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15 Festive & Fun Things to Do in Chicago with Kids in December
Looking for some festive and fun things to do in Chicago with kids in December? I can help!
I lived in Chicago for over 16 years, before and after having kids. From Streeterville and Wrigleyville to Humboldt Park and Wicker Park, I lived in the city limits. Not the suburbs.
During that time, I found all the best options for spending the last month of the year in the Windy City.
That’s one thing I love about the Windy City! There’s an event for any budget, including the Chicago Christmas Train.
Before we became digital nomads, every single weekend for us between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day was totally booked. This is pretty normal for families in Chicago!
Keep reading this post to pick all the ways to fill your time on a festive trip to Chicago! 🎄
Fun Things to Do in Downtown Chicago in December with Kids
The easiest place to find some of the most well-known, fun things to do in Chicago with kids in December is the downtown area.
This neighborhood is also called the Loop. Most hotels are located in or very near the Loop, too.
Fun Fact: The Loop got its nickname shortly after the loop of elevated train tracks was completed in the late 1890s.
It is a convenient area for visiting tourists to see the nearby attractions first, especially if one is riding the Chicago holiday train at the same time.
Yes, many of the fun things to do in Chicago with kids in December can be combined into a single day!
1. Enjoy a Guided Tour of Chicago
👉 These festive Chicago tours are a great way to get the most out of your day with minimal effort.
Whether you’re a native Chicagoan or just visiting for the weekend, this list of fun things to do in Chicago with kids in December can be overwhelming.
Getting around the city can be difficult. Cut out the guessing and stress with a guided tour! And with kids, less effort is always more fun!
2. Chicago Holiday Train & Chicago Holiday Bus
🎄 Price: ~$2.50 USD (varies by official CTA fees.)
🎄 Hours: Varies by train line
🎄 Location: All CTA Train Lines
🎄 Dates: Late November through late December
The CTA Holiday Train is a unique Chicago tradition in which select public transit trains are decked out fabulously, play Christmas music, and are staffed by CTA elves passing out mini candy canes.
It’s by far one of my family’s favorite fun things to do in Chicago with kids in December.
At the end of the line after the Christmas train, children can wait to see Santa. The line is always incredibly long, so we always skip it. Instead, it’s fun to just relax and enjoy the ride!
There is also a holiday bus, on various routes at different times throughout the city.
Pro Tip: While this is a fun bonus perk if you’re lucky enough to find one, we don’t recommend prioritizing it over the Chicago Christmas train if you’re short on time for things to do with kids in winter in Chicago.
After all, buses can run very late in heavy traffic, as opposed to trains running on a designated track.
Whether you ride the Chicago holiday fleet or simply see it in passing while you’re out on the town, you’ll understand the magic. The mere sight of the CTA Holiday Train or Bus is enough to brighten anyone’s day!
3. Christkindlmarket
🎄 Price: Free!
🎄 Hours: 11 am to 8 pm Sunday-Thursday; 11 am to 8 pm Friday and Saturday
🎄 Dates: late November through Christmas Eve
🎄 Location: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
This Bavaria-themed Christmas market is the most authentic traditional holiday market outside of Europe.
Locals and tourists alike enjoy the unique shopping experience, family-friendly events, tasty treats, and cultural activities.
There are crowds every day, as it’s one of the most popular events in Chicago. We prefer to visit on weekends right when it opens, but even then there is still a crowd.
Another good time to go is weekdays before 5:00 PM when the after-work crowd arrives.
Pro Tip: The best time to go is weekdays during traditional business hours (other than lunchtime).
4. Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park
🎄 Price: Free, but skate rental is $16-$22. You can bring your own for free.
🎄 Hours: Daily 11 am to 10 pm; pre-reservations are required
🎄 Dates: Varies. Generally runs from early November to late February.
🎄 Location: Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
The ribbon-shaped ice skating rink at the park is easily accessible by a variety of buses as well as the Washington (Blue line), Monroe (Red line), or Washington/Wabash (Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines) stops.
Note: Bring your own skates if possible, to keep the outing more affordable.
Skating at the Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon is a special family experience. The park is right on the lakefront just east of its more famous neighbor, Millennium Park.
Thus, the skating ribbon gives excellent views of the Chicago skyline. While it’s busy on weekends, weekdays are typically not.
Even early evening hours right after work don’t always have many people there.
This is likely because it’s dark by this time in the evenings, but we like it because there’s a lovely view of the cityscape at night.
Pro Tip: While parking is available, we don’t recommend ever driving in downtown Chicago if you can avoid it.
