It’s hard to ignore all of the holiday festivities scattered throughout our list of things to with kids this weekend. We are gearing up for all of the excitement that comes along with tree lighting ceremonies and spots to visit Santa, as we usher in the Christmas season. It’s a great time to start mapping out your holiday bucket list, so you know all your family’s must-dos this holiday season. Not surprising, we have a list for that!
As you’re out and about soaking up Thanksgiving weekend, or already prepping for holiday festivities, don’t forget to tag us using #sharekidlist so we can keep up with all the family-friendly fun you’re having.
This weekend planner is sponsored by Downtown Downers Grove.
Downtown Downers Grove is Full of Holiday Fun This Weekend
Friday, November 29
Join us for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 4:30 pm. Santa will arrive with the assistance of the Downers Grove Fire Department. Santa will count down and bring a sparkle to the tree, which is decorated with over 1,000 ornaments created by the children of Downers Grove! Before or after the tree lighting, vote for your favorite Holiday Window Displays. Keep your eye out for the Gingerbread Men hiding in the downtown businesses, as part of our Gingerbread Man Hunt.
Saturday, November 30
Buy one-of-a-kind gifts on Small Business Saturday. Santa will return to his Gingerbread House for complimentary visits, every Saturday and Sunday through December 22nd, 1-4pm.
Sunday, December 1
Enjoy a horse drawn wagonette ride through downtown Downers Grove on Sunday, December 1st, 1-4pm. Rides depart from 1028 Curtiss Street.
All weekend long enjoy the sounds of strolling carolers as you shop & dine downtown Downers Grove! Donβt forget to save your receipts! Spend $100 at three downtown businesses and earn $10 in Candy Cane Cash Rewards.
For more details and updates, visitΒ downtowndg.org.
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 familyβs 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
It’s impossible to pick between all of the tree lighting ceremonies and holiday parades on Friday night, like the Holiday Parade of Lights in Downtown Naperville or the Holiday Walk in Downtown Glen Ellyn.
Domino Free Build (St. Charles Public Library)
November 29, 2024 | 9:30am – 4:00pm
Fantastical Fall Forest (Chicago Children’s Museum, Navy Pier)
November 29, 2024 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Cardboard Adventure (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
November 29, 2024 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Marble Roller Coasters (Westmont Public Library)
November 29, 2024 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Book Bingo (Batavia Public Library)
November 29, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Register in advance.
Holiday Walk at the Library (Glen Ellyn Public Library)
November 29, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Ornaments for the Wilder Park Tree (Elmhurst Public Library)
November 29, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Annual Turkey Trot Hike (Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest)
November 29, 2024 | 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Registration is required.
Cardboard Adventure (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
November 29, 2024 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Storytime with the Gingerbread Librarians (Downers Grove Public Library)
November 29, 2024 | 3:45pm – 4:10pm
The Trashy Markets (Northcenter, Chicago)
November 29, 2024 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Tree Lighting Ceremony (Downtown Downers Grove)
November 29, 2024 | 4:30pm – 5:00pm
Journey to Bethlehem (Faith United Presbyterian Church, Tinley Park)
November 29, 2024 | 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Holiday Walk (Downtown Glen Ellyn)
November 29, 2024 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Holiday Homecoming (Downtown St. Charles)
November 29, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Wheaton Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting (Downtown Wheaton)
November 29, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Live Nativity (First Presbyterian Church, Glen Ellyn)
November 29, 2024 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Holiday Parade of Lights (Downtown Naperville)
November 29, 2024 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday
Cosley Zoo is hosting their annual Santa’s Craft Corner or sign up for Photos with Santa in Western Springs for holiday fun. Not ready for Christmas festivities? It’s Museum Campus Exploration Day at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville or Nature Center Open House at the Lake View Nature Center in Oakbrook Terrace.
Home Depot Workshop (Check your local store)
November 30, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Wheaton French Market (Downtown Wheaton)
November 30, 2024 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
Holiday Homecoming (Downtown St. Charles)
November 30, 2024 | 10:00am – 7:00pm
Museum Campus Exploration Day (Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville)
November 30, 2024 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Baby Noise (Berwyn Public Library)
November 30, 2024 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Registration is required.
Fantastical Fall Forest (Chicago Children’s Museum, Navy Pier)
November 30, 2024 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Santa’s Craft Corner (Cosley Zoo, Wheaton)
November 30, 2024 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Free Family Holiday Movies: Arthur Christmas (Glen Art Theatre, Glen Ellyn)
November 30, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
November 30, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Nature Center Open House (Lake View Nature Center, Oakbrook Terrace)
November 30, 2024 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Photos with Santa (Western Springs Tower Green)
November 30, 2024 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Registration is required.
The Trashy Markets (Northcenter, Chicago)
November 30, 2024 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Santa’s House (Downtown St. Charles)
November 30, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Family Movie – Moana (Downers Grove Public Library)
November 30, 2024 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Complimentary Visits with Santa (Downtown Downers Grove)
November 30, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Train Saturdays (DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton)
November 30, 2024 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Salt Creek Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Hinsdale Central High School)
November 30, 2024 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Purchase tickets in advance.
Christmas in the Commons (New Lenox)
November 30, 2024 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Journey to Bethlehem (Faith United Presbyterian Church, Tinley Park)
November 30, 2024 | 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Christmas Tree Lighting and Santaβs Arrival (Geneva Commons)
November 30, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Salt Creek Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Hinsdale Central High School)
November 30, 2024 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Purchase tickets in advance.
