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Jack Frost Winter Walk Pop-up is open daily through Jan. 1. Photo courtesy of the event.
Jack Frost Winter Walk Pop-up is open daily through Jan. 1. Photo courtesy of the event.
12/12/25 - By Siobhan Adcock

Looking for things to do over Christmas vacation in Chicago? We've got you covered with holiday and Christmas break activities.

Chicago public schools are closed for two whole weeks from December 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Chicago with kids during holiday break, and they're all events and activities that keep kids active, engaged, and happy—not just busy. Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Bronzeville Children's Museum or Dan Ryan Woods. Go ice skating at Jack Frost's Winter Pop-Up or in Millennium Park. Or see Chicago Children's Museum's Take Care with Peanuts exhibit.

Keep an eye on our event calendar for fresh ideas every day. In case of emergency, break the glass and start working your way down this list of snowy day boredom busters.

Until January 5, parents: Stay strong. You can do this!

More Family Holiday Guides for Chicago

Tips for Enjoying Winter Break in Chicago

  • Buy a sled and ice skates. Lots of people have outgrown models on Facebook Marketplace right now, and since we already have snow on the ground and ponds are starting to freeze to the right thickness, this will be a great year for winter sports.
  • Buy tickets early to popular events. 
  • Try some of the favorite holiday plays after Christmas. The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, and Rudoph Runs Wild... are still playing after December 25, and some may have better seats available than earlier dates.
  • Take advantage of any days above 25 degrees by going outside and doing something fun! The forest preserves and parks have tons of fun activities, and you never know what January will bring in Chicago.

 

FAQs - Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year in Chicago

What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year’s in Chicago?

Check out any light shows you haven't seen yet. Scope out the Christmas plays after the holiday for the best seats and prices. Celebrate Kwanzaa!

Are there any free things to do with kids after Christmas in Chicago?

Yes! Check forest preserves, parks, and libraries in your area for free actvities. Many museums also have a free day during winter break!

What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year’s?

Winter break is a great time to check out a new-to-you museum, visit Navy Pier for Winter Wonderland, or to tour the Charlie Brown exhibit at the Chicago Children's Museum.

Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas?

Most light displays run through the first weekend in January. Check out a new one or revisit your favorite!

What family events are happening on New Year’s Eve in Chicago?

Our favorites are Bubble Bash at DuPage Children's Museum, New Year's Eve at Dave & Busters and New Year's Eve at Enchanted Castle. There's also Mr. Dave's Baby Rave at Lincoln Hall, and many libraries have Noon Year's events for smaller kids.

Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in Chicago?

Yes, almost everything is open most of the days of winter break.

What’s the best day trip from Chicago during Christmas break with kids?

We recommend finding an indoor water park hotel, like Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Bear Resort, or Kalahari Resort to get out of the cold for a bit.

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins continues through Dec. 28. Photo courtesy of Straw Dog Theatre.
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins continues through Dec. 28. Photo courtesy of Straw Dog Theatre.

Top Family Events and Activities in Chicago During Winter Break

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield
December 26- January 4
Featuring more than a million LED lights, a 41-foot talking Christmas tree, and a 600-foot tunnel of lights with coordinating music, Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic highlights the holidays and loads of animals. READ MORE

Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest

Downtown
Daily through January 4
Relive cherished memories and make magical new ones at Chicago’s favorite holiday experience. Step inside and kick off the season with rides, slides, and festive fun. From thrilling attractions like the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity to family favorites like the kiddie train, bumper cars, and skating on The Verizon | Google Pixel Ice Rink-there’s something for everyone! READ MORE

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at the Raven Theatre

Downtown
December 27-28
Let the Strawdog Theatre Company take your family on a Hanukkah adventure with characters such as Herschel of Ostropool and the goblins who are haunting a village. READ MORE

Bronzeville Children's Museum Kwanzaa Celebration

Bronzeville
Friday, December 26
Visit Bronzeville Children's Museum to celebrate Kwanzaa by honoring culture and traditions! This event includes story telling, crafts , music, singing, face painting and a visit from Bronzeville Children's Museum's Kwanzaa King. READ MORE

Mr. Dave’s NYE Baby Rave: Countdown to Noon

Lincoln Park
Tuesday, December 31
Little rock stars can count down to the new year early at Schuba's Lincoln Hall. Mr. Dave and DJ Matt Roan play a set through vibrant realms of music, color, and movement. Complete with glow sticks, beach balls, obnoxious light-up rave accessories (ahem, adult beverages), and a countdown to noon—this action-packed family show will not disappoint! READ MORE

DuPage Children's Museum Bubble Bash

Naperville
Wednesday, December 31
Kids can ring in the new year with their choice of bubbles, confetti, a music launch, or a quiet countdown at the DuPage Children's Museum's annual year-end celebration. Kids can enjoy creating wearable art, DIY confetti poppers, or 2D or 3D bubble wands. They can also visit Sensoryland, take part in a fluorescent adventure, or visit the photo booth. READ MORE
Check out Illumination at the Morton Arboretum during break. Photo courtesy of the Arboretum
Check out Illumination at the Morton Arboretum during break. Photo courtesy of the Arboretum

Are There Holiday Light Shows and Outdoor Attractions Still Open After Christmas in

