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35 Best Things to Do in Chicago December 2024 with Kids

Bundle up for a Christmas market this December. Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
Bundle up for a Christmas market this December. Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
11/29/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

December in Chicago is stacked with favorite holiday events, concerts, and shows for kids and families. Sing along with carolers in Millennium Park and at the Music Box Theater, or see classic live performances like the Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker and the Goodman Theater's A Christmas Carol. Celebrate the holidays in another culture with events at the Irish American Cultural Center, Swedish American Museum, or DANK Haus. 

Santas are ready for Santa pictures at malls across the city and suburbs. We have a list of our favorite places to go see The Nutcracker in the city or within an hour drive. And opening this month are plenty of outdoor skating rinks to glide across. But don't forget, your Elf on the Shelf is watching!

 

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Blackberry Farm Holiday Express. Photo courtesy of the farm
Blackberry Farm Holiday Express. Photo courtesy of the farm

Top Things To Do in Chicago with Kids in December

Elf The Musical at the Auditorium Theater

South Loop
December 2-14
Elf The Musical, inspired by the hit film, is the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve. When he discovers he is human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and, in turn, helps the Big Apple rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. READ MORE

A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theater

Downtown
Wednesdays through Sundays through December 31
Charles Dickens's holiday classic is brought to life at this annual play at the Goodman Theater. Nearly two million people have seen the show, which is now in its fifth decade. READ MORE

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at the Raven Theatre

Rogers Park
December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28
Let the Strawdog Theatre Company take your family on a Hanukkah adventure with characters such as Herschel of Ostropool and the goblins who are haunting a village. READ MORE

Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest

Downtown
December 5- January 4
Relive cherished memories and make magical new ones at Chicago’s favorite holiday experience. Step inside and kick off the season with rides, slides, and festive fun. From thrilling attractions like the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity to family favorites like the kiddie train, bumper cars, and skating on The Verizon | Google Pixel Ice Rink-there’s something for everyone! READ MORE

Rudolph Runs Wild...

Old Town
December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 23, and 26-31
Share silliness this holiday season with Rudolph Runs Wild… a jolly extravaganza for kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and reindeer of all ages! Featuring a fun and festive blend of family-friendly songs and sketches from The Second City’s rich comedy archives, fresh new material written specifically for young audiences, and – of course – the ridiculous improv hijinks The Second City is world famous for. Brighten your winter with this one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical experience offering audience members, young and old, the chance to enjoy the comedy fun both from their... READ MORE

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party

West Loop
December 6-7. 13-14, 20-23, and 27-28
Four adorable Beatrix Potter favorites come to life in this mesmerizing, interactive trunk and puppet show, complete with original music. Storytellers weave Potter’s classic narration with gentle interactive moments, recruiting young watchers to join the adventure. After the show, head to the lobby to play with the puppets, take pictures with the cast, and join fellow Chicago families for a communal tea party featuring a festive spread of holiday treats! READ MORE

The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker

Downtown
Thursdays through Sundays, December 5- December 28
The Joffrey Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker. This classic ballet has been reimagined for a modern audience and set in Chicago at the 1893 World's Fair, where Marie and her mother, a sculptress creating the fair’s iconic Statue of the Republic, partake in a festive celebration with a surprise visit from the mysterious Great Impresario. READ MORE

Christmas Bazaar and Santa Breakfast at the Irish American Heritage Center

Mayfair
Sunday, December 7
Kick off the holiday season at the Irish American Heritage Center with Irish breakfast and visits from Santa, a craft and bake sale, music, dancing, and children's activities. Breakfast begins at 10 a.m. with reservations required. READ MORE

MRS CLAUS! at the Beverly Arts Center

Beverly
December 3-23
Chicago Kids Company’s Holiday Classic returns! Its biggest and most colorful show will put you in the Holiday Spirit in no time.  Join the new Elf Class of 2025 as they try to find the missing “list” in time for Christmas. READ MORE

Live Holiday Caroling at the JW Marriott Chicago

Downtownbr> December 5, 12, and 19
The holidays are magical in Chicago, and JW Marriott Chicago places guests at the center of it all. Step into the spirit of the season with complimentary live holiday caroling in the hotel’s grand lobby at 5 p.m. on Fridays, December 5, 12, and 19. Each 30-minute performance is open to guests and the public, filling the historic space with joyful harmonies, twinkling décor, and timeless holiday cheer. READ MORE

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

Downtown
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

Roscoe Village Winterfest

Roscoe Village
Saturday, December 6- Sunday, December 7
Enjoy a weekend of tree lighting, shopping, hot cocoa and cider sipping, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and caroling in the Roscoe Village neighborhood. Santa will visit from noon to 4 p.m. at various local businesses. Families can also enjoy the new Winterfest Art Stroll where students from Audobon Elementary will display their artwork at local businesses. READ MORE

Santa's Winterland Workshop at Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville
December 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21
Santa visits the friendly confines each weekend in December. Kids can meet Santa for a photo near the CD Peacock entrance lobby or bring their pets to meet Santa. READ MORE

