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Santa's Winter Land Workshop at Gallagher Way. Photo by Donte Tatum
Christmas Weekend 2024 in Chicago: Holiday Celebrations, The Nutcracker, Lights, and More Things To Do With Kids
Christmas Day Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. Photo courtesy of City Experiences
What's Open on Christmas Day in Chicago: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Illuminarium at Winterland, photo courtesy of Navy Pier.
Christmas Vacation in Chicago: 19 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
Enjoy a kid-friendly tube fest at Sunburst Ski Hill. Photo courtesy of Sunburst Ski Hill
Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families
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Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families
Bundle up for a Christmas market this December. Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
35 Best Things to Do in Chicago December 2024 with Kids
The zoo is all aglow! Lincoln Park Zoo Lights photo by Brandon Tucker, courtesy of the zoo.
31 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Chicago for Kids
Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago
Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
Pictures with Santa in Chicago: From Museums to the Mall
The mysterious Great Impresario, the man who has designed and created the World’s Fair, brings the magic of the season to life! Photo by Tod Ros for the Joffrey Ballet.
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago
Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
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Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
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St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
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Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
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An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
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The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
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Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
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The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
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Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
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Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
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Galactic Santa Breakfast photo courtesy of the event.
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25 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Other Chicago Celebrations for Kids

Make memories at the DuPage Children's Museum's Bubble Bash. Photo courtesy of the museum
Make memories at the DuPage Children's Museum's Bubble Bash. Photo courtesy of the museum
12/22/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for New Year's Eve celebrations in Chicago minus the late night? Most kids, and even some adults, can't make it until midnight for a typical New Year's Eve celebration. That's why plenty of Chicago area kids' venues have put together events to celebrate Noon Year's on the last midday of the year. 

Celebrate with bubbles at the always-popular DuPage Children's Museum, enjoy roller skating in Mundelein or on the South Side, or bowl or play bocce to end 2024 at Pinstripes locations in Streeterville, Oak Brook, South Barrington, or Northbrook. Or, play whirlyball in Naperville or Lincoln Park or see a performance of the Blue Man Group in Lakeview.

Looking for other great ways to celebrate New Year's? Try one of the Best Winter Day Trips from Chicago, or check out one of the Best Places for Snow Tubing or Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in the Chicago area. Fill in the time in between with some suggestions from our roundup of Winter Break Staycation Ideas.

 

New Year's Eve Celebrations Before December 31 in Chicago

Teenie Weenie New Year's Eve Ball

Carol Stream
Friday, December 27
Kids who are too little to stay up until midnight can count down to a noon balloon drop at this party for parents and children. Activities include a bounce house, games, crafts, and a balloon drop. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Celebration at Bubbles Academy

Bucktown, Highland Park, or Magnificent Mile
Monday December 30
Toddlers and preschoolers can ring in the new year early at Bubbles Academy. Make your own crown and party down at a bubble-filled finale at the Magnificent Mile, Bucktown or Highland Park locations. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Eve Celebration

Mount Prospect Monday, December 30
Station 34 Pizza Pub invites families to celebrate New Year's Eve one day early at one of two seatings. Enjoy music, dancing, pizza, and, of course, a mid-day balloon drop sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association. READ MORE
New Year's Eve Performance photo courtesy of the Blue Man Group
New Year's Eve Performance photo courtesy of the Blue Man Group

Things to Do on New Year's Eve with Kids in Chicago

DuPage Children's Museum Bubble Bash

Naperville
Kids can ring in the new year with their choice of bubbles, confetti, a music launch, or a quiet countdown at the DuPage Children's Museum's annual year-end celebration. Kids can enjoy creating wearable art, DIY confetti poppers, or 2D or 3D bubble wands. They can also visit Sensoryland, take part in a fluorescent adventure, or visit the photo booth. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Family Party at Enchanted Castle

Lombard
Ring in 2025 at Chicago’s greatest New Year’s Eve family party on Tuesday, December 31 from 6 to 10 pm. Enjoy a New Year’s buffet, including soft drinks and dessert, plus each paid guest receives $15 in game play, unlimited select video games, four hours of unlimited go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf, bumper cars, catapult thrill ride and Quest II Adventure Playland plus a balloon drop, party favors, New Year’s sparkling cider toast, and countdown celebration. Advance reservations are required. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Family Lunch Cruise

Downtown
The whole family can celebrate New Year's Eve at a kid-friendly time aboard the Spirit of Chicago for a lunch cruise. Tickets include a two-hour cruise, bruch buffet, and a live DJ. READ MORE

Ring in the New Year at Pinstripes

Streeterville, Oak Brook, Northbrook, and South Barrington
Bowling, bocce, dinner, live music, and balloon drops at 8pm and midnight help families ring in the new year at Pinstripes. Reservations are encouraged. This event will take place at Pinstripes locations in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood, Oak Brook, South Barrington, and Northbrook. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Wonder Works

Oak Park
Dress up in something sparkly and celebrate New Year's Eve at Wonder Works children's museum. The event features New Year's crafts, a balloon drop, encounters with costumed characters, and a fun photo booth. Wonder Works offers two countdown times at 11am, and 1pm to accommodate all of the nap times. READ MORE

Family New Year's Eve Warrenville

Warrenville
Bounce houses, a DJ, snacks, and party favors welcome families to the recreation center gym for Warrenville Park District's New Year's Eve party. A balloon drop at noon welcomes the new year. READ MORE

Happy Noon Year Party in Glenview

Glenview
Celebrate Noon Year's Eve with inflatables, games and activities. The event concludes with a balloon drop at noon! READ MORE

Noon Year's Skate Party and Balloon Drop with Paw Patrol

Mundelein
Celebrate New Year's Eve by roller skating at Just for Fun Roller Rink in Mundelein. Thousands of balloons will drop from the ceiling after the countdown to noon. Skye, Marshall, and Chase from Paw Patrol will be on hand for pictures at the event. READ MORE

Blue Man Group Chicago’s New Year's Eve Performances

Lakeview
Blue Man Group invites guests to celebrate the New Year with festive New Year’s Eve performances Sunday, December 31 at 1pm, 4pm, 7pm, and 10pm.at the Briar Street Theatre (3133 N. Halsted). Families with young children can take advantage of Blue Man Group’s performances at 1 and 4pm. These shows feature early “midnight” countdowns after the show, complete with party hats, noisemakers, and a special performance of Auld Lang Syne by the Blue Men. READ MORE

WhirlyBall Family Fun New Year's Eve Party

Lincoln Park, Naperville, and Vernon Hills
Have fun playing WhirlyBall and Laser Tag with your family leading up to the new year. A pizza lunch buffet and unlimited games provide fun for all ages. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Kids Countdown Skate or Bowl

South Side
Enjoy a fun, family-friendly bowl or skate at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center. Plenty of games and a character parade are included before the countdown. READ MORE

Skokie Park District Itty Bitty New Year

Skokie
Celebrate the Eve of the Eve in Skokie with dancing, games, prizes, and crafts. Kids can also play in the Exploritorium, which will be open for event attendees only. READ MORE

Bonne Annee Family-Friendly Pajama Party

Niles
Une Annee Brewery and Hubbard's Cave Brewery team up for a family-friendly New Year's celebration. Grownups and kids can come in their pajamas for s'mores on the patio, dancing in the taproom, family-friendly board games, and a balloon drop at 6:30. READ MORE

Eris Brewery NYE Family Party

Old Irving Park
Eris Brewery invites families for a special dinner menu, dancing, children's activities, and a balloon drop. The whole family can enjoy a special holiday buffet, crafts, and party favors. Grownups can enjoy two hours of open bar with Eris beers and ciders. READ MORE

Drop & Pop New Year's Eve Kids Celebration

Franklin Park
Celebrate the new year at noon for kids who can't stay up until midnight in Franklin Park. Food, entertainment, games, and prizes make for a fun morning. Please reserve your spot in advance. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Party at Noon at Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park
Ring in the "noon year" in Lincoln Park. The whole family is welcome to join in for music, crafts, and balloons. READ MORE

Naperville Yard New Year's Eve Pajama Party

Naperville
Count down to the new year with games, inflatables, food, and a raffle at Naperville Yard. A juice box countdown will ring in the last noon of 2024. READ MORE

Frankfort New Year's Countdown

Frankfort
Get ready for New Year's with dancing, party games, crafts, and ice cream at the Frankfort Park District. A countdown to 2024 complete with a balloon drop caps off the event. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Palos Heights

Palos Heights
Little revelers who can't make it to midnight can watch the ball drop at noon at the Palos Heights Recreation Center. Festivities include crafts, games, a bounce house, and food. READ MORE

Family New Year's Bash Elk Grove Village

Elk Grove Village
Elk Grove Village invites families to celebrate the new year with music, dancing, ice cream sundaes, a photo booth, balloon drop, and more. Ring in 2025 with those you love the most. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Get Air Sports

Visit the Des Plaines or Downers Grove location of Get Air games, giveaways, and more to celebrate New Year's Eve! A countdown to noon will end with a balloon drop. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Enchanted Castle Family Entertainment Center
Warrenville Recreation Center
Just for Fun Roller Rink Mundelein
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Park and Family Entertainment Center
Oakton Community Center
Eris Brewery and Cider House
Bradley A. Stephens Community Center
Founders Community Center
Palos Heights Recreation Center
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