Looking for easy parking, twinkling lights, happy kids and no elbowing through crowds? Just 30 minutes from the city, Oak Brook turns holiday preparations into memory-making — shop a little, eat something great, then kick back at a nearby hotel for a true holiday family getaway to Oak Brook.
Shop in style — without the bustle
Start at Oakbrook Center, an open-air standout ranked the No. 4 shopping center in the country by “USA TODAY.” Here, you get all the sparkle without the downtown crowds. Families love its mix of brands, dining and fun extras like Santa photo ops — even for your pets.
Then, spread your shopping wings by visiting Oak Brook Promenade, The Oaks of Oak Brook, The Overlook at Oak Brook and The Shops at Oak Brook. You’ll find free parking and a sales tax nearly 3% lower than downtown, making it even easier to check off your holiday gift list.
Must-dos for families:
- Browse exclusive retailers at Oakbrook Center such as the Google Store, Boll & Branch, Kate Spade and the C.D. Peacock Mansion House for one-of-a-kind gifts. Your kids will love meeting their new best friend at Build-A-Bear Workshop and selecting their favorite treats from Lolli & Pops.
- Snap a Santa photo on the lawn at Oakbrook Center — or come back for a Pet Photos with Santa evening for a picture-perfect moment. Be sure to reserve your spot for this unforgettable holiday magic.
Oakbrook Center. Photo credit: Oakbrook Center - Pop by the Mayslake Peabody Estate Holiday Art & Craft Market, a daytime weekend event that’s perfect for handmade gifts and local art. Can’t make the market? This historic home offers tours Monday to Saturday.
- Let the kids stretch their legs in Oakbrook Center’s open-air layout while you browse stress-free.
Oakbrook Center. Photo credit: Oakbrook Center
Parent tip: With its mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, Oak Brook turns shopping into an experience the whole family can enjoy.
Dine your way with 75-plus tasty options
With more than 75 restaurants, Oak Brook’s dining scene is pure variety, from family fun to upscale comfort.
Family favorites include:
- Labriola Ristorante has truly memorable Italian fare, and check out the Gingerbread House Workshops — breakfast buffet plus candy construction = holiday win.
- Antico Posto for cozy Italian classics.
- Violi for a fresh Mediterranean vibe.
- Beatrix for a brunch-meets-comfort-food mix.
- Table at Crate, inside Crate & Barrel, where you can eat and test drive the tableware the retailer is famous for.
- Alter Brewing for craft beer and kid-friendly bites.
- Lucca Osteria’s beloved rustic Italian menu. Don’t miss Brunch With Santa!
- Fat Rosie’s for tacos and guacamole, plus a great kids menu your family will talk about long after the meal is over.
- York Tavern for a taste of history, varied menu and great vibes.
Parent tip: Plan dessert as an incentive — Le Macaron or Stan’s Donuts in The District Food Hall in Oakbrook Center will keep spirits bright after a strong shopping run.
Shine after dark — make it magical
Evenings sparkle in Oak Brook, and families have plenty of ways to keep the fun going after sunset.
Can’t-miss family fun:
- Winter Lights at Central Park — This free, half-mile paved loop glows with thousands of twinkling lights and whimsical displays. It’s stroller-, wheelchair-, and dog-friendly, and now offers a sensory-friendly window (4:00–4:30 pm) for families who prefer a quieter experience. Bring cocoa, bundle up, and make it a nightly stroll tradition.
Winter Lights at Central Park. Photo credit: Only in Oak Brook - The Drake Oak Brook’s Tree Lighting — Kick off the season with carols, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa himself during this beloved annual event.
- Prancer’s Pop-Up Pub at Hyatt Lodge — An over-the-top holiday lounge where all ages are Your kids will love the gingerbread decorating stations, reindeer food kits, Santa Coloring Contest and DIY Hot Cocoa Bar.
Prancer’s Pub at Hyatt Lodge. Photo credit: Only in Oak Brook - Wonderverse — Dive into themed adventures from Jumanji to Ghostbusters at this immersive entertainment space. There’s even an on-site restaurant, so you can grab dinner and let the kids burn off energy. Start the fun early with special holiday events including Brunch with Santa and Brunch with Ghostbuster Santa.
Wonderverse. Photo credit: Only in Oak Brook - Pinstripes Brunch with Santa (select weekends) — Extend the fun into your Sunday morning with a family meal and photo-worthy Santa moments.
Parent tip: Keep your camera ready. Between Winter Lights, Santa sightings, and a few marshmallow smiles, you’ll capture the kind of photos you actually want to frame later.
Stay the night — Oak Brook hotels that make it easy
Turn your Oak Brook day into a relaxed weekend. All seven hotels in Oak Brook are minutes from the shopping, dining and lights.
Where to stay:
- Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago — Book the Santa Suite, splash in the indoor pool, and stop by Prancer’s Pop-Up Pub (all ages welcome). This year, Hyatt Lodge adds extra cheer with “Deck the Hall at the Lodge,” three magical Saturdays of cookie decorating, cocoa, crafts and family fun.
- The Drake Oak Brook, Autograph Collection — Classic holiday charm: Holiday Afternoon Tea, Teas and Tiaras, gingerbread workshops, brunches with Santa and the Grinch, and the annual tree lighting. Check out the “Dreaming of a Drake Christmas” package for an extra-festive experience — and plenty of family memories.
The Drake. Photo credit: Only in Oak Brook - Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center — Steps from the mall and a warm welcome for everyone in your family, including your pup!
- DoubleTree Oak Brook — Indoor pool and central location; easy for families who like to keep things simple — and love those warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in.
- Hyatt House Oak Brook — Spacious suites with kitchenettes and an indoor pool, ideal for families who need room to unwind.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Oak Brook — Separate spaces for a movie night in and quick access to Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art and Winter Lights in Central Park the next day.
- Chicago Marriott Oak Brook — A super-convenient hub across from Oakbrook Center and minutes from dining and Oak Brook fun, plus newly renovated guestrooms your family will love.
Plan your holiday getaway now
Shop what you need, eat what you love, enjoy the lights — and skip the stress. Oak Brook makes the season feel easy, cozy and a little bit sparkly. Want more inspiration? Check out these custom itineraries to find the very best of Oak Brook and check out our other features to help you plan:
- 7 must-do hotel experiences: From Santa Suites to festive teas, find the perfect Oak Brook stay for your family’s holiday-themed getaway.
- Holiday fun for the whole family: Explore free light displays, Santa sightings, and kid-approved activities all around Oak Brook.
This content is sponsored by the Only In Oak Brook. Learn more at onlyinoakbrook.com.
