Chicago Other Christmas Activities 2025

Discover 27 verified other christmas activities in Chicago and nearby areas.

See 27 Chicago Christmas activities at a glance—dates, neighborhoods, and special features.

All Other Christmas Activities Around Chicago

Hanukkah Events in Chicagoland

Chicagoland, IL
$

Chicagoland's guide to Hanukkah family celebrations

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a variety of Hanukkah events happening throughout Chicagoland in 2025. Families can enjoy hands-on activities like Menorah decorating and craft workshops, along with festive celebrations featuring games, music, and storytelling. These events offer a...

Holiday TraditionFamily FriendlyCommunity Celebration

Chicago Cultural Center Holiday Open House

Free

Intergenerational cultural celebration with diverse performances and workshops.

Discover a day of intergenerational cultural fun at the Chicago Cultural Center's Holiday Open House. This free event features a variety of activities for all ages, including live music and dance performances, hands-on art workshops, and engaging exhibitions. Explore the...

Community CelebrationFamily FriendlyFree Event

112th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

$

City's official Christmas tree selected from resident submissions.

Chicago's beloved 112th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony marks the start of the holiday season. This cherished tradition illuminates Millennium Park with a magnificent tree, accompanied by festive performances, dazzling fireworks, and a vibrant holiday market showcasing local artisans. Enjoy...

Tree LightingHoliday SeasonFamily Friendly

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

Free

Community holiday sing-along at Cloud Gate

Gather at Millennium Park's Cloud Gate for a heartwarming holiday tradition. This free event invites everyone to sing along to classic carols, celebrating diverse holiday spirit. It's a perfect way to embrace the festive season in a beloved Chicago landmark.

Community CelebrationHoliday TraditionFree Event

Santa Hustle Chicago 5K & 10K

$$

Festive holiday-themed 5K, 10K, and Kids' Dash races.

Lace up your running shoes for the Santa Hustle Chicago 5K & 10K! This festive race kicks off at Soldier Field, offering a fun-filled experience for all ages. Participants receive a long-sleeve shirt, beanie, and a unique finisher medal. Enjoy...

Family FriendlyChildrens ActivitiesCharity Event

Santa at 900 North Michigan Shops

$$

Magical Santa visit with keepsake photo and plush toy.

Experience the magic of the holidays with a visit to Santa at 900 North Michigan Shops in Chicago. This festive event features a stunning 50-foot tree, enchanting digital art displays, and a charming winter wonderland setting for photos with Santa....

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyHoliday Tradition

Holiday Happenings at The Drake Hotel

$$$

Historic Chicago hotel's century-old holiday traditions.

The Drake Hotel in Chicago transforms into a festive wonderland for the holidays, continuing a tradition of over 100 years. Guests can enjoy elegant afternoon teas, including the special 'Festival of Lights' tea, and festive dining options like Thanksgiving and...

Holiday TraditionFestive FoodSeasonal Activities

Englewood with Santa at Hamilton

Free

Holiday celebration with Santa and friends

Join the festive spirit at Hamilton Park for a delightful holiday event featuring Santa Claus and his friends. This celebration promises an afternoon filled with joy, including toys, delicious desserts, engaging music, lively dance performances, and creative arts and crafts....

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyChildrens Activities

Letters to Santa

Berwyn, IL 8 mi from Chicago
Free

Letters to Santa with return responses

Children can send their heartfelt letters to Santa Claus and receive a special response. This free event is open to all ages, encouraging young ones to share their holiday wishes and good deeds. A dedicated mailbox ensures their letters reach...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyFree Event

Thomas Kinkade Santa's Workshop by Teleflora

Berwyn, IL 8 mi from Chicago
$$

Thomas Kinkade-inspired lighted cottage with flowers

Capture the magic of Christmas at the North Pole with this enchanting floral arrangement. Featuring a hand-painted, lighted cottage inspired by Thomas Kinkade, it depicts Santa and his elves preparing for their big night. Nestled amongst lush red roses and...

Christmas DecorationsHoliday GiftsSeasonal Activities

Forest Park Holiday Walk

Forest Park, IL 9 mi from Chicago
Free

Holiday stroll with live window displays and sleigh rides.

Step into a winter wonderland at the Forest Park Holiday Walk! Stroll down Madison Street to discover enchanting live window displays and enjoy open houses at local shops. Delight in magical horse-drawn sleigh rides, marvel at a festive ice sculpture,...

Holiday TraditionSanta VisitsHorse Drawn Carriages

Downtown Evanston Holiday Tree Lighting

Evanston, IL 12 mi from Chicago
$

Annual tree lighting with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Join the community in Downtown Evanston for their cherished annual Holiday Tree Lighting event. This festive celebration at Fountain Square features live music from local choirs, a special tree lighting ceremony with the Mayor, and a visit from Santa and...