5. Chicago’s Christmas Tree
🎄 Price: Free
🎄 Hours: 8 am to 9 pm daily
🎄 Dates: Varies. The annual tree lighting occurs in mid-November.
🎄 Location: Millenium Park, on Michigan Ave and Washington St
The closest CTA train stops are the Washington (Blue line), Monroe (Red line), or Washington/Wabash (Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines) stops.
Like most major cities, Chicago displays a large Christmas tree downtown during the winter holiday season. It’s located just south of the Chicago Art Institute.
Chicago sources its Christmas trees from local donations. Families from the city and suburbs apply on a website to volunteer their trees to shine for Chicago during each Christmas season.
Each year the tree is displayed in Millenium Park, right on Michigan Avenue at Washington Avenue. The annual tree lighting is typically well-attended.
It’s also fun to visit it on a December evening. We liked to stop by on weeknights after I finished work nearby.
Pro Tip: Combine your visit to the Chicago Christmas tree with a visit to the Maggie Daley skating ribbon nearby.
6. Macy’s Holiday Windows
🎄 Price: Free
🎄 Hours: 24 hours
🎄 Dates: Varies. The annual windows unveiling occurs near Thanksgiving.
🎄 Location: 111 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60602
The department store building takes the entire city block framed by State, Washington, and Randolph streets as well as Wabash Avenue.
The Lake Street (Red line), Washington Street (Blue line), and Washington/Wabash (Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines) CTA train stops are closest if traveling by public transit.
The holiday windows at Macy’s on State Street have been a staple Chicago tradition for over a century. It’s one of most popular things to do in downtown Chicago in December, with kids or without!
Originally, the windows were produced by the previous department store, Marshall Field’s & Company.
Marshall Field’s was a Chicago-based department store chain that built the seven-story flagship store in 1887. It started the holiday windows tradition 10 years later.
When Macy’s bought out Marshall Field’s and took over the flagship space in 2005, it thankfully continued the tradition.
While not as ornate as the Marshall Field’s days, the windows are still an impressive family experience. Wandering outside is free.
7. Streeterville Magnificent Mile Lights Displays
Michigan Avenue has its own unique holiday lights displays that go from Water Tower Place Mall on the north to the Riverwalk on the south. They’re a dazzling spectacle that transforms the city into a magical winter wonderland.
This annual event, known as The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, has been captivating locals and visitors for over thirty-two years, making it a beloved holiday tradition.
Stretching along the iconic Magnificent Mile, this mile-long extravaganza features breathtaking light installations, creating a whimsical atmosphere that truly captures the spirit of the holiday season.
Each display is thoughtfully designed to mesmerize and delight audiences of all ages.
Note: You can also see the parade that accompanies the lighting ceremony, but it takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving in November each year.
8. Holiday Tea at the Drake Hotel
🎄 Price: $74-$78 for adults, $35 for kids 3-12
🎄 Address: 140 E. Walton Place, Chicago
From the beginning of November through the first week of January, families can indulge in a delightful holiday experience: a cozy afternoon tea accompanied by the enchanting melodies of a live harpist.
Plus, on select dates leading up to Christmas, talented carolers will be stationed, filling the air with the joyous sounds of holiday tunes.
During weekends from mid-November through early December, and as a special treat during the 12 Days of Christmas from December 13th to December 25th, these carolers will serenade guests, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
9. Navy Pier Winter WonderFest
Home to the Chicago Children’s Museum, Navy Pier hosts a spectacular indoor winter playground that offers a magical experience for families in December. This event has become Chicago’s biggest and best indoor winter attraction.
At the Winter WonderFest, families can immerse themselves in a world of festive fun and excitement. We love this event because it’s a great way to enjoy winter activities without the cold temperatures!
The event features a sprawling light garden adorned with over 600,000 twinkling lights, creating a dazzling spectacle that will leave both children and adults in awe.
In addition to the mesmerizing light displays, there are numerous attractions and activities to enjoy, including ice skating, carnival rides, holiday-themed entertainment, and even visits with Santa Claus.
Fun Things to Do in Chicago with Kids in December: Chicago Neighborhoods
There are many amazing family things to do in Chicago in December, but visitors who don’t leave the Loop will miss out on some truly unique cheap December family activities in Chicago neighborhoods.
These are easily accessible by public transit or rideshare from the Loop. If you’re lucky you can take the Chicago Christmas train to one or more of these spots, to make your trip extra special!
10. Winterland at Gallagher Way
🎄 Price: $5 for anyone 3 and older
🎄 Hours: Mon-Thurs 3-9 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm; Sun 11 am-7 pm
🎄 Location: Wrigley Field
Winterland at Gallagher Way is an annual holiday experience located in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood. It offers a variety of festive activities and attractions that make it a fun-filled activity for families.
