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Tree Lightings, Children's Theater, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

The Millennium Park tree lighting kicks off the holiday season. Photo by City of Chicago.
The Millennium Park tree lighting kicks off the holiday season. Photo by City of Chicago.
11/19/25 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

It's the last weekend before Thanksgiving and neighborhoods around Chicago are starting to light up their big Christmas trees! Check out tree lighting events and celebrations in Millennium Park, Rosemont, Greektown, Lakeview, and Tinley Park. Or check out the Magnificent Mile Light Parade on Saturday night.

Still need Thanksgiving plans? Check out one of these kid-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving so that you don't have to cook. And check out our list of places open on Thanksgiving in case you need to get out of the house!

 And want to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank? Don’t forget to look for the deals link at the top of the calendar to filter for special offers and the free filter to see only free activities!

More Things To Do in Chicago This Week With Kids

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Best Things To Do This Weekend in Chicago With Kids

112th Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Millennium Park- FREE
Friday, November 21
Chicagoans of all ages can enjoy the annual lighting of the Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park in this event. The event will also include fireworks and many musical and theatrical performances. READ MORE

Deck the Green

Burr Ridge - FREE
Friday, November 21
Visit Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Buddy the Elf at Burr Ridge Village Center's Village Green as the town kicks off the holiday season. Sip hot cocoa and take a magical ride on the holiday train around the Green. Enjoy the company of other various holiday characters like the Grinch and Buddy the Elf, lighted jugglers, face painting stations, and your favorite community organizations. READ MORE

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Tinley Park - FREE
Friday, November 21
Come be a part of the Holiday Happenings in downtown Tinley Park! We're kicking off the celebration on Friday, November 21st at 6pm with our tree lighting ceremony and new ice rink grand opening -- followed by the holiday market festivities the next weekend (December 6th & 7th). READ MORE

Six Stories Up at the Zoo

Portage Park
Friday, November 21- Sunday, November 23
Six middle school students visit the Wienerbury Zoo, a sanctuary for animals with differences. When they find out the zoo is closing because of federal funding cuts they must find a way to keep it open. READ MORE

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom The Musical

Downtown
Thursday, November 20- Saturday, November 22
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical bursts onto the stage in a bright, musical, and joy-filled celebration of letters, words, and imagination that will captivate kids and adults alike. With infectious rhythms, dazzling puppets, lively dancing, and playful audience interaction, this high-energy production transforms the beloved story into a whirlwind of color, creativity, and fun.  READ MORE

Holiday Delight and Komodo Matsuri

Budlong Woods- FREE
Saturday, November 22
Visit the Japanese American Cultural Center for a unique holiday experience featuring cultural performances, assorted vendors and children's activities. Santa will visit and there will be food vendors selling delicious treats. READ MORE

Saturday Story Time at the Book Stall: "Mermaids Are The Worst"

Winnetka
Saturday, November 22
Best-selling children's author Alex Willan visits the Book Stall for a story time featuring his new  picture book, Mermaids Are the Worst! Gilbert the Goblin’s beachside vacation gets ruined by mermaids and their games in the side-splitting latest installment in The Worst! picture book series, where even the strangest of creatures can become the best of friends. READ MORE

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Streeterville
Saturday, November 22
Chicago's Magnificent Mile hosts the annual Lights Festival with a parade of lights with Grand Marshalls Minnie and Mickey Mouse. The event includes booths full of family-friendly activities, including pictures with Santa. READ MORE

Thanksgiving Week of Play at Chicago Children's Museum

Navy Pier
Starts Saturday, November 22
Rattle and shake! Dance and sing! Visit Chicago Children's Museum to make music inspired by the life and music of beloved children's musician Ella Jenkins. What sounds will you make on your instrument? Will you invite someone to play along? READ MORE

Saturday with Santa in Oak Park

Oak Park - FREE
Saturday, November 22
Visit Oak Park for Saturday with Santa, a fun-filled day featuring pictures with Santa, a toy drive, letters to Santa, crafts, a candy cane walk, face painting, local art vendors, food and drink specials and more! Plus the Toddlin’ Around Town Scavenger Hunt along Harrison! READ MORE

Light Up the Park at Parkway Bank Park

Rosemont
Saturday, November 22
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 22, offering families and visitors a full season of winter fun. The rink will open for ice skating beginning at 11 a.m. Guests can enjoy a variety of other holiday offerings available throughout the afternoon leading up to the Park’s annual “Light Up The Park” tree lighting celebration that evening.  READ MORE

Willow Springs Winter Fest

Willow Springs
Saturday, November 22
Enjoy this new event in Willow Springs that culminates with a tree lighting and fireworks! Families can shop for holiday gifts from local vendors, enjoy trolley and wagon rides, roast marshmallows for s'mores by the fire pit, drink hot cider or cocoa, and take a free picture with Santa at Willow Spring Village Hall. READ MORE

Dozin' With the Dinos

Museum Campus
Saturday, November 22- Sunday, November 23
The Field Museum hosts "Dozin' with the Dinos," where families with kids age 6-12 can stay overnight and experience the museum after dark. Guests can put on their pajamas and explore exhibits by flashlight! READ MORE

Greektown Chicago Tree Lighting

Greektown- FREE
Sunday, November 23
Greektown Chicago is hosting a holiday tree lighting  to commence their holiday celebrations. Carolers from Greek schools will sing traditional carols and restaurants will be open to grab a delicious bite to eat! READ MORE

Lakeview Roscoe Village Tree Lighting

Lakeview -FREE
Sunday, November 23
Bring the whole family to experience the magic of the holidays! Visit St. Alphonsus as Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce lights up the night sky, sings favorite holiday songs, enjoy sdonuts and hot chocolate, and meets Santa, Elsa, and Olaf! READ MORE

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