Christmas in Chicago: 2023 Events & Activities for Families

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Kristy Pepping said:  Enjoy this family outdoor event at the Grant Park Recreation Center featuring Santa Claus, inflatables, holiday-themed crafts, family bingo, free hot dogs and sleigh rides!

5pm

RebeccaHuang said:  A classic holiday tradition with a Ballet 5:8 twist. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they embark on a miraculous journey through time and discover what Christmas is all about.

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:  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.

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.

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:  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!

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.

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.

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

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

ardenc said:  WNDR Museum, Chicago’s original immersive art and technology experience, invites guests to immerse themselves in the magic of the holiday season with the return of its Winter WNDRland celebration. From November 27 to January 2, WNDR Museum will feature a brand-new interactive light-up Santa’s Sleigh installation, photos with Santa and holiday-themed elements throughout existing fan favorite installations. WNDR Museum will also host a special holiday themed WNDR After Dark: Ugly Sweater Party II on Friday, December 9.

From November 25 through January 2, WNDR Museum will donate $5 to Urban Growers Collective for each order purchased using the promo code “GIVE”.

ASDTA said:  Winter Lights is a celebration held by the city of Aurora that kicks off the holiday season along Downer Place and Stolp Avenue in downtown Aurora. Aurora Downtown is a proud partner.

6pm

ardenc said:  Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district is thrilled to kick off the holiday season with the return of its Chicago Wolves Ice Rink Saturday, November 19. Visitors can enjoy ice skating beginning at 11 a.m. in addition to several other holiday offerings available throughout the afternoon leading up to the Park’s annual “Light Up The Park” tree lighting event. Skate rentals are available on-site for $8.

A variety of family-friendly festivities will be available at “Light Up The Park'' 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. The ice rink will close for the evening at 10 p.m. Parkway Bank Park’s restaurants and entertainment venues will be open throughout the day.

11am-10pm

CKCAngi said:  Chicago Kids Company’s holiday classic celebrates the 23rd year of MRS. CLAUS! A HOLIDAY MUSICAL. This show is so popular that we decided to present it in TWO different theaters in December 2022. Get your tickets early…many shows sell out!

It’s almost Christmas, and Santa’s list is missing! Join Mrs. Claus and the Elf Class of 2022 as they try to find it in time to save Christmas. Who stole the list? How will they get it back? Will Mrs. Claus save the day? Chicago Kids Company’s biggest and most colorful show will put you in the Holiday Spirit in no time!

Upparent said:  A holiday spectacular with acrobatic feats for the whole family to enjoy.

Upparent said:  A group of life-sized toys set out to save Christmas in this traveling children's theater show by AlphaBet Soup Productions. Be sure to click through to the website to see which dates the show will be playing at each theater.

Location varies by date

Emily Hart said:  Join us on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 4 p.m. at the Auditorium Theatre or Sunday, Nov 26, at 2 p.m. at the Rosemont Theatre for a magical holiday extravaganza. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as Buddy the Elf spreads Christmas cheer with a live symphony orchestra performing John Debney’s heartwarming score, perfectly synchronized with the beloved film projected on a 40-foot HD screen.

YMCAChicago said:  Join us for a fun and festive 5K run in Memorial Park this holiday season! All runner levels are welcome, and the fun continues at Santa’s Village after the run, where you can meet our reindeer guests, enjoy a hot chocolate bar, and stop by the Elf Workshop.

Proceeds from the Rudolph Run and Elf Dash help us enrich children and families in our community regardless of their ability to pay.

8am-11am

Upparent said:  This production of the classic Christmas tale is only one hour long, and perfect for children of all ages to enjoy! On select dates, you and your family are invited to have breakfast or dinner with Santa, too.

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.

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

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:  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.

Antonio.Konja said:  Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago announced the launch of The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle art classes called Make A Holiday Masterpiece. Classes will take place on various dates throughout November and December. Art Studio Artishock and Easel Art Studio will provide instruction for the classes starting Saturday, Nov. 26.

The art class will offer children take-home artwork, inspired by The Immersive Nutcracker. With instruction from Talia Prilutsky for November and Kerry and Jess from Easel Art Studio for December classes, children 6 years and above will enjoy a 45-minute holiday-themed activity with supplies included, along with a holiday-themed treat of “Sugar Plum” hot cocoa with an oversized marshmallow from XO Marshmallow.

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.

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:  Come to the Indiana Welcome Center for "A Christmas Story" Comes Home exhibit which is six animatronic window displays from Macy's Department Store in New York. Each has a different scene from "A Christmas Story," that classic Christmas movie byJean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark which is based on Shepherd's experiences growing up in Hammond, Indiana.

8am-5pm

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.

Kristy Pepping said:  Looking for free things to do for Christmas in Chicago? Art on THE MART transforms one of Chicago's notable landmarks, THE MART (formerly known as The Merchandise Mart), into a permanent, larger-than-life canvas. During the holiday season, enjoy their Season of Light display nightly at 7:30pm. Performances are free for all to enjoy, and can be best viewed from The Chicago Riverwalk between Wells and Lake St.