Do you see what I see? It’s a list of things to do with kids this weekend that’s jam-packed with Santa sightings, place to eat with Santa, and plenty of ways to enjoy holiday fun. There’s excitement in the air, and we’re soaking up all the magic of the holiday season in the weekend ahead.
As we move through the month of December, we’ll continue to update our site with more festive fun, like our list of Christmas Pop-Up Restaurants and Bars. Make sure you sign up for our newsletter if you haven’t already so you don’t miss out on all the excitement this holiday season.
Things to Do with Kids This Weekend: Western Suburbs
Please check the details before you go to these events to ensure you know about registration requirements and additional info to maximize your family’s fun. While we do our best to keep the most up-to-date information in our calendar, last minute location or time changes do happen. Want to find “weekend events near me”? We have you covered!
Friday
Festive fun is everywhere on Friday, like at the Hinsdale Christmas Walk, Downtown Oswego’s Christmas Walk, and Holly Days in Downtown Warrenville. You could also enjoy Elmhurst Art Museum’s Free Day if you’re looking for extra fun during the day.
Winter Wonderland (Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Oak Park)
December 5, 2025 | 9:30am – 3:00pm
Included in general admission.
NCG Free Holiday Family Film Fest (NCG Cinemas, Yorkville)
December 5, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Hibernation Day (Swallow Cliff Woods North, Palos Hills)
December 5, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
ARTstravaganza (Lisle Public Library, Lisle)
December 5, 2025 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Bilingual Storytime (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn)
December 5, 2025 | 10:30am – 11:00am
Free Admission for Illinois Residents (The Art Institute of Chicago)
December 5, 2025 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
Elmhurst Art Museum Free Day (Elmhurst)
December 5, 2025 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
Yoga with Miss Kelly (Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Oak Park)
December 5, 2025 | 11:00am – 11:30am
Included in general admission.
Homeschool Hangout (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
December 5, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Live Holiday Caroling (JW Marriott Chicago, Chicago)
December 5, 2025 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Holiday Bazaar (Liberty Cultural Center, Berwyn)
December 5, 2025 | 3:00pm – 9:00pm
First Friday: Geneva Holiday Walk Pre-Party (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
December 5, 2025 | 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Christmas Walk (Downtown Oswego)
December 5, 2025 | 4:30pm – 8:30pm
World Cup Day Draw Party (Three Stories Books, Lemont)
December 5, 2025 | 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Journey to Bethlehem (Faith United Presbyterian Church, Tinley Park)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Holiday Express (Blackberry Farm, Aurora)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Winter Wonderland (Romeoville Village Hall, Romeoville)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Hinsdale Christmas Walk (Downtown Hinsdale)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
First Fridays (Downtown Aurora)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Snow Much Fun (Veterans Memorial Park, Westmont)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Winter Wonderland (Grant Park Recreation Center, Northlake)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Jolly Trolley (Downtown Aurora)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 9:30pm
Cozy On Up Artisan Market (217 Harrison Street, Oak Park)
December 5, 2025 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
A Night in Bethlehem (Lifespring Church, Plainfield)
December 5, 2025 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Purchase tickets in advance to guarantee admission.
Christmas Walk (Downtown Geneva)
December 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Holly Days (Downtown Warrenville)
December 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Holiday Celebration in the Park (Darien Community Park, Darien)
December 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Claus and Paws (Westchester Community Center, Westchester)
December 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
First Friday: Winter Reading Adventure Kick-Off Party (Santori Library, Aurora)
December 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs (Millenium Park, Chicago)
December 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Holiday Tree Lighting Extravaganza (Carol Stream Town Center, Carol Stream)
December 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday Night Sing-Along: Enchanted (Lisle Public Library, Lisle)
December 5, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Registration is required.
Flying High Pizza Fun Night (Flying High, Countryside)
December 5, 2025 | 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Register in advance for reduced pricing.
Saturday
There’s plenty of holiday excitement at Elmhurst History Museum’s Hometown Holiday Family Fun Day, Western Springs’ Winter Wonderland at Tower Green, and Jingle Bell Jubilee in Downtown Lombard.
