Top things to do in Chicago, Western Suburbs, and North Shore this weekend, December 26-28, 2025

Chicago offers a vibrant mix of cultural, seasonal, and entertainment experiences, making it the perfect destination for your weekend plans. From world-class theater productions and museum exhibits to festive holiday displays and outdoor attractions, the city presents opportunities for both relaxation and exploration. Discover our curated selection of top events and activities to make the most of your time in Chicago this weekend.

Here are just a few of the top things to do in Chicago this weekend, December 26–28, 2025:

Chicago Events — December 26–28, 2025

Theater & Live Performances

• The Nutcracker – Lyric Opera of Chicago
  Experience the timeless holiday ballet performed by world-class dancers in a breathtaking production. Perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts.

• A Christmas Carol – Goodman Theatre
  Enjoy the classic Dickens tale brought to life on stage with remarkable storytelling and set design.

• Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol – Studebaker Theater
  A unique, cinematic retelling of the holiday classic combining puppetry, film, and live performance.

Holiday Lights & Seasonal Attractions

• Lincoln Park ZooLights
  Walk through millions of twinkling lights and holiday displays at Chicago’s beloved zoo.

• Lightscape – Chicago Botanic Garden
  Immerse yourself in a spectacular illuminated garden experience (tickets recommended).

• Ice Skating at Millennium Park
  Enjoy free outdoor skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink—perfect for a winter outing.

• Holiday Magic – Brookfield Zoo
  Experience nightly light displays paired with seasonal attractions for the whole family.

• Illumination at The Morton Arboretum
  Stroll through a mesmerizing display of light and art in a serene arboretum setting.

Festivals, Markets & Family Fun

• Winter WonderFest – Navy Pier
  Indoor winter fun featuring rides, games, and holiday-themed attractions.

• Winterland – Gallagher Way
  Outdoor skating and festive games in a Wrigleyville winter playground setting.

Museums & Exhibits

• Christmas Around the World – Museum of Science and Industry
  Explore global holiday traditions and cultural displays perfect for visitors of all ages.

• Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind – Museum of Contemporary Art
  A thought-provoking art exhibition exploring sound, performance, and creativity.

• Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art – Intuit Art Museum
  An inspiring exhibit blending art, culture, and storytelling.

DuPage County Events — December 26–28, 2025

Holiday & Light Displays

• Festival of Lights & Tree Sale – Cosley Zoo, Wheaton
  Enjoy festive lights and holiday tree shopping at the zoo, perfect for families and seasonal fun.

• Winter Lights at Central Park – Oak Brook
  Stroll through Central Park’s illuminated trails featuring stunning winter-themed displays.

• Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic – Brookfield
  Explore sparkling lights and seasonal attractions at the zoo, a family-friendly holiday tradition.

• Christmas at Cantigny – Wheaton
  View Cantigny’s gardens and historic mansion beautifully decorated for the holidays.

• Holiday Lights – Lilacia Park, Lombard
  Walk through a dazzling outdoor display of colorful lights in Lombard’s scenic park.

• Illumination: Tree Lights – Morton Arboretum, Lisle
  Admire dramatic lighting installations across the arboretum’s treed landscape.

• Naper Lights – Downtown Naperville
  Enjoy Naperville’s festive downtown lights, a perfect evening stroll for families.

• New! Illumidomes at Illumination – Morton Arboretum, Lisle
  Explore immersive, dome-shaped light installations for a magical seasonal experience.

• Nights of Lights – Adams Park, Wheaton
  Stroll through vibrant holiday light displays in the park, ideal for all ages.

• Reindeer Roundup – Elmhurst City Centre, Elmhurst
  Participate in holiday-themed activities featuring a “live” reindeer display for kids.

• Sparkle, Sounds, and Holiday Fun – Downtown Naperville
  Seasonal music and interactive holiday displays for a festive downtown experience.