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park
Daily through January 4; FREE on Mondays
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo has been a favorite holiday event for more than 30 years, with light displays and seasonal activities throughout the zoo. The event is free on Monday evenings, and $7 most other weekdays, and $12 on weekends and premium dates. READ MORE

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

Lisle
Tuesdays through Sundays through January 3
Visitors walk a one-mile path with thousands of lights in displays illuminating the trees, accompanied by music. An awe-inspiring display illuminates the new Grand Garden. Visitors can enjoy some old favorites and new displays. New this year—Illumination features four colorful animal sculptures from The Morton Arboretum’s newest exhibition Vivid Creatures, by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz. See these colorful sculptures lit up for the holidays and transformed for the Illumination experience. Stop along the way to roast s'mores around a campfire or drink a hot beverage from... READ MORE

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Glencoe
December 26- January 1
Go for a stroll down a mile-long path filled with holiday wonder at the Chicago Botanic Garden. READ MORE

Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Downtown
Daily throughout winter break
Families can enjoy free ice staking at Millennium Park throughout the winter season. Free lessons are also available most Saturdays at 9 a.m. Please reserve a 90-minute ice time session in advance at https://millenniumparkiceskating.showare.com/ READ MORE

Jack Frost Winter Walk Pop-up

West Loop
Daily through January 1
Families can walk through a pop-up multisensory in Chicago's Fulton Market. Ice skating, holiday lights and music, photo opportunities, axe throwing, and bumper cars round out the winter fun. READ MORE

Kwanzaa Celebration at Dan Ryan Woods

South Side
Tuesday, December 30
Celebrate community, honor Pan-African Heritage and embrace the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Learn and practice Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujaama (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose),Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Unity)  during the week following Christmas. READ MORE

Storytime Adventure: Tracks in the Snow

Lincoln Park
Tuesday, December 30
After reading “Tracks in the Snow” by Wong Herbert Yee, l ead outside on an adventure! Just like the child in the story, children will ask "Who made the tracks? Where do they go?" Along the way, discover some of the animals that call Chicago home in the winter and learn how they survive the cold and snow. READ MORE
Passport to Santa is open through Dec. 31. Photo courtesy of the event.
Passport to Santa is open through Dec. 31. Photo courtesy of the event.

What Indoor Activities Can Families Enjoy Between Christmas and New Year’s in Chicago?

Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center

South Side
December 19- January 4
Skate or bowl with special and character parties every day during winter break at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center. The Grinch, Santa, Minions, Olaf, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and more will be featured. READ MORE

Take Care with Peanuts: The Exhibit

Downtown
December 26-28
Good grief! Join Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang at Chicago Children’s Museum! Step into Take Care with Peanuts: The Exhibit and be transported into the world of Charles M. Schulz’s iconic comic strip. See beloved characters spring to life with interactive displays and activities focused on self-care, empathy, and environmental stewardship. Explore character-themed sections, comic-inspired designs, and sustainable features that inspire learning, creativity, and kindness for visitors of all ages. READ MORE

The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker

Downtown
December 26-28
The Joffrey Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker. This classic ballet has been reimagined for a modern audience and set in Chicago at the 1893 World's Fair, where Marie and her mother, a sculptress creating the fair’s iconic Statue of the Republic, partake in a festive celebration with a surprise visit from the mysterious Great Impresario. READ MORE

Rudolph Runs Wild...

Old Town
December 26-31
Share silliness this holiday season with Rudolph Runs Wild… a jolly extravaganza for kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and reindeer of all ages! Featuring a fun and festive blend of family-friendly songs and sketches from The Second City’s rich comedy archives, fresh new material written specifically for young audiences, and – of course – the ridiculous improv hijinks The Second City is world famous for. Brighten your winter with this one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical experience offering audience members, young and old, the chance to enjoy the comedy fun both from their... READ MORE

A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theater

Downtown
December 26-28 and 30-31
Charles Dickens's holiday classic is brought to life at this annual play at the Goodman Theater. Nearly two million people have seen the show, which is now in its fifth decade. READ MORE

Passport to Santa

Downtown
Daily through December 31
Passport to Santa is an interactive holiday adventure that sends children on a journey to the North Pole. Along the way, they can sign the Naughty or Nice List with Mrs. Claus, build toys in Santa’s Workshop, train with Rudolph, race in the Gingerbread Tower Challenge, test their strength in Nutcracker Kingdom, dunk the Grinch, and write wishes with the Christmas Angel. READ MORE

Free Tuesdays at the Museum of Contemporary Art

Streeterville
Tuesday, December 30
Illinois residents can enjoy all that the MCA has to offer, including world-class modern art exhibits (many featuring Chicago-based artists) for free on Tuesdays.  READ MORE

Winter Open Climb at Camp Sullivan

Oak Forest
December 26-31
Scale Camp Sullivan’s indoor climbing wall! Participants must weigh over 40 lbs. Adult supervision and waiver required. Accessible equipment available. Open 4 to 8 pm. READ MORE

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Hyde Park
Daily through January 5
The Museum of Science and Industry hosts its dazzling annual Christmas tree exhibit, where guests can enjoy decorated trees inspired by customs and cultures from countries all around the world. Among the trees are other displays celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and more  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The Morton Arboretum
Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center