CHICAGO—The Chicago Park District invites families to celebrate the holiday season at park locations citywide. Events and activities take place from December 1, 2023, through December 23, 2023. For a full list of upcoming festivities, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/holiday-season.
“Our holiday events are yet another way families can stay active and entertained throughout the winter for the best rate in town!” said General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. “We invite you to include our park events in your holiday celebrations and make it a local, fun tradition.”
Park patrons can look forward to holiday events like roller skating with Santa, holiday parties, holiday-themed vendor fair, ornament making, and even sports activities, including a hoops tournament and women’s 4 on 4 hockey tournament! The holidays await you in the parks!
Holiday Events and Activities
December 1, 2023
Southport Holiday Stroll
Sheil Park, 3505 N. Southport Ave., 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
All Ages, Free Admission
Once again, we are excited to be part of a longstanding tradition on Southport where businesses break out the holly and stay open late offering special deals and festivities. This event features carolers, photos with Santa and more. Stop by the park for a few magical activities.
December 6, 2023
Elves & Arrows
Oriole Park, 5430 N. Olcott Ave., 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Ages 8 to 13, $5.00 Admission
Our little park elves had such an amazing time last year, we couldn't resist the opportunity to bring it back! Join us as our staff teaches introductory archery skills at this holiday event.
Archery is a great introductory sport for anyone of any age or skill.
Holiday Showcase
Owens Park, 8800 S. Clyde Ave., 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
All Ages, Free Admission
Join us for this festive holiday showcase featuring great talent and dancers from various park locations.
December 9, 2023
Holiday Party
Commercial Club Park, 1845 W. Rice St., 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
All Ages, Free Admission
Join us for a holiday party that will feature games, refreshments, and a visit from Santa. Co-Sponsored by Commercial Park Advisory Council.
December 10, 2023
The Littlest Nutcracker Workshop
McFetridge Sports Center, 3843 N. California Ave., 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ages 4 to 6, $20 Admission
Join us for an afternoon of Nutcracker fun! Students will learn a dance from the Nutcracker and will perform it for their families at the end of the event (3:45 pm). We will play games, learn ballet moves, and even get to put on tutus or vests and glitter for our performance! This event is great way to get in the holiday spirit and help our little ballet dancers learn about one of the most famous ballets in the world.
December 11, 2023
Hot Cocoa with Santa
Valley Forge Park, 7001 W. 59th St., 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Ages 7 and under, $10.00
Event includes holiday crafts, games, cookies & hot cocoa, arm painting, and photo opportunity with Santa.
December 12, 2023
Jingle Ball
Lincoln Park, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Ages 1 to 6, Free Admission
Holiday event that will include crafts, music, and fun activities.
Holiday Arts and Crafts
Rosedale Park, 6312 W. Rosedale Ave., 10:00 a.m.– 12:15 p.m.
1.5 years to 3 years of age, $8.00 admission
Let's get crafty together at the park. Kids will create a winter Holiday themed craft.
December 13, 2023
Holiday Showcase
Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St., 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
All Ages, Free Admission
Get in the holiday spirit. Enjoy demonstrations of dance, theater, songs and more.
Family Secret Workshop
Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave., 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Ages 7 to 12, $15.00
Families will work together with Santa's little helpers to make a special gift for that special someone this holiday season. Note: Price is per child and includes one adult. Parent/Guardian must stay.
December 14, 2023
Holiday Hustle
Park No. 571, 2828 S. Eleanor St., 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Ages 18 and up, $2.00 admission
Get ready to jingle all the way at our Holiday Hustle winter workout! Join us for a spirited session of festive fitness, where merry music and energetic exercises will have you feeling holly, jolly, and full of healthy holiday cheer! All fitness levels welcome!
Rollin’ with Frosty!
Lake Shore Park, 808 N. Lake Shore Dr., 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Ages 18 and up, Free Admission
Let's roll in the holiday season at our Rollin' with Frosty! Gather your friends and let's enjoy the holidays together at the park. Limited number of skates available to borrow.
December 15, 2023
Cocoa, Cookies, and Crafts
Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, 1801 S. Indiana Ave., 12:00 p.m.– 3:00 p.m.
