Chicagoland has so many great winter-themed activities, including ice skating, skiing, sledding, snow tubing, ice fishing and more.
Lace-up your boots, zip up your coat and get your hat, gloves and scarf on before heading out to these fun winter-themed events. Most have kid-friendly activities, ice sculptures on view and hot chocolate to keep you warm while you’re there.
Looking for winter fests near me, then check out our favorites below. Want more winter fun, check out the family-friendly events listed in our calendar.
This article was updated on Jan. 9, 2025, by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update includes adding winter festivals to the ChicagoParent.com calendar and highlighted included the best winter festivals to check out with your family. For questions, contact Kari at kari@chicagoparent.com.
Winter Bash at Wood Dale Park District
Jan. 11, 2025Â
- Address:Â 111 Foster Ave., Wood Dale
- Cost:Â Free
Families can enjoy this indoor event at Wood Dale Park District. It features games, entertainment, snacks and activities.
Winterfest at Century Park Pavilion
Jan. 11, 2025
- Address:Â 1400 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills
- Cost:Â Free
Families can enjoy winter activities for all ages at Century Park Arboretum. Toast s’mores over the fire, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, watch the sled dog team and more.
WinterFest at Springbrook Nature Center
Jan. 11, 2025
- Address:Â 130 Forest Ave., Itasca
- Cost:Â Free
All ages can enjoy this winter festival, which features crafts, s’mores around the firepit, a winter scavenger hunt, hot chocolate and more.
Ice & Lights Fest in Downtown Lemont  Â
Jan. 18, 2025Â
- Address:Â Downtown Lemont
- Cost:Â Free
Enjoy Lemont’s 5th Annual Ice & Lights Fest with over 20 ice sculptures on display, live reindeer, live ice carving, marshmallow roasting and more. Â
Ice Festival Downtown Downers Grove
Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2025
- Address:Â Downtown Downers Grove area
- Cost:Â Free
Enjoy pre-carved ice sculptures that will line the streets of Downtown Downers Grove. There will also be live carving demonstrations and an opportunity to win a $25 gift card.
Ice-A-Palooza at Central Athletic Complex Ice Rinks
Feb. 1, 2025Â
- Address:Â 500 S. Naperville Road, Wheaton
- Cost:Â Free
This outdoor event features ice skating, hot cocoa bar, food truck, entertainment and more.
Winter Fest at Sunset Knoll Recreation Center
Feb. 8, 2025
- Address:Â 820 S. Finley Road, Lombard
- Cost:Â Free
Enjoy an indoor/outdoor winter fest with crafts, games, hot chocolate, ice carving, dog sledding, visits from special guests and more.
Winter Chilly Fest at Emily Oaks Nature Center
Feb. 15-16, 2025
- Address:Â 4650 Brummel St., Skokie
- Cost:Â Admissions without Chili Dinner: $8/person; Admissions with Chili Dinner: 17/adult, $13/child under 10
Families can enjoy some winter fun and a cozy indoor chili dinner. There will also be snowshoeing, hayrides, ice skating, campfire with roasted marshmallows and more.
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