Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families

Christmas or Xmas, Hanukkah or Chanukah, there are plenty of ways for families to enjoy the season around Chicago.

Find fun holiday events, Christmas activities in Chicago, including Christmas lights, Hanukkah celebrations, polar express and Christmas trains, Santa visits, and more seasonal fun in our awesome Chicago Holidays Guide

Holiday Activities for Chicago Kids
Breakfast with Santa at Drury Lane
Where to Have Breakfast with Santa in Chicago This Holiday Season
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of the event.
The Chicago Must-Do Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out
The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
Cut your own tree this year at one of these Christmas tree farms near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Comstock Images
Top Christmas Tree Farms Near Chicago
Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
Visit Santa at the Midwestern Christmas town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of cedarburgfestival.org
The Best Christmas Towns in the Midwest

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Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
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The Furoshiki method is a practical way to wrap gifts using pieces of cloth. Photo courtesy of Invaluable
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Latest Christmas/Hanukkah News

The Keeler Christmas light display in Putnam Valley features nearly 1 million lights.
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Westchester in 2025
These houses pull out all the stops for Christmas with stunning holiday displays.
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The holiday market at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts features more than 75 craft and food vendors. Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Holiday Craft Fairs and Christmas Markets in Westchester and the Hudson Valley in 2025
Shop for handmade gifts and goodies at these Christmas craft fairs.
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An abbreviated production of
The Nutcracker and More Holiday Shows in Westchester and the Hudson Valley in 2025
These kid-friendly stagings of holiday classics are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
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Untermyer Gardens Conservancy's Grand Holiday Illumination has become a Yonkers tradition. Photo courtesy of the conservancy
15 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Westchester for Kids 2025
Here are our top picks for the most festive holiday events throughout Westchester.
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Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!
These amazing places are giving out free toys for kids this holiday season.
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Hershey Park's Candy Cane Lane is the stuff of sweet, holiday memories. Photo courtesy of Hershey Park
Christmas Towns and Festive Hotels near NYC that Will Blow Your Mind
If all you want for Christmas is a seasonal getaway, consider this list is our gift to you.
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