ChicagoKids.com 2025 Holiday Guide
Find the 2025 Best Christmas and Holiday Family Events in ChicagoWelcome to your ultimate family guide to the holidays in the Chicagoland area! Skip the endless searching and easily plan your best holiday season yet. Whether you are looking for festive Christmas events and kids' activities, dazzling holiday light displays, spectacular Nutcracker performances, or family-friendly seasonal shows and theater, this is your one-stop resource. Use our comprehensive Holiday Guide to browse featured events and explore here to find the best family-friendly holiday events for Christmas and Hanukkah happening across the entire Chicago area.
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Featured Holiday Events and Activities
Family favorite ANNIE from Music Theater Works, Dec. 19 - Jan 4
George Van Dusen Theatre at the North Shore for Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, SkokieDecember 19 - January 4
For more than a century, audiences around the world have been inspired by the story of ANNIE, the spunky, red-headed orphan whose unshakable optimism transforms everyone she meets, including billionaire Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, ANNIE shines with some of the most beloved songs in musical theatre history, such as "Tomorrow," "NYC," and "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile." Tickets are now on sale for Music Theater Works' ANNIE with guests 25 years old and younger available at half-price - perfect for the whole family. Playing for a limited time, December 19 - January 4 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Tickets and more information at MusicTheaterWorks.com.
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Free Ice Skating at Chicago Wolves Ice Rink in Rosemont
Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, RosemontNovember 22 - January 25
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with ice skating at Parkway Bank Park's Chicago Wolves Ice Rink in Rosemont, November 22 through January 25, 2026! Immerse yourself in a magical winter wonderland, complete with sparkling holiday lights and an NHL-size rink that's perfect for making unforgettable memories. Admission is free and guests are invited to bring their own skates or rent on-site for only $8. A variety of family-friendly festivities will be available at "Light Up The Park" on Saturday, November 22 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers and ice sculpting viewing. Rosemont's Mayor Brad Stephens will arrive at 5:30 p.m. to officially illuminate the park with a spectacular display of more than 80,000 holiday lights. Visit the web site for ice skating hours and schedule.
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Hanukkah, Shmanukkah!
The Greenhouse Theatre Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue, ChicagoDecember 18 - December 21
"Good things happen with a little remembering." Melanie Ann Apel directs the world premiere of Esmé Raji Codell's Hanukkah, Shmanukkah!, the perfect story for the whole family this holiday season. Ms.Eb and her students bring storytime to life as they move from early Jewish history through modern day to share the history and traditions of the celebration of Hanukkah. Thursday, Friday and Saturday 6:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 2:30pm. Recommended for ages 5+.
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Illumination: Tree Lights
Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, LisleDecember 15 - January 4
Bring family and friends to see Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum and be amazed by how light, color, and music transforms a magnificent landscape of trees. Guests of all ages will delight in the festive features and stunning light displays found along a fully ADA-compliant trail running through The Morton Arboretum’s gardens and tree-filled landscapes. New this year—Illumination features four colorful animal sculptures from The Morton Arboretum’s newest exhibition Vivid Creatures, by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz. See these colorful sculptures lit up for the holidays and transformed for the Illumination experience.
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Winter WonderFest
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., ChicagoDecember 5 - January 4
Get ready to relive cherished memories and create magical new moments at Chicago’s favorite indoor holiday experience, complete with dazzling décor, thrilling rides, ice skating, and seasonal fun for all ages. Winter WonderFest opens daily at 10 AM. Closing times vary. Holiday hours apply on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Closed on Christmas Day.
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Magnificent Mile Light Festival Opening Weekend
North Michigan Avenue, ChicagoNovember 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, BrookfieldNovember 21-23 and 28-30; December 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 and 26-31; January 1-4
We’re lighting up the night this holiday season! Returning with a brand new light display, celebrate more than 40 years of Holiday Magic. Now with more than 3.5 million lights, this spectacular interactive display transforms the Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stroll through themed areas featuring giant holiday displays, a maze, tunnels, and animal-themed lights. Sensory Friendly night is December 4.
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Kohlights
Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago, 2100 Patriot Boulevard, GlenviewSelect dates November 28 - December 21
Step into a world of wonder at The Kohlights Holiday Lightacular! It’s more than a stroll through twinkling lights. This interactive holiday-themed light experience allows children to explore, experiment, and let their imaginations shine as they interact with light and color throughout this one-of-a-kind holiday experience. The show must “glow†on!
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Winterland
Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., ChicagoNovember 23 - December 31
Bring the family for whimsical holiday magic including Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, Santa's Workshop, the Gallagher Ice Rink and more. Admission to Gallagher Way, including Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, is FREE and doesn't require tickets to access the holiday fun. The holiday train, Gallagher Ice Rink, Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville merchandise, international food and beverage, and photobooth pictures will be available for on-site purchase.
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ZooLights
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Dr., ChicagoNovember 21 - January 4
Chicagoland’s favorite holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever! ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd twinkles with more than 3 million lights, hundreds of nostalgic LED displays, and festive experiences that capture the magic of the season. Step into a world of sparkle and shine as you stroll through the dazzling holiday light tunnel. Take a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel and catch some of the best views of the Chicago skyline amid twinkling lights. Indulge in hot chocolate, snack on fresh churros, or roast s’mores on an open fire. On select nights, sing along with roaming carolers or watch as expert ice carvers sculpt frosty masterpieces.
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