Christmas Events for Kids in Illinois (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

14 min read

Illinois has 15 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light in Chicago on November 7 to ZooLights Presented by Invesco and ComEd in Chicago, which runs through January 3. 6 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in every state.

The short version

  • 15 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Illinois for 2026, in Chicago, Peoria and Springfield
  • First: Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, Chicago, November 7. Runs latest: ZooLights Presented by Invesco and ComEd, Chicago, through January 3
  • Free: Red & Green Magic Show with Pocket Circus, Meet the Grinch and Max, Holiday Read-Aloud and Craft Club for Beginning Readers: You Read to Me, I Read to You, Merry Grinchmas Scavenger Hunt, Let's Glow: Holidays Around the World Story Time and Celebration and Christmas Capers with Dave Herzog's Marionettes
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Illinois Christmas train rides page.

Illinois Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
15 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Chicago, Peoria and Springfield
Season
November 7, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Free events
6
Kinds of events
holiday lights, tree lighting, holiday show and holiday event
Last checked

City guides in Illinois

Plan your December

When each Illinois Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light in Chicago on November 7; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Illinois? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Chicago

13 confirmed events for kids in Chicago, including nearby Brookfield, Glencoe and Naperville, soonest first.

Chicago: Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Holiday lightsGriffin Museum of Science and Industry · Chicago

Host
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (opens in a new tab)
Where
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
When
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Cost
Included with museum general admission
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Griffin MSI's long running holiday exhibit opens Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. More than 50 trees and displays are decorated by community volunteers who draw on their own family and cultural traditions, and displays throughout the trees highlight celebrations of light such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Diwali.

Families can stroll through the indoor forest of trees and light displays and take a family photo along the way. The exhibit is included with general admission, so it pairs easily with a full museum day. Because it is indoors, it is a reliable choice on cold or snowy Chicago days. The museum sells advance tickets online, and members can use member ticketing. Plan extra time to walk the full indoor forest of trees and light displays.

Parent tip: Buy advance general admission tickets online; the exhibit is included at no extra charge.

See dates and details from Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (opens in a new tab)

Chicago: Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival

Tree lightingGriffin Museum of Science and Industry · Chicago

Host
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (opens in a new tab)
Where
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
When
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Cost
Included with museum general admission
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The museum's Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival marks the opening day of Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. The highlight is the lighting of the 40 foot Grand Tree, and families can then explore more than 50 trees, each decorated to represent a different country.

Local cultural organizations put on live holiday performances during the day, Stan's Donuts offers seasonal samplings, and the Holiday Shop is open for gifts. The festival is included with general admission on Nov. 7, 2026, so there is no separate ticket. Expect a busy day, since it is the first chance of the season to see the exhibit. After opening day, the trees stay up through the holiday season for repeat visits.

Parent tip: Buy general admission in advance; opening day tends to draw crowds.

See dates and details from Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (opens in a new tab)

Brookfield: Holiday Magic

Holiday lightsBrookfield Zoo Chicago · Brookfield

Host
Brookfield Zoo Chicago (opens in a new tab)
Where
Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513 (near Chicago)
When
Thu November 19 and Fri January 1, 2026, 3 to 9 pm
Cost
From $29.95; free with membership
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Holiday Magic runs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago from November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027, with hours listed as 3 to 9 pm. The festival features animal themed light displays, light tunnels, a maze and giant holiday scenes spread across the zoo grounds in west suburban Brookfield.

Tickets start at $29.95, and the event is free with a zoo membership. The tourism listing does not say which nights the festival operates or mention Santa, so check the zoo's own ticketing before you go.

Parent tip: Confirm operating nights on the zoo's ticket page before driving out. Members get in free.

See dates and details from Brookfield Zoo Chicago (opens in a new tab)

Chicago: ZooLights Presented by Invesco and ComEd

Holiday lightsLincoln Park Zoo · Chicago

Host
Lincoln Park Zoo (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
When
Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly per Choose Chicago listing), 4:30 to 9 pm
Cost
$7 to $20; free with registration on Mondays except Dec 21 and 28
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

ZooLights returns to Lincoln Park Zoo for the 2026 season and runs through Sunday, January 3, 2027, with evening hours of 4:30 to 9 pm. Highlights include a walk through light tunnel, a Ferris wheel with skyline views, hot chocolate, churros and a fire pit for s'mores. Carolers and ice carvers appear on select nights.

Tickets range from $7 to $20 depending on the date and ticket type. On Mondays, admission is free with registration, except for December 21 and December 28. The listing does not mention a Santa visit, so plan this as a lights outing.