The event includes the popular Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, where visitors can explore traditional German holiday market stalls and indulge in delicious food and drinks.
One of the main highlights of Winterland is the ice rink located at Gallagher Way. Skaters of all ages and skill levels can enjoy gliding across the ice and participating in skating lessons or figure skating.
From the twinkling lights to the joyful ambiance, there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s browsing the market stalls, sipping hot cocoa, or lacing up skates for some ice-skating fun!
11. Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
🎄 Price: Free on Monday & Tuesday; $5/person Wednesday-Sunday; Free to Zoo Members every day
🎄 Hours: 5 pm – 9 pm daily
🎄 Dates: Varies. Generally Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day
🎄 Location: 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614
Note: Check for possible capacity limitations on their website before planning your visit.
One of the amazing things about Chicago is that it is home to one of the last free zoos in the country. At 35 sprawling acres right near the lakefront, it’s not a small zoo either!
Each holiday season, the zoo partners with the local power company and another sponsor to put on a complete zoo-lights spectacular.
In addition to seeing the Christmas lights, there are ice carving displays, a carousel, and even a miniature train for kids to ride. It’s a really great family fun thing to do in Chicago in December for all ages!
Parking for the zoo isn’t free unless you’re a member. The best way to get there is to take public transit or a rideshare service. Street parking is difficult to find in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
If you must drive, go on a weeknight and arrive right when they open to try and get a coveted free parking space on Stockton Dr.
The nearest train stop is the Sedgewick (brown line) station, which is a few blocks walk from the zoo. However, the 151 bus drops off right at the entrance and traverses all of Michigan Avenue.
12. Chicago Holiday House
🎄 Price: Free
🎄 Hours: Dark until Dawn
🎄 Dates: Varies. Generally Thanksgiving weekend through New Years’ week
🎄 Location: 2656 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago, IL 606047
The Lincoln Square Holiday House is one of the other best fun things to do in Chicago with kids in December. While the zoo lights are incredible, our family’s favorite display is the Holiday House.
The man who lived there decorated his home to beautiful excess since 1983. He actually passed away in 2019 and his daughter took up the mantle to continue decorating.
There are reindeer flying off the roof, a light-up Eiffel Tower in the side yard, and a functioning mini-Ferris Wheel in the backyard with Disney characters riding in the seats.
Being on a corner lot, one must vacate their vehicle if driving to walk around and fully enjoy this holiday masterpiece. The theme changes slightly every year, so it’s worth visiting more than once!
13. Garfield Park Conservatory
🎄 Price: Free, although donations are encouraged
🎄 Hours: 10 am to 8 pm Wednesday through Sunday; Closed Monday and Tuesday
🎄 Dates: Varies. Generally Thanksgiving weekend through New Years’ week
🎄 Location: 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624
Located next to the Conservatory (Green line) stop on the near-west side of Chicago, the Garfield Park Conservatory is a hidden gem despite being one of the largest greenhouse conservatories in the United States.
It’s off the beaten path for most tourists but a perfect spot to enjoy holiday cheer without wandering in the cold.
We love going in our ugly Christmas sweaters and other festive finery because jackets are not necessary for its warm glass rooms.
Each winter the conservatory hosts its annual holiday flower show, although evergreen trees are also part of the decor.
In 2017, the sky forest theme included floating Fraser Fir trees decorated with Christmas lights!
There are over 10,000 plant species throughout the conservatory. Each room has a different theme.
Patrons are also allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks. We highly recommend doing this because the vending machines don’t always work, and when we last visited they were cash only.
Note: Online reservations (still free!) are required. Walk-in visitors are only permitted if there is space available. If you visit on weekends, reservations are a must because it does get crowded.
14. Volunteer or Donate to a Good Cause
My favorite part of the Christmas season is giving back. The last few years before leaving Chicago, we were fortunate enough to volunteer for a friend’s nonprofit.
The Healing Corner works to end gun violence by bringing communities together in a positive way.
👉 If you can’t volunteer, please consider a monetary donation..
We helped out year-round at various events, including educational seminars on responding to a gunshot wound before paramedics arrive.
However, my favorite event was the Christmas party because volunteers dispense toys to kids in need. Clothes and shoes are available, too, in a different room.
Everything is set up on tables and hanging racks so guests can shop in an organized way.
Santa even makes an appearance, too. Playing the big man was David’s part of the holiday festivities.
There’s even free food (an integral part of every Healing Corner event) for all attendees, donated from various local restaurants.
