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12/1/24 - By Siobhan Adcock

Looking for free Christmas events in Chicago this 2025 season? We've got a list of over 30 fun free holiday events in Chicago for kids.

Free Christmas events in Chicago for kids and other holiday fun are everywhere this season, including long-standing annual holiday events like Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Naper Lights in the western suburbs, and the city's Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along. While all of the holiday and Christmas events in Chicago on this list are free, be aware that many still require tickets for time reservations.

Click through the the event listings for details, including times and location information, and keep an eye on our action-packed Event Calendar—there's always something new to do in the Chicago area. For more seasonal ideas, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities.

 

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Photo courtesy of the Garfield Park Conservatory
Photo courtesy of the Garfield Park Conservatory

Free Holiday and Christmas Events for the 2025 Season

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

Downtown
Thursday, November 27
Chicago's Thanksgiving Parade will have the theme of "Where Grateful Hearts Gather." Families can watch as floats, bands, and dignitaries travel along State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. READ MORE

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park
Free on Mondays, November 24, December 1,8 and 15
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo has been a favorite holiday event for more than 30 years, with light displays and seasonal activities throughout the zoo. The event is free on Monday evenings, and $7 most other weekdays, and $12 on weekends and premium dates. READ MORE

Naper Lights

Naperville
November 27- January 1
Downtown Naperville's annual holiday light extravaganza features light displays and music throughout the downtown Naperville and Riverwalk areas. Admission is free. Get a photo with Santa beside the Great Tree on select dates. READ MORE

2025 Holiday Parade of Lights Naperville

Naperville
Friday, November 28
Watch as twinkling floats and vehicles travel through downtown Naperville at this annual parade sponsored by the Naperville Rotary Club. Santa will appear at the end of the parade and be on hand at the Naperville Public Library to visit with kids after the parade. READ MORE

Nights of Lights

Wheaton
November 28- January 4
The new holiday light experience at Adams Park is hosted by the Downtown Wheaton Association and the City of Wheaton and has plenty of holiday spirit and community. Don't forget to drop your letter to Santa in the Nights of Lights mailbox to be delivered directly to the North Pole. READ MORE

Free Holiday Movies at the Glen Art Theatre

Glen Ellyn
Saturdays, November 29, December 6, 13, and 20
Families can enjoy classic holiday movies courtesy of the Glen Art Theatre and the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce on the Saturdays leading up to Christmas. Seats are limited, so families should arrive early. READ MORE

Tree Lighting at Wilder Park

Elmhurst
Thursday, December 4
Trees sponsored by community organizations, families, and groups of friends will be lit at the Tree Lighting in Wilder Park. The event also includes a visit from Santa, holiday music and games, and treats from local food trucks. READ MORE

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

Downtown
Fridays, December 5, 12, and 19
Sing together with other Chicagoans in this multi-cultural holiday event. A different performer will lead the sing-along each week at the Cloudgate sculpture. Songbooks will be distributed so participants can sing along. READ MORE

Cocoa with Santa at Adams Park

Lincoln Park
Wednesday, December 10
Event includes holiday crafts. hot cocoa, and a photo opportunity with Santa! READ MORE

Winter Lights at Central Park

Oak Brook
Daily through January 4
As the sun sets and darkness descends, Central Park transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the 1/2 mile walk through the beautifully lit Central Park, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Discover dancing trees, colorful rainbow arches, cascading snowflakes, dazzling twirling icicles, vibrantly colored butterflies, and musical hearts throughout this scenic walk. This walk is FREE to the community and accessible to all. READ MORE

Winter Flower Show: Merry & Bright at Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park
Daily through January 4
This year’s Winter Flower Show “Merry & Bright” evokes the festivity of the season. While the outdoor landscape is gray (and maybe white!), the indoor Show House reveals a cheerful selection of poinsettias including ‘Viking Cinnamon’, ‘Lemon Glow’, ‘Chorus Hot Pink’, and ‘Candy Wintergreen’.  READ MORE

Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza

Downtown
Daily through December 24
The 25th annual Christkindlmarket features holiday themed drinks, snacks, shopping, and games outside the Daley Center. READ MORE

Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Downtown
Daily through February 1
Families can enjoy free ice staking at Millennium Park throughout the winter season. Free lessons are also available most Saturdays at 9 a.m. Please reserve a 90-minute ice time session in advance at https://millenniumparkiceskating.showare.com/ READ MORE

Art on the Mart

Downtown
Thursdays through Sundays through December 28
Families can watch as works of art are projected on The Merchandise Mart, while listening to a variety of unique music. The show is about 30 minutes long at 9 pm each night. READ MORE

Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park

Lombard
December 6-January 5
An array of light shows adorn Lilacia Park for the holiday season. Animated light shows, a gingerbread house, and decorated trees provide enjoyment for families throughout the west suburban park. READ MORE

