Things to Do in Chicago at Christmas with Kids

If you’re considering visiting Chicago at Christmas time to experience all of the festivities, and you’re looking for things to do with kids, you’re in the right place!

I grew up just over an hour north of Chicago, so we visited many times during the Christmas season when I was a kid. I realized this year, though, that I had never taken my own kids to enjoy the holiday season in the Windy City, and I knew that had to change.

I took my two oldest kids out of school on a Friday to take a mini road trip to Chicago toward the end of November. All of the Christmas decorations were up, and we even hit opening day for a few of the major holiday events!

We spent about 24 hours in Chicago, only staying in a hotel for one night, but I feel like we packed a lot into our short time there.

If you’re planning to stay for a full weekend or even a long weekend, I have a few suggestions for things we didn’t get to that you could easily include in your itinerary to round out your visit.

Here are all the best things to do in Chicago at Christmas with kids to get in the holiday spirit!

UPDATED 2026

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Planning a quick Chicago Christmas trip with kids?

Ice skating at Millennium Park was BY FAR my kids’ favorite activity, and Christkindlmarket is a great choice for festive food and Christmas shopping without an admission fee (though you may have to wait in line for 20-30 minutes).

For a cozy treat break, we loved the hot chocolate flight at JoJo’s Shake Bar. Macy’s on State Street is another indoor stop for holiday decorations, while Harry Potter fans should consider the Michigan Avenue store to see the store decked out for Christmas.

Keep reading to plan your Chicago at Christmas with kids getaway!

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There is so much to do in Chicago with kids all year round! In fact, I have an entire separate blog post dedicated to things to do in Chicago with kids.

This particular post, however, is dedicated specifically to Christmas and holiday related things to do in Chicago, and not necessarily 1 or 2 night events - things you can do throughout the entire holiday season in Chicago.

I’ll also include a bulleted list of the activities we didn’t get around to that were on my radar that you could do if you’re staying longer.

Christkindlmarket

The Christkindlmarket is a longstanding holiday tradition in Chicago. I remember visiting the market when I was a kid, so it’s fun to come back with my own kids!

The Christkindlmarket is a German style Christmas market with food, hot chocolate, handicrafts, festive music and holiday decorations.

It’s a great place to go to try food from around the world, buy souvenirs or Christmas gifts, or just to enjoy the holiday atmosphere and get in the Christmas spirit!

The market is open from November 20 - December 24, 2026, and you can check the hours here. The three locations are Chicago, Aurora, and Wrigleyville. We visited the Chicago location in Daley Plaza.

They only let a certain number of people into the market at a time for safety (otherwise it gets very crowded), so you may have to wait 15-20 minutes in line before getting in. Many vendors accept credit cards, but some only accept cash, so be sure to bring some cash with you!

Macy’s on State Street

Macy’s on State Street is another fun place to take kids! Before even entering the department store you can enjoy the window displays which pay homage to Marshall Field’s with the theme: “The Most Wonderful Stories Start Here.”

Inside, you can enjoy lots of festive holiday displays, do some Christmas shopping, or enjoy a meal in the Walnut Room under the giant Christmas tree. You’ll need to make reservations ahead of time.

Finally, if you have younger kids, you can visit Santa on the 5th floor. You do need to make reservations online ahead of time.

Ice Skating at Millennium Park

My kids’ favorite activity was ice skating at Millennium Park. The outdoor rink is situated below the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (The Bean), and surrounded on the other 3 sides by Chicago’s gorgeous skyline, making it an idyllic place to skate.

It is free to skate Monday through Thursday, and on the weekends the 11:00 a.m. time slot is free, but it’s $5 per person after that. You can bring your own skates, or rent them for between $17 and $21 per person. You can also rent a Skate-aide for young children, and there are storage lockers available for $2.

You must reserve your time slot ahead of time, even if it’s one of the free sessions, and the time slots are every 2 hours. You get 90 minutes to skate, then there is a half hour where they clear the ice to clean up and get the next round of people checked in.

Food and drink is available rink-side at Momentum Coffee and Millennium Hall so you can warm up with a meal or hot chocolate after you skate.

I had never taken my kids ice skating before this, so we were all a little bit shaky and holding onto the railing the first few laps around the rink.

By about our 3rd lap, we were all more comfortable letting go, and cracking up at how wobbly we were, but still having the time of our lives.

