Free Holiday Activities for Chicagoland Families

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but I’m not sure if my wallet would echo the sentiment. After all, holiday shopping is far from the only part of the holiday season that comes with a hefty price tag. Between booking tickets to holiday attractions to purchasing ugly sweaters and browsing the aisles for the cutest seasonal decor, I need Christmas to hurry up and get here before I spend up a storm! 

This holiday season, save your hard-earned dollars for the things that really matter (like matching Christmas pajama sets and eggnog, of course) by enjoying these festive, frugal events and attractions. From free visits with Santa to light displays and holiday events that don’t cost a dime, there’s no reason holiday cheer should come with a price tag. 

Free Holiday Activities in Chicagoland

Get into the holiday spirit without breaking the bank with these free festivities and holiday events around Chicagoland. 

Attend a tree lighting ceremony

Tree lighting ceremonies are a great way to get your family into the holiday spirit while connecting with other families in your town. These free community events kick off the season with sparkling holiday lights; some even have appearances from Santa and free activities such as caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides and more holiday cheer. 

Find a free tree lighting ceremony near you. 

Visit Santa Claus

If your family is anything like mine, then you’ll know we never pay for something we can get for free! This year, ditch the fees to take a photo with Santa and attend one of these events where kids can visit the big man and snap a photo for free. Plus, a few of these events offer even more free festivities for families — talk about some serious bang for your buck! 

Wilder Park Tree Lighting

• Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024
• Wilder Park, Elmhurst

Hyde Park Holly-Day

• Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
• Hyde Park, Chicago 

Santa and a Movie at the Museum

• Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
• Aurora Regional Fire Museum, Aurora

Home for the Holidays

• Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024
• Downtown Oak Park

Check out a free Christmas light display

I love bundling up, sipping a (spiked) hot cocoa and walking under tunnels of twinkling lights with my loved ones. While there are many fantastic Christmas light displays that are worth the price tag, sometimes it can be fun to check out a more lowkey, relaxed spot. 

These free light displays may not be as extensive as the ones that charge admission fees, but they are filled with sparkling lights, family selfie stations, free visits with Santa and more family festivities. 

Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park

• Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 – Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025
• Lilacia Park, Lombard 

Christmas in the Commons

• Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 30-Dec. 22, 2024
• New Lenox Commons, New Lenox

Festival of Lights at Cosley Zoo

• Nov. 29-Dec. 30, 2024
• Cosley Zoo, Wheaton

Naper Lights

• Nov. 28-Dec. 31, 2024
• Downtown Naperville

Winter Lights at Central Park

• Nov. 22, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025
• Central Park, Oak Brook 

Hyde Park Holly-Day

• Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024

Each year, the University of Chicago hosts a free day of holiday fun for families, including ice carving demonstrations, holiday crafts, ice sculptures and dance performances. There will be live reindeer and appearances Buddy the Elf, Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus. Don’t miss out on all the holiday cheer happening throughout Hyde Park! 

Home for the Holidays in Downtown Oak Park

• Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024

Join Oak Park for a free holiday celebration the entire family can enjoy. Visit Santa, sip on hot cocoa or go for a free horse-drawn carriage ride. When it’s time to warm up, pop inside local businesses to discover more holiday activities.

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