Villa Park Joyful Traditions

Villa Park
Saturday, December 6
Families can visit food vendors, meet characters like an elf, Mickey Mouse, or The Cat in the Hat, and ride a trolley. Santa will arrive via fire truck, and kids can visit a petting zoo, take a pony ride, or enjoy food from food trucks. READ MORE

Santa's Jolly Jamboree

Lombard
Saturday, December 6
Santa's Jolly Jamboree is back! Make magical memories with the family as you visit Santa and gear up for the holiday season with a day of free, fun activities at Yorktown Center. READ MORE

Oak Forest Jolly Jamboree

Oak Forest
Saturday, December 6
Oak Forest City Hall and Fire Station host residents for lots of holiday fun. Take pictures in a giant snow globe outside the buildings, or step inside for cookie decorating, a holiday sing along, face painting, a caricature artist, or photos with Santa. Bluey will be at the fire house for photo opportunities. READ MORE

Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration 2025

Hyde Park
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Sponsored by the University of Chicago, Hyde Park Holly-Day is back for 2025 with lots of FREE family holiday activities throughout Hyde Park on Saturday, December 6 at select times between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Don’t miss the ice carving demo & self-guided sculpture stroll, pictures with your favorite Santas, live reindeer & sleigh, free screening of “Zootopia 2", Buddy the Elf, costumed characters, dance performances, and holiday crafts. See you in Hyde Park! READ MORE

Tinley Park Parade of Lights

Tinley Park
Sunday, December 7
Festive floats, local businesses, community groups and school bands will march down Oak Park Avenue from 175th Street to the Subway parking lot. Special guests from the North Pole will make an appearance. READ MORE

Farmside Christmas

Bensenville
Saturday, December 6
Get into the holiday spirit of 1836 at Fischer Farm in Bensenville. Kids can listen to festive music, drink hot chocolate, make a holiday craft, and get a photo with Santa! READ MORE

Holiday Movies at Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville
Thursdays, December 4, 11 and December 18
Enjoy a holiday classic film outside at Wrigleyville's Gallagher Way. Families can watch while ice skating, with a hot chocolate from the market, or from one of the restaurants nearby. READ MORE

Frosty Fest

Wheaton
Saturday, December 13
Unwrap holiday magic with Elsa, Olaf, the Grinch and more! Strolling carolers, complimentary hot cocoa, and giveaways round out the fun.   READ MORE

Spring Road Winter Fest

Elmhurst
Saturday, December 13
Decorated reindeer sculptures make an appearance at Spring Road and the Prairie Path in Elmhurst. Kids can also enjoy a sleigh ride (if there's snow) or a wagon ride (if there's not),free cocoa and cookies, and a visit with Santa. Choir groups from the Student Choir from Immaculate Conception HS and the Acappellago Group will perform. READ MORE

Hinsdale Christmas Walk

Hinsdale
Friday, December 5
Historic downtown Hinsdale will be lit up for the holidays as families come to see the tree lighting and Santa's arrival. Enjoy visiting Santa, Santa's village, the tree lighting ceremony, the holiday train, and the carousel! The town is filled with holiday cheer and hopes you are too! READ MORE

Do-It- Yourself Nutcracker

Lincoln Square
Sunday, December 14
Join us for this magical event as student dancers on stage for a re-telling of this holiday classic where you become the star. Wear your tights, slippers, and holiday finest for this unique and fun-filled interactive holiday dance event. Don't miss the chance to relive the magic of the Nutcracker. READ MORE

The Living Nativity

Bridgeport
Sunday, December 14, 2024
Celebrate the Christmas season with St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish as the church brings the nativity story to life. Walk through this free outdoor "Live Nativity," complete with barnyard animals, music, and Christmas readings in multiple languages. Kids can ride a pony and enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies. READ MORE

Wilmette Menorah Lighting

Wilmette
Sunday, December 14
Brave the cold and share in a beautiful community tradition! Chabad of Wilmette, in partnership with the Chamber, invites the community to the annual Menorah Lighting at Village Hall on Sunday, December 14 at 5:30 PM. Enjoy festive music by the Wilmette Junior High Choir, remarks from village dignitaries and community partners, hot cocoa, a 12-foot menorah lighting, songs, and even a visit from a stilt walker! READ MORE

Celebrate Chanukah with Skokie Chabad at Old Orchard

Skokie
Sunday, December 14- Sunday, December 21
Join Skokie Chabad on December 14th - December 21st for a special event series with at Old Orchard. Enjoy Chanukah treats including hot cocoa, and cookies or donuts, crafts along with Dreidel Man mascot dances to Chanukah music. READ MORE

Kwanzaa Celebration at Dan Ryan Woods

South Side
Tuesday, December 30
Celebrate community, honor Pan-African Heritage and embrace the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Learn and practice Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujaama (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose),Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Unity)  during the week following Christmas. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink