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Christmas Around the World, Winter Festivals, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

Galactic Santa Breakfast photo courtesy of the event.
Galactic Santa Breakfast photo courtesy of the event.
12/11/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

The countdown is on for winter break! Celebrate this pre-holiday weekend with holidays from other cultures with a St. Lucia Day celebration in Andersonville or a Las Posadas event in Aurora. The Nutcracker has taken over town, and you can see it in a different way a hip-hop version downtown or on ice in Woodridge. There are also a pair of different Santa brunches this weekend: See Kris Kringle and some Jedi friends in a galaxy far, far away in Elgin, or visit him at the Chicago Sports Museum at Watertower Place.

If your wallet is feeling a little lighter this holiday season, try out one of our favorite free holiday events for kids. Or if you're feeling festive, but not like cooking, make a reservation at one of our top restaurants that are open on Christmas day.

Wishing you a holly jolly holiday weekend in Chicago!

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Hip Hop Nutcracker production photo by Timothy Norris.
Hip Hop Nutcracker production photo by Timothy Norris.

Best Things To Do This Weekend in Chicago With Kids

St. Lucia Celebration

Andersonville
Friday, December 13
Follow the Swedish tradition of St. Lucia with Lucias from Swedish organizations throughout Chicagoland as they perform a candlelit procession from the temporary location of the Nordic House at the Wrigley Building to the Swedish American Museum to Andersonville Winter Market. The Lucia candidates will also perform at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. READ MORE

Hip Hop Nutcracker

Downtown
Tuesday, December 10- Sunday, December 15
The Hip Hop Nutcracker combines Tchaikovsky's score with hip hop dance for a unique experience that appeals to the whole family. The cast features dozens of all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. READ MORE

Evanston Children's Choir Holiday Concert

Evanston
Saturday, December 14
The Evanston Children's Choir will celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the resilience of the human spirit. Join the ECC Concert Choir, Youth Chorale Pops and our Pope John XXIII School Choir for this free event. READ MORE

Santa at the Driehaus Museum

Gold Coast
Saturday, December 14
The Driehaus Museum hosts visits with Santa so kids can tell him if they are naughty or nice and take a selfie. Tickets are required and are sold in 15 minute increments. READ MORE

Frosty Fest

Wheaton
Saturday, December 14
Unwrap holiday magic with Elsa, Olaf, the Grinch and more! Strolling carolers, complimentary hot cocoa, and giveaways round out the fun.   READ MORE

Spring Road Winter Fest

Elmhurst
Saturday, December 14
Decorated reindeer sculptures make an appearance at Spring Road and the Prairie Path in Elmhurst. Kids can also enjoy a sleigh ride (if there's snow) or a wagon ride (if there's not),free cocoa and cookies, and a visit with Santa. READ MORE

Living Nativity 2024

Bridgeport
Saturday, December 14
Celebrate the Christmas season with us as we bring the Nativity story to life on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM! Walk through this free outdoor event to see the actors of the Nativity scene.  There will also be barnyard animals, music, and Christmas readings in multiple languages,  and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and pony rides. READ MORE

Merry & Bright: A Victorian Christmas

Downers Grove
Opens Saturday, December 14
Learn about Victorian holiday traditions at the Blodgett House in Downers Grove. Visit Santa, stroll down the luminary walk, warm up around a campfire with carolers, and enjoy turn of the last century decorations. READ MORE

Ravenswood Light-Up Night

Ravenswood
Saturday, December 14
Residents in the Ravenswood area light up their yards for the weekend before Christmas. With lights, disco balls, light-up figurines, and a selfie-station set up in the greenway, residents create a winter wonderland for visitors. Restaurants will feature specials for visitors. The event includes a scavenger hunt for kids, tree decorating contest, multimedia window, photo stations, and caroling. READ MORE

Las Posadas Celebration

Aurora
Saturday, December 14
Celebrate the holiday at Fox Valley mall with Posada from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday, December 14th.   Enjoy music, piñatas, food, and family fun.  Juan Diego Rosas and KaylaaD-s will be performing at the Center Park Stage. For more details, visit https://dupagehispanicalliance.com/latin-american.../ READ MORE

Nutcracker on Ice

Woodridge
Saturday, December 14- Sunday, December 15
Creative Ice Theatre presents the holiday classic ballet The Nutcracker at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge. The show includes skaters of many different ages and tells the classic story of Clara and the Nutcracker, featuring dances from the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Land of Sweets. READ MORE

Family Craft and Photos!

Wilmette
Saturday, December 14
Join us for an afternoon in the Baker Print Shop with Ms Beth. Experience the Baker Print Shop while making custom photo books using all of the resources and materials we have to offer, under the guidance of Baker Demonstration School teacher, Ms. Beth. Your family is also welcome to explore the Baker Book Fair in our Library. The event includes images from a professional photographer. READ MORE

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

Downtown- FREE
Opens Saturday, December 14
Let the Strawdog Theatre Company take your family on a Hanukkah adventure with characters such as Herschel of Ostropool and the goblins who are haunting a village. READ MORE

Galactic Santa Breakfast

Elgin
Saturday, December 14
Meet Santa with a few friends from a galaxy far, far away... *  It's a Galactic Santa Breakfast with all you can eat pancakes and a gift for each child at Camp Big Timber Ridge in the Main Lodge. READ MORE

Santa Brunch & Playtime at the Chicago Sports Musem

Streeterville
Sunday, December 15
   Holiday spirit meets team spirit! Visit Harry Caray's at Water Tower Place for a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration at the Chicago Sports Museum with our Santa Brunch & Playtime! Enjoy a festive brunch in the adjoining Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch, while the kids explore and play in the interactive Chicago Sports Museum. READ MORE

Oak Brook Holiday Express Trolley

Oak Brook
Sunday, December 15
Believers of all ages can take a trolley ride to the North Pole at this Oak Brook Park District event. Activities include crafts, a reading of The Polar Express, a bounce house, and refreshments. READ MORE

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