TOP 10 CHICAGO CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS

It is that time of year again.  I love the number of uniquely Chicago and family (and budget) friendly ways to celebrate the holidays!  Updated for 2019!

Here are my... 2019 Additions...

Not to be missed are the many rooftop and hotel based warming huts, skating rinks and hot cocoa cafes that are popping up everywhere.  The key is to search Wrigleyville and the Magnificent Mile for these unique - enjoy while you can - experiences.... Add in a special holiday tea and you have a recipe for holiday magic with your kids!

TOP 10 Chicago Christmas for Kids

1.  CTA Holiday Train

For the price of a regular public transportation ticket, your children get to enjoy a decked out "L" train complete with open air Santa car featuring Santa.  CTA employees dressed as Elves act as Holiday Ambassadors, handing out candy canes and fun.  Don't forget to look for the Rudolph Bus... taking public transportation was never so festive! Check the CTA Holiday Train website for dates and times for the line near you.  

2.  Museum of Science and Industry Christmas trees 

from around the world

Along with a massive multi-story uniquely themed each year tree in the grand hall, over 75 trees decorated by volunteers to represent countries all over the world.  It's a small world after all.  My family loves to visit trees of our relatives home countries and new friends we have met over the past year.  Be sure to stay for the scientifically amazing indoor snowfall!  See the MSI website for details.

3.  Lincoln Park Conservatory 

Holiday plant and train display in an authentic Victorian Glass House built in the late 1800s!  And when surrounded by tropical plants, dozens of poinsettias and conveniently located near the Lincoln Park Zoo, what better place to warm up on a cold Chicago afternoon. As part of the Chicago Park District, visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory website for hours normally 9am to 5pm. 

4.  The Holiday Windows at Macy's

Formerly the State Street flagship store of historic Marshall Fields, the windows at Macy's are always a must see.  High above trumpets line the store and thematic scenes captivate the child in all of us.  If you have time or need to warm up, ride up the elevator to see the beautiful Tiffany Ceiling overlooking the cosmetics department and the Walnut Room's gorgeous Christmas Tree.  

5.  Lincoln Park Zoo Zoolights  

Enjoy a free viewing of millions of lights scattered throughout the Lincoln Park Zoo.  See the website for details.  Tip:  join the zoo as members get access to the Members Lounge located in the center of the zoo cafeteria for free hot cocoa and cookies, fun crafts and a chance to warm up between viewing.   And don't miss the ice carving demonstration! 

6.  High School Christmas Concerts

For a small fee or free, most high schools in the Chicago area offer Holiday or Winter themed concerts for bands, orchestras, or choirs.  What better way to get into the spirit of the season than seeing talented (and inspiring to young kids) teenagers perform classic holiday selections.  My favorite is the Walter Payton College Prep Band concert...ranked as the #1 high school this year by U.S.News & World Report, you can only imagine the talent and professionalism of these high school musicians.  Check your favorite high school's websites for dates and times.  Look for one in your neighborhood.  Chicago Public Schools website.  

  

7. Ice Skating on the Maggie Daley Ribbon
Designed to give the families of Chicago a place to play, this year round park features climbing walls and astounding playgrounds in the warmers months and a free (if you bring your own skates, try to find used ones online or at sport equipment resellers) Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbonin the colder months.  The ribbon itself offers a beautiful view of the skyline and a charming and safer way to relive the days when kids skated on lakes and ponds.  It can get busy so bringing your own skates is highly recommended.  Speaking of skating... another option is the rink at Wrigley Field, Home of the Cubs a small but charming addition in the shadow of one of the last great ballparks.  

8. ChristKindlMarket 

Created in the image of the classic Christmas Markets in Germany, Austria and Europe, the Christkindlmarket offers a delightful selection of unique gifts and food and features musical groups and entertainers.  

9. SLEDDING HILLS

Who can resist the urge to sled when the snow falls just right and kids beg for an excuse to get outside.  My favorite sledding hill is Cricket Hill  (free parking and located just off Lake Shore Drive at Montrose.  Huge hill... no trees...great views at the top of the skyline and loads of snow for building 8 foot snowmen in the surrounding fields.  Check out the hill next to Soldier Field for another unique spot to sled.  https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/northerly-island-natural-area

10. Holiday Displays and Shopping
Chicago is known for the Magnificent Mile, exceptional shopping in a beautiful downtown shopping.  During the Thanksgiving weekend, the Magnificent Mile Light parade offers great evening viewing of a parade that grows every year and features fireworks at the end. Gorgeous holiday displays are everywhere... driving to the airports, along the boulevards and in the hundreds of local neighborhoods.  As a supporter of small business, take time to visit your local shops and coffee shops while holiday shopping... my go to neighborhoods for unique gifts are Roscoe Village, Andersonville, Bucktown, Southport, Chinatown and Lincoln Park.   https://www.choosechicago.com/neighborhoods/

It is easy to get caught up in all of the end of the year to do list... for work, school, and holiday, but don't forget to take time to smell the fir trees, listen to a few carols and enjoy some tasty treats with your kids.  After all the best part about Christmas traditions are seeing them through the eyes of children.  

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Happy New Year
from Heather @4chances2parent, @creativebrandch

BIO 
Heather is a mom to 4 awesome kids.  She loves reading children’s books in silly voices, visiting museums & libraries, singing along with the car radio, seeing kid-placed glitter & stickers on other parents, & tiring out her kids by spending time with them outdoors. 

Find me on Twitter @4chances2parent & @creativebrandch.

And Instagram 4chances2parent.