Ravenswood Light-Up Night

Ravenswood
Saturday, December 6
Residents in the Ravenswood area light up their yards for the weekend before Christmas. With lights, disco balls, light-up figurines, and a selfie-station set up in the greenway, residents create a winter wonderland for visitors. Restaurants will feature specials for visitors. The event includes a scavenger hunt for kids, tree decorating contest, multimedia window, photo stations, and caroling. READ MORE

Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting Celebration at Mary Bartelme Park

West Loop
Saturday, December 6
Mary Bartelme Park hosts a Menorah Lighting Celebration, including live music, face painting, delicious snacks, and a children's story time! Santa will be on hand for pictures! READ MORE

2025 Clark Street Cookie Crawl

Lincoln Park
Sunday, December 7
Kick off the holiday season with sweet treats and festive fun at the Clark Street Cookie Crawl! Put on your coziest holiday pajamas or favorite holiday sweater and get set for a day of holiday cheer. Visit businesses along Clark Street to collect a variety of delicious holiday cookies. Enjoy surprises along the way including carolers, hot chocolate, and the chance to snap photos with Santa. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends! READ MORE

Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box

Lakeview
December 6-7, 12-14, 18-21, and 23-24
Bring your family to see two holiday classics and sing holiday carols with Santa during intermission. Enjoy the double feature of It's a Wonderful Life and Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Santa will be accompanied by the Music Box organist while the lyrics are projected on the screen for everyone to join in the fun. READ MORE

Winterfest at Poplar Creek Country Club

Hoffman Estates
December 6
Celebrate the holiday season with s'more making, ice-less skating, a gingerbread house making contest, sled dogs, stage shows, and more. Bundle up to stay warm in the cold. READ MORE

Free Holiday Movies at the Glen Art Theatre

Glen Ellyn
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

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

Pinstripes Brunch with Santa

River North and Oak Brook
December 5-7, 13-14, and 19-21
Santa tries to bowl a turkey while families enjoy brunch at Pinstripes in Chicago, Northbrook, and South Barrington on weekends leading up to Christmas. The man in red will be available for photos and to accept holiday wish lists during brunch. 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

Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration 2025

Hyde Park
Saturday, December 6
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

Holiday Movies at Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville
December 4,11, and 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

St. Lucia Celebration

Andersonville
Friday, December 13
Follow the Swedish tradition of St. Lucia with Lucias from Swedish organizations throughout Chicagoland as they perform a candlelit procession from the temporary location of the Nordic House at the Wrigley Building to the Swedish American Museum to Andersonville Winter Market. The Lucia candidates will also perform at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. READ MORE

Evanston Children's Choir Holiday Concert

Evanston
Friday, December 12
The Evanston Children's Choir will celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the resilience of the human spirit. Join the ECC Concert Choir, Youth Chorale Pops and our Pope John XXIII School Choir for this free event. READ MORE

Winter Solstice Festival at North Park Village

North Park
Saturday, December 13
Welcome winter at North Park Village Nature Center. Enjoy star gazing, a bonfire, nature walks, tasting chestnuts and more. After, warm up inside with The Emily Kuhn Quintet and a festive bird craft sponsored by Chicago Bird Alliance. READ MORE

Weihnachsmarkt at DANK Haus

Lincoln Square
Saturday, December 13- Sunday, December 14
Support German educational and cultural programming by visiting DANK Haus for visits with Santa and shopping for unique goods at festive stands. German food and drink will be available for purchase. 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

Do-It-Yourself Nutcracker at River Park

Lincoln Square
Sunday, December 14
Wear your ballet slippers and costumes and join the dancers on stage at this interactive presentation of the holiday classic. READ MORE

I|O Godfrey Roofscape Christmas Eve Brunch with Santa

River North
Wednesday, December 24
Help Santa gear up for his big ride in style in an igloo on the rooftop of the I|O Godfrey Hotel. The menu includes a carving station, omelet station, acai bowl station, avocado toast bar, pancakes, French toast, a a salad bar, and a dessert table. READ MORE

Harlem Globetrotters in Rosemont

Rosemont
Sunday, December 28
The Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs is coming with game like never before. Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skills, outrageous athleticism, and a nonstop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals, who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Wonder Works

Oak Park
Wednesday, December 31
Dress up in something sparkly and celebrate New Year's Eve at Wonder Works children's museum. The event features New Year's crafts, a balloon drop, encounters with costumed characters, and a fun photo booth. Wonder Works offers two countdown times at 10am, and 12pm to accommodate all of the nap times. READ MORE

DuPage Children's Museum Bubble Bash

Naperville
Wednesday, December 31
Kids can ring in the new year with their choice of bubbles, confetti, a music launch, or a quiet countdown at the DuPage Children's Museum's annual year-end celebration. Kids can enjoy creating wearable art, DIY confetti poppers, or 2D or 3D bubble wands. They can also visit Sensoryland, take part in a fluorescent adventure, or visit the photo booth. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar
Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club