From the Museum of Science and Industry’s Christmas Around the World to the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Chicagoland families can celebrate the start of the holiday season this November with light shows, markets and cultural events across the city and suburbs.
Updated Oct. 17, 2025: This article was reviewed and updated by the Chicago Parent editorial team to reflect new event dates, refreshed links and the latest information available for families.
Best November family events in Chicago
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 8, 2025-Jan. 5, 2026
Celebrate global holiday traditions at the Museum of Science and Industry’s 83rd annual exhibit featuring more than 50 decorated trees and displays. Families can explore cultural celebrations like Diwali and Hanukkah, enjoy festive treats and take photos by the four-story Grand Tree, included with general admission. No registration required.
- Address: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Included with general admission ($25.95 adults, $14.95 children ages 3–11)
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes; strollers permitted in exhibit areas
- Parking: Paid parking garage on-site; accessible parking available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; elevators, ramps and rest areas available; the website does not list sensory-friendly hours
ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd
4:30-9 p.m. Nov. 21, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026
Experience Chicago’s most beloved holiday tradition with more than 3 million sparkling lights, dazzling displays and festive fun for all ages. Kids can ride the carousel, decorate cookies, visit Santa and explore the South Lawn light show. Tickets are required, and select Monday nights offer free admission with registration.
- Address: 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: $7–$12 per person (depending on date); $20 flexible admission; free Mondays with registration
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor exhibits available
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes; paths and buildings are stroller-accessible
- Parking: Paid parking available at the zoo lot at Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; sensory-friendly night on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025; the website does not list additional sensory hours
Christkindlmarket Chicago
11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-Dec. 24, 2025
Bring the family to Chicago’s beloved open-air holiday market at Daley Plaza for festive food, handmade gifts and cultural performances. Kids will love the twinkling lights, ornament shopping and hot cocoa in the signature souvenir mugs. Admission is free; no registration required.
- Address: 50 W. Washington St., Chicago
- Cost: Free admission; food, drinks and gifts available for purchase
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes, though crowds can be heavy during peak hours
- Parking: Paid parking garages nearby; public transit strongly encouraged
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; pathways are flat and navigable; the website does not list sensory-friendly hours
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Lights Festival Lane), Parade and Fireworks 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025
Kick off the holiday season at Chicago’s biggest celebration, featuring a festive daytime fair, a dazzling nighttime parade with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and a fireworks finale over the Chicago River. Families can enjoy free activities at Lights Festival Lane, live music and photos with Santa. No registration required.
- Address: Michigan Avenue and Pioneer Court, Chicago
- Cost: Free
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes; large crowds expected along the parade route
- Parking: Paid parking garages nearby; public transit recommended due to street closures
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; curb ramps and accessible viewing areas available; the website does not list sensory-friendly accommodations
Best November family events in the North/Northwest Suburbs
Día de los Muertos at the Preserve of Highland Park
1-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025
Celebrate life and honor loved ones at this free, family-friendly Día de los Muertos event hosted by the Park District of Highland Park. Enjoy mariachi music, folkloric dance, crafts and face painting, plus traditional treats available for purchase. No registration required.
- Address: Park Fitness, 1207 Park Ave. West, Highland Park
- Cost: Free admission; food and beverages available for purchase
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes; gymnasium and common areas are stroller-accessible
- Parking: Free on-site lot
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; elevators and ramps available; the website does not list sensory-friendly accommodations
Willow Hill Lights
5 p.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 14, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026
Take a magical 2.5-mile drive through more than a million twinkling lights at Willow Hill Golf Course. This family favorite features tunnels, themed displays and music-synced shows — all from the warmth of your car. Enjoy holiday characters like Rudolph and Frosty, plus a towering 30-foot Christmas tree.
- Address: 1350 Willow Road, Northbrook
- Cost: One ticket per vehicle; prices vary by date
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor (drive-thru)
- Stroller-friendly options: N/A (remain in vehicles)
- Parking: On-site; enter via Willow Road
- Accessibility: Vehicle-based experience accessible to all mobility levels
Christmas at Cantigny
5-9 p.m. Nov. 21-Dec. 30, 2025
Experience a magical winter stroll through Cantigny Park’s illuminated half-mile trail featuring music-synced light shows, glowing gardens and festive displays. Families can enjoy the new Northern Lights installation, themed nights, shopping at the Noël Shop and a stop for hot cocoa and snacks at the Visitors Center. Tickets are required.
- Address: 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
- Cost: Prices vary by date; parking fee additional
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor light show; indoor lounge and shopping options
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes; path is fully ADA and stroller accessible
- Parking: On-site paid parking available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible throughout; rest areas and ramps provided; no sensory hours listed
Holiday in the Park and Parade
4-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025
Kick off the holidays in Glenview with a festive parade ending at Jackman Park. Families can meet Santa, take photos in a giant inflatable snow globe and enjoy hayrides, train rides, carolers and treats like cookies and hot chocolate. No registration required; free admission for all.
