Get ready for a festive season filled with twinkling lights and unforgettable holiday cheer! Be sure to check out the holiday lights and holiday tea experiences happening this month. Also, find other holiday events such as Hanukkah events, magical holiday events and Nutcracker performances.
Keep on scrolling to see our top picks of kid-friendly December events in Chicago and the suburbs. You can also find more family events listed in our calendar.
This article was recently updated Nov. 22, 2024, by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding new Chicagoland events to the ChicagoParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best family events this month. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
Best December family events in Chicago
Enjoy holiday shows such as The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party and The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Find even more Chicago family events in December on our calendar.
The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Lyric Opera House
Dec. 6-8, 12-15, 19-22, 24, 26-28, 2024
- Address: 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $36-plus
Journey to Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair with Christopher Wheeldon’s holiday masterpiece. Find more Nutcracker performances in Chicagoland.
Hyde Park Holly-Day in Chicago
Dec. 7, 2024
- Various locations in Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a day full of holiday activities including ice carving demonstrations, costumed characters, dance performances, holiday crafts, ice sculptures, live reindeer, Buddy the Elf, Brown Books & Paintbrushes and Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party at Chicago Children’s Theatre
Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, 2024
- Address: 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $45.25
Kids ages 8 and under can enjoy an interactive trunk and puppet show with original music. There will be a post-show holiday party.
Chicago Kids Chanukah Party at Bubbles Academy
Dec. 14, 2024
- Address: 2184 N. Elston Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $30
This event is for kids ages 0-6 and features art, music, games and snacks at this Chanukah Party. Advanced registration required.
Blue Man Group Chicago New Year’s Eve Performances at Briar Street Theatre
Dec. 31, 2024
- Address: 3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: $54-plus
Celebrate the New Year with four festive New Year’s Eve performances with the Blue Man Group. The 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. shows are for families with young children. Also, this is your time to see the Blue Man Group in Chicago before their show ends in January!
ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo
Through Jan. 5, 2025
- Address: 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: $7-$10/Tuesdays-Sundays, free/select Mondays; fees for additional encounters and activities
Enjoy a twinkling winter wonderland complete with festive activities, such as visits with Santa, sweet treats, a holiday pop-up bar and more. Sensory-Friendly Night is Dec. 4.
Best December family events in North/Northwest Suburbs
Some popular favorite events this month are Kohlights: A Mesmertastic Holiday Lightacular! and Lightscape at Chicago Botanical Garden. Find even more North/Northwest Suburbs family events in December on our calendar.
Kohlights: A Mesmertastic Holiday Lightacular! at Kohl Children’s Museum
Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 2024
- Address: 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
- Cost: $22-plus/non-members, $16-plus/members; free/under 12 months
Let kids take control over the light display at different activity stations along the way at this holiday event. Take a ride on the Kohlights Twinkle Train while you’re there.
Salt Creek Ballet: “The Nutcracker” at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 6-7, 2024
- Address: 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
- Cost: $28-plus
See Salt Creek Ballet’s The Nutcracker that will be performed by a professional company with exceptional guest soloists.
Vintage Holidays in Long Grove
Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 2024
- Address: 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
- Cost: Free admission
Enjoy an old-fashioned celebration where the Victorian buildings are trimmed in lights and a covered bridge and cobblestone walkways are lined with luminaries. Also, costumed carolers, strolling musicians, horse-drawn carriage rides, and Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Noon Year’s Eve at Sachs Recreation Center
Dec. 31, 2024
- Address: 455 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield
- Cost: Free
Kids ages 4-8 can enjoy counting down to 2025 with a DJ dance party, games, music, a balloon drop and more. Registration required.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanical Garden
Through Jan. 5, 2025
- Address: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
- Cost: $32-$39/adults, $17-$24/ages 3-12, free/2 and under
See thousands of twinkling lights while walking through the Winter Cathedral and a reimagined fire garden.
Best December family events in the South Suburbs
If you’re looking for a free event to celebrate the holiday, check out Christmas in the Commons. Also, grab advance tickets to Beyond the Nutcracker by School of Ballet 5:8. Find even more South Suburbs family events in December on our calendar.
Christmas in the Commons at New Lenox Commons
Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2024
- Address: 145-199 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox
- Cost: Free
See a holiday light display with their 50-foot tall lighted Santa Claus and holiday activities. These holiday activities include visits from Santa, synthetic skating rinks, horse-drawn wagon rides and more.
Beyond the Nutcracker by School of Ballet 5:8 at Lincoln-Way East High School
Dec. 21-22, 2024
- Address: 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort
- Cost: $10-$35
Beyond the Nutcracker features over 300 students alongside the Ballet 5:8 Second Company.
Best December family events in the Western Suburbs
Enjoy Christkindlmarket at RiverEdge Park and Holiday Magic at the Brookfield Zoo. Find even more Western Suburbs family events in December on our calendar.
Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical at Paramount Theatre
Dec. 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 26-29, 2024
- Address: 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
- Cost: $28-plus
Ages 3 and up can see Broadway musical about the relationship of two royal sisters the magical kingdom of Arendelle named Elsa and Anna. Watch them navigate love, loyalty and Elsa’s uncontrollable powers.
Tree Lighting in Wilder Park
Dec. 5, 2024
- Address: 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst
- Cost: Free
Kick off the holiday season in Wilder Park and light community trees that surround the park. Kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy holiday festivities.
Home for the Holidays in Downtown Oak Park
Dec. 21, 2024
- Address: Lake Street & Marion Street, Oak Park
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, hot cocoa, visits with Santa, a free film at Lake Theater and more.
Christkindlmarket at RiverEdge Park
Through Dec. 24, 2024
- Address: 360 N. Broadway, Aurora
- Cost: Free admission
In Aurora, Christkindlmarket Offers a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events & intercultural activities.
Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum
Through Jan. 4, 2025
- Address: 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
- Cost: $23.50-plus
Surround yourselves with color while walking on the one-mile paved pathway. Enjoy seasonal music, captivating light designs and roasting s’mores on a fire at this outdoor event.
Winter Lights at Central Park
Through Jan. 5, 2025
- Address: 1510 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook
- Cost: Free
See colorful rainbow arches, cascading snowflakes and more on this half-mile walk in Central Park. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
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