Does scrolling through all of the holiday activities make you feel overwhelmed? We have narrowed down all of the amazing local holiday events and activities to create a list just for you! Keep reading for the most unique holiday experiences that Chicagoland has to offer this season.
The Most Unique Holiday Events and New Experiences for 2024
Winterland at Navy Pier
November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
New this year, step into Winterland for a holiday winter experience that includes giant Christmas trees and nutcracker soldiers, Winter Express locomotive train, forest and snow-covered scenery, creative station where kids can write letters to Santa, soft play area for little ones, candy store and hot chocolate station, 360° immersive festive theatre, and a gift shop. Megan from the Kidlist team is going with her family soon, so stay tuned for a review! Click here for tickets.
Igloo Experience and Light Show at The Creamery in Homer Glen
November 2024 – March 2025
15112 S Bell Road
Homer Glen, IL 60491
The Creamery is offering ice cream sundae or hot chocolate experiences in their heated igloos outside the ice cream shops in Homer Glen, Manhattan, and Sandwich. However, the Homer Glen location is decked out with lights. So you can enjoy the igloo experience in the evening and then walk around their property to enjoy the lights all in the same visit. Click here for more details.
Winter Lights at Central Park West in Oak Brook
November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025 | 4:30pm – 9:30pm daily
1500 Forest Gate Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Oak Brook Park District continues to up its game with their free walk-through lights experience at Central Park West. It’s non-stop sparkle and glow with light tunnels, light-animated figures, and uplifting sentiments down the 1.5-mile paved path.
Christkindlmarket Chicago and Aurora
November 22 – December 24, 2024
Daley Plaza
50 W Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
RiverEdge Park
360 N. Broadway
Aurora, IL 60505
Christkindlmarket Chicago is open daily while Aurora is open Thursdays through Sundays with some additional days leading up to Christmas. The Aurora location has expanded significantly, featuring more than 60 vendors, including cherished Chicago staples like Käthe Wohlfahrt, alongside unique offerings like Puffy Houz’ Dutch Pancakes and a Belgian Fries booth. There is also a new “Christkind’s Workshop” photo opportunity and your kids will enjoy the Nutcracker in Lederhosen Scavenger Hunt while at the market. Find the Nutcracker statues and turn in your map for a prize!
Holiday Concerts and Performances
There are so many special concerts and Nutcracker performances this holiday season! Here are some highlights and you can find more at our Guide to Nutcracker and Holiday Performances.
The Art Deco Nutcracker
December 7, 2024 | 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Athenaeum Theater, Chicago
The entire lead cast is international or generational American from around the world, many from Chicagoland. Use the promo code ARTDECO50 for 50% off tickets!
Holidays A Cappella
December 7, 2024 | 3:00 pm
Szold Hall at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago
Ten singers of Chicago a cappella are joined by actor Greg Vinkler for a program featuring timeless carols such as “Carol of the Bells” and “Good King Wenceslas,” along with some festive favorites like “Silent Night” and “Deck the Hall,” woven between a delightful re-telling of Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales.
Salt Creek Ballet’s Nutcracker
December 6 – 7, 2024
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie
December 14 – 15, 2024
McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn
Whether it’s your child’s first introduction to the world of dance or a cherished yearly outing, The Nutcracker offers a magical experience that will spark their imagination and fill your hearts with joy.
Nutcracker Suite
December 13, 2024
The Community House in Hinsdale
Adults mingle by the fire and enjoy Christmas wine and live music, while children have snacks, create crafts, and learn choreography which they perform along side WSBC dancers.
The Nutcracker
December 21-22, 2024
Hinsdale South Auditorium in Darien
Full-length 4th annual production of The Nutcracker by West Suburban Ballet Conservatory.
Self-Led Driving Tours of the Best Residential Christmas Lights
November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Did you know that Kidlist organizes driving routes for the most amazing lights displays created by homeowners? We verify every single house and give you important details like visiting hours, descriptions, and photos, along with planned out routes so you can wow your family! Click here for the Driving Routes for the Best Christmas Lights.
Decked-Out Restaurants
There are so many impressive dining experiences popping up all over Chicago and the suburbs this year! It’s impossible to not get in the holiday spirit at one of these bars or restaurants. Many of them have family-friendly time blocks, so check out our round-up of all the options so you can stop by or make reservations.
Ice Skating at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont
November 23, 2024 – January 26, 2025
Chicago Wolves Ice Rink
5501 Park Place
Rosemont, IL 60018
This NHL-sized outdoor ice skating rink is free if you bring your own skates and skate rental is $8. It’s extra special at night with lights strung across the rink and the surrounding trees glimmering around you. There are also endless food and entertainment options right when you are done. A full schedule of ice skating hours is available online at www.parkwaybankpark.com.
Blue Man Group Chicago Holiday Performances
Now through January 5, 2025
Briar Street Theatre
3133 N Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657
Did you know that the long-standing run of Blue Man Group in Chicago is coming to an end? Their last performance will be January 5, 2025 at Briar Street Theatre. So if you haven’t taken your family to their show yet, get tickets soon! We always had a good time at their performances with their unique comedy and bumping music. You can also learn more about taking kids to Blue Man Group from Katie who shares tips and inside info to the show. Head to www.blueman.com/chicago for the holiday performance schedule.
Visit a Live Nativity
Various dates and times
If you are looking for an experience focused on the meaning of Christmas, visiting a live nativity is a great way to do that. There are many options with volunteer actors and some even have live animals, snacks, and warm drinks! Every year there are more and more live nativities popping up. Check out our full list of churches with a live nativity.
For more family fun, check out our giant 2024 Holiday Guide!