Pancake Breakfast With Santa (Geneva High School Gymnasium, Geneva)
December 6, 2025 | 7:30am – 11:00am
Breakfast with Santa (Gower West School, Willowbrook)
December 6, 2025 | 8:30am – 11:00am
Home Depot Workshop (check your local store)
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Saturday Stay and Play (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
Holiday Bazaar (Liberty Cultural Center, Berwyn)
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 3:00pm
Children’s Christmas Party (Premier Catering & Events of Countryside, Countryside)
December 6, 2025 | 9:30am – 11:30am
Tickets should be picked up in advance.
Winter Wonderland (Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Oak Park)
December 6, 2025 | 9:30am – 3:00pm
Included in general admission.
Storytime at the Illinois Aviation Museum (Bolingbrook)
December 6, 2025 | 9:30am – 10:00am
The Polar Express Storytime Train (Geneva Train Station, Geneva)
December 6, 2025 | 9:30am – 4:00pm
Legotastic Saturday (Brookfield Public Library, Brookfield)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Cookies and Crayons (Lisle Public Library, Lisle)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Julmarknad (Swedish American Museum, Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
NCG Free Holiday Family Film Fest (NCG Cinemas, Yorkville)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
3rd Annual Winter Resource Fair (Santori Library, Aurora)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Adaptive Playtime (Westmont Public Library, Westmont)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 10:45am
Registration is required.
Hometown Holiday Family Fun Day (Elmhurst History Museum, Elmhurst)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Brookfield Holiday Celebration (Brookfield Public Library)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 6:00pm
Musical Instrument Petting Zoo (Aurora Public Library – West Branch, Aurora)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Mistletoe and Merriment at the Mill (Graue Mill & Museum, Oak Brook)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Pancakes with Santa (Romeoville High School, Romeoville)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Tickets can be purchased in advance for discounted admission.
Winterfest and Cookie Walk (Downtown Oak Park)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Holiday Craft Show (Fox Valley Mall, Aurora)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 9:00pm
Santas Craft Corner (Cosley Zoo, Wheaton)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Santa is Coming to Downtown Glen Ellyn (Downtown Glen Ellyn)
December 6, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Santa and Mrs. Claus at the W Tent (Downtown Wheaton)
December 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Winter Wonderland: Photos with Santa (Burr Ridge Village Center, Burr Ridge)
December 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Frosty Tunes & Jolly Jams: Winter Holiday Concert (Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge)
December 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 11:45am
Registration is required.
Oh What Fun: Christmas Party (Christ Church Oak Brook)
December 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Register in advance.
Meet and Greet with Santa (Maggie Daley Park, Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Dual Language Storytime (95th Street Library, Naperville)
December 6, 2025 | 11:30am – 12:00pm
Winter Wonderland (Western Springs Tower Green, Western Springs)
December 6, 2025 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Pictures with Santa at Geneva Commons (Geneva)
December 6, 2025 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Jolly Trolley (Downtown Aurora)
December 6, 2025 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Santa’s Workshop at Wilder Mansion (Wilder Mansion, Elmhurst)
December 6, 2025 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Photos With Santa (La Grange Area Historical Society, La Grange)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Santa’s House (Downtown St. Charles)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Complimentary Visits with Santa (Downtown Downers Grove)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Santa is Coming to Town (Naperville Crossings, Naperville)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Elmhurst Choral Union Chamber Singers (Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Winter Wonderland (Wicker Park, Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Hibernation Day (Bemis Woods, Westchester)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Among the Leaves So Green (Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
RoboThink Chicago Western Suburbs (DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville)
December 6, 2025 | 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Included in general admission.
Victorian Christmas Featuring a Glendale Heights Christkindl Market (Historic House, Glendale Heights)
December 6, 2025 | 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Hometown Holiday (Downtown Lemont)
December 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Cozy On Up Artisan Market (217 Harrison Street, Oak Park)
December 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Jingle Bell Jubilee at Helen Plum Library (Lombard)
December 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
A Night in Bethlehem (Lifespring Church, Plainfield)
December 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Purchase tickets in advance to guarantee admission.
Meet a Snow Princess (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
December 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Holiday Express (Blackberry Farm, Aurora)
December 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Jingle Bell Jubilee (Downtown Lombard)
December 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Winter Cinema: Elemental (La Grange Public Library, La Grange)
December 6, 2025 | 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Lights of Lisle (Lisle Village Hall)
December 6, 2025 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Winter Wonderful Fest (Downtown Winfield)
December 6, 2025 | 3:00pm – 6:30pm
Once Upon a Christmas (The Museums at Lisle Station Park, Lisle)
December 6, 2025 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Christmas Wonder – A Journey to Bethlehem (New Life Church, New Lenox)
December 6, 2025 | 3:30pm – 8:00pm
Homer For The Holidays (Heritage Park, Homer Glen)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 6:30pm
Strollin’ to the Stable (Grace Pointe Church, Naperville)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Register in advance.
Holiday Walk and Market (Downtown Clarendon Hills)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Candy Cane Lane Market (Downtown Lombard)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Winter Wonderland at the Oaks (Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Bolingbrook)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Winter Wonderland (Romeoville Village Hall, Romeoville)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Joyful Traditions (Ruggard Gazebo, Villa Park)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Christmas in the Commons (Village of New Lenox)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Holiday Walk (La Grange Village Hall, La Grange)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Frosty Fest (Downtown West Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 4:30pm – 7:00pm
Frosty & Friends Parade (Downtown Westmont)
December 6, 2025 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Winter Lights Walk (Willow Pond, Willowbrook)
December 6, 2025 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Lights are on from 4:30pm-9:00pm, with special programming from 5:00pm – 6:00pm.
Claus for a Cause (Faith House, Naperville)
December 6, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Journey to Bethlehem (Faith United Presbyterian Church, Tinley Park)
December 6, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Making Spirits Bright (Riverfront Park, North Aurora)
December 6, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Tree Lighting (Bolingbrook Village Hall, Bolingbrook)
December 6, 2025 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Winter Fireworks (Navy Pier, Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 8:00pm – 8:30pm
Sunday
Get creative with Holiday Nature Crafts at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, enjoy Sundays with Santa at the Batavia Boardwalk Shops, or bundle up for the annual Montgomery Merry and Bright at Village Hall.
Wonder Works for Everyone (Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Oak Park)
December 7, 2025 | 9:00am – 10:00am
Included in general admission.
Sensory-Friendly Santa (Fox Valley Mall, Aurora)
December 7, 2025 | 9:00am – 10:30am
Winter Wonderland (Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Oak Park)
December 7, 2025 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Included in general admission.
NCG Free Holiday Family Film Fest (NCG Cinemas, Yorkville)
December 7, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Play for All (Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago)
December 7, 2025 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Pre-registration is required.
Holiday Nature Crafts (Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Bolingbrook)
December 7, 2025 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Holiday Craft Show (Fox Valley Mall, Aurora)
December 7, 2025 | 10:00am – 6:00pm
Santa is Coming to Downtown Glen Ellyn (Downtown Glen Ellyn)
December 7, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Julmarknad (Swedish American Museum, Chicago)
December 7, 2025 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Holiday Bazaar (Liberty Cultural Center, Berwyn)
December 7, 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Paw-rade Photos with Santa (Three Stories Books, Lemont)
December 7, 2025 | 11:30am – 2:30pm
Momenta Dance (Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Oak Park)
December 7, 2025 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Included in general admission.
Jingle Bells and Fire Alarms (Aurora Regional Fire Museum, Aurora)
December 7, 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Meet and Greet with Santa (Maggie Daley Park, Chicago)
December 7, 2025 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
A Night in Bethlehem (Lifespring Church, Plainfield)
December 7, 2025 | 11:30am – 3:30pm
Purchase tickets in advance to guarantee admission.
Sundays with Santa (Batavia Boardwalk Shops, Batavia)
December 7, 2025 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Cozy On Up Artisan Market (217 Harrison Street, Oak Park)
December 7, 2025 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Pictures with Santa Paws (Two Bostons Pet Boutique, Naperville)
December 7, 2025 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Santa’s House (Downtown St. Charles)
December 7, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Holiday Open House (La Grange Area Historical Society, La Grange)
December 7, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Toys for Tots Toy Drive with Characters (Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, Glen Ellyn)
December 7, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Complimentary Visits with Santa (Downtown Downers Grove)
December 7, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Among the Leaves So Green (Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago)
December 7, 2025 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Puzzle Exchange (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn)
December 7, 2025 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Sunday Music Matinee: Geof Bradfield (Warrenville Public Library)
December 7, 2025 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Register in advance.
Sunday Crafternoons (Brookfield Public Library, Brookfield)
December 7, 2025 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
LEGO® Club (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
December 7, 2025 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Make Break (check your local Michaels store)
December 7, 2025 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Holiday Express (Blackberry Farm, Aurora)
December 7, 2025 | 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Christmas in the Commons (Village of New Lenox, New Lenox)
December 7, 2025 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Holiday Lights and Visits with Santa (Lilacia Park, Lombard)
December 7, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Montgomery Merry and Bright (Montgomery Village Hall)
December 7, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Things to Do with Kids This Weekend: Northwest Suburbs
We strive to answer the question “Where can I find weekend events near me?” Our team takes care to stock the calendar full of kid-friendly fun, but please keep in mind that last minute changes to events do happen. We recommend clicking through to the event details to double check if there has been a change in registration requirements and to get additional information before you go. Have fun!
Friday
Des Plaines’ Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Metropolitan Square, Inverness’s Hometown Holiday and Streamwood’s Luminaria are great ways to kick off the holiday season.
Holiday Bazaar (Sheila Ray Adult Center, Elk Grove Village)
December 5, 2025 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
Kids Free Admission with Purchase of Any Adult Admission (Volo Auto Museum, Volo)
December 5, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Golden December at Volo Museum (Volo Auto Museum, Volo)
December 5, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sensory Hour (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park)
December 5, 2025 | 10:30am – 11:30am
Scales-N-Tales Storytime (Franklin Park Public Library, Franklin Park)
December 5, 2025 | 11:00am – 11:30am
Free Admission for Illinois Residents (The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago)
December 5, 2025 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
Live Holiday Caroling (JW Marriott Chicago, Chicago)
December 5, 2025 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Metropolitan Square, Des Plaines)
December 5, 2025 | 4:00pm – 6:30pm
Hometown Holiday (North Park , Inverness)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Disney Day (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Time Warp Express Jolly Trolley Adventure To Save Santa (Volo Museum, Volo)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Light Up The Park (Harrer Park and Harrer Pool, Morton Grove)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Holiday Stroll (Village of Elmwood Park)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Visits with Santa (Bloomindale Park District Museum, Bloomingdale)
December 5, 2025 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Alongs (Millenium Park, Chicago)
December 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Luminaria (Streamwood Village Hall, Streamwood)
December 5, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Palatine Concert Band Holiday Concert (Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, Palatine)
December 5, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Saturday
Mount Prospect Public Library’s Teddy Bear Walk, Barrington White House’s Holiday Open House, or Roselle’s Winterfest will be filled with festive fun!
Home Depot Workshop (check your local store)
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Holiday Bazaar (Sheila Ray Adult Center, Elk Grove Village)
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
Cookie Walk and Craft Fair (Journey of Hope Church, Bartlett)
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
Dog Photos with the Grinch (Itasca Softball Complex, Itasca)
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 10:00am
Teddy Bear Walk (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect)
December 6, 2025 | 9:30am – 12:00pm
Julmarknad (Swedish American Museum, Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Kids Free Admission with Purchase of Any Adult Admission (Volo Auto Museum, Volo)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Golden December at Volo Museum (Volo Auto Museum, Volo)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Winterfest (Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, Hoffman Estates)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 1:30pm
Collage Art Drop-In (Prospect Heights Public Library, Prospect Heights)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Winter Maker’s Market (Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Holiday Open House (Barrington’s White House, Barrington)
December 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Meet and Greet with Santa (Maggie Daley Park, Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Winter Fair (Des Plaines Public Library, Des Plaines)
December 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Family Concert: Miss Jamie from the Farm (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire)
December 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 11:45am
Registration is required.
Free Pictures with Santa (Usher Park, Itasca)
December 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Holiday Market (Poplar Creek Public Library, Streamwood)
December 6, 2025 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Festival of Lights: Holiday Games (Bloomingdale Park District Museum, Bloomingdale)
December 6, 2025 | 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Santa Comes To Town (Prairie View Community Center, Morton Grove)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Winter Wonderland (Wicker Park, Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Free Photos with Santa at Poplar Creek Bowl (Hoffman Estates)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Roselle Winterfest (Petal Plaza, Roselle)
December 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Farmside Christmas (Fischer Farm, Bensenville)
December 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Winter Wonderland (Schiller Park Community Center, Schiller Park)
December 6, 2025 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Barrington Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Ceremony (Downtown Barrington)
December 6, 2025 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Register for visits with Santa.
