Spotlight Chicago
The trees at Morton Arboretum are aglow like you've never seen. Photo courtesy of the Arboretum
Chicago’s Unusual & Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities
Hidden gem holiday events for seasonal family fun.
Jack Frost Winter Walk Pop-up is open daily through Jan. 1. Photo courtesy of the event.
Chicago's Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Years with Kids
Winter break is here. We can help fill the days with fun, engaging activities.
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GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families
Find everything that makes the season merry in Chicago!
The artfully decorated Peninsula is a wonderful venue for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dining, Holiday decorations by Kehoe Designs, photography by Mark Segal
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Chicago
These local restaurants are open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both.
Snow tubing is a favorite winter activity in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Canva
Chicago's Winter Bucketlist: 33 Things to Do this Winter in Chicago with Kids
Don't let the cold stop you: We've got indoor, outdoor, and at-home picks for winter fun.
Bundle up for a Christmas market this December. Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
35 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Bring on the holiday cheer with these festive activities that keep families merry all December...
Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago 2025
Brighten up your holiday nights with a visit to one of these elaborate lights displays and...
The zoo is all aglow! Lincoln Park Zoo Lights photo by Brandon Tucker, courtesy of the zoo.
31 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Chicago for Kids
Get ready for a season full of holiday fun—all of it FREE.
Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
Check out these neighborhoods near Chicago for the best lights displays in the area.
Breakfast with Santa at Drury Lane
Where to Have Breakfast with Santa in Chicago This Holiday Season
Get your pancakes and Santa photo all in one.
Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
Pictures with Santa in Chicago 2025: From Museums to the Mall
Share a pizza, cookies, or just a photo with Santa!
Visit Santa at the Midwestern Christmas town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of cedarburgfestival.org
The Best Christmas Towns in the Midwest
Shop, visit Santa, and get into the holiday spirit with a trip to one of these idyllic Christmas...
Happy Holiday Railway. Photo courtesy of the Illinois Railway Museum
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Chicago 2025
Where can you still get Polar Express tickets? Check here.
Rack up those Scout Badges at these Chicago institutions. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places in Chicago Where Kids Can Earn Scout Badges
These places offer engaging Scout programs to help earn badges.
Try a hands-on museum for the whole family. Photo by Kyle Flubacker courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Things to Do in Chicago That Everyone Will Love—From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
From indoor fun on a rainy day to outdoor adventures under the skyline, Chicago is packed with...
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of the event.
The Chicago Must-Do Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out
The hottest Christmas tickets in town.
These towns near Chicago have some of the best fall colors in the Midwest. Photo courtesy of Illinois.gov
Best Towns Near Chicago to See Fall Colors
Pack a thermos of cider, bundle up the kids, and discover why these towns are the perfect backdrop...
You can easily spend all day at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Photo by the author
Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Tips and Tricks for Visiting with Kids
Educational fun at one of our favorite Chicago zoos.
See what swims by at the Shedd Aquarium. Beluga photo courtesy of the Illinois Tourism Board.
The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids 2025
Get up close and personal with animals from around the world.
Photo courtesy of Enchanted Castle.
Best Kid-Friendly Arcades in Chicago
Level up your family fun with the top arcade spots in Chicago.
If your teens enjoy pottery, then MADE Chicago in Bucktown is the spot.
Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Chicago
Chicago’s crafting party options make it easy to celebrate your creative teen.
Teen Saturdays at Chicago Architecture Center. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center.
Teen Museum Programs in Chicago: Internships, Workshops, and More
Try one of these educational and experiential programs for teens.
Places to celebrate your baby before the smash cake. Photo by Kelly Patino for Mommy Poppins
Best Places to Celebrate a First Birthday in Chicago
Parks and indoor locations for the perfect first birthday celebration.
Cooking classes for kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Kid's Table
Cooking Classes for Kids in Chicago: A Baker's Dozen of the Best Culinary Experiences in the City and Suburbs
Branch out beyond blue box macaroni.
Try one of these local businesses for a fun and unique birthday party. Photo courtesy of Ultimate Ninjas
Only in Chicago: Unique Birthday Party Ideas for Kids
Fun birthday party venues only found in Chicago.
​Launch is a Chicago trampoline park with bowling and an arcade, too. Photo courtesy of Visit Lake County
Trampoline Parks in Chicago to Burn Energy Indoors
Get out of the house but stay in the AC at a trampoline park.
Calm Waters is a sensory-friendly event at Shedd Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the Shedd Aquarium
Sensory-Friendly Events in Chicago for Kids
Events with lower levels of noise, lights, and crowds.
The Sugar Hole is a pop-up ice cream shop in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Sugar Hole, courtesy of Color Club.
Best Ice Cream Near Chicago: 14 Ice Cream Parlors and Ice Cream Shops Kids Adore
Head to one of these ice cream shops for a tasty summer treat.
Spend a weekend in Chicago without breaking the bank.
Chicago Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
A guide to weekend fun on the cheap.
Santa's ready for all the hugs around the dinner tables at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Puppets Shows, Winter Solstice, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
Holiday shows featuring puppets are all over the city. Plus, hit up a winter solstice event.

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
Lyric Opera - various times Pick
Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box
Music Box Theater - various times Pick
Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
I|O Godfrey Roofscape Christmas Eve Brunch with Santa
I|O Godfrey Hotel - 11:00 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box
Music Box Theater - various times Pick
Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - various times Pick
Holiday Flower Show at Wilder Park Conservatory
Wilder Park - 8:00 AM
Winter Flower Show: Merry & Bright at Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory - 9:00 AM
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
Malcolm X: Kwanzaa 2025
Malcolm X College - 10:00 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
Lyric Opera - various times Pick
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
Winter Nature Days
River Trail Nature Center - 9:00 AM Pick
Malcolm X: Kwanzaa 2025
Malcolm X College - 10:00 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
Lyric Opera - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
Winter Nature Days
River Trail Nature Center - 9:00 AM Pick
Malcolm X: Kwanzaa 2025
Malcolm X College - 10:00 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
Lyric Opera - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
Malcolm X: Kwanzaa 2025
Malcolm X College - 10:00 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo - various times Pick
Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - various times Pick

Latest Articles

Christmas Day Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. Photo courtesy of City Experiences
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Jean Kuo Lee, Dec 18 - Countdown treat bags, time capsules, and more ways to welcome 2025 at home. READ MORE
Santa's ready for all the hugs around the dinner tables at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Puppets Shows, Winter Solstice, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
Maureen Wilkey, Dec 17 - Holiday shows featuring puppets are all over the city. Plus, hit up a winter solstice event. READ MORE
The trees at Morton Arboretum are aglow like you've never seen. Photo courtesy of the Arboretum
Chicago’s Unusual & Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities
Lauren Hill, Dec 14 - Hidden gem holiday events for seasonal family fun. READ MORE
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