1. Go to the zoo

Wish the resident animals a Merry Christmas. Families can visit the Lincoln Park Zoo or Brookfield Zoo during their regular 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours.

2. Willis Tower's SkyDeck

Step out on the clear glass ledge to see the lights of the city from the 103rd floor of this Chicago iconic structure. Reservations are required, and the SkyDeck is open on Christmas Day from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., giving viewers plenty of time to take in the scene after dark.

 
Jack Frost Winter Pop-Up is open on Christmas Day in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Jack Frost Winter Pop-Up

3.  Jack Frost Winter Pop-Up

You might no longer need a Christmas tree, but you can visit Jack Frost Winter Pop-Up for ice skating, holiday lights, music, axe-throwing, and bumper cars.

4. Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanic Garden 

The light shows at both of these gardens are closed on Christmas, but visitors can hike through the winter landscapes to see what is in bloom.

RELATED: 35 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Chicago

5. Holiday Flower Shows

Warm up with some tropical plants. Both Garfield Park Conservatory and Wilder Park Conservatory have spectacular flower shows going on to celebrate the holidays, and offer some of the least expensive indoor activity options on Christmas.

 
Ice skating is always a festive thing to do on Christmas Day. Photo courtesy of the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

6. Outdoor Skating Rinks

Millennium Park's McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, Maggie Daley Park's Skating Ribbon, and Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park rink are all open for business. Reservations are required.

7. Kid-Friendly Restaurants

From fancy (like the Peninsula) to low-key (like Paisan's Pizzeria), Chicago has plenty of options for keeping your kitchen clean, even if there's still wrapping paper littering the living room.

8. Holiday Light Shows

Displays dazzle at Lilacia Park in Lombard, Willow Hill in Northbrook, Central Park in Oak Brook, Adams Park in Wheaton, and in Downtown Naperville on December 25 for families who want to brighten up Christmas night.

9. Chi-Town Movies

The charming drive-in venue is showing Elf and Home Alone on Christmas Day. Plus, you can pass on making dinner and order tacos to your car.

RELATED: 43 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids 

 
Take in some local art on Christmas Day at Art on the Mart. Photo courtesy of artonthemart.com

10. Art on the Mart

The nightly show is on this holiday season at The Merchandise Mart, featuring Chicago Design Through the Decades and images and music from The Nutcracker.

11. Millennium Park Christmas Tree

The official Chicago Christmas tree is located in Millennium Park. The park and tree are free to visit and open all season long. On Christmas Day, you can take a stroll around the park and view the official tree of the city of Chicago. As mentioned above, the skating ribbon is also open to give you a few more festive activities by the tree. 

12. Christmas Day Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

For something out of the ordinary this Christmas, take in the city sights from a magical boat cruise on Lake Michigan. This special cruise offers seasonal cocktails and plated dinner service along the Chicago skyline. See iconic landmarks such as the Willis Tower and Navy Pier all decked out for Christmas. There are both cozy indoor spaces and breezy open-air decks available. There is also a DJ to keep the party going.