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Presenting Christmas Events in Chicago
November 11 - December 24
Visiting with Santa Claus
Description: Give Santa your wish list and get a picture, too! Lots of events, like a parade, planned for Santa’s arrival on November 11!
Location: Stratford Square Mall, 152 Stratford Square, Bloomingdale
Time: Varies, opening day celebrations begin at Noon.
Cost: Free, photo prices vary
November 11 - January 2
Hancock Holiday Mountain Railroad
Description: Model passenger and freight trains wind through holiday decorated scenes.
Location: Hancock Observatory, 875 North Michigan Ave, Chicago
Time: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Cost: Free with observatory admission
November 17 - Dec 30
A Christmas Carol
Description: Dickens’ timeless tale of Christmas! A family favorite
Location: Goodman Theatre, 170 North Dearborn St, Chicago
Time: Show times vary
Cost: $30-$35, dependant on seating
November 17 - December 31
Long Grove Countryside Christmas Celebration
Description: Victorian buildings decked out in lights and festive decor, weekend entertainment also has live reindeer, Santa, and carolers.
Location: 307 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove
Time: Varies by day
Cost: Free
November 17 - January 2
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light 2006
Description: This year’s theme-Dashing Through the Snow! Holiday customs from across the globe, more than 50 bright trees, live performances!
Location: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Time: Museum hours, performance times vary
Cost: November-Mondays and Tuesdays through Nov. 21 plus Nov 23 and Dec 24, Free
All other days: Kids 3-11, $7; Adults, $11; Seniors, $9
November 17 - January 6
500 Clown Christmas
Description: A unique mix of action based performance, circus arts and improv!
Location: Storefront Theater, Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 East Randolph St, Chicago
Time: Varies by performance
Cost: $15 to $25
November 18 - 19
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
Description: How did Santa become the nicest man in the world? Story of Santa Claus told as no one else can! Outdoors if weather permits.
Location: North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski, Chicago
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Cost: Kids 12 & under, $6; Kids 13 and up, $10
November 18 to December 29
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Description: Walk of beautiful and festive lighting displays with activities and refreshments at various points throughout on opening day!
Location: Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Chicago River
Time: 6:00 pm
Cost: Free, activities may vary
November 21 - January 7
Holiday Flower Show
Description: Trees decorated in holiday flare, surrounded by plants and flowers of the season!
Location: Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Avenue, Chicago
Time: 9-5 daily, 9-8 Thurs.
Cost: Free
November 23 to December 23
Daley Plaza Santa’s House
Description: Visit with Santa Claus! Pictures with Santa and, of course, he’ll be taking wish lists!
Location: Daley Plaza, 100 N Dearborn, Chicago
Time: Days and times vary
Cost: Free
November 23 - January 1
Wonderland of Lights
Description: Drive through display, over a mile and a half of beautiful holiday scenes lit by more than one million bulbs.
Location: Arlington Park Racecourse and Trackside OTB, 2200 West Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights
Time: Friday - Sunday, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Monday - Thursday, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $10-$12
November 24 - January 1
Winter Wonderland Light Show
Description: Enjoy Lake County’s biggest light display!
Location: Cuneo Museum and Gardens, Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills
Time: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Cost: Per vehicle: Monday-Thursday $5, Friday-Sunday $10
November 24
93rd Annual Chicago Holiday Tree Lighting
Description: Embrace the warm sounds of holiday music, enjoy a visit with Santa Claus, and shop at the Christkindlmarket, a German Christmas tradition, bringing food, fun and festivities to Daley Plaza during the holidays.
Location: Daley Plaza, 100 N Dearborn, Chicago
Time: 5:00 pm
Cost: Free
November 24 to January 7
Zoo Lights
Description: Watch ice-carving, more than one million lights light up the zoo!
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago
Time: Zoo hours
Cost: Free with admission
November 25
Santa Arrives at Navy Pier!
Description: Official kick-off to the holiday season, dancing, music-would not be complete without the star of the season-Santa!
Location: Dock Street, Outside Navy Pier Family Pavilion Stage, Chicago
Time: 5:00 pm
Cost: Free admission, activities may vary
November 25 to December 24
Santa Claus
Description: Have your picture taken with Santa and his elves, don’t forget your wish list!
