No doubt the holiday season brings more expenses. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have any holiday fun. Explore this list of free holidays activities in and around Chicago, ensuring festive fun without breaking the bank!
**Updated 2025**
FREE HOLIDAY EVENTS
- Downtown Algonquin will be lit up at Miracle On Main. Have a merry time with the arrival or Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer, free hot chocolate, live music, and more. (December 6)
- Go to a parade. Cary’s Merry Cary Parade in downtown Cary rings in the season with a Mrs. Claus Storytime, sleigh rides, hot cocoa, and more! (December 7)
- Bundle up and go on a hike! Better yet, make plans for a Luminaria Hike. The Crystal Lake Park District has one from December 3rd – 6th. On December 6th, they go all out with carolers, hot cocoa, a Candy Cane Forest, and more.
- Horse-drawn carriage rides make for amazing memories. Woodstock offers free carriage rides around the historic square. (December 7, 14, 21 from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM;)
ONGOING HOLIDAY
- Imagine Christmas as it was back in the days. Explore the charming town of Long Grove. Browse the shops, listen to carolers, and see Santa (select days).
- See the Milk House Ice Cream transformed into a cute gingerbread house.
- See Santa in his hut. Santa visits Crystal Lake and Woodstock.
- Go to the library! Sign up for winter reading programs, stock up on Christmas or holiday books, or find someone to help if an Angel Tree is available.
- Marvel at the festive holiday window displays at Macy’s on State Street.
- Visit Downtown Crystal Lake during Luminary Nights during Thursdays in December 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Downtown is all lit up with luminaries dotting the sidewalks. While here, say hello to Santa in the Santa House and take a pic in front of the big tree. A couple years ago, we encountered carolers and our beloved coffee truck, Joe and Dough, offering a fun hot chocolate bar.
- Did you know that nurseries and garden centers love to decorate for the holidays? Platt Hill Nursery is already all decked out for the holidays with trees lit up, holiday decor, and more. Kids will love the model train and scavenger hunt.
LIGHT IT UP
- Enjoy the free Christmas lights display Lights on Rockville in Gilbert and walk through the lighted arches synchronized to music.
- Go to an outdoor mall. The outdoor malls are usually all decked out with lights and more! The Arboretum of South Barrington. The humongous tree set to music and photo ops here are a must! Looking for more? Try The Promenade Bolingbrook too.
- While in Wheaton check out Night of Lights, a light display in Adams Park. Read all about the holiday fun we had in Wheaton.
- Say hello to the animals at Cosley Zoo when it is all lit up and trees are decorated. Donations appreciated and hot chocolate is available for purchase. (November 28-December 30)
- See Chicago’s favorite zoo all lit up. At Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights find twinkling lights including a lighted maze, photo ops, carolers, and more. General Admission is free on Mondays ONLY. (Nov. 21 – Jan.6. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.)
- Take a stroll through Lilacia Park in Lombard where it is all lit up. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December visit with Santa. Free! (Dec. 7 – Jan 5) Tip: While here, visit the Hughes Digital Christmas not too far away.
- Head to downtown Naperville for Naper Lights, a free event with holiday displays and music. (Thanksgiving to New Year)
- Look for more holiday lights around your area. Another great free option? The Aurora Festival of Lights at Phillips Park!
- Walk around Central Park in Oak Brook to experience Winter Lights, a half-mile walk through the park among thousands of lights. (November 21 – January 4 from 4:30-9:30 p.m. )
- See the Swiftie house in Naperville! (1228 Atlas Lane, Naperville)
- Don’t mind a drive? Head to Rockford for All Aglow at The Nicholas Conservatory (Best free walk through light!) and Festival of Lights across the street.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
- Go ice skating for free at Parkway Bank Park. Rentals available for $8. See website for hours.
- Watch Reporting for Christmas which was filmed in Long Grove and Woodstock.
- See ice sculptures. On December 16, Downtown Huntley will have their annual cocoa crawl with ice sculptures. Afterwards, the ice sculptures will be up – until they melt. Scope out the ice sculptures before they melt! At night, the downtown square is super cute!
- See the Home Alone house. Did you know Home Alone was filmed in the North Shore? You can see film locations including the outside of the house in Winnetka! Afterwards, head to Hubbard Street Park, the site of the skating rink and gazebo, but now a fun playground. End your day across the street which was the old pharmacy now turned Graeters ice cream.
- Explore the German-inspired Christkindlmarkets in downtown Chicago, Aurora, and Gallagher Way featuring festive stalls, food, and entertainment.
SEE SANTA
- See Santa and get a free 4 x 6. During Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops, you can see Santa, make a wish list, play with Lincoln Logs, and pose for a few photo ops. Just make a reservation online.
- See Santa in the Santa House in Downtown Crystal Lake. Located at Brink Street Market, you can find Santa in his house at Brink Street Market. While you’re here make sure to take a pic in front of the big tree. Santa House Hours: Thursday & Friday (5PM – 8PM), Saturday (10AM – 3PM), Sunday (Noon – 3PM) (11/29 – 12/21)
- See Santa at the Holiday Tent at The Arboretum of South Barrington. Not only does the heated tent have Santa, but there are specials like hot cocoa, face painting, and balloons. (Saturdays in December, 9-12 p.m.)
Looking to add more holiday fun? Check out these holiday activities to count down to Christmas!
