On The Go Chicago

Click here to check our our 2010 holiday post on where to visit Santa.

Looking for fun things to do with your family this Holiday season in Chicago?  Well, look no further.  I have compiled a LONG list of fun activities for you and your little elves.

Not surprisingly, there are WAY more things to do in Chicago and the surrounding area than one family could ever get to.  I’ve organized the list below by neighborhood and then by date of event in the hope of making it less overwhelming, but…it is too long to be anything but overwhelming.

I am working on two additional posts on where you can visit with Santa and holiday craft fairs.  Keep an eye out for them later this week or next.

SOUTH SIDE

Polar Express Family Holiday Event at the Shedd – Enjoy cups of cocoa before boarding the Polar Express 4-D Experience.  Kids can also have their pictures taken with Santa, decorate cookies and enjoy treats.  Price includes access to the entire aquarium, a gift from Santa, and reserved seats for Fantasea.

• When – November 28, December 5, 19 & 22 from 8:30-10:30
• Where – Shedd Aquarium (1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.
• Cost – $39.95 per person/$35.95 members

Historic Holidays at Prairie Avenue – Spend the afternoon at one of Chicago’s oldest houses making holiday crafts, playing Victorian parlor games, listening to stories and visiting with Santa Claus.  Light refreshments are included.

• When – December 12 from 1-4pm
• Where – Glessner House Museum (1800 S. Prairie Ave.)
• Cost – $10 per child, $2 per adult (reservations recommended)

Polar Adventure Days - Three days of family fun at Northerly Island.  Explore Northerly Island, come face to face with live animals, engage in winter activities, watch ice carving and create nature inspired crafts.

• When – 12/13, 1/17 and 2/21 from 12-4pm
• Where – Northerly Island (1400 S. Lynn White Dr.)
• Cost - FREE

GARFIELD PARK

Holiday Flower Show – Marvel at the shear number of poinsettias on display.  Great place to take an annual holiday photo.  You can also visit the small children’s garden or take advantage of one of the family programs they offer during your visit.  Check their website for details.

• When – November 28 – January 10 from 9am-5pm daily
• Where – Garfield Conservatory (300 N. Central Park)
• Cost - FREE

LOOP/GOLD COAST

Christmas Around The World & Holidays of Light – Enjoy holiday singers and dancers as you stroll through dozens of trees decorated to represent global cultures. A 45-foot tree takes center stage.

• When – November 20-January 3 (Closed Christmas Day) from 9:30am-4pm Mon.-Sat. and 11am-4pm Sunday
• Where – Museum of Science and Industry (57th Street & Lake Shore Drive)
• Cost – Free with general admission – $13 adults, $9 children (3-11)

2009 Redmoon Winter Pageant

• When – November 20-December 27 (Thurs & Fri. at 7:30, Sat. & Sun. at 4pm & 7:30pm)
• Where – Redmoon Central (1463 Hubbard St.)
• Cost – $15 adults, $10 children

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival - For more than 40 years the holiday season has been kicked off by the illuminating of more than 200 trees and one million lights along Michigan Avenue.  The festival will include a full day of musical performances on the Harris Stage.  Mickey Mouse and friends will lead the lighting procession down Michigan Avenue and the night will end with fireworks over the Chicago River.

• When – Starts Saturday, November 21st at 11am-7pm
• Where – North Michigan Avenue between Oak and Chicago River
• Cost - FREE

The World’s Highest Coloring Competition – The Observatory will provide the crayons and holiday pictures and your kids provide the talent and creativity.  Winner receives a free Birthday Party ($600 value)

• When – November 21 & 22 from 11am-1pm
• Where – John Hancock Observatory (875 N. Michigan)
• Cost - Included in admission to Observatory ($20 adults, $15 children)

Chicago’s 96th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

• When – November 25th at 4pm
• Where – Daley Plaza (50 Washington St.)
• Cost - FREE

Caroling at Cloud Gate – Every Friday evening enjoy traditional Christmas carols at Cloud Gate.

• When – Fridays 11/27-12/18 from 6-6:50pm
• Where – Cloud Gate at Millennium Park
• Cost - FREE

City Hall Holiday Concert Series – Get into the spirit of the holidays by enjoying holiday classics sung by children’s choirs from throughout the city.  For a complete list of the more than 14 weekday concerts click here.