Location: Family Pavilion Stage, Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Ave, Chicago
Time: Varies by day
Cost: Free, activities may vary
November 26 - December 17 Sundays
Seasonal Harmonies
Description: Various groups sing favorite holiday songs and carols.
Location: The Morton Aboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Cost: Free with Aboretum admission
November 26 to December 31
A Nutcracker Christmas
Description: Classic children’s tale of a girl who helps a wooden nutcracker
defeat an army of mice.
Location: Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Time: Days and times vary
Cost: $9 - $12
November 28 - December 31
Mrs. Claus, A Holiday Musical
Description: Will they find ’The List’ in time to save Christmas? For ages 2-12 with adult. Reservations required.
Location 1: Beverly Arts Center, 111th and Western Ave, Chicago;
December 1
Christmas in Hammil Square
Description: Real reindeer, horse-drawn carriages, refreshments, petting zoo and more activities.
Location: Hammill Square, Franklin Park
Time: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: Free
December 1
Hot Chocolate with Santa
Description: Visit with Santa over a nice hot cup of cocoa!
Location: Armour Square Park, 3309 South Shields Ave, Chicago
Time: 3:30-5:00
Cost: $5
December 1
Mundelein Tree Lighting Ceremony
Description: See the big tree lit up for the holiday season.
Location: Kracklauer Park Gazebo, Seymour Ave, Mundelein
Time: 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Cost: Free
December 2
JASC Holiday Delight & Kodomo Matsuri
Description: Japanese holiday tradition including entertainment, ornament and decoration making and a special visit by Santa. Ages 2-10 with adult, please.
Location: Japanese American Service Committee
Time: 10:30 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: Free admission, activities may vary
December 1-31
Black Nativity
Description: Langston Hughes’ story of Jesus’ birth told through poetry, dance, scripture and song.
Location: Duncan YMCA Chernin Center for the Arts, 1001 W. Roosevelt Rd, Chicago
Time: Days & times vary
Cost: $20-$45
December 1 - 31
Kringle’s Kingdom in Zion
Description: More than 70 displays to walk through and view surrounded by more than 350 lit evergreens.
Location: Port Shiloh Outdoor Pool, 25th & Emmaus Ave, Zion
Time: Thursday - Sunday, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: TBA
December 2
Holiday Festival
Description: Little Elves Workshop, pictures with Santa, Jessie White Tumblers and more!
Location: Round Lake Area Park District Robert W. Rolek Community Center, 814 Hart Road, Round Lake
Time: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Cost: Free
December 2 & 9
Polar Express
Description: Take a train to meet Santa! Reservations required.
Location: Fox River Trolley, 361 South LaFox Street (Illinois Route 31), South Elgin
Time: Times vary
Cost: Kids 1-11, $5.50; 11 and up, $6.50
December 2, 9 & 16
Dickens of a Holiday
Description: Pictures with Santa, carriage rides and much more!
Location: Downtown Libertyville
Time: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: $ 3 and up
December 2 - 31
Holiday Magic
Description: Entertainment, carolers, Santa visits, pictures with the Children’s Zoo animals and more!
Location: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st Street, Brookfield
Time: Zoo hours
Cost: Free with admission
Dec 2-3
Julmarknad Holiday Festival
Description: Free concerts and refreshments are just a few of the attractions of this traditional Swedish Christmas Festival. A handicrafts bazaar with dance and music performances and visits with Santa is also available at the Swedish American Museum Center.
Location: Foster Avenue and Clark Street
Time: Dec. 2, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Dec. 3, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: $2
December 2
Reindog Parade
Description: Holiday costume parade-for dogs! Costume your dog or puppy and compete for prizes in various categories. Holiday refreshments, visits with Santa and more!
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe
Time: 11am-3pm
Cost: Free to spectators; $14-$19 registration fee; $12 parking for all
December 3
’Tis the Season
Description: Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Yule and Christmas, a few of the many celebrations going on this time of year. Find out what they all have in common, songs and refreshments.
Location: Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 South Dutton Rd, Beecher
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
December 6
Animal Holiday Party
Description: Become an animal chef and make some delicious holiday goodies for the animals! For 4 years to sixth grade with adult, please.
