Chicago–Naperville–Elgin · November 15, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Christmas and holiday events for kids in Chicago
72 tree lightings, Santa visits, light displays and holiday shows around Chicago, November 15 to New Year’s Day. 19 are free.
Don’t miss
Nov15SunLight displaysThrough Jan 1
Illumination: Tree Lights 2026–2027
The Morton Arboretum
PaidAll ages
- Nov27FriLight displays
Through Dec 30
Festival of Lights & Tree Sale at Cosley Zoo
Cosley Zoo
FreeAll ages
- Nov15SunChristmas
Through Jan 1
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light 2026
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
All ages
NovemberSun, Nov 15 – Mon, Nov 30
- Nov20FriLight displays
Fri, Nov 20 · 4:30 PM
Christmas at Cantigny Light Show 2026
Cantigny Park
PaidAll ages
- Nov20FriLight displays
Fri, Nov 20 · 5:30 PM
Holiday Lights / Luces Festivas at Welton Plaza — Gurnee
Welton Plaza
FreeAll ages
- Nov21SatLight displays
Sat, Nov 21 · 11:00 AM
Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2026
North Michigan Avenue (The Magnificent Mile), Oak Street to the Chicago River
FreeAll ages
- Nov21SatChristmas
Sat, Nov 21 · 3:00 PM
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
From $29.95All ages
- Nov27FriSanta visits
Fri, Nov 27 · 9:00 AM
Littlest Elves Ceramics Workshop
Pilcher Park Nature Center
PaidAll ages
- Nov27FriTree lightings
Fri, Nov 27 · 4:30 PM
Arlington Heights Holiday Tree Lighting
North School Park
FreeAll ages
- Nov28SatSanta visits
Sat, Nov 28 · 9:00 AM
Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair with Santa — Joliet
Kathy Green Multi-Purpose Center
From $1All ages
- Nov28SatChristmas
Sat, Nov 28 · 10:00 AM
Charlie Brown Christmas Brunch — Live! at Pleasant Home
Pleasant Home
PaidAll ages
- Nov28SatSanta visits
Sat, Nov 28 · 10:00 AM
Santa's Craft Corner at Cosley Zoo
Cosley Zoo — Kiebler Room
From $20
- Nov28SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Nov 28 · 4:30 PM
Grinchmas on the Green — Plainfield
Village Green Park
FreeAll ages
- Nov28SatTree lightings
Sat, Nov 28 · 5:00 PM
Winter Fest & Tree Lighting — Valparaiso
Central Park Plaza
FreeAll ages
- Nov28SatLight displays
Sat, Nov 28 · 5:00 PM
Winter Wonder Lights Kickoff at Peck Farm Park
Peck Farm Park
FreeAll ages
- Nov29SunLight displays
Sun, Nov 29 · 4:00 PM
Family Winter Lights Ride — Oak Park
Departure point per registration
- Nov29SunLight displays
Sun, Nov 29 · 5:00 PM
Batavia Celebration of Lights
Batavia Riverwalk — Peg Bond Center
FreeAll ages
DecemberTue, Dec 1 – Fri, Dec 18
- Dec2WedChristmas
Wed, Dec 2 · 4:30 PM
Just For Kids Holiday Shop — Buffalo Grove
Alcott Center
- Dec3ThuSanta visits
Thu, Dec 3 · 5:30 PM
Pizza with Santa — Wheaton
Ray Morrill Community Center
From $20
- Dec4FriSanta visits
Fri, Dec 4 · 5:30 PM
Merry Museum with Santa
DuPage Children's Museum
From $15
- Dec4FriNutcracker and shows
Fri, Dec 4 · 7:00 PM
The Nutcracker — Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House
Lyric Opera House
Paid
- Dec5SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 8:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa — Gurnee
Viking Park Community Center
PaidAll ages
- Dec5SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 8:30 AM
Breakfast with Santa at The Lawn — Wilmette
Wilmette Golf Club — The Lawn
Paid
- Dec5SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 9:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa — Plainfield
Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (PARC)
Paid
- Dec5SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 9:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa at Cheney Mansion — Oak Park
Cheney Mansion
PaidAll ages
- Dec5SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 5 · 12:00 PM
Photos with Santa at Bird Haven Greenhouse
Bird Haven Greenhouse
FreeAll ages