• When – 14 concerts held between December 1-18 from 12-1pm
• Where – City Hall Lobby (121 N. LaSalle St.)
• Cost - FREE

AMERICAN GIRL STORE

Make a Gingerbread House – Design and decorate your own gingerbread house.  Proceeds benefit HomeAid.

• When – December 2 & 8 at 5pm
• Where – American Girl Chicago (835 N. Michigan Ave.)
• Cost – $45 (Girls 8+)

Holiday Wishes – Create holiday wishes for each other, enjoy a meal at the store and take home a commemorative photo.

• When – December 3, 10, & 17 at 5:30
• Where – American Girl Chicago (835 N. Michigan Ave.)
• Cost – $50 (Girls 6+)

Holiday Concerts at the Chicago Public Library – Visit their website for complete descriptions and list of performers.

• When – December 3, 4, 7, 8-11, & 14-18, at 12pm
• Where – Harold Washington Library Center (400 S. State Street)
• Cost - FREE

Lurie Garden Family Workshop: From Brrr to Beautiful: Winter Magic - Enjoy the garden’s stunning winter beauty, then warm up with hot cocoa and make a seasonal decoration to bring home. Group will meet at the Cultural Center to make the craft before taking a walk through the Garden.

• When – December 5 from 2-4pm
• Where – Garland Room at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.)
• Cost - FREE (kids 6+, registration required)

Dance-Along Nutcracker – This interactive holiday event will feature jugglers, acrobats, dancers and even the audience.  Audience members are encouraged to come in their tutus and join the performance.

• When – December 6 at 12pm and 3pm
• Where – Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.)
• Cost - FREE

The Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker – The performance features the full Joffrey company, local children’s choruses and 120 young dancers from around Chicagoland.

• When – December 11-27 (visit website for performance schedule)
• Where – Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 E. Congress Parkway)
• Cost – $25-$145

Cookie Time – Show off your best holiday cookie decorating skills.

• When – December 12 & 13 from 11am-1pm
• Where – John Hancock Observatory (875 N. Michigan)
• Cost – Included in admission to Observatory ($20 adults, $15 children)

Holiday Around the World – Chicago Community Chorus

• When – December 16 at 7pm
• Where – Harris Theater at Millennium Park (205 E. Randolph Dr.)
• Cost – $10

Welcome Yule – The high-spirited Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus have created a program of traditional carols, endearing moments and musical surprises.

• When – December 18-23rd (times vary)
• Where – Chicago Symphony Orchestra (2200 S. Michigan Ave.)
• Cost – $20-$98

STREETERVILLE

CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM:

Passport to the World: Celebrations – Learn through songs and performances how different cultures celebrate important holidays.

• When – December 3 from 5:30-8pm
• Where – Chicago Children’s Museum (700 East Grand)
• Cost – Kraft FREE Family Night (5-8pm)

Holiday Ecology – Transform your old greeting cards into a unique gift or keepsake box.

• When – December 16-20 at 2:30pm
• Where – Chicago Children’s Museum (700 East Grand)
• Cost – Included with admission ($10)

Little Miss Ann Band & Irish School of Music – Enjoy a night of musical performances by Little Miss Ann and the Irish Music School.  They will perform traditional folk music and holiday favorites.

• When – December 17 from 6pm
• Where – Chicago Children’s Museum (700 East Grand)
• Cost – Kraft FREE Family Night (5pm-8pm)

Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier – The Winter WonderStage will feature family friendly entertainment through out the day during the festival. You can also visit with Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause at the Family Pavilion Stage through Christmas Eve.  Santa will arrive by boat at the Grand Staircase (near the Ferris Wheel) on December 4th at 7pm.

• When – December 4th through January 3rd
• Where – Navy Pier (600 East Grand Ave)
• Cost - FREE

NEAR NORTH SIDE

Winter Wonder Jumps – Bring friends and family to climb, jump, bounce and play together.  Enjoy your favorite inflatables with holiday decor and a special rate.

