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Christmas Shows and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend with Kids

Celebrate the fourth night of Hanukkah at Gallagher Way with ice skating, music, games, and more. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
Celebrate the fourth night of Hanukkah at Gallagher Way with ice skating, music, games, and more. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
12/6/23 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

Happy Hanukkah! Families in Chicago can celebrate the Festival of Lights, which starts on Thursday, with events in Wrigleyville, Old Town and Glencoe this weekend. Those getting into the Christmas spirit can see Santa-themed movies at Hollywood Boulevard in Woodridge or at the long-running traditional sing-along at the Music Box Theater. Families can also enjoy breakfast with the man in red at Neiman Marcus or Maggiano's in Schaumburg.

Are the holidays starting to get expensive? Check out our list of FREE holiday events. It's going to be warm enough this weekend to comfortably enjoy some holiday light shows. And there are still plenty of chances to see a performance of The Nutcracker.

Hope you have a fun December weekend in Chicago!

More Things To Do in Chicago this Week with Kids 

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Classical and jazz versions of The Nutcracker compete at Duke It Out! Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the event.
Classical and jazz versions of The Nutcracker compete at Duke It Out! Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the event.

Things To Do This Weekend in Chicago with Kids

Evanston Children's Choir Holiday Concert

Friday, December 8—Evanston
The Evanston Children's Choir will celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the resilience of the human spirit at its first live concert since 2019. Join the ECC Concert Choir, Youth Chorale Pops and our Pope John XXIII School Choir for this free event. READ MORE

Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box

Opens Friday, December 8—Lakeview
Bring your family to see two holiday classics and sing holiday carols with Santa during intermission. READ MORE

‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil

Opens Thursday, December 7—Downtown
'Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil is returning to The Chicago Theatre this holiday season. The holiday-themed show will run for 28 performances from December 7 through December 28, 2023. 'Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show and is based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. READ MORE

Movies Under the Moon

Friday, December 8—Woodridge
Enjoy a showing of The Polar Express at Van Dyck Park. Bring a blanket and wind down under a big screen. READ MORE

Hyde Park School of Dance Presents The Nutcracker 2023 Live at Mandel Hall

Friday, December 8- Sunday, December 10—Hyde Park
Welcome to Hyde Park School of Dance's annual production of The Nutcracker. The School's faculty, cast members and invaluable army of volunteers have all been hard at work, preparing for this season's show.  READ MORE

Disney100: The Exhibition

Daily through January 28, 2024—Logan Square
The Walt Disney Archives opens its vault of historical and special treasures, works of art, artifacts, costumes, and memorabilia with Disney100: The Exhibition in Chicago! This once-in-a-lifetime event celebrates the magic of Disney, which is capturing the hearts of audiences of all ages around the globe. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus

Saturday, December 9—Downtown
Join Santa for a feast of brioche French toast, scrambled eggs, winter fruit compote, and more at Neiman Marcus. There will be mimosas for adults over age 21 and a visit with the big guy in red for the kids. READ MORE

Kids Club Holiday Event at North Riverside Park Mall

Saturday, December 9—North Riverside
Holiday Kids Club is excited to welcome Mrs. Claus for Christmas storytime, cookie decorating, crafts, balloon twistables, and a dance party. We’re celebrating families with something for all children. Don’t forget to visit Santa in Center Court at Digital Hot Shots for visits or photos. READ MORE

Spring Road Winter Fest

Saturday, December 9—Elmhurst
Decorated reindeer sculptures make an appearance at Spring Road and the Prairie Path in Elmhurst. Kids can also enjoy a sleigh ride (if there's snow) or a wagon ride (if there's not),free cocoa and cookies, and a visit with Santa. READ MORE

Movie with Santa at Hollywood Boulevard

Saturday, December 9—Woodridge
Families can enjoy a screening of The Polar Express with Santa Claus. This year, Santa will be joined by Rudolph, Clarice, and the Abominable Snowman. Kids can write a letter to Santa and receive a response, enjoy holiday decorations, and have a professional photo taken with Santa. READ MORE

Duke It Out! Nutcracker

Saturday, December 9—Evanston
The Music Institute of Chicago brings back a holiday tradition with “Duke It Out!,” featuring the classical (Tchaikovsky) and jazz (Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn) versions of The Nutcracker in a music and dance performance.  READ MORE

Chicago Tap Allstars Winter Wonderland

Saturday, December 9—Bronzeville
Join some of Chicago's best tap dancers for an afternoon of rhythm at the Harold Washington Cultural Center. The show features M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Chicago Tap Theatre, and young dancers who will one day follow in their footsteps. READ MORE

MCA Family Day

Saturday, December 9—Magnificent Mile
The Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) hosts a FREE family day the second Saturday of each month. The event includes free admission to the museum, as well as workshops, open-studio sessions, gallery tours, and performances designed and led by Chicago artists. READ MORE

4th Night 4th Light at Gallagher Way

Sunday, December 10—Wrigleyville
Celebrate the fourth night of Hanukkah at Gallagher Way with ice skating, music, games, and giveaways. Ignite the candles at sunset to celebrate Hanukkah. READ MORE

JUF YOUNG FAMILIES CHANUKAH AT CANDYCOPIA

Sunday, December 10—Oak Park
Celebrate Chanukah at Candycopia in Oak Park with candle lighting, singing and candy! READ MORE

NewCity Menorah Lighting Ceremony

Sunday, December 10—Old Town
NewCity and Lincoln Park Chabad will lead a menorah lighting ceremony in the plaza. DJ Ken's Disco Party will add to the fun. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, jelly donuts, and latkes, and adults can sip on grown-up beverages. READ MORE

Chris White Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas

Sunday, December 10—Lincoln Park
The Chris White Trio plays a jazzy version of Vince Guaraldi’s 1965 A Charlie Brown Christmas. Guests of all ages can tap their toes and sing along. READ MORE

The Glencoe Chanukah Celebration

Sunday, December 10—Glencoe
The Writers Theatre invites families to celebrate Chanukah with an olive press workshop, giant menorah lighting, Sufganiot (Chanukah donuts) and hot latkes, crafts, games, gelt, music, and more. The event will also host songs and prayers for Israel. READ MORE

Maggiano's Schaumburg Morning with Santa!

Sunday, December 10—Schaumburg
Families can help Santa fuel up for his big night with a breakfast at Maggiano's in Schaumburg. Kids can share their Christmas wishes with Santa, then take a picture and enjoy a brunch of muffins, pastries, scrambled eggs, fruit, bacon, and potatoes. READ MORE
Delight in the holiday lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Photo by Brandon Tucker
Delight in the holiday lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Photo by Brandon Tucker

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