Exhibits & Museums

• Cabinet of Curiosities Exhibit – DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton
  Discover rare artifacts and unique collections highlighting local history.

• Sellek-Kroehler Exhibit – Naper Settlement, Naperville
  Explore historic art, artifacts, and displays from Naperville’s past.

• Shakkei: Work by Mayumi Lake and Bob Faust – Elmhurst Art Museum
  Contemporary art exhibit featuring vibrant works by local and international artists.

• Sister Act – Drury Lane Theatre, Oakbrook Terrace
  Enjoy the hit musical comedy featuring a choir of spirited nuns and holiday cheer.

• Tense Times: The Cold War in DuPage County Exhibit – DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton
  Explore the local history and impact of the Cold War in DuPage County.

• Vivid Creatures – Morton Arboretum, Lisle
  Family-friendly exhibition showcasing colorful, whimsical animal sculptures.

• Woven Together: Coverlets and Community in DuPage County Exhibit – DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton
  Discover the craftsmanship and stories behind historic coverlets in the community.

Entertainment & Social

• Winter Break Unlimited Attractions Wristband – Enchanted Castle Family Entertainment Center, Lombard
  Access all indoor rides and attractions with a wristband for unlimited fun.

• Winter Break Unlimited Indoor Attractions Wristband – Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center & Picnics, Joliet
  Enjoy games, rides, and activities for kids and teens throughout the holiday break.

• Friday Night Live Music – Church Street Brewing Company, Itasca
  Live music performance to kick off the weekend with a festive vibe.

• Happy Hour – COA at The Drake Oak Brook, Oak Brook
  Seasonal cocktails and appetizers at a relaxed, holiday-inspired setting.

• Happy Hour at The Polo Lounge – The Drake Oak Brook, Autograph Collection, Oak Brook
  Enjoy a festive evening with drinks and light bites at this classic lounge.

• Cocktail for a Cure – Le Meridien Chicago, Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
  Sip cocktails to support charitable causes while enjoying a stylish holiday atmosphere.

North Shore Events — December 26–28, 2025

Looking for fun activities on Chicago’s North Shore this weekend, December 26–28, 2025? Whether you’re looking for festive family experiences, live performances, or creative workshops, the North Shore has something for everyone. Here’s a curated list of top events organized by category.

Live Performances & Theater

• Annie – Music Theater Works (Skokie)
  Classic holiday musical about the optimistic orphan Annie — perfect for families or a festive date night.

  • Fri, Dec 26: 7:00 PM

  • Sat, Dec 27: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

  • Sun, Dec 28: 2:00 PM

Holiday & Seasonal Activities

• Game of Gnomes – Scavenger Hunt (Wilmette)
  A fun holiday scavenger hunt around downtown shops. Find hidden gnomes, complete your card, and win prizes.

  • Runs all weekend, Dec 26–28

• Gingerbread House Making (Bannockburn)
  Decorate your own gingerbread house in a festive holiday workshop — great for kids and families.

  • Classes available Sat & Sun, Dec 27–28

Family-Friendly Activities

(Some activities overlap with holiday events)

• Game of Gnomes – Scavenger Hunt (Wilmette)
  Engage kids in a festive scavenger hunt throughout downtown.

• Gingerbread House Making (Bannockburn)
  Hands-on holiday craft activity for children and families.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, the North Shore and nearby Chicago suburbs offer plenty of festive activities this weekend, December 26–28, 2025. From the timeless charm of Annie at Music Theater Works in Skokie to the playful Game of Gnomes scavenger hunt in Wilmette, families and friends can enjoy holiday-themed entertainment together. Creative workshops like gingerbread house decorating provide hands-on fun, while outdoor attractions such as the Chicago Botanic Garden light displays and neighborhood holiday lights offer beautiful seasonal scenery. With something for all ages—live theater, family activities, and festive sights—the North Shore and suburbs are the perfect place to celebrate the post-Christmas weekend in style.

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