- Address: Jackman Park, 1930 Prairie St., Glenview
- Cost: Free admission
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes; sidewalks and park paths are stroller-accessible
- Parking: Free parking in the Metra lot at 1116 Depot St., Glenview
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; event website does not list sensory-friendly accommodations
Best November family events in the South Suburbs
Santa’s Arrival Party & Tree Lighting
5-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2025
Kick off the holiday season at Orland Square as Santa arrives by fire truck to light a 30-foot Christmas tree. Families can meet live reindeer, enjoy carolers and follow Santa’s festive procession through the mall for holiday dance performances and cookies at the Santa Set.
- Address: 288 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park
- Cost: Free
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor tree lighting followed by indoor activities
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Free on-site parking available
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout the mall
Pumpkin Smash at Plum Creek Nature Center
Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025
Say goodbye to your jack-o’-lanterns the fun way at this eco-friendly event that turns old pumpkins into compost. Kids can smash, drop or roll their pumpkins, then enjoy roasting hot dogs and marshmallows by the campfire. No registration required.
- Address: Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S. Dutton Road, Beecher
- Cost: Free
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Partially; paved paths and natural surfaces with some uneven terrain
- Parking: Free on-site lot
- Accessibility: ADA accessible on paved areas; participants needing assistance should contact the nature center 48 hours in advance
Best November family events in the Western Suburbs
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
4:30-9:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 2025-Jan. 3, 2026
Walk through 50 acres of glowing trees and light-filled landscapes at this award-winning holiday display. Families can enjoy colorful, music-synced installations, fire pits and interactive exhibits along a fully accessible one-mile trail. Sensory-friendly and dog-admission nights make it welcoming for all visitors.
- Address: 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
- Cost: Varies by date; member discounts available
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes; fully ADA-compliant path
- Parking: Free on-site parking
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; sensory-friendly night offered; rest areas and ramps available
Christkindlmarket Aurora
Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 21-Dec. 24, 2025
Experience a European-style holiday market at RiverEdge Park in Aurora, featuring festive wooden stalls, handcrafted gifts, mulled wine and family activities. Enjoy live music, traditional German food and plenty of photo ops with the twinkling lights and seasonal décor.
- Address: RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora
- Cost: Free admission; food and gifts available for purchase
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Public parking nearby; see event site for details
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible pathways throughout the park
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
3-9 p.m. Nov. 21-23 and 28-30, Dec. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 and 26-31, 2025; Jan. 1-4, 2026
Stroll through 3.5 million holiday lights, tunnels and giant displays across the zoo, plus a new light-up maze and seasonal shows. Families can meet Santa, warm up with treats and explore open animal buildings. Advance, timed tickets required.
- Address: Main entrance, 31st Street and Golfview Avenue, Brookfield; South Gate, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield
- Cost: Varies by date; members free for Holiday Magic and North Gate parking; fee and advance tickets required for South Gate entry
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Mostly outdoor; select indoor buildings open until 8:30 p.m.
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes; paved paths throughout
- Parking: Free North Gate parking for members; paid parking available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible paths; Sensory Friendly Holiday Magic on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 (reduced lights and sound)
Winter Lights at Central Park
4:30-9:30 p.m. nightly, Nov. 21, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026
Take a free, family-friendly stroll through a glowing half-mile path of holiday lights at Central Park in Oak Brook. The scenic loop features dancing trees, twinkling arches, illuminated butterflies and photo ops throughout the trail. Donations benefit the People’s Resource Center and the Oak Brook Park District Foundation.
- Address: 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook
- Cost: Free; donations accepted
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes; paved, one-way loop
- Parking: Free lots; overflow parking available on busy nights
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; sensory-friendly time daily from 4-4:30 p.m. (reduced lights and music)
Festival of Lights & Tree Sale at Cosley Zoo
9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, Nov. 28-Dec. 30, 2025 (lights on at 3 p.m.)
Cosley Zoo in Wheaton transforms into a glowing winter wonderland with thousands of lights, hot chocolate and a full Christmas tree lot featuring trees up to 12 feet tall. Families can stroll the zoo for free, shop wreaths and garlands, and browse unique holiday gifts at the Wild Side Gift Shop.
- Address: 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton
- Cost: Free admission; trees, wreaths and gifts available for purchase
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor with indoor gift shop
- Stroller-friendly options: Yes
- Parking: Free parking on-site
- Accessibility: ADA accessible paths; restrooms available during zoo hours
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