We booked the 3-4:30 p.m. time slot on a Friday, and the timing was perfect! The sun was just starting to set by the end of our session, so the pre-sunset sky was stunning as a backdrop to the Bean and the skyline. It wasn’t too crowded, and the weather wasn’t too cold for late November. We were even shedding our coats by our 3rd lap around!

This was such a memorable experience with the kids, and I would highly recommend it, even if you’re not a big ice skating family.

Hot Chocolate Flight at JoJo’s Shake Bar

You’ll find tons of great spots to enjoy hot chocolate in Chicago around the holidays, but we decided to try JoJo’s Shake Bar because they put up a Winter Wonderland tent each year with Christmas lights, a tree, a sleigh, and tons more holiday decorations!

There are tons of seasonal treats to choose from, but I think one of the most fun options for kids is Rudolph’s Hot Chocolate Flight. It’s $18 for 4 small (but filling) hot chocolate drinks with oversized marshmallows and other toppings.

Flavors are:

Toasted Marshmallow
Double Chocolate
Salted Carmel
Peppermint

My personal favorite was the salted caramel! You can order any of these options individually, plus there are several other holiday themed drinks like

Winter Wonderland Shakes
Themed Cocktails (Frozen Polar Espresso, anyone?)
Flavored Hot chocolate.

This was such a fun and festive way to get in the holiday spirit in Chicago!

Enjoy Michigan Ave

If you’re like me and haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, be sure to stroll Michigan Avenue and duck into all of shops along the Magnificent Mile! From the American Girl Store to the LEGO store, the Harry Potter store, H&M, Zara, and more, you’ll find something for every member of the family.

Beyond the great shopping, you’ll find great window displays, holiday decor, and a series of Christmas trees up and down the street.

It’s a festive place to be in the weeks leading up to Christmas!

Coffee at Ralph’s Coffee Bar

Ralph’s Coffee Bar is the small coffee shop in front of the Ralph Lauren store on Magnificent Mile. Having a “Ralph Lauren Christmas” has been all over social media this year, so I thought this would be the perfect spot to grab my morning latte.

I ordered the gingerbread latte, and my kids got hot chocolate and croissants. They top off the gingerbread latte with some gingerbread man latte art, which was adorable!

A few tips for visiting with kids:

The shop is small with not a lot of seating, so either plan to just stop in to get your drinks to go, or try to get there right at opening time to ensure you get a seat.
Check the website for current opening times, but on the day we visited, it opened at 8. We arrived at 8:15. The seats were almost all taken, but there were only a few people ahead of us in line. By the time we sat down with our drinks and food around 8:30, there was a line going out the door!
If you have a stroller and you plan to sit down, consider folding it up before you get inside the store so you don’t have to try to navigate through narrow spaces between tables.

Harry Potter Store

The Harry Potter store in Chicago opened earlier this year, so it’s still a very new and therefore a very popular spot.

Note: we arrived 10 minutes before opening on a Saturday morning, and there was already a short line forming outside. By the time we left, there was already a virtual queue to get into the store. If you’re planning to visit on the weekend, I would suggest arriving right at opening time. I’m guessing it would not be as busy on a weekday, but of course, I can’t say for sure.

This was our first time visiting, and I was so excited to go since all 3 of us are big Harry Potter fans. (I’ve taken my daughter to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando for her 9th birthday trip, and to Scotland for a Harry Potter themed 11th birthday trip! My son is just getting into the books now).

They have a Christmas Tree Trail in the store, and kids can fill out the scavenger hunt as they walk through the store. There is a letter hidden in each Christmas tree, so they have to put the letters together to solve the mystery word. Then they can turn in their scavenger hunt for a free pin! It’s a great festive activity to keep kids engaged while you check out the magical merchandise.

We loved browsing the store, and my kids got a lot of ideas for Harry Potter items to add to their Christmas list!

At the end of our visit we stopped in the attached cafe for a hot butterbeer and a butterbeer cookie.

Holiday Tea at the Drake

The Drake Hotel has an incredible holiday afternoon tea between early November and early January each year. We did the Palm Court’s Afternoon Holiday Tea one year with all of my sisters, my mom, and the girl cousins. There are a few other fun and festive options at the Drake to enjoy:

Festival of Lights Afternoon Tea in the Camellia Room
A Festive Gingerbread Display
Lavazza Holiday Tea Drink and Cookie Specials
Holiday decor and a gorgeous tree in the grand lobby

The Afternoon Holiday Tea comes with your choice of tea, and a tower of tea sandwiches and decadent cakes and desserts. Depending on the date of your visit, you may get to experience the Carolers, and you can even make Christmas Carol requests!

