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 of our top events just for you! Keep reading for the most unique holiday experiences that Chicagoland has to offer this holiday season.
The Most Unique Holiday Events and New Experiences for 2025
1. Holidays @ Skydeck
November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Seasonal Hours Here
📍Willis Tower
233 S. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
New this year, you and your family can celebrate the season overlooking Chicago at Holidays @ Skydeck. Inside the Willis Tower, Skydeck’s lower-level Chicago museum and observation deck (included in your ticket) are transformed with lights and over the top Christmas decor. Visitors will enjoy plenty of photo ops, special nightly events, and even a seasonally decorated L train replica. Kristin from our Kidlist team recently visited with her family, check out her tips and review! Ticket prices start at $32/adults and $24/ child 3-11 and vary depending on day of the week. Click here for tickets.
2. Winter Lights at Central Park West in Oak Brook
November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | 4:30pm – 9:30pm daily
📍Central Park West
1500 Forest Gate Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Back on our list again this year is the Oak Brook Park District FREE outdoor walk-through light display. Oak Brook Park District continues to up its game with their 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 .5 mile paved path. We love this path because it is free, does not require advanced reservations, and is short enough to get some little legs exercise in the winter.
3. Holiday Concerts and Performances
There are so many special concerts and holiday performances this season! Performances include classics like A Christmas Carol and Chicagoland traditions like The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party and It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play. Here are some highlights and you can find more at our Guide to Nutcracker and Holiday Performances. Check out a local performance, or head to the city for a special holiday tradition.
A Christmas Carol
November 15 – December 31, 2025
📍Goodman Theatre
170 N Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60601
Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage
December 8, 2025 | 6:30pm
📍Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 604320
This Broadway-like production includes all the classic Peanuts characters, and with a total run time of 90 minutes (including intermission). This Christmas classic is a great way to introduce kiddos to the theater.
Holidays A Cappella
December 7, 2025| 4:00 pm
📍Wentz Concert Hall
North Central College
171 E. Chicago Ave
Naperville, IL 60540
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 5 – 6, 2025
📍North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie
December 19 – 21, 2025
📍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.
The Nutcracker – Joffrey Ballet Chicago
December 5–28, 2025
📍Lyric Opera House
20 N Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60606
The Nutcracker: Short & Sweet
December 12-13, 2025 | 7:00pm
The Community House
415 W 8th Street
Hinsdale, IL 60521
4. Kidlist Driving Tours of the Best Residential Christmas Lights
November 29, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Did you know that Kidlist organizes driving routes for the most amazing local 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.
5. Local Spots to Enjoy Outdoor Ice Skating and Lunch
📍The Rink at Block 59 (Naperville)
November 20, 2025 – January 18, 2026
404 IL Rte 59
Naperville, IL 60540
(847) 562-4100
New in 2025, The Rink at Block 59 is now open in Naperville, all holiday season through January 18, 2026. The Rink at Block 59 offers themed skates featuring Santa, prince, and princesses. The Rink is located within Block 59, which has plenty of dining options to grab a bite to eat after working up an appetite on the rink. Reserve your spot now, before heading out.
📍Ice Skating at Parkway Bank Park (Rosemont)
November 23, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Chicago Wolves Ice Rink
5501 Park Place
Rosemont, IL 60018
Seasonal Hours
This NHL-sized outdoor ice skating rink located in the heart of Rosemont, is free if you bring your own skates or 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.
6. Locally 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!
7. Cocoa Cabanas at Cantigny Park (Wheaton)
📍Cantigny Park
0S151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 668-5161
Cocoa Cabana’s (available for rent) are located directly off the ice skating rink near Le Jardin, where you can enjoy Cantigny’s grounds and gardens decorated for the holiday season this winter. The Cabanas keep you out of the cold in your own heated hut, with food and beverage service. The rental package costs starts at $125, in addition to a $150 food and drink minimum. Admission tickets to the McCormick House and Light Show varies by day. Advanced booking is recommended, as pricing will increase for day-of purchases. Tickets range from $10 per car plus per person admission tickets (prices vary by demand and availability). Per person Light Show tickets start at $25.99 per adult and $15.99 per child over 3. The ice skating rink admission is $7 with a $3 skate rental fee.
8. Visit a Local Live Nativity
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.
9. Enjoy a Christmas Drive-Thru Christmas Display
Light of Christmas (Chicago)
November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
📍Chicago White Sox Rate Field
333 W 35th Street
Chicago, IL 60616
Back again for 2025, is this massive drive-thru display set to Christmas tunes. Tickets are per car, and start at $29.99 for standard admission, but vary depending on day and time selected. New this year is the Fast Pass 2x ticket; which grants you the ability to ‘skip the line’ and enjoy the show twice. There’s also a drone show on Saturdays at 6pm and 8pm that you won’t want to miss.
Santa’s Rock n Lights (Geneva)
November 21 – December 31, 2025
📍Northwestern Medicine Field
34W002 Cherry Ln
Geneva, IL 60134
Extensive light display at the Kane County Cougars Stadium. This drive through light display features over one mile of Christmas lights dancing to music. Ticket prices range from $29-$40 per car and must be purchased in advance.
For our full list of drive-through Christmas lights, check out our 2025 Best Drive-Through Christmas Lights Displays and Walk-Through Light Shows article.
10. Christkindlmarket Chicago, Aurora, and Wrigleyville
November 20 – December 24, 2025
📍Daley Plaza
50 W Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
📍RiverEdge Park
360 N. Broadway
Aurora, IL 60505
📍Gallagher Way
3635 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60613
Christkindlmarket Chicago and Wrigleyville are 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!
For more winter family fun, check out our giant 2025 Holiday Guide!