Parent tip: Monday nights are free with advance registration, except Dec 21 and 28. Check the zoo ticket site for exact nightly availability.

See dates and details from Lincoln Park Zoo (opens in a new tab)

Chicago: Red & Green Magic Show with Pocket Circus

Holiday showFreeChicago Public Library · Chicago

Host
Chicago Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chicago Public Library, Scottsdale Branch, 4101 W. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60652
When
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Kids 6 to 13
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Scottsdale Branch on the Southwest Side is hosting a holiday magic show by Pocket Circus. Mr. Firu's Red and Green show is a seasonal program built around humor, surprises and the kind of tricks that get a room full of kids gasping and laughing.

The library lists the show for kids 6 to 13, so it is a better fit for school age children than toddlers. The program is free and the listing does not mention registration. It runs one hour on a Tuesday evening, which makes it an easy after school or after dinner holiday outing. The branch sits on West 79th Street, and the library offers sign language interpretation and other accessibility help with at least 14 business days of notice.

See dates and details from Chicago Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Chicago: Meet the Grinch and Max

Holiday eventFreeChicago Public Library · Chicago

Host
Chicago Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chicago Public Library, Edgebrook Branch, 5331 W. Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646
When
Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Children 3 and up with their grownups
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Grinch is visiting the Edgebrook Branch for an evening of photos and games. Families can take pictures with the Grinch and his sidekick Max, who is played by a real therapy dog from Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy. While waiting for a turn, kids can play a round or two of Grinch Family Bingo for a chance at small prizes.

The event is for children 3 and up with their grownups. It is free, but registration is required by the start of the event using a parent or guardian email, and the library asks you to count only the children when registering. Bring your own camera or phone, since families take their own photos.

Parent tip: Bring a phone or camera for photos, and register counting only the children in your group.

See dates and details from Chicago Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Naperville: Merry Museum with Santa

Santa visitDuPage Children's Museum · Naperville

Host
DuPage Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
DuPage Children's Museum, 301 N Washington St, Naperville, IL 60540 (near Chicago)
When
Fri December 4 and Fri December 11, 2026, 5:30 to 8 pm
Cost
$22 nonmembers, $10 members from Nov 3; under 1 free with ticket
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Merry Museum with Santa turns DuPage Children's Museum into a two-night holiday celebration with a hands-on twist. Families can book a timed visit with Santa Roger (have a phone ready for photos) and then spread out to sock skating, a hot cocoa and cookie decorating station, an ice block float, reindeer games, an ornament makerspace, snowman sensory bins and melted snowman sensory bottles. The night ends with a Jingle Bell Goodbye at 7:50 pm.

Meeting Santa is optional: families who would rather skip the line can choose the Event Only ticket and still enjoy all the play. Tickets cost $22 for nonmembers and $10 for members from Nov 3, children under 1 are free but still need a ticket, and a limited number of walk-in tickets are offered once online sales sell out.

Parent tip: Book online, since Santa visits use timed tickets and walk-ins are limited. Choose Event Only if your child is not ready to meet Santa.

See dates and details from DuPage Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)

Chicago: Holiday Read-Aloud and Craft Club for Beginning Readers: You Read to Me, I Read to You

Holiday story timeFreeChicago Public Library · Chicago

Host
Chicago Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chicago Public Library, Uptown Branch, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Children 5 to 8 and their caregivers
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Ms. My leads this holiday read-aloud club for beginning readers and their families at the Uptown Branch. Families share reading with partner poems from You Read to Me, I Read to You, a format meant to build confidence, fluency and a sense of connection between kids and the adults reading with them.

After the reading, everyone makes a simple holiday craft to take home, and snacks are served while families read and create. The club is aimed at children 5 to 8 with a caregiver. Registration is required by the start of the event, using a parent or guardian email address, and the library asks that you count every child and adult in your party when you register because space is limited.

Parent tip: Register with a parent email (not a school email) and include all children and adults in your headcount.

See dates and details from Chicago Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Chicago: Merry Grinchmas Scavenger Hunt

Holiday eventFreeChicago Public Library · Chicago

Host
Chicago Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chicago Public Library, Edgebrook Branch, 5331 W. Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646
When
Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1 to 2 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Children 4 to 13
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Grinch is hiding somewhere on the second floor of the Edgebrook Branch, and kids are invited to track him down. The hunt starts in the Community Room, where children pick up the clues for this How the Grinch Stole Christmas themed search and collect green goodies while supplies last.

The scavenger hunt is meant for children 4 to 13. It is free, but registration is required by the start of the event with a parent or guardian email, counting only the children. Attendees need to check in at the reference desk by 1:15 pm to take part, so plan to arrive on time. It makes a fun, low key way to burn off some holiday energy indoors on a December weekend afternoon.