- Dec5SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 5 · 12:00 PM
The Nutcracker 2026 — M3 Dance at the Hemmens
Hemmens Cultural Center
Paid
- Dec5SatMarkets and festivals
Sat, Dec 5 · 2:00 PM
Winter Wonderland — Highland Park
West Ridge Community Center
From $15All ages
- Dec5SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 5 · 4:00 PM
Caroling Campfire and So Much S'more at Hidden Oaks
Hidden Oaks Nature Center
FreeAll ages
- Dec6SunSanta visits
Sun, Dec 6 · 9:00 AM
Santa Brunch at Cantigny
Cantigny Golf Clubhouse — Tribune Hall
From $10All ages
- Dec6SunSanta visits
Sun, Dec 6 · 9:15 AM
The Santa Trolley — Oak Park
Oak Park Conservatory (boarding) — Cheney Mansion / Pleasant Home
PaidAll ages
- Dec6SunCrafts and cookies
Sun, Dec 6 · 10:00 AM
Holiday Nature Crafts at Hidden Oaks
Hidden Oaks Nature Center
FreeAll ages
- Dec6SunNutcracker and shows
Sun, Dec 6 · 1:00 PM
Dazzle Dance Party: Nutcracker Remix — Gurnee
Hunt Club Park Community Center
- Dec6SunNutcracker and shows
Sun, Dec 6 · 1:30 PM
Storytime with the Grinch at Blackberry Farm
Blackberry Farm
From $16All ages
- Dec6SunChristmas
Sun, Dec 6 · 3:00 PM
A Charlie Brown Christmas Jazz Tribute — Kid-Friendly Shows at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo
From $38All ages
- Dec6SunLight displays
Sun, Dec 6 · 4:00 PM
Gingerbread Barn Raising at Winter Wonder Lights
Peck Farm Park — Orientation Barn
From $72Ages 2+
- Dec6SunSanta visits
Sun, Dec 6 · 4:45 PM
Holly Jolly Trolley to Visit Santa
Pioneer Park (check-in) and Arlington Lakes Golf Course
Paid
- Dec9WedSanta visits
Wed, Dec 9 · 4:00 PM
Cookies with Santa at Cheney Mansion
Cheney Mansion
All ages
- Dec10ThuSanta visits
Thu, Dec 10 · 9:45 AM
Santa Express Train Ride — Wheaton
Wheaton Train Station (departure) and DuPage County Historical Museum
From $35
- Dec10ThuCrafts and cookies
Thu, Dec 10 · 5:30 PM
Gingerbread House Night — Wheaton
Ray Morrill Community Center
From $25Ages 3–12
- Dec11FriLight displays
Fri, Dec 11 · 5:00 PM
Crown Point Tour of Lights
Crown Point Community Library
FreeAll ages
- Dec11FriChristmas
Fri, Dec 11 · 6:30 PM
Holidays Around the World at Pleasant Home
Pleasant Home
PaidAges 5+
- Dec11FriNutcracker and shows
Fri, Dec 11 · 7:00 PM
The Nutcracker — Fox Valley Dance Academy
Prisco Community Center
PaidAll ages
- Dec12SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 9:00 AM
Breakfast with Santa & Vendor Expo — Joliet
Nowell Park Recreation Center
Paid
- Dec12SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 9:00 AM
Splashing with Santa — Vaughan Athletic Center
Vaughan Athletic Center
From $13All ages
- Dec12SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 9:30 AM
Santa's Secret Workshop at Horner Park
Horner (Henry) Park
From $15
- Dec12SatCrafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 12 · 11:00 AM
Cocoa, Cookies & Carols at Berger Park
Berger (Albert) Park
FreeAll ages
- Dec12SatCrafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 12 · 11:00 AM
Family Gingerbread House Decorating at Pleasant Home
Pleasant Home
Paid
- Dec12SatTrain rides
Sat, Dec 12 · 11:52 AM
Arctic Express Holiday Train — Gurnee Park District
Grayslake Train Station
Paid
- Dec12SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 12 · 4:30 PM
Caroling Campfire at Plum Creek Nature Center
Plum Creek Nature Center
FreeAll ages
- Dec13SunChristmas
Sun, Dec 13 · 1:30 PM
Holiday Skating Exhibition at Centennial Ice Rinks
Centennial Ice Rinks
FreeAll ages
- Dec13SunNutcracker and shows
Sun, Dec 13 · 3:00 PM
Do-It-Yourself Nutcracker at River Park
River Park
FreeAll ages
- Dec14MonSanta visits
Mon, Dec 14 · 9:00 AM
Santa's Workshop Kids' Craft Drop-Off — Wheaton
Toohey Park Building
From $36Ages 4–6
- Dec16WedSanta visits
Wed, Dec 16 · 5:00 PM
Sensory Friendly Cookies with Santa — Oak Park
Park District of Oak Park (location per registration)
