Be sure to check out theย holiday lightsย andย holiday train ridesย happening this month. Also, find other holiday events such asย Thanksgiving events,ย Veterans Day eventsย and ways toย celebrate Diwaliย with your family.
Keep on scrolling to see our top picks of kid-friendly November events in Chicago and the suburbs. You can also find more family events listed in our calendar. Tag us on Instagramย @chicagoparentย if you check any of them out!
This article was recently updated Nov. 5, 2024, by Chicago Parentโs Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding new Chicagoland events to the ChicagoParent.comโs calendar and featuring the best family events this month. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
Best November family events in Chicago
Head to theย Lincoln Park Zoo for ZooLights beginning on Nov. 15 and by the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry for Christmas Around the World beginning on Nov. 16. Also, The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a must-see this month. Find even more Chicago family events in November on our calendar.
ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo
Opens Nov. 15, 2024
- Address: 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost:ย $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.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Opens Nov. 16, 2024
- Address: 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost:ย Free w/museum admission; $25.95/ages 12-plus, $14.95/ages 3-11, free/2 and under
This annual event features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree surrounded by more than 50 other trees and displays. Each surrounding tree is decorated to represent holiday traditions in other cultures around the world.
Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
Opens Nov. 22, 2024
- Address: 50 W. Washington St., Chicago
- Cost:ย Free admission
This unique shopping experience features family-friendly events and intercultural activities, live entertainment and more.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Nov. 23, 2024
- Address: Michigan Avenue, Chicago
- Cost:ย Free
See the Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World illuminate more than one million lights on over 200 trees along the parade route. Also, free family-friendly activities.
Best November family events in the North/Northwest Suburbs
Some popular favorite events this month are Lightscape at Chicago Botanical Garden and Willow Hill Lights at Willow Hill Golf Course. If youโre looking for a fun special needs event, check out Everyone at Play at Kohl Childrenโs Museum. Find even more North/Northwest Suburbs family events in November on ourย calendar.
Sesame Street Live! Say Hello at Rosemont Theatre
Nov. 1-2, 2024
- ย ย Address: 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont
- ย ย Cost: $27.50-plus
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello!
Dรญa de los Muertos Celebration at the Preserve of Highland Park
Nov. 2, 2024
- Address: 1207 Park Ave. West, Highland Park
- Cost:ย Free
Bring a picture of your lost loved one to this event. Celebrate the Day of the Dead with live music by Mariachi Sirenas, dance performances by Ballet Folklorico Tayahu, face painting, art projects and more.
Model Railroad Showcase at Roselle Public Library
Nov. 2-3, 2024
- Address: 40 S. Park St., Roselle
- Cost:ย Free
Families can enjoy extensive model railroad layouts provided by the Midwest Division of the Train Collectors Association and the British Train Society, European Train Enthusiasts, along with a LEGO train exhibit. Make and take craft for kids and prizes, too.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanical Garden
Opens Nov. 15, 2025
- Address: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
- Cost:ย $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.
Willow Hill Lights at Willow Hill Golf Course
Opens Nov. 22, 2024
- Address: 1350 Willow Road, Northbrook
- Cost:ย $40/car
Enjoy this drive thru holiday lights show, which features a 2.5 mile route with over one million lights, three drive through tunnels and a 30 foot Christmas tree.
Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails! at Kohl Childrenโs Museum
Now open
- Address: 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
- Cost:ย $20/general admission, free/members
This interactive exhibit is inspired by the popular childrenโs series on Nick Jr and created by Minnesota Children’s Museum. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) โfocused exhibit is great for ages 2-7. Visitors will encounter new challenges and test their abilities surrounded by iconic locations from the series.
Best November family events in the South Suburbs
If youโre wondering what to do with your jack-o-lanterns after Halloween, take them to Pumpkin Smash in Beecher. You can also take your family to see Ruth Page Civic Balletโs The Nutcracker at Governors State University. Find even more South Suburbs family events in November on ourย calendar.
Pumpkin Smash at Plum Creek Nature Center
Nov. 2, 2024
- Address: 27064 S. Dutton Road, Beecher
- Cost:ย Free
Come out to Plum Creek Nature Center to smash your pumpkins and save the earth at the same time. Also, enjoy roasting marshmallows.
Santa Arrival Party and Tree Arrival at Orland Square
Nov. 8, 2024
- Address: 288 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park
- Cost:ย Free
Families can see Santa Claus arrive at Orland Square by fire truck to light up the 30-foot tree outside. There will also be a hot chocolate truck, carolers, live reindeer and more.
Ruth Page Civic Balletโs โThe Nutcrackerโ at Governors State University
Nov. 23-24, 2024
- Address: 1 University Parkway, University Park
- Cost:ย $20-plus
See exquisite choreography by Ruth Page, stunning costumes and magical settings in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets.
Best November family events in the Western Suburbs
Enjoy Christkindlmarket at RiverEdge Park, Winter Lights at Central Park and Holiday Magic at the Brookfield Zoo. If youโre looking for a special needs event, check outย Adaptive Play Time at DuPage Childrenโs Museum. Find even more Western Suburbs family events in November on ourย calendar.
Tiny Great Performances at DuPage Children’s Museum
Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024
- Address: 301 N. Washington St., Naperville
- Cost:ย $19/museum admission, free/under 1
Professional and community performers come to DuPage Children’s Museum for a special performance for children and families. The performances vary by week, but tend to be singing, dancing, storytelling, theater and more. Nov. 2 is Salt Creek Nutcracker, Nov. 9 and 16 are both Suzuki School and Nov. 23 is Kerfuffle.
Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum
Opens Nov. 16, 2024
- Address:ย 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
- Cost:ย Ticket prices coming soon
Surround yourselves with color while walking on the one-mile paved pathway. Enjoy seasonal music, captivating light designs and roasting sโmores on a fire at this outdoor event.
Christkindlmarket at RiverEdge Park
Opens Nov. 22, 2024
- Address:ย 360 N. Broadway, Aurora
- Cost:ย Free admission
In Aurora, Christkindlmarket Offers a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events & intercultural activities.
Holiday Magic at the Brookfield Zoo
Opens Nov. 22, 2024
- Address:ย 8400 31st St., Brookfield
- Cost: $29.95-$34.95/ages 12-64, $20.95-$24.95/ages 3-11, free/2 and under
This annual features over two million twinkling LED lights and is Chicagoland’s longest-running holiday light experience. There will be a holiday market this year along with two new themed lighting areas. Advanced tickets required.
Winter Lights at Central Park
Opens Nov. 22, 2024
- Address:ย 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.
Naper Lights in Downtown Naperville
Opens Nov. 28, 2024
- Address:ย Downtown Naperville
- Cost: Free; donations are welcome
Put on a pair of 3D glasses and enjoy a magical holiday lights celebration. See Santa by the big tree Nov. 24-26 and Dec. 23.
Festival of Lights at Cosley Zoo
Opens Nov. 29, 2024
- Address:ย 1356 Gary Ave., Wheaton
- Cost: Free; donations appreciated
Enjoy twinkling lights along with Christmas trees and wreaths and greenery at this holiday lighting event. Also, hot chocolate and holiday gifts are available to purchase in the Wild Side Gift Shop.
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