What’s On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
December 6, 2025 | 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Winter Wonderland (Prairie Lakes Community Center, Des Plaines)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Time Warp Express Jolly Trolley Adventure To Save Santa (Volo Museum, Volo)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Mt. Prospect Community Band Holiday Concert (Trinity United Methodist Church, Mount Prospect)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Merry and Bright – Lighting the Tree (Bartlett Park, Bartlett)
December 6, 2025 | 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Winter Fireworks (Navy Pier, Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 8:00pm – 8:30pm
Sunday
Celebrate the season at Schaumburg’s Christmas in the Valley, Wheeling’s Holiday Hoopla, or at Poplar Creek Public Library’s Jolly Jingle Fest.
Santa Cares: Sensory Friendly Visits with Santa (Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont)
December 7, 2025 | 9:00am – 10:00am
Register in advance.
Sensory Sunday – December Holidays (Le Village Cowork, Des Plaines)
December 7, 2025 | 9:30am – 11:30am
Register in advance.
Bloomingdale Makers Market (Downtown Bloomingdale)
December 7, 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Play for All (Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago)
December 7, 2025 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Pre-registration is required.
Kids Free Admission with Purchase of Any Adult Admission (Volo Auto Museum, Volo)
December 7, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Golden December at Volo Museum (Volo Auto Museum, Volo)
December 7, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Stuffed Animal Storytime (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
December 7, 2025 | 10:30am and 1:30pm start times
Julmarknad (Swedish American Museum, Chicago)
December 7, 2025 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Meet and Greet with Santa (Maggie Daley Park, Chicago)
December 7, 2025 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Free Pictures with Santa (Usher Park, Itasca)
December 7, 2025 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Christmas Advent Workshop with Ornament Decorating (First Presbyterian Church of Evanston)
December 7, 2025 | 11:30am – 12:30pm
Christmas in the Valley (Volkening Heritage Farm, Schaumburg)
December 7, 2025 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Holiday Hoopla (Community Recreation Center, Wheeling)
December 7, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Jolly Jingle Fest (Poplar Creek Public Library, Streamwood)
December 7, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
K-Pop Party (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg)
December 7, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Make Break (check your local Michaels store)
December 7, 2025 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Concert: Holiday Harmonies by the Buffalo Grove Singers Encore! (Prospect Heights Public Library, Prospect Heights)
December 7, 2025 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Registration is required.
A Living Nativity and Craft Fair St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Elgin)
December 7, 2025 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
What’s On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
December 7, 2025 | 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Want to look ahead to next week?
Check out all the family-friendly events happening in your neighborhood and beyond on our events calendar. You can filter the calendar by day by clicking the date on top, so if you are looking for things to do on a specific day, it’s easy to find!
You might also be interested in…
- Ultimate Holiday Family Fun Guide in Chicagoland
- Your Guide to Amazing Winter Activities for Kids in the West and Northwest Suburbs
- 2025-26 Guide to Kids Classes and Teams
- Where to Have the Best Kids Birthday Party + Entertainers, Rentals, Decor, Food and More
- Find the Right Preschool and Daycare for Your Family
- Your Local Guide to Kids Eat Free
We hope you found some family-friendly fun in our list of things to do with kids this weekend in the west and northwest suburbs of Chicago! This list is updated every week and sent out in the Kidlist emails. (Click here to sign up if you haven’t already.)
We love local businesses, libraries, park districts, villages, and organizations — they plan great events for all of us to enjoy. If you are hosting an event or know of an event that should be on our list, click here to submit it to the Kidlist calendar!
We strive to be the most comprehensive source for family fun, which is why you’ll always see so many weekend events listed. It would definitely be easier to just list the details for a few events and call them “the best weekend events for families”, but we recognize that everyone has different interests. Not to mention, sometimes I’m in the mood to go to a huge festival, and sometimes I’d rather go to a low-key storytime at the library. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way. That’s why we work hard and spend a lot of time to find everything going on in our area so you don’t have to!
We hope you find it helpful and we are open to suggestions. The Kidlist Team always talks about how we can improve and evolve to meet your needs, so let us know!
1 Comment. Leave new
This is a wonderful site. Thank you.