Holi, a Hindu spring festival celebrated in India and Nepal, starts on March 25. The festival, also known as “festival of colors,” welcomes spring with vibrant-colored powder.
Join in on the celebration and learn more about the Hindu holiday with these family-friendly Holi events and activities.
Events to Attend
Global Connections: Holi
March 23, 2024
- Address: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Holi in the Aon Grand Ballroom with live music, dance performances and educational activities. At Navy Pier’s beer gardens outdoors, families can participate in the iconic powder throwing (available for purchase.)
Holi – The Festival of Colors
April 6, 2024
- Address: Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court, Naperville
- Cost: Free admission
This festival includes music, great food and shopping booths to add to the unique experience. Bags of safe, non-stain dry colors will be available for a donation of $2.50 each.
Activities to Try
Chocolate Cinnamon Gujiya
Gujiya stuffed with chocolate? Yes, please! These sweet dumplings won’t disappoint, especially when they’re rolled in cinnamon sugar.
Homemade Holi Colors
We might be missing out on large in-person Holi events this year, but you can recreate one tradition at home. Try out this eco-friendly Holi colors tutorial and don’t forget to take some photos.
Holi Coloring Pages
Entertain your little with these free Holi coloring pages. You can find more fun Holi-themed crafts at Artsy Craftsy Mama.
Learn about Holi
If your family wants to learn more about Holi, YouTube has some great videos to watch. This KidsOne video gives a brief overview on how the holiday is celebrated across India.
Books to Read
Holi Colors by Rina Singh
- Best for ages: 0-2
This board book helps teach your little ones their colors. Each page features a photograph of a child tossing the colored powders from the Hindu festival.
Festival of Colors by Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal
- Best for ages: 2-8
Follow along as siblings Chintoo and Mintoo are getting ready for Holi. Readers will love to get an inside look at how an Indian community celebrates the holiday.
Let’s Celebrate Holi!
- Best for ages: 3-7
Part of the book series Maya & Neel’s India Adventures, Maya and Neel learn about the story of Holi as they explore the color markets, delicious food and other ways the holiday is celebrated in India.
This post is updated annually.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