Parent tip: Check in at the reference desk by 1:15 pm or your child may miss the hunt.

See dates and details from Chicago Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Glencoe: Lightscape Jingle Jam Nights

Holiday lightsChicago Botanic Garden · Glencoe

Host
Chicago Botanic Garden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022 (near Chicago)
When
Wed December 9 and Wed December 16, 2026
Cost
Timed tickets, price varies by date; many dates under $30
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Lightscape is the Chicago Botanic Garden's after dark holiday light trail, and 20 of its 24 installations are new for 2026, including a walk in snow globe and a dancing ballerina of light. On Jingle Jam Nights, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16, families can also meet Santa and other festive characters along the way.

Tickets are timed and use plan ahead pricing, so the cost changes by date, time and demand, and buying early gets the best price. The garden also offers a sensory friendly night on Dec. 2 and reduced price Museums for All dates for SNAP recipients. The trail is outdoors in Glencoe, so dress for a winter evening.

Parent tip: Buy early for the best prices; exchanges are allowed up to 72 hours ahead for a $10 fee per transaction.

See dates and details from Chicago Botanic Garden (opens in a new tab)

Chicago: Let's Glow: Holidays Around the World Story Time and Celebration

Holiday story timeFreeChicago Public Library · Chicago

Host
Chicago Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chicago Public Library, Uptown Branch, 929 W. Buena Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613
When
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Children 0 to 5 with caregivers
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

This early evening program at the Uptown Branch is a story time built around winter holidays from different cultures. Ms. My leads families through global stories, upbeat songs and movement activities that focus on light, warmth and togetherness, which makes it a good fit for families who celebrate different traditions.

The program is designed for children from birth to age 5 with their caregivers, so expect a short, active session suited to babies, toddlers and preschoolers. It is free, but the library asks families to register by the start time with a parent or guardian email and to count all children and adults as attendees, since space in the room is limited.

Parent tip: The 5:30 pm start works well after daycare pickup; register ahead and include adults in your count.

See dates and details from Chicago Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Chicago: Naughty or Nice: All Ages Edition

Santa and Mrs. ClausGriffin Museum of Science and Industry · Chicago

Host
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (opens in a new tab)
Where
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 6 to 10 pm
Cost
Adults $35, children 2 to 12 $28, under 2 free (members $28 and $25)
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Griffin MSI's signature after hours holiday party has an all ages edition on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, from 6 to 10 pm. The ticket includes low capacity viewing of Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light and select permanent exhibits, plus special on stage appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Kids can pose for photos with the Grinch and Bumble, get festive face painting from elvish artists, and make ornaments with Lillstreet Art Center. There are free Coal Mine tours, a DJ, hot cocoa and food for purchase at Stan's, and parking in the underground garage is free for the night. Tickets are $35 for adults and $28 for children 2 to 12.

Parent tip: Parking in the underground garage is free that night; the Museum Kitchen is closed, so plan on Stan's for food.

See dates and details from Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (opens in a new tab)

Chicago: Christmas Capers with Dave Herzog's Marionettes

Holiday showFreeChicago Public Library · Chicago

Host
Chicago Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Chicago Public Library, Austin-Irving Branch, 6100 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60634
When
Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 3 to 13
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Dave Herzog's Marionettes bring a holiday variety show to the Austin-Irving Branch during winter break. Frosty the Snowman arrives with his nephew Popsicle, Stripes the Candy Cane Clown, Jingles the Elf, the Skating Nutcracker and Jack Frost on the flying trapeze for a merry, musical program full of laughs.

The show is aimed at ages 3 to 13 and includes audience participation, so it suits a mixed group of siblings. It is free, but registration is required by the start of the event with a parent or guardian email, and because space is limited the library asks you to count only the children when you register. A morning show during the school break is an easy way to fill a day when kids are home.

Parent tip: A good winter break outing; register early and count only children as attendees.

See dates and details from Chicago Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Peoria

1 confirmed event for kids in Peoria, soonest first.

Peoria: Christmas in the Village

Tree lightingPeoria Riverfront Museum · Peoria

Host
Peoria Riverfront Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602
When
Tue December 1 (6:30 pm), Fri December 4 (4 to 8 pm) and Sat December 5 (noon to 8 pm), 2026
Cost
Family $60 ($50 members), individual $25 ($20 members), covers both days
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Christmas in the Village marks its fifth year at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, gathered around Peoria's largest live Christmas tree. Over two days, families can visit Santa, take carriage rides, see live animals, sip cocoa, browse holiday vendors and explore the museum's exhibitions, with a show in the Dome Planetarium or Giant Screen Theater also part of the experience. This year the village expands to the Caterpillar Visitors Center next door.

