Kids and adults enjoy activities that they can take part in as a family, such as Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier, the German Christmas Market at Daley Plaza, ice skating at Millennium Park, Christmas Around the World at Museum of Science and Industry and Star of Wonder at Adler Planetarium. Following are just a few of the great family oriented activities in the Windy City this Christmas season.
German Christkindlmarkt at Daley Plaza
The German Market at Daley Plaza opened their Christkindlmarkt on Thanksgiving Day and it will continue through December 23. The quaint Old World market in the heart of the city is free to attend. Food and gifts from the various vendors is available for sale.
Millennium Park
The ice skating rink is open for family fun and healthy exercise. Skating is free. Skate rental is available for $10. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
Museum of Science and Industry Christmas Around World
The popular exhibit, Christmas Around the World, shows Christmas trees from over 50 countries. Admission is free on Christmas Eve and New. Year’s Eve. MSI is closed on Christmas Day. General admission is Adult $13, Child $9, Senior $12.
Adler Planetarium Star of Wonder
The Star of Wonder Exhibit is an indoor sky show that reveals how the stars looked on the night of Christ’s birth. The story of the Star of Bethlehem is told. Star of Wonder examines theories of the events that prompted the Three Wise Men to travel to Bethlehem. Star of Wonder opened on November 24 and will continue until January 4. General Admission Adults $10, Children $6.
Winter Wonderfest on Navy Pier
Winter Wonderfest, Santa, entertainment, rides and ice skating of the festively decorated Navy Pier are great family fun. Winter Wonderfests runs from December 5 through January 4.
Holiday Cruises from Navy Pier
Cruise lines that depart from Navy Pier offers special holiday cruises starting at $32.90. Lunch cruises are more economical than the dinner cruises. the crouis tours offer a great view of the famous Chicago city skyline, a buffet meal and entertainment. During the month of December, leading up to New Year’s Eve the lunch cruises are a ideal activity for families. Contact Odyssey Cruise lines, Spirit of Chciago or Mystic Cruises for additional information.
On New Year’s Eve itself the cruise lines offer gala events in the evening that cost from $146 – $219.
New Year’s Eve Dance Party featuring DJ Warp
The Family Pavilion Stage will be the site of a dance party. The dance on December 31 from 10 pm to 11:30 pm.
Ronald McDonald’s Family New Year’s Eve Bash at Winter Wonderstage
Winter Wonderstage at Navy Pier offers a family oriented party that welcomes children and their parents. The fun begins at 6:00 with a concert. As part of the fun at Bank of America Winter Wonderfest, the celebrations includes play, dance and fun for kids. A special Family Fireworks show will take place at 8:15 pm.
Fireworks on New Year’s Eve
Two fireworks shows will light the skies over Chicago on December 31. The first show is a 8:15 pm. There is a second fireworks show at midnight, to ring in the New Year.
Information subject to change.
German Christmas Market at Daley Plaza in Chicago
Chicagoland’s Holiday Model Train Displays
Dining at Macy’s Walnut Room in Chicago
Christmas Holidays at Chicago Zoo’s
Andersonville Area of Chicago Celebrates Christmas with Swedish Traditions
