Families in Chicago and the suburbs can catch Santa at a wide range of events this holiday season, from Nov. 15 through Dec. 30, 2025. Kids will find him at places like Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights, Naperville’s Santa Workshop and Santa’s Village Holiday Drive-Thru, each offering festive fun alongside the chance to meet the big guy in red.
With options that include free community festivals, inclusive workshops, light-filled train rides and large-scale drive-thru displays, Chicagoland makes it easy for families to work a Santa visit into their holiday traditions. Parents can choose based on location, cost and kid-friendly extras like cocoa tastings, carriage rides or sensory-friendly nights.
Updated October 2025
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
4:30–9 p.m. Nov. 21, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026
See Lincoln Park Zoo glow with more than 3 million holiday lights, festive displays and family-friendly fun. Kids can ride the Ferris wheel, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and visit Santa through Dec. 23. Registration is required for tickets, including free admission nights.
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Address: 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
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Cost: $7–$12 per person depending on date; Flexible Admission tickets $20; free admission on Mondays (except Dec. 22) with registration; members receive free tickets based on membership level
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Area: Chicago
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Age fit: Babies to teens
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Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor event with some indoor activities
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Stroller-friendly options: Stroller-friendly throughout zoo paths
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Parking: Paid parking available in zoo lot and nearby garages; limited street parking
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Accessibility: ADA accessible; stroller-friendly; ramps and paved pathways; no sensory-friendly hours listed on event site
Santa’s Village Holiday Drive-Thru
5–10 p.m. Nov. 28–Dec. 30, 2025
Drive through more than 3 million synchronized lights while kids enjoy holiday fun like meeting Santa through Dec. 23, sliding down the snowless tube slide and trying seasonal treats. Tickets are required per vehicle.
- Address: 601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee
- Cost: Starting at $35 per vehicle; includes one Santa photo opportunity (limit six people per photo); extra fees for food and select activities
- Area: North/Northwest Suburbs
- Age fit: Babies to teens
- Indoor/outdoor: Drive-thru outdoor experience with some on-site activities available
- Stroller-friendly options: Not applicable for drive-thru; limited stroller use for on-site activities
- Parking: On-site parking available for additional activities; included with admission for drive-thru
- Accessibility: Drive-thru route is vehicle-accessible; limited details listed for additional ADA accommodations on-site
Santa’s Naperville Workshop
5–8 p.m. weekdays, 12–8 p.m. weekends, Dec. 1–21, 2025
Kids can meet Santa for a one-on-one visit and families can take their own photos and videos. Special themed nights are offered for pets, children with special needs and military and first responders. Reservations are required.
- Address: Naperville Riverwalk Café, 441 Aurora Ave., Naperville
- Cost: Free with reservation
- Area: Western Suburbs
- Age fit: Babies to late elementary (4-5)
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor event space
- Stroller-friendly options: Strollers allowed; space may be limited inside during peak times
- Parking: Free parking available in nearby city lots and garages
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; stroller-friendly; special needs nights offered Dec. 3–4, 2025
Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm
5:30–7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 2025
Families can celebrate the season with a countdown to the tree lighting at Wilder Park. Kids can enjoy decorated community trees, food trucks, and festive activities.
- Address: 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst
- Cost: Free
- Area: Western Suburbs
- Age fit: Babies to teens
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor event
- Stroller-friendly options: Stroller-friendly with paved walkways
- Parking: Limited free parking in nearby lots and street parking; may fill quickly
- Accessibility: Park is ADA accessible with paved paths; no sensory accommodations listed
Hyde Park Holly-Day
10 a.m.–6 p.m. Dec. 6, 2025
Families can enjoy a full day of holiday cheer at Hyde Park Holly-Day with free festive activities. Kids will love the seasonal fun while parents can take part in a no-cost way to celebrate together.
- Address: Hyde Park, Chicago (specific location not listed; check event website for details)
- Cost: Free
- Area: Chicago
- Age fit: Babies to tweens
- Indoor/outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor activities, depending on location
- Stroller-friendly options: Stroller-friendly but may vary by activity site
- Parking: Limited street parking; public transit options available in Hyde Park
- Accessibility: Public locations generally ADA accessible; event site does not list sensory accommodations
Home for the Holidays in Downtown Oak Park
11 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
Families can celebrate the season in Oak Park with free horse-drawn carriage rides, hot cocoa tastings from local shops and Santa visits at neighborhood businesses. Kids will love the festive activities and parents can enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
- Address: Lake and Marion streets, Oak Park
- Cost: Free
- Area: Western Suburbs
- Age fit: Babies to teens
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor activities with some indoor visits at participating businesses
- Stroller-friendly options: Stroller-friendly sidewalks and streets; may be crowded during peak times
- Parking: Paid parking available in nearby garages and street parking
- Accessibility: Public sidewalks and shops are ADA accessible; no sensory accommodations listed
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