The Palm Court is absolutely stunning, and it’s a very fun and classy holiday experience that is also kid-friendly.

Things We Didn’t Get To

Wintrust Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier

Wintrust Winter WonderFest turns Navy Pier’s indoor Festival Hall into a holiday playground with festive decorations, rides, and ice skating. We haven’t experienced it yet, but it could be a fun option for families looking for Christmas activities without spending the whole day outside!

The 2026 event runs November 27 through January 3, 2027.

Check hours and purchase Winter WonderFest tickets.

Pinkmas at the Museum of Ice Cream

For families who love sweet treats and colorful photo opportunities, keep an eye on Pinkmas at the Museum of Ice Cream. Previous holiday seasons have featured pink Christmas decorations, festive ice cream flavors, and playful installations. The museum’s regular experience includes unlimited ice cream and its famous Sprinkle Pool, making it an indoor option for a cold Chicago day.

The 2026 holiday dates and Pinkmas pricing have not yet been confirmed.

Check the Museum of Ice Cream website for tickets and Pinkmas updates.

Christmas Around the World at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

For an indoor Christmas activity with kids, consider Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. The 2026 exhibit runs November 7 through January 3, 2027, featuring more than 50 decorated trees and cultural displays, a four-story Grand Tree, and simulated snowfall every 30 minutes. Families can explore holiday traditions from around the world while enjoying an indoor break. The exhibit is included with general museum admission, so no separate exhibit ticket is needed.

Explore the exhibit and check admission and book tickets.

LondonHouse Chicago’s Rudolph’s Rooftop

LondonHouse Chicago offers rooftop views of the Chicago River and surrounding skyline. In previous holiday seasons, its Rudolph’s Rooftop experience has added twinkling decorations and private heated igloos.

We are still waiting on dates, pricing, and booking details for the 2026–2027 holiday season to come out. Last season’s igloos accommodated up to six guests and required reservations with a $600 food-and-beverage minimum. Check the new season’s terms and confirm children’s access for your selected time before booking a family visit.

Check LondonHouse’s website for holiday updates and reservations.

Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon

If your kids love ice skating, consider Maggie Daley Park’s Skating Ribbon near Millennium Park. This winding outdoor skating path offers a different experience from a traditional rink and could be a fun addition to your Chicago Christmas itinerary. The 2026–2027 season runs November 13 through March 7.

Check session times, pricing, and reservations.

Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights

We haven’t made it to ZooLights yet, but it’s on our list for a future Chicago Christmas trip! Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a holiday wonderland with more than three million lights, a glowing light tunnel, seasonal treats, and optional rides that cost extra. For 2026, ZooLights runs on select evenings from November 20 through January 3, 2027, from 4:30–9 p.m.

Check the ZooLights schedule and reserve tickets.

Our 24-Hour Chicago Christmas Itinerary with Kids

I took the kids out of school on a Friday, and we drove down in the morning from Wisconsin, arriving around 11:30 a.m. Thankfully our hotel room was ready for us, so we dropped our car off with the valet, dropped our bags off in our room, and started exploring right away!

Here’s what our itinerary looked like:

Day 1: Christkindlmarket, Ice Skating, + Hot Chocolate

Christkindlmarket

Our first stop was the Christkindlmarket for lunch. We grabbed hot chocolate from Bob’s Belgian Hot Chocolate in the souvenir mugs. It comes with a delicious gingerbread cookie! We also got Bavarian pretzels and we felt like we were back in Germany after our trip there that summer.

Shopping on State Street

After the market, we wandered State Street and ducked into a few shops, including Macy’s to see the Walnut Room and get some Christmas shopping done!

Walking the River Walk

This is a fun and free activity you can do any time of year, but it’s just so beautiful. If you can find time in your itinerary to slow down and enjoy the view - do it!

Ice Skating at Millennium Park

There’s nowhere more picturesque to ice skate with the Bean on one side and the beautiful buildings on the other. Both my kids said this was their favorite activity of our trip. It’s free if you bring your own skates! You do have to reserve a time. Skate rentals are $21/person.