• When – December 21-24 and 28-30 from 9-10:30am and 12:15-1:45pm
• Where – Pump It Up (821 W. Eastman St.)
• Cost – $8

WICKER PARK/BUCKTOWN

Wicker Park Choral Singers’ “A Christmas Rose” – The concert will include carols, spirituals, and more modern works.  There will be a small reception following the concert

• When – December 5th at 3pm
• Where – Wicker Park Lutheran Church (1502 N. Hoyne Ave.)
• Cost - FREE

LINCOLN PARK

A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas presented by the Emerald City Theatre

• When – November 14 – January 2
• Where – Apollo Theatre (2540 N. Lincoln Ave)
• Costs – Adults $15, Kids $12 (Recommended for kids 3+)

Zoo Lights – In addition to the beautiful holiday lights throughout the zoo, you can also enjoy a visit with Santa in the Lion House, musical light show on the South Lawn, ice carving, create your own festive craft, sip hot cocoa and spiced wine, and ride the LPZOO Holiday Express Train.

• When – November 27-29, December 4-6, 11-13 & 18-31, and January 1-3 from 5-9pm
• Where – Lincoln Park Zoo (2200 N. Cannon Drive)
• Cost - FREE

ECO-FRIENDLY HOLIDAYS AT THE PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM

Gifting Green – Make eco-friendly gifts and ornaments

• When – November 27-29 and December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 11am & 3pm
• Where – Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon)
• Cost – Free with Admission ($9 adults, $6 children 3+)

Marshmallow Snowman – Make your own snowman out of marshmallows.

• When – December 5 at 11am & 2pm
• Where – Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon)
• Cost – Free with Admission ($9 adults, $6 children 3+)

Trash to Treasure – Transform your holiday wrapping paper trash into treasured works of art.

• When – December 26-31 at 11am and 3pm
• Where – Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon)
• Cost – Free with Admission ($9 adults, $6 children 3+)

It’s a Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph

• When – Thurs.-Sun. November 27-December 27 (visit their site for performance schedule)
• Where – Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre (2433 N. Lincoln Ave.)
• Cost – $32-$40

Those Silly Reindeer – A family holiday musical

• When – November 28-December 27 (Sat. & Sun) at 1pm
• Where – Greenhouse Theatre Center (2257 N. Lincoln)
• Cost – $15 adults, $10 children

Holiday Storytime at Pottery Barn Kids

• When – Tuesday in December at 11:00
• Where – Pottery Barn Kids (2111 N. Clybourn Ave.)
• Cost – FREE

LAKEVIEW

Gingerbread Workshop at Emerald City Theatre – Make your own candy house and then join in on “A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas” theatre games.

• When – November 28, December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27 from 3-4:30pm
• Where – Emerald City Theatre School (2933 N. Southport Ave.)
• Cost – $15 adults, $30 children (2+)

14th Annual Southport Holiday Stroll – Enjoy holiday carollers, horse-drawn sleigh rides and special shopping deals.

• When – December 4 from 5pm-9pm
• Where – Southport (between Belmont and Irving Park
• Cost - FREE

Sheil Park Holiday Party – Visit with Santa, enjoy face painting, holiday crafts and entertainment.

• When – December 4 from 6:30-8pm
• Where – Sheil Park (3505 N. Southport)
• Cost - FREE

ROSCOE VILLAGE

Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Stroll - After the tree lighting you can enjoy food, cocktails and special shopping deals.

• When – December 7 from 5-9pm
• Where – 2058 W. Roscoe
• Cost - FREE

Winterfest – Event includes children’s activities, horse drawn sleigh rides, trolley and Santa.

• When – December 6 from 1-5pm
• Where – Roscoe Village (2058 W. Roscoe)
• Cost - FREE

Smarty Party Kids Movie Night Out – Watch Elf, enjoy holiday crafts along with pizza, snacks and juice.

• When – December 12 from 5:30-8pm
• Where – Smarty Party (1846 West Belmont)
• Cost – $25 (3+)

IRVING PARK

Lunch with Santa – Food, performance, art project, face painting, games, free stocking, and photos with Santa.

• When – December 12 from 11am-1pm
• Where – Kilbourn Park and Organic Greenhouse (3501 N. Kilbourn Ave)
• Cost – $10

LINCOLN SQUARE

Milly’s Almost All Kid Holiday Spectacular

• When – December 13th at 3:30 and 5:30
• Where – Old Town School of Folk Music (4544 N. Lincoln Ave.)
• Cost – $18 members/$20 non-members

Songs of Good Cheer - Annual holiday caroling party.

