast, so make sure to get your tickets for Lightscape in advance.
Event Runs from November 14th, 2025 – January 4, 2026
11. Morton Arboretum - Illumination Tree Lights
Another fun botanical gardens holiday event is the Morton Arboretum's Illumination Tree Lights event in the western suburbs.
This is the 12th year of the event, where guests will enjoy exploring over 50 acres of twinkling colored lights, a one-mile paved walking path, plus 17 holiday light displays and music to highlight the beauty of the trees.
Pro Tip: You will also need to purchase tickets in advance for the Morton Arboretum holiday event. The price changes depending on the day you choose to go.
Make sure to also try this year their Illiumi Brew event and Electric Illumination music event. Both are unique adult-only events.
Event Runs November 15, 2025 – January 3, 2026
12. Jack Frost Winter Walk - Christmas Tree Farm
Located in Chicago's Fulton Market, you'll find this cool Christmas interactive pop-up that all ages will enjoy. Head over there to find the perfect Christmas tree and stay for the activities.
Enjoy Ice Skating, carnival games, ice bumper cars, axe-throwing, tons of fun holiday photo-op backgrounds, cocktails, and craft beer. Plus, it's all under 1,000,000 twinkling lights.
Learn more about this holiday event that opens on November 15th at Jack Frost Winter Walk
13. The Nutcracker - Joffrey Ballet
Go see a holiday classic this year at the Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker. It's a beautiful ballet with an engaging holiday story that your whole family will enjoy watching.
Find tickets and dates at Joffrey Ballet.
Event Runs - December 5 - 28th 2025
14. Christmas Shows at Chicago Theatres & Suburbs
Have a night out on the town with your family, enjoying the Chicago theatres. Here are a few shows to see:
Goodman Theatre is hosting A Christmas Carol in Chicago
Auditorium Theatre is hosting Cirque Dreams: Holidaze in Chicago
Dury Lane Theatre is hosting A Christmas Carol in Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Marriott Theatre is hosting Million Dollar Quartet Christmas in Lincolnshire, IL
Rosemont Theatre is hosting the Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet in Rosemont, IL
15. Go See Art on the Mart
The Joffrey Ballet will be projected at Art on the Mart this year. Head to the Chicago River Walk between Wells & Lake Street to get the best views of Art on the Mart.
It's the largest digital art projection in the world, taking up one whole side of the Merchandise Mart.
Event Runs - November 20th - December 28, 2025
16. Aurora Light Festival - Drive Thru Lights
This fun festival of lights is the largest free outdoor drive-through holiday light display in the area. It will be returning in 2025 for its 19th year with dazzling displays and merry music that will delight children and adults.
Tip: This is a free event which can get crowded so go earlier or later at night
Event Runs - November 28th - December 28, 2025, from 5pm - 9pm
17. Enjoy Ice Skating in Chicago
Enjoy a day or evening out ice skating with the kids. There are tons of places to ice skate this time of year, but here are a few festive holiday locations.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink - located in Millennium Park
Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon - in Maggie Daley Park, located just east of Millennium Park
Winter Wonderfest Ice Skating Rink - located on Navy Pier, and is an indoor ice rink.
Light Up the Park - Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park
Jack Frost Winter Walk - located in Chicago's Fulton Market, with Curling too!
18. CTA Holiday Train & Bus
Hop on a fun CTA holiday train or holiday bus that is all decorated for the holidays. Look out for Santa on the ride too!
Get details on times and locations on the CTA Website.
19. Light Up the Park
The green space at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district is hosting a fun event called Light Up the Park. The Chicago Wolves have sponsored a huge FREE ice rink that you can bring your own ice skates to or rent for $8.
On November 22nd the event kicks off with children's activites from 2 pm - 6 pm, including visits from Santa & Mrs. Claus, free horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice sculptures, and more.
Visit the Park Events to find out more details about Light Up the Park.
Event Runs - November 22, 2025
Christmas Pop-Up Bars and Restaurants
Immerse yourself in the holiday season at fun Christmas Pop Up bars and restaurants. Most are family-friendly during daytime hours.
19. Santa Baby Bar
Head to Santa Baby Bar to be immersed in a multi-level, multi-room, totally over-the-top Christmas experience. Take time to walk around while enjoying time with friends and family.
They serve pizza and burgers along with tons of holiday-themed drinks. It's suggested to make reservations.
Located in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago.
Event Runs - November 21, 2025 - January 4, 2026
20. Frosty's Chicago Original Christmas Bar
Open for only 6 weeks a year, Frosty's Christmas Bar has 4 bars, 3 levels, and 2 dance floors with non-stop holiday music.
Located in Chicago.
Event Starts - November 21, 2025
21. Elf'd Up Pop Up Bar
Open for the 8th year in a row, Elf'd Up is located in the Stretch Bar and Grill in Wrigleyville, which is totally transformed into a tribute to the Christmas movie "ELF". Rooms are dedicated to holiday ideas from the movie and more than 1000 Elves.
Each table will come equipped with condiment carriers filled with the "four main food groups"-- candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup. They even serve Buddy’s Breakfast Pasta, which includes spaghetti, topped with maple syrup, chocolate fudge, and mini marshmallows. Plus fun holiday cocktails.
Event Starts - November 8, 2025
Find all the top Holiday Light Displays in Chicago Holiday Lights Festivals, Displays, and Drive-Thrus in 2025 (includes suburbs too!)
Christmas Planner
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Hopefully, you've found some fun things to do at Christmas in Chicago with your family. It's such a magical time of year and a good time to spend time together as a family exploring all the best Christmas events.
Have a Wonderful Holiday Season!
Enjoy the city all year long with fun activities in Top Things to Do in Chicago with Kids or on our Chicago Attractions Page.
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