Tree LightingSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

Christmas Party at Oak Lawn VFW

Oak Lawn, IL 13 mi from Chicago
$$

Community Christmas celebration with potential Santa and Mrs. Claus visit

Join the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post #5220 for their annual Christmas Party! This festive event promises an afternoon of holiday cheer. Keep an eye out, as Santa and Mrs. Claus are rumored to make a special appearance, bringing extra magic to...

Family FriendlyCommunity CelebrationHoliday Tradition

Itty Bitty New Year

Skokie, IL 13 mi from Chicago

New Year's celebration for toddlers and preschoolers

Celebrate the New Year with a special event designed for the littlest party-goers. This "Itty Bitty New Year" event offers a fun and safe way for toddlers and preschoolers to experience the excitement of a New Year's Eve countdown, complete...

Family FriendlyChildrens ActivitiesSeasonal Activities

Christmas Gift-Wrapping Event

$

Learn professional gift-wrapping techniques

Elevate your holiday gifting with this specialized Christmas gift-wrapping event. Attendees will learn expert techniques to transform presents into beautifully wrapped treasures. Discover creative solutions for all gift shapes and sizes, ensuring your holiday gifts make a memorable first impression.

Holiday TraditionWorkshopsFamily Friendly

Hodgkins Holiday Happenings

Hodgkins, IL 14 mi from Chicago
Free

Annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday activities

Experience the warmth of community at Hodgkins Holiday Happenings. This festive evening begins with the cherished annual tree lighting ceremony, illuminating the start of the holiday season. Following the lighting, enjoy a variety of engaging holiday activities designed for families...

Tree LightingCommunity CelebrationFamily Friendly

Skating in the Park

Rosemont, IL 14 mi from Chicago
$

NHL-sized outdoor ice rink in an entertainment district

Experience the magic of winter at Parkway Bank Park's 'Skating in the Park'! Glide across a climate-controlled NHL-sized ice rink set against a festive backdrop. This popular seasonal activity offers a perfect opportunity for family fun and outdoor enjoyment. Special...

Ice SkatingSeasonal ActivitiesFamily Friendly

Skate with Santa

Wilmette, IL 14 mi from Chicago
$

Holiday-themed public skate with Santa Claus

Lace up your skates for a magical holiday experience at Centennial Ice Rinks! Join Santa Claus for a festive public skate session filled with holiday cheer, complete with cocoa and candy canes. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season...

Ice SkatingSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

City of Des Plaines Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Des Plaines, IL 16 mi from Chicago
Free

Annual community tree lighting ceremony

Join the City of Des Plaines for their annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, a cherished tradition that officially ushers in the festive season. This heartwarming event brings the community together to witness the magical illumination of the city's holiday tree,...

Community CelebrationHoliday TraditionFree Event

Holly Trolley

Elmhurst, IL 16 mi from Chicago
Free

Free holiday trolley service with real-time tracking

Experience the magic of the holiday season in Elmhurst with the FREE Holly Trolley. This festive service runs on Saturdays, allowing you to easily hop on and off to shop, dine, and explore the charming town. Stay tuned for exciting...

Seasonal ActivitiesHoliday TraditionFamily Friendly

Holiday Flower Show at Wilder Park Conservatory

Elmhurst, IL 16 mi from Chicago

Holiday floral displays at Wilder Park Conservatory

Step into a winter wonderland at the Holiday Flower Show, hosted at the beautiful Wilder Park Conservatory. This enchanting event transforms the conservatory into a breathtaking display of seasonal flowers and festive decorations, offering a magical experience for all who...

Seasonal ActivitiesFamily FriendlyFestive Decorations

Breakfast with Santa

Glenview, IL 16 mi from Chicago
$$

Breakfast with Santa Claus

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a special 'Breakfast with Santa' event. This cherished tradition offers families a chance to enjoy a delicious breakfast while meeting the jolly man himself. Children can share their holiday wishes and capture...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyHoliday Tradition

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's a smart plan for a tree-lighting or plaza countdown in Chicago?

Arrive early, choose a spot with a clear sightline and room to step aside, and set a meet-up point. Wait a few minutes after the finale to let crowds thin.

How do we plan a stroller-friendly festive walk in Chicago?

Favor paved routes with nearby restrooms, avoid steep grades and cobbles, and cap continuous walking to about an hour with a warm pause.

Any low-tech games or activities for kids during walks in Chicago?

Use a simple scavenger list (stars, snowmen, bells), count color lights, or play 'I spy' to make transit time feel quick.

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