Sunday
Head to Downtown Downers Grove for Complimentary Visits with Santa and Horse Drawn Wagonette Ride, or don’t miss the last performance of Salt Creek Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Hinsdale Central High School. It’s opening night to Snow Stroll Down the Peppermint Path at Lisle’s new light display.
Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
December 1, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Happier Now Storytime with Scattering Joy (La Grange Park)
December 1, 2024 | 11:00am – 11:30am
Photos with Santa (Western Springs Tower Green)
December 1, 2024 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Sundays with Santa (Downtown Batavia)
December 1, 2024 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Santa’s House (Downtown St. Charles)
December 1, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Complimentary Visits with Santa (Downtown Downers Grove)
December 1, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Horse Drawn Wagonette Ride (Downtown Downers Grove)
December 1, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Salt Creek Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Hinsdale Central High School)
December 1, 2024 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Purchase tickets in advance.
The Nutcracker Movie (Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien)
December 1, 2024 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Register in advance.
An Afternoon with The Nutcracker (Eola Road Branch, Aurora)
December 1, 2024 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Christmas in the Commons (New Lenox)
December 1, 2024 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Journey to Bethlehem (Faith United Presbyterian Church, Tinley Park)
December 1, 2024 | 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Celebration of Lights (Downtown Batavia)
December 1, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Snow Stroll Down the Peppermint Path (Lisle)
December 1, 2024 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
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
Don’t let boredom get the best of you on Friday! Stop by the Palatine Public Library for Boredom Busters, Drop-in Cardmaking at the Hoffman Estates Branch of the Schaumburg Township Library, or join the Puzzle Party at the Barrington Area Library.
Boredom Busters (Palatine Public Library)
November 29, 2024 | 9:00am – 6:00pm
Fantastical Fall Forest (Chicago Children’s Museum, Navy Pier)
November 29, 2024 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Scales-N-Tales Storytime (Franklin Park Public Library)
November 29, 2024 | 11:00am – 11:30am
Register in advance.
Friday Family Features: Inside Out 2 (Park Ridge Public Library)
November 29, 2024 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Skating in the Park (Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont)
November 29, 2024 | 11:00am – 10:00pm
Visits with Santa (Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont)
November 29, 2024 | 11:00am – 7:00pm
Drop-in Cardmaking (Hoffman Estates Branch, Schaumburg Township Library)
November 29, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Puzzle Party (Barrington Area Library)
November 29, 2024 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Register in advance.
Boredom Busters (Arlington Heights Memorial Library)
November 29, 2024 | 4:00pm – 5:15pm
Holiday Tree Lighting (Village Green, Elk Grove Village)
November 29, 2024 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Holiday Tree Lighting (Arlington Heights)
November 29, 2024 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
The Trashy Markets (Northcenter, Chicago)
November 29, 2024 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Tree Lighting Ceremony (Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg)
November 29, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Park Ridge Winterfest
November 29, 2024 | 6:00pmΒ –Β 9:00pm
Saturday
There’s festive fun everywhere! It’s Bloomingdale’s annual Festival of Lights Opening Night and Kris Kringle Market, get in the holiday spirit with Poplar Creek Public Library’s Feature Films – Elf, or Meet Santa at ABT Electronics in Glenview.
Home Depot Workshop (Check your local store)
November 30, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Fantastical Fall Forest (Chicago Children’s Museum, Navy Pier)
November 30, 2024 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Visits with Santa (Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont)
November 30, 2024 | 10:00am – 8:00pm
Meet Santa at ABT Electronics (Glenview)
November 30, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
November 30, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Skating in the Park (Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont)
November 30, 2024 | 11:00am – 10:00pm
The Trashy Markets (Northcenter, Chicago)
November 30, 2024 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Festival of Lights Opening Night and Kris Kringle Market (Old Town Park, Bloomingdale)
November 30, 2024 | 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Feature Films – Elf (Poplar Creek Public Library, Streamwood)
November 30, 2024 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
LEGO Building Challenge: Float a Boat (Schaumburg Township District Library)
November 30, 2024 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Whatβs On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
November 30, 2024 | 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Sunday
Register for your spots at the Concert: John Hersey High School Dickens Carolers happening at Prospect Heights Public Library, stop by Itasca’s Holiday Lighting Event at Usher Park, or visit the Sensory-Friendly Hour at the Park Ridge Public Library.
Sensory-Friendly Hour (Park Ridge Public Library)
December 1, 2024 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Meet Santa at ABT Electronics (Glenview)
December 1, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
December 1, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Skating in the Park (Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont)
December 1, 2024 | 11:00am – 9:00pm
Visits with Santa (Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont)
December 1, 2024 | 11:00am – 7:00pm
Concert: John Hersey High School Dickens Carolers (Prospect Heights Public Library)
December 1, 2024 | 1:15pm – 2:00pm
Register in advance.
Whatβs On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
December 1, 2024 | 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Holiday Lighting Event (Usher Park, Itasca)
December 1, 2024 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Pet Photos with Santa (Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg)
December 1, 2024 | 7:30pm – 9:00pm
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…
- Kidlistβs 2024 Holiday Family Fun Guide
- 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 havenβt already.)
We love local businesses, libraries, park districts, villages, and organizations β 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 youβll always see so many weekend events listed. It would definitely be easier to just list the details for a few events and call them βthe best weekend events for familiesβ, but we recognize that everyone has different interests. Not to mention, sometimes Iβm in the mood to go to a huge festival, and sometimes Iβd rather go to a low-key storytime at the library. Iβm sure Iβm not the only one who feels that way. Thatβs why we work hard and spend a lot of time to find everything going on in our area so you donβt 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!