• When – December 20th at 5:00
• Where – Old Town School of Folk Music (4544 N. Lincoln Ave.)
• Cost – $40

LOGAN SQUARE

Songs of the Season – Holiday Songs from around the world performed by the Chicago Community Chorus

• When – December 5 at 2pm at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
• Where – St. Lukes (2649 North Francisco Ave)
• Cost – $10 (children under 15 free)

ANDERSONVILLE

St. Morten’s Gos Day – Come join musicians, carolers, Vikings, geese, Highlanders and other revelers as they spread good cheer throughout Andersonville.  In addition, the tree lighting ceremony will be at 11:15 between the Swedish Baker and US Bank.

• When – November 21 starting at 11am
• Where – Procession goes southbound to Foster and starts at 5440 N. Clark St.
• Cost - FREE

St. Lucia Festival of Lights – The festival of St. Lucia is a Sicilian tradition adopted by the Swedes which celebrates light prevailing over the darkest time of the year.  The specially chosen Lucia girls lead a torch-lit procession down Clark Street.  The museum hosts caroling and refreshments afterwards.

• When – December 13 at 4:45
• Where – Clark Street Andersonville
• Cost - FREE

ALBANY PARK

Chocolate House Workshop

• When – December 15 from 7-9pm
• Where – Eugene Field Park (5100 N. Ridgeway Ave.)
• Cost – $28 per house

AVONDALE

Chocolate House Workshop

• When – December 11 from 6-9pm
• Where – Athletic Field Park (3546 W. Addison St.)
• Cost – $20 per house

FURTHER AFIELD

A Christmas Carol: The Musical

• When – November 13 – January 2 (visit website for performance schedule)
• Where – Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences (10 Marriott Drive)
• Suburb – Lincolnshire
• Costs – $15

Wonderland Express at the Chicago Botanical Garden – More than 750,000 lights sparkle throughout the garden and inside the Regenstein Center a 10,000-square foot exhibition of miniature trains wind over bridges, under trestles, past waterfalls and through more than 80 mini-replicas of Chicago’s favorite landmarks.  You can also now ice skate on the Esplanade.

• When – November 27-January 3
• Where – Chicago Botanical Garden (1000 Lake Cook Roade)
• Suburb – Glencoe
• Cost – Adults $10, Children $8 (FREE Tuesdays through December 22)

Candy for the Holidays at Kline Creek Farm – Learn how to make bright, colorful candies.

• When – November 28 from 12:30-3:30pm
• Where – Kline Creek Farm (1N600 County Farm Rd.)
• Suburb – West Chicago
• Cost - FREE

Happy Holiday Railway Event – Enjoy a magical train ride through a holiday light display and a visit with Santa Claus and his elves.

• When – December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 (Sat. on the hour from 2-7pm, Sun. on the hour from 1-6pm)
• Where – Illinois Railway Museum (7000 Olson Road)
• Suburb – Union
• Cost – $12 (advance tickets recommended)

Holiday Magic at the Brookfield Zoo – Stroll the zoo’s walk ways which are lit up by nearly one million twinkling lights, watch ice-carving demonstrations, enjoy live music, magicians and the new Wild Lights Spectacular at Roosevelt Fountain.  Santa will also be available to hear your child’s wish list at the Candy Cane Corner.

• When – December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 from 4pm-9pm
• Where – Brookfield Zoo (8400 31st Street)
• Suburb – Brookfield
• Cost – Included with regular admission – $12 adults, $8 children (+$8 parking)

Weekends at the Farm - Visit the Heritage Prairie Farm and enjoy holiday activities such as making gingerbread houses, holiday wreaths, Christmas cards and organic ornament decorating.

• When – December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 from 12-4pm
• Where – Heritage Prairie Farm (2N308 Brundige Rd.)
• Suburb – Elburn
• Cost – FREE

Christmas on the Farm – Behold a Victorian Christmas and learn the origins of several holiday traditions.  Visit with an old-fashioned Santa and take your picture in a sleigh.  Then you can make a cornucopia decoration and enjoy a cup of cocoa and carolling.

• When – December 12 from 10am-4pm
• Where – Kline Creek Farm (1N600 County Farm Rd.)
• Suburb – West Chicago
• Cost - FREE

Please let me know if I missed any events in your neighborhood.  Have a great holiday!