All ages
- Dec18FriSanta visits
Fri, Dec 18 · 5:30 PM
Dinner with Santa at Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo Chicago — Discovery Center
From $35
- Dec18FriCrafts and cookies
Fri, Dec 18 · 6:00 PM
Family Gingerbread House Decorating — Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights Historical Museum
From $36
Christmas breakSat, Dec 19 – Fri, Jan 1
- Dec19SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 19 · 10:00 AM
Holiday Fun with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who
Vaughan Athletic Center
From $5All ages
- Dec19SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 19 · 6:00 PM
Solstice Celebration at Isle a la Cache
Isle a la Cache Museum
FreeAll ages
- Dec20SunChristmas
Sun, Dec 20 · 4:45 PM
Winter Solstice in the Woods at Hickory Creek
Hickory Creek Preserve — LaPorte Road Access
FreeAll ages
- Dec21MonSanta visits
Mon, Dec 21 · 6:30 AM
School's Out Kids Club: Reindeer Games — Gurnee
Hunt Club Park Community Center
Paid
- Dec21MonNutcracker and shows
Mon, Dec 21 · 6:00 PM
Holiday Movie Night: The Grinch at Playhouse 38
Playhouse 38 Theatre
From $15All ages
- Dec21MonLight displays
Mon, Dec 21 · 6:30 PM
Bagpipes & Bonfire at Winter Wonder Lights
Peck Farm Park
From $5All ages
- Dec24ThuSanta visits
Thu, Dec 24 · 11:00 AM
Skate with Santa — Wilmette
Centennial Ice Rinks
From $5All ages
- Dec30WedNew Year’s Eve
Wed, Dec 30 · 6:00 PM
New Year's Beach Ball Drop Pool Party
Vaughan Athletic Center
From $13All ages
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 11:00 AM
Family New Year's Eve Bash — Aurora
Vaughan Athletic Center
From $10All ages
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 11:00 AM
Noon Year's Eve — Plainfield
Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (PARC)
From $18Ages 3–12
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 12:00 PM
Kids New Year's Eve Party — Crown Point
Bulldog Park
From $5Up to 12
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 12:00 PM
New Year's Eve Skate — Wilmette
Centennial Ice Rinks
From $4All ages
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 4:30 PM
New Year's Eve at ZooLights
Lincoln Park Zoo
PaidAll ages
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Through Jan 1
Crown Point New Year's Eve Ball Drop
Downtown Crown Point — The Hub
Free
All seasonLight displays, Santa visits, shows and exhibits that run for weeks. Check the organizer’s page for open nights and times.
- Nov15SunNutcracker and shows
Through Dec 31
A Christmas Carol 2026 at Goodman Theatre
Goodman Theatre — Albert Theatre
PaidAges 5+
- Nov15SunChristmas
Through Jan 1
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light 2026
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
All ages
- Nov15SunLight displays
Through Jan 1
Illumination: Tree Lights 2026–2027
The Morton Arboretum
PaidAll ages
- Nov27FriLight displays
Through Dec 30
Festival of Lights & Tree Sale at Cosley Zoo
Cosley Zoo
FreeAll ages
- Nov27FriChristmas
Through Dec 20
Kohlights Holiday Lightacular
Kohl Children's Museum
Paid
Nothing matches that filter in Chicago. Try another one.
For organizers
Hosting a tree lighting, Santa visit or holiday show in Chicago?
List it on Grassy Knees and it can show up on this Christmas page, in the metro’s weekend picks and in the app. Free to post until Oct 31.
How this list works
Tree lightings, Santa visits, light displays, Nutcrackers, menorah lightings and Noon Year’s Eve parties, beyond your own block. This page collects every event and program in our Chicago listings whose title names Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Santa, holiday lights, the New Year or the like, dated between November 15 and January 1. 72 are still ahead. Each one opens its listing page, which links to the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. Dates are in Central Time.