Giving back to a community we love was a perfect way to help our son learn what the holiday season is really about: showing others you care.
Fun Things to Do in Chicago with Kids in December: Honorable Mention
15. Santa’s Village Azoosment Park
This one is on the list of festive and fun things to do in Chicago with kids in December because we love it so much. However, it isn’t located in the city of Chicago. So a car is required to get there.
It is not a super cheap day out, although parking is free. We purchased annual passes during their Black Friday sale each year and visited at least once a month when they were open.
The park closes after Halloween each year but reopens for the Christmas season on Thanksgiving weekend. As you can see from our Santa photo, this guy is LEGIT. If it’s a hair weave and fake beard, we can’t tell even up close!
Bonus: Mrs. Claus joins Santa only during the Christmas season dates and helps him greet all guests at park entry.
One thing we love about the Santa setup at Santa’s Village is each family gets one-on-one time with Santa in his house.
These visits can last as long as the family wants. Other visitors wait outside in a line, so the time with the big man is special and quiet.
Staying until after dark at Santa’s Village is essential. The entire park is decorated for the season!
It’s really magical to see all the rainbow-colored lights while strolling or enjoying the rides. They even have a Christmas train around the reindeer’s field!
Looking for places to eat in Chicago? Check out Lou Mitchell’s and Scooter’s Frozen Custard!
FAQs: Kid Friendly Things to Do in Chicago in the Winter
Do you still have questions about things to do in Chicago with kids in December? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Where can I take my kids in the winter in Chicago?
You can take your kids for a fun time in the Chicago Loop, which includes activities like ice skating at Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink or exploring the Children’s Museum.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is also a great spot for families during the wintertime. It offers indoor exhibits and special seasonal attractions like holiday light displays and animal enrichment activities.
Is Chicago worth visiting with kids?
Chicago is absolutely worth visiting with kids! There are so many amazing things to do here, from the world-class museums and attractions like The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Navy Pier to the unique neighborhoods each with their own special flair.
Not to mention the fantastic restaurants, parks, and events like Lollapalooza and Pitchfork Music Festival that come around every summer. You can find an activity or attraction for every interest and energy level!
Is Chicago pretty at Christmas time?
Yes, Chicago is a wonderful place to be during the holiday season! The lights on the Christmas tree in Millennium Park twinkle brightly against the night sky, and the icy banks of Lake Michigan provide a stunning backdrop.
The Magnificent Mile is filled with festive window displays from some of the biggest luxury brands in the world, while the restaurants and cafes serve seasonal treats for everyone to enjoy. Chicago truly is beautiful at Christmas time!
Is December a good time to visit Chicago?
Yes, visiting Chicago in December is a great idea! The winter months bring colder temperatures and snow, but the city comes alive with holiday lights and decorations.
Plus, many attractions operate year-round so you can still experience the best of what Chicago has to offer. From ice skating at Millennium Park to catching a show at the world-famous Chicago Theatre, there are plenty of activities for visitors in December.
Will it snow in Chicago in December?
In Chicago, December is usually the start of cold temperatures and snowfall. Snow can happen any time during the month, but it typically starts to snow around mid-month.
This can vary from year to year depending on the weather patterns. While it’s not guaranteed to snow in December in Chicago, it does so sometimes.
How should I dress for Chicago in December?
Dressing for Chicago in December can be daunting, but by taking the right precautions and dress for warmth rather than fashion, you can stay cozy and stylish.
Layering clothes is key when the temperature drops, so choosing breathable fabrics like fleece or wool will help trap body heat in without creating uncomfortable bulk.
A heavy coat should always be at hand as well to keep you warm during cold snaps. Hats and scarves are a must, as the wind chill is often brutal!
Which is better at Christmas Chicago or New York?
Chicago is a great place to be during Christmas, especially when compared to New York. The Christmases I’ve spent in Chicago have been full of joy and cheer.
The lights on Michigan Avenue sparkle like no other city. Plus, the way the snow glistens against the backdrop of our incredible skyline is something you won’t find in many other places.
Conclusion: Fun Things to Do in Chicago with Kids in December
Christmas in Chicago is a magical time of year from Hyde Park to Andersonville, whether it snows or not.
Families traveling in Chicago over the Christmas season could easily do many of these in a long weekend. It would be a long few days, though.
A full five to seven days would allow for doing everything at a more reasonable, kid-friendly pace.
Even for families on a budget, there are a lot of free and affordable activities to make even a day trip into the city a memorable one.
While the Chicago holiday train is one of our favorites, there are clearly a lot of best things to do in Chicago in December for Christmas and during the winter holiday season!
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