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 snow and lights at North Pole Nights are guaranteed to drop jaws. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens
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Create a new holiday tradition at these great Bay Area events.
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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!
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Kids can tune out parents and listen to music with these cool Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones.
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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
8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah with Kids: Hanukkah Gifts, Fun Crafts, and a Little History
Put on your yarmulkes, it's time for Hanukkah!
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Build the excitement as the festive celebrations approach! Photo courtesy of Lego
Lego, Star Wars, and More Awesome 2025 Advent Calendars for Kids and Parents, Too!
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The KidKraft Wooden Train Set & Table is hours of creative fun that grows with your kids.
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These awesome toddler gifts will be a hit with any 2- or 3-year-old.
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