The tree lighting ceremony takes place Tuesday, Dec 1, at 6:30 pm sharp. Village tickets cover both Friday evening and Saturday, and a family ticket admits two adults and up to four children from the same immediate family, which makes it a good value for larger families.

Parent tip: One family ticket covers both days, so you can come back Saturday for anything you missed Friday.

See dates and details from Peoria Riverfront Museum (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Springfield

1 confirmed event for kids in Springfield, soonest first.

Springfield: Holiday Lights Parade in Downtown Springfield

Holiday paradeSpringfield Jaycees · Springfield

Host
Springfield Jaycees (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Springfield, Old State Capitol area, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:30 to 7 pm
Cost
Not stated
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Springfield Jaycees host the Holiday Lights Parade in downtown Springfield on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 pm. The route starts at 7th and Jefferson, heads west on Jefferson, turns south on 5th, runs east on Monroe, then north on 6th, and finishes at 6th and Washington, circling the Old State Capitol area.

The listing does not give a price or mention Santa, so treat this as an evening lights parade. Pick a curbside spot along the route early, since the whole parade lasts about 90 minutes.

Parent tip: Find a spot along Jefferson, 5th, Monroe or 6th Streets before 5:30 pm.

See dates and details from Springfield Jaycees (opens in a new tab)

Near a state line? Our guides to Christmas events for kids in Wisconsin, Christmas events for kids in Indiana and Christmas events for kids in Iowa list more confirmed events, and the national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Illinois Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Illinois in 2026?

We confirmed 15 Christmas events for kids in Illinois for 2026 on each host’s own page: Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light in Chicago (November 7), Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival in Chicago (November 7), Holiday Magic in Brookfield (November 19), ZooLights Presented by Invesco and ComEd in Chicago (November 21), Christmas in the Village in Peoria (December 1), Red & Green Magic Show with Pocket Circus in Chicago (December 1), Meet the Grinch and Max in Chicago (December 2), Merry Museum with Santa in Naperville (December 4), Holiday Lights Parade in Downtown Springfield in Springfield (December 5), Holiday Read-Aloud and Craft Club for Beginning Readers: You Read to Me, I Read to You in Chicago (December 5), Merry Grinchmas Scavenger Hunt in Chicago (December 6), Lightscape Jingle Jam Nights in Glencoe (December 9), Let's Glow: Holidays Around the World Story Time and Celebration in Chicago (December 17), Naughty or Nice: All Ages Edition in Chicago (December 19) and Christmas Capers with Dave Herzog's Marionettes in Chicago (December 22). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Chicago, Illinois?

For families in and around Chicago, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light (Opens Sat, Nov 7, daily during museum hours, included with museum general admission); Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival (Sat, Nov 7, included with museum general admission); Holiday Magic (in Brookfield, Select nights, Nov 19, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, 3 to 9 pm, from $29.95; free with membership); ZooLights Presented by Invesco and ComEd (Nightly, Nov 21, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, 4:30 to 9 pm, $7 to $20; free with registration on mondays except dec 21 and 28); Red & Green Magic Show with Pocket Circus (Tue, Dec 1, 6 to 7 pm, free); Meet the Grinch and Max (Wed, Dec 2, 6 to 7 pm, free, registration required); Merry Museum with Santa (in Naperville, Fri, Dec 4 and Fri, Dec 11, 5:30 to 8 pm, $22 nonmembers, $10 members from nov 3; under 1 free with ticket); Holiday Read-Aloud and Craft Club for Beginning Readers: You Read to Me, I Read to You (Sat, Dec 5, 3 to 4 pm, free, registration required); Merry Grinchmas Scavenger Hunt (Sun, Dec 6, 1 to 2 pm, free, registration required); Lightscape Jingle Jam Nights (in Glencoe, Wed, Dec 9 and Wed, Dec 16, evenings, timed tickets, price varies by date; many dates under $30); Let's Glow: Holidays Around the World Story Time and Celebration (Thu, Dec 17, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, free, registration required); Naughty or Nice: All Ages Edition (Sat, Dec 19, 6 to 10 pm, adults $35, children 2 to 12 $28, under 2 free (members $28 and $25)); Christmas Capers with Dave Herzog's Marionettes (Tue, Dec 22, 11 am to noon, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Chicago section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Peoria, Illinois?

