ChicagoKids.com 2024 Holiday Guide



Find the 2024 Best Christmas and Holiday Family Events in Chicago

Our 2024 Holiday Guide is packed with the best family Christmas and Holiday Events in and around Chicago.

More events and activities are being added every day - check back often!






 


Featured Holiday Events and Activities


Salt Creek Ballet's The Nutcracker - Tickets start at just $28!
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie
December 6 and 7
Salt Creek Ballet's The Nutcracker marches back onto the North Shore Center stage December 06 & 07 with an affordable full-length holiday production performed in the grand tradition by a professional company with exceptional guest soloists! For a holiday production that first delighted audiences way back in 1892, Salt Creek Ballet's The Nutcracker demonstrates how to make this historic ballet and holiday tradition just as accessible and relevant today. The Nutcracker is the perfect way to introduce young children to the power and beauty of classical dance.
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Art Deco Nutcracker: Chicago's One-of-a-kind Family Favorite Holiday Experience
The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
December 7 at 2pm and 7pm
Start the holidays off with a unique experience and take on the classic Nutcracker. Children will love the fantastical costumes and choreography of the acclaimed choreographer Alexei Kremnev. Set in 1920s America, "The Art Deco Nutcracker" is a fun, exciting and fast-moving but nevertheless classic ballet that the entire family will love. The Chicago Tribune said it as "A glossy rendition filled with gorgeous, glitzy costumes" and The Cincinnati Enquirer writes that Kremnev has "brought dance to a whole new level." The vibrant "roaring" era costumes and stunning choreography offers a new approach to the beloved story with the historic Tchaikovsky score known around the world. The Art Deco Nutcracker will inspire all ages. Saturday December 2 at Athenaeum Theater.
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Parkway Bank Park's Chicago Wolves Ice Rink Opens With 'Light Up the Park' in Rosemont Nov 23
Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont
November 23
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with ice skating at Parkway Bank Park's Chicago Wolves Ice Rink in Rosemont, November 23 through January 26, 2025! Admission is free and guests are invited to bring their own skates or rent on-site for only $8. Full hours and schedule can be found online. Enjoy several family-friendly holiday offerings available on Saturday, November 23 leading up to the annual "Light Up The Park" tree lighting ceremony that evening!
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Discover the Magic of Innovation at Santa's STEAM Workshop - A Holiday Adventure for Young Explorers!

Brain Builders Academy, 225 S Sangamon St., Chicago
December 14 - Time slots available between 11am-6pm
Join us at Santa's STEAM Workshop for a unique holiday event! Perfect for young minds 9 and younger, this hands-on workshop mixes Christmas magic with STEM and Art. Kids will create and explore with activities like decorating cookies, engineering gingerbread houses, making ornaments, and building snowball catapults. Warm up with a cozy hot cocoa bar and enjoy festive fun. Plus, capture a special moment with Santa himself during a photo opportunity. Don't miss this chance to make lasting holiday memories-Santa's STEAM Workshop is the perfect festive experience for families!
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Light Up The Lake
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
November 29 - December 5
Stroll through the free dazzling outdoor lights and race down the new 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.
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Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry, 57th St. and Lake Shore Dr., Chicago
November 16 - January 6
Explore rich holiday traditions from around the globe while creating your own traditions with loved ones in Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. It began in 1942 with a single tree. Today, the Museum's beloved annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. It's the one-of-a-kind experience that brings a whole world of holiday joy under one roof.
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Magnificent Mile Light Festival Opening Weekend
North Michigan Avenue, Chicago
November 22
For thirty-three years, The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has been an exciting and joy-filled holiday celebration. The centerpiece is the largest nighttime parade in the United States. Led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse of Walt Disney World Resort, the spectacular 2024 parade down North Michigan Avenue will feature fabulous floats with beloved characters Buzz Lightyear and Woody, Anna and Elsa, Tiana and Belle, marching bands from across the country, musical celebrities, Santa Claus, The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular, and one million lights illuminating The Magnificent Mile's 200+ trees.
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Holiday Magic
Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield
November 22-24, 29-30 and December 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-31
Step into a wonderland of Holiday Magic, where enchanting scenes come to life with giant illuminated animals, a dazzling tunnel show, Santa, and captivating walkthrough displays! Marvel at over 900 beautifully decorated trees that illuminate the night, each adorned by local community groups and organizations. Take a leisurely stroll through our NEW immersive displays, Candy Cane Lane and Sparkling Coast, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It's a magical experience filled with joy and wonder for the whole family.
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Kohlights
Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago, 2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview
Select dates November 29 - December 22
It's more than just a walk through the festive holiday lights in Kohl Children's Museum's newest outdoor activity: Kohlights. This immersive experience allows kids to interact with light and color as they explore hues and patterns in this safe and interactive holiday light installation, right-sized for young kids. The show must "glow" on!
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ZooLights
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago
November 15 - January 5
One of Chicagoland's favorite holiday traditions is back with new artistic, interactive displays and programming. ZooLights will feature more than 3 million lights, including hundreds of luminous LED displays and festive seasonal experiences. Check out the thrilling holiday light tunnel or ride the iconic Ferris wheel - with incredible views of the skyline and all the twinkling lights. Indulge in hot chocolate or roast s'mores on an open fire. On select nights, sing alongside carolers or be amazed by professional ice carvers.
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