Hot Chocolate Flight at JoJo’s Shake Bar

Our last stop of the day was JoJo’s Shake Bar to warm up after ice skating with some fun hot chocolate flights! There are tons of seasonal treats to choose from, but I think one of the most fun options for kids is Rudolph’s Hot Chocolate Flight.

It’s $18 for 4 small (but filling) hot chocolate drinks with oversized marshmallows and other toppings. Flavors are: Toasted Marshmallow, Double Chocolate, Salted Carmel, and Peppermint. All 3 of us shared one flight and we still couldn’t finish it! Salted Caramel was my personal favorite flavor.

Day 2: Gingerbread Lattes, Harry Potter, + Magnificent Mile

We were heading home on Day 2, and didn’t want to stay too late, so we limited our activities to a quick morning outing on the Magnificent Mile (since that’s where our hotel was located!

Gingerbread Lattes at Ralph’s

We started our morning with coffee and pastries at Ralph’s. I got the Gingerbread Latte and it was so cute! Get there right when it opens to avoid waiting for a table, or just take your food and drinks to go.

Harry Potter Shop

After breakfast and coffee, we wandered over to the Harry Potter shop since I had heard it was decorated for Christmas!

We waited in line for the store to open, and when we entered we found out there was a Christmas Tree Trail kids could fill out to get a prize! There was a letter hidden in each tree, and you had to put the letters together to form a word.

We loved looking at all of the Harry Potter merchandise, the beautiful Christmas trees around the store, and, of course, we had to grab a hot butter beer from the cafe on site.

That was about all we had time for on Day 2 before we had to leave! I wish we had scheduled one more night so we could fit in the Navy Pier lights or the Zoo Lights, but we had a prior commitment the next day so we made the most of the time we had.

I would LOVE to go back this year to finish the rest of the activities we didn’t get to do!

How Much Did Our Chicago Christmas Trip with Kids Cost?

Our 24-hour Chicago Christmas trip cost $411.61 for one adult and two kids. We saved on accommodations by using an annual hotel reward night that comes with one of my credit cards, so we had no out-of-pocket hotel cost.

Here’s our spending breakdown:

Hotel: $0 with a credit card reward night
Parking: $88.00
Gas: $36.15
Food and drinks: $221.46
Ice skating: $66.00
Total: $411.61

Our food and drink total included JoJo’s Shake Bar ($67.11), the Harry Potter Store café ($22.60), Ralph’s Coffee Bar ($45.08), Bob’s Belgian Hot Chocolate ($60.08), Bavarian pretzels ($16), and a Walgreens stop ($10.59).

The hotel reward night made a big difference in our budget, but parking was still a significant expense. If you’re paying for a hotel, add that cost to your estimate and check whether parking is included or charged separately.

Other people have mentioned using SpotHero to find cheaper parking in Chicago, so consider that option, too!

These figures reflect what we spent on our visit, rather than current prices. Your total will depend on your family size, accommodations, transportation, and activities.

Where to Stay

We stayed at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG. I have one of the IHG credit cards, and one of the perks of that card is one free night every year. Mine expires soon, so I decided to use it on our trip to Chicago!

I picked the InterContinental Chicago because the pictures looked so beautiful, and I had read that it was very family-friendly.

I absolutely fell in love with this hotel during our short stay. From the moment I handed off my car keys to the valet, every staff interaction I had was so friendly, warm, and welcoming.

Our room was ready so early, too, which was an unexpected surprise. We arrived around 11:30 a.m. and I made use of the valet parking, I checked in with the front desk in hopes of storing our bags while we explored the city, but was delighted to learn that our room was already prepared for us.

We were able to drop our bags off in our room, freshen up, and get ourselves situated for a day of exploring.

Another family-friendly feature of the InterContinental was that they have family-friendly Dive In Movie nights every Friday and Saturday from 6-8. They have huge pool floats, popcorn, and drinks, so you can enjoy the movie while floating in the pool, or lounge in the tiered seating above the pool. So cool!

The location is excellent, too. It’s right on Grand Avenue near the RIverwalk and among some of the best shopping, restaurants, and activities in Chicago.

Just a note: valet parking was $88 when I stayed, and valet parking is the only option. You can choose to self park off property if you want, too.

Budget or Mid-Range Hotels

Having grown up just a short distance from Chicago, I don’t have a lot of personal recommendations for hotels.

However, here are a few tried and true hotel brands that I usually book as a mom of 4 that have more spacious options for families that are a bit more budget friendly AND are still in the heart of downtown on or near the Magnificent Mile.