For families in and around Peoria, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Christmas in the Village (Fri, Dec 4, 4 to 8 pm and Sat, Dec 5, noon to 8 pm; tree lighting Tue, Dec 1, 6:30 pm, family $60 ($50 members), individual $25 ($20 members), covers both days). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Peoria section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Springfield, Illinois?

For families in and around Springfield, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Lights Parade in Downtown Springfield (Sat, Dec 5, 5:30 to 7 pm, not stated). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Springfield section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Illinois?

Yes. 6 of the 15 events here are free: Red & Green Magic Show with Pocket Circus in Chicago, Meet the Grinch and Max in Chicago, Holiday Read-Aloud and Craft Club for Beginning Readers: You Read to Me, I Read to You in Chicago, Merry Grinchmas Scavenger Hunt in Chicago, Let's Glow: Holidays Around the World Story Time and Celebration in Chicago and Christmas Capers with Dave Herzog's Marionettes in Chicago. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Illinois this December?

Santa appears at Christmas in the Village in Peoria (December 1), Merry Museum with Santa in Naperville (December 4), Lightscape Jingle Jam Nights in Glencoe (December 9) and Naughty or Nice: All Ages Edition in Chicago (December 19). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Illinois?

Holiday story times on this page: Holiday Read-Aloud and Craft Club for Beginning Readers: You Read to Me, I Read to You in Chicago and Let's Glow: Holidays Around the World Story Time and Celebration in Chicago. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Which Illinois Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Let's Glow: Holidays Around the World Story Time and Celebration in Chicago (Children 0 to 5 with caregivers).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Illinois on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Holiday Magic in Brookfield (through January 3) and ZooLights Presented by Invesco and ComEd in Chicago (through January 3).

How much is Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light in Chicago?

Included with museum general admission. Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival in Chicago?

Included with museum general admission. Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival is on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Magic in Brookfield?

From $29.95; free with membership. Holiday Magic is on Thu November 19 and Fri January 1, 2026, 3 to 9 pm at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is ZooLights Presented by Invesco and ComEd in Chicago?

$7 to $20; free with registration on Mondays except Dec 21 and 28. ZooLights Presented by Invesco and ComEd is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly per Choose Chicago listing), 4:30 to 9 pm at Lincoln Park Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas in the Village in Peoria?

Family $60 ($50 members), individual $25 ($20 members), covers both days. Christmas in the Village is on Tue December 1 (6:30 pm), Fri December 4 (4 to 8 pm) and Sat December 5 (noon to 8 pm), 2026 at Peoria Riverfront Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Red & Green Magic Show with Pocket Circus in Chicago?

Free. Red & Green Magic Show with Pocket Circus is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Chicago Public Library, Scottsdale Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Meet the Grinch and Max in Chicago?

Free, registration required. Meet the Grinch and Max is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Chicago Public Library, Edgebrook Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Merry Museum with Santa in Naperville?

$22 nonmembers, $10 members from Nov 3; under 1 free with ticket. Merry Museum with Santa is on Fri December 4 and Fri December 11, 2026, 5:30 to 8 pm at DuPage Children's Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Lights Parade in Downtown Springfield in Springfield?

Not stated. Holiday Lights Parade in Downtown Springfield is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:30 to 7 pm at Downtown Springfield, Old State Capitol area. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Read-Aloud and Craft Club for Beginning Readers: You Read to Me, I Read to You in Chicago?

Free, registration required. Holiday Read-Aloud and Craft Club for Beginning Readers: You Read to Me, I Read to You is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Chicago Public Library, Uptown Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Merry Grinchmas Scavenger Hunt in Chicago?

Free, registration required. Merry Grinchmas Scavenger Hunt is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1 to 2 pm at Chicago Public Library, Edgebrook Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Lightscape Jingle Jam Nights in Glencoe?

Timed tickets, price varies by date; many dates under $30. Lightscape Jingle Jam Nights is on Wed December 9 and Wed December 16, 2026 at Chicago Botanic Garden. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Let's Glow: Holidays Around the World Story Time and Celebration in Chicago?

Free, registration required. Let's Glow: Holidays Around the World Story Time and Celebration is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Chicago Public Library, Uptown Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Naughty or Nice: All Ages Edition in Chicago?

Adults $35, children 2 to 12 $28, under 2 free (members $28 and $25). Naughty or Nice: All Ages Edition is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 6 to 10 pm at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Capers with Dave Herzog's Marionettes in Chicago?

Free, registration required. Christmas Capers with Dave Herzog's Marionettes is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 11 am to noon at Chicago Public Library, Austin-Irving Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Illinois?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Illinois Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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