Location: Spring Brook Nature Center, 130 Forest Ave, Itasca
Time: 3:45 pm to 5:15 pm
Cost: $6, residents; $9, non-residents
December 6
Special Kids’ Day
Description: A celebration especially for kids with physical and developmental disabilities and their families. Santa took some classes to be able to be here just for them! Photos, food and gifts!
Location: Elmhurst Camera, 535 Spring Rd, Elmhurst
Time: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost: Free
December 9-10 & 16-17
Breakfast with Santa
Description: Have a scrumptious brunch with Santa followed by activities and crafts!
Location: Lamb’s Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville
Time: Seatings at 10:00 a.m. & Noon
Cost: $14.95; kids 2 & under eat free
December 10
Animal Holiday Party
Description: Take an afternoon walk in the park followed by gift making for the critters that live in your backyard. Registration required.
Location: Lake View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges, Oak Terrace
Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Cost: Free
December 10
Brunch with Santa
Description: Bring friends and family and enjoy a delicious holiday brunch. Enjoy caroling and of course, Santa! Reservations required.
Location: South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr, Chicago
Time: TBA
Cost: $8, kids; $19, adults; plus gratuity
December 10
Colonial Revival Christmas Open House
Description: Make colonial style ornaments, try wassail and gingerbread, games and old-fashioned quill pen writing.
Location: Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 East Park, Elmhurst
Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Cost: Free
December 12 - 13
A Christmas Carol
Description: Tiny Tim and Scrooge take to the stage to perform this Dickens tale.
Location: Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin
Time: 9:45 am and Noon
Cost: $7
December 15 - 23
Welcome Yule!
Description: An annual tradition of holiday songs mixed with new musical productions. Ages 5 and up.
Location: Symphony Center, 220 South Michigan Ave, Chicago
Time: Days and times vary
Cost: $20-$56
December 16
Honoring the Elders
Description: Englewood Kwanzaa Celebration
Location: Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St, Chicago
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost: Free
December 16
Pioneer Holidays at the Farm-in-the-Zoo
Description: Games and crafts from the farm! For ages 4 to 10, with parents please.
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago
Time: 10:00 am to Noon
Cost: $7, members; $10 non-members
December 16
Twelfth Night, Jour de Rois-Day of the Kings
Description: Celebrate the Day of the Kings with songs, stories and French crafts.
Location: Fountaindale Public Library, 201 Normantown Rd, Romeoville
Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Cost: Free
December 16 & 17
Grow a Holiday Gift Tag
Description: Make a special seed-filled gift tag.
Location: Garfield Park Conservatory Children’s Garden, 300 N. Central Park Avenue, Chicago
Time: 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
December 17
Christmas Spider
Description: What is the Christmas Spider? Come find out and make one of your own to take home! Ages 4 and up with adult, please.
Location: Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, Oak Brook
Time: Noon to 4
Cost: Free
December 17
Copeland Dance Academy - Nutcracker
Description: A Christmas favorite!
Location: Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin
Time: 3:00 pm & 6:30 pm
Cost: Varies
December 17
Holiday Ecology
Description: Turn holiday cards into neat stuff like gifts and keepsake boxes.
Location: Chicago Children’s Museum
Time: 11:30 am
Cost: Free with Museum admission
December 19
Skating with Santa
Description: Cookies, cocoa and, of course, skating. Santa will be making a visit!
Location: Daley Bicentennial Plaza, 337 East Randolph St, Chicago
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: Free
December 20
Dudu Fisher
Description: Holiday songs to celebrate the Hanukkah season.
Location: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: $65
December 20
Holidays Around the World
Description: African Kwanza ceremony, Channukah Dreidel game and many more holiday traditions from around the globe. Grades K - 8. Registration required.
Location: Heritage Center, 1S325 Ardmore, Oak Terrace
Time: 10:00 am
Cost: $6
December 25
Something Else! A Hanukkah Community Festival
Description: Art projects, games, inflatables, live music, performances and digging in the ARTiFACT center. For kids and adults of all faiths!
Location: Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, 618 South Michigan, Chicago
Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Cost: Donation of non-perishable food item requested.
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