Celebrating the holidays with children in Chicago is a blast with so many options! Most people already know about the Christkindlmarket and Lincoln Park’s Zoo Lights. So, we wanted to share our doulas favorite hidden gems.
Museum of Science and Industry – Christmas Around the World
Through January 6, 2019
We love MSI and this Christmas exhibit is worth planning a trip this time of year. The main huge tree and falling snow is absolutely magical. Exploring the 50 different festive and cultural displays with your children is a fun chance to discuss how people celebrate the holidays all over the world. Santa is there on the weekends from 10am-3pm and they also have wonderful performances on the weekends. Buy tickets online to save on admission.
Art Institute Holiday Thorne Rooms
Through Jan 7, 2019
These beautifully elaborate miniature rooms are one of our favorite exhibits at the Art Institute and they are even more interesting when decked out in festive holiday trimmings. Children 13 and under are free but adults are $35/each. They host lots of fun events, so try to plan your visit around an opportunity for your little ones to make some art of their own! Don’t forget to download the app, which helps you navigate the museum.
Caroling at Cloud Gate
Fridays, November 23-December 14, 2018, 6-7pm
Bundle up, pack a Thermos full of cocoa and head to Millennium Park for a stunning view of The Bean, lit up by city lights and join in with other hundreds of other Chicagoans, singing classical holiday tunes. Each week hosts a different choral group and Santa comes by at 5pm. This event is free.
Friday, November 23: The Old Town School Community Choir
Friday, November 30: Janet Sutton & the Voices of ACME
Friday, December 7: Chicago Chamber Choir
Wednesday, December 12: The King’s Singers, Apollo Chorus of Chicago and ChiArts: The Chicago High School for the Arts, in collaboration with Harris Theater
Friday, December 14: Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
Beatrix Potter’s Holiday Tea Party
December 8- December 30
You can catch this enchanting show at Chicago Children’s Theater. It is recommended for ages 2-6. The hot cocoa and cookies afterwards is icing on the cake. Buy tickets in advanced! Afterwards, they let the children play with the puppets.
Chicago Botanic Garden Wonderland Express & Hanukkah Concert
Chicagoans will enjoy seeing local landmarks in miniature form and children love the trains. This beautiful location also hosts fun events, like ice sculpting, caroling and an incredible Hanukkah Concert. Check their website for events and admission details.
Ice skating with the Chicago Park District
Until March 1, 2019
While Millenium Park and Maggie Daley Park are the most popular places in the city to ice skate, many parks across the city offer ice skating. All location free admission, offer skate rentals for a fee and free lessons are first come, first serve.
Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum
Through January 1, 2019
This is our favorite holiday light display because it’s so unique. The displays are colorful and interactive. The kids will be talking about it for weeks afterward! The one mile path is stroller friendly and winds through beautiful lit trees. Ticket prices vary depending on the day.
Winter Solstice Festival at NPV Nature Center Park
December 15, 2018 6-9pm
This is a fun and free family event! Bring the whole gang to sing along with holiday music, crafts,stroll through luminary-lit trails, and say “Hello!” to the visiting critters from Big Run Wolf Ranch.
CTA Holiday Train/Bus
Click the link above for the schedule for both the train and bus. Both are decorated top to bottom and playing holiday music! These are especially magical if you and your children take public transit regularly, but anyone would love this extra festive ride! Ashley’s daughter was beyond excited when they just happened to catch a Holiday bus with Santa last year! He was sitting in the back and his elves were handing out candy canes. So magical!
Kids Table Holiday Cooking Class
We love the cooking classes offered at Kids Table and the holiday lineup is even more fun, with both Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations. Classes start at 18 months and up, with drop off classes for ages four and up that are perfect for a date night, or bring the whole gang for a family pizza night. These classes make cooking fun, while teaching safety and healthy eating habits.
If you want to get out with your little one but the task sounds daunting, give us a call and have a Postpartum Doula come with you! We can carry the diaper bag and help make the experience fun, without the stress!
Have a wonderful holiday, from all the doulas at Chicago Family Doulas!
