Christkindlemarket is a beloved Chicago tradition! It's an authentic German Christmas market with handmade goods, german delicacies, live music, and the famous mugs that come with hot chocolate and spiced wine. They OG market is in Daley Plaza downtown, but they also have locations outside Wrigley Field and in Aurora. Hours vary depending on location...
"Gallagher Way and in Wrigley Field turn into a Winter Wonderland Outside at Christkindlmarket, guests can ride the new 40-foot Ferris wheel and see our dazzling tree – set to be lit on opening day of Winterland. As guests continue into the ballpark, they will discover a host of new and captivating experiences, see the...
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights is one of Chicago's best traditions! The Zoo is lit up with holiday cheer, and it's a great opportunity to see the animals in the evening. There's hot chocolate, music, and Santa will be there as well! It's definitely one of the most affordable and kid-friendly light displays in Chicago.
The Museum of Science Industry hosts has been hosting this exhibit since 1942. Each Christmas tree is decorated to represent a different country with a 4 story Christmas tree in the center. It's a must-see family tradition and it's indoors!
Bring your kids to a character storytime featuring Anna from Frozen! After 30 minutes of reading, Anna will meet and take photos with the kids.
"Explore the Museum in a less crowded and more sensory-friendly environment before the Museum opens to the general public. Low-Sensory Mornings provide exclusive early access to MSI from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., allowing you to explore with exhibits with modified lighting and sound. Your tickets also include Museum Entry for rest of the day, with...
"Attention junior detectives! Through imaginative play, hands-on discovery, storytime sessions, and exhibit exploration, your junior detective will engage in exciting mesozoic mysteries that get them well on their way to becoming a roaring dino expert! All PlayLab programs are available to children ages 3-5 years old. To participate, children must be accompanied by a caregiver...
In a partnership with the Chicago Public Library, the Field Museum is hosting storytime for kids 0 to 5 and their caregivers.
Light Up the Lake is Navy Pier's Holiday Festival that includes Indoor and Outdoor Festivities. Some activities are Free, like the outdoor light display, craft workshops, fireworks, and live music. There are optional paid activities like ice skating, the centennial wheel, ax throwing and more!
"Embark on a magical 40 minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus himself! Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family See and visit with Santa Claus on the train Treats and hot chocolate will be served New for 2023: an animated light show and holiday song presentation entertaining you during your...
Brookfield Zoo is covered in two million twinkling lights! Plus: Interactive Displays and Lights: •Holiday Magic Photo Ops: Giant Animals, Tunnel Light Show, Walkthrough Displays & so much more! •Dance Party at Polar Plaza •Letters to Santa and Animals Entertainment from 5-8 p.m. •North Pole at The Pavilions featuring: •Those Funny Little People •Juggling Elves...
Kohlights is a winter light exhibition geared towards younger kids. Kids can play with the hues, patterns, and more in this interactive light display!
Bring your kids to a character story time featuring Aurora from Sleeping Beauty! After 30 minutes of reading, Aurora will meet and take photos with the kids.
Day games with an emphasis on youth! They will have special activities to inspire younger generations to love hocky. Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues
Field Museum Maximo. Photo by Lucy Hewett © 2018 Field Museum "Free Admission Days are the perfect opportunity for Illinois residents to explore our general admission exhibitions with your family or a group of science-loving friends. Or, use these days to check out special ticketed exhibitions or a 3D movie with a discounted Discovery or...
Brookfield Zoo is covered in two million twinkling lights! Plus: Interactive Displays and Lights: •Holiday Magic Photo Ops: Giant Animals, Tunnel Light Show, Walkthrough Displays & so much more! •Dance Party at Polar Plaza •Letters to Santa and Animals Entertainment from 5-8 p.m. •North Pole at The Pavilions featuring: •Those Funny Little People •Juggling Elves...
"December is a great time to visit us again at Peppa Pig World of Play Chicago. Meet Peppa all dressed up and ready for the holidays! We have lots of special activities in store for you - don't miss out! Meet Peppa in her holiday outfit for a special family photo Watch special holiday-themed Peppa...
Celebrate the holiday season at LEGOLAND! Holiday LEGO Builds – Snap a family photo with our GIANT LEGO DUPLO Sleigh, LEGO snowman, Santa all built from LEGO bricks, and more! MINILAND – Winter Wonderland has taken over MINILAND Chicago! Explore wintery city streets featuring iconic holiday scenes. Can you find all of the Gingerbread minifigures? Scavenger Hunt -...
"Morning Glories is a free, drop-in program designed for kids ages 0-3 and their caregivers! The lessons will follow themes of science and nature with modifications to focus on motor skill development, sensory exploration, and social interactions between families. A typical Morning Glories session can be expected to include story times, a sensory bin, lots...
"The inaugural Christmas at Cantigny celebrates the new McCormick House and brings Christmas lights, music, and family fun to the gardens and grounds. Watch for exciting pop-up attractions and activities during the festival, including photos with Santa (Dec 2-3), musical performances and a new ice skating rink outside the Visitors Center."-From the Cantigny Park website