All Ages, Free Admission
Rev up your holiday spirits with tasty treats and fun activities for the whole family.
Ornament Making
Rutherford Sayer Park, 6971 W. Belden Ave., 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Ages 3.5 to 5, $10.00 Admission
Let's get into the holiday spirit and make themed ornaments to give as gifts or decorate or home.
Teen Holiday Party (Deaf & Hard of Hearing (H.O.H.))
Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave., 4:00 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Ages 13 to 18, Free Admission
This event is for Deaf & Hard of Hearing teens (8th grade through High School). Join us for a fun-filled night of holiday games and activities. Food and drinks will be provided.
Dinner with Santa
Sauganash Park, 5861 N. Kostner Ave., 6:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.
Ages 3 to 10, $12.00 per person
Get into the holiday spirit at our dinner with Santa! Meet and greet the jolly man himself and take a selfie. Enjoy a pizza dinner and soft drinks. Listen to lively holiday music, coloring and sticker fun, plus other children’s activities. This event is ideal for children 9 and under.
Parent/Guardian must attend with children. Everyone in your group needs to register, individually, for this event. Ticket cost is per person.
December 16, 2023
Santa’s Secret Workshop
Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave. 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages 6 to 8, $10.00 Admission
Work together with Santa's little helpers to make a special gift for that special someone this holiday season.
Holiday Craft Fair
Hale Park, 6258 W. 62nd St., 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
All Ages, Free Admission
Shop local for your Holiday gifts! Come out and purchase some great items at the Holiday Craft Fair. People ages 18 and up may come join us and sell your holiday crafts. $20 per table. Chairs will only be provided.
Cocoa with Santa
White Park, 1610 W. Howard, 11:00 a.m.
Ages 16 and under, Free Admission
Ho! Ho! Ho! Join us for a cup of hot cocoa with Santa at Willye B. White Park. The free event is a wonder opportunity for children to visit with jolly Santa, take a selfie and share their holiday wishes. Thanks to our ongoing partnership with 024 CAPS. Adult must be accompanied by a child. Free cocoa while supplies last.
Holiday Sparkles
Shedd Park, 3660 W. 23rd St., 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Youth, Free Admission
Hot chocolate & cookies, Pictures with Santa, Bounce house, Arts & Crafts, Goody Bags
Do-It-Yourself Nutcracker
Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt Ave., 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
All Ages, Free Admission
Join us for this magical event! Join our student dancers on stage for a re-telling of this holiday classic where you become the star. Wear your tights, slippers, and holiday finest for this unique and fun-filled interactive holiday dance event.
December 19, 2023
Cookies with Santa
Hale Park, 6258 W. 62nd St., 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Ages 2 to 5, $10.00 admission
Event includes cookies with milk, a Santa craft project, Pictures with Santa (Parent's phone or camera) and Storytime with Olaf.
December 22, 2023
Windy City Hoops: Holiday Basketball Jam
Ellis Park, 3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave., 1:00 p.m.- to 6:00 p.m.
Ages 13 to 19, Free Admission
Chicago Park District Windy City Hoops Basketball Jam. A Holiday Basketball Tournament for teens in our Windy City Hoops programs!
December 23, 2023
Holiday Magic
Ellis Park, 3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave., 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
All Ages, Free Admission
Join us for this festive holiday celebration that will include arts and crafts, cookie decorations, face/hand painting, games, a dance contest, senior interaction, food, balloon making, and a toy giveaway.
December 27, 2023
Edges with Elsa and Anna!
McFetridge Sports Center, 3843 N. California Ave., 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Ages 7 to 13, $16.00
This Frozen-themed class will provide a series of fun and challenging exercises to improve skaters stroking and edge technique. Skater must be Beta, Gamma, Delta or FS 1 level to participate.
December 28, 2023
Women’s 4 on 4 Holiday Ice Hockey Tournament
Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave., 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Ages 18 and older, $200.00 per team
Enjoy the holidays on the ice! Teams of four women can register to participate in this three-day tournament (December 28, 2023 to December 30, 2023). There will be two divisions (beginner, intermediate) and all teams are guaranteed three games and a chance at playoffs. Games will consist of two 15-minute running time halves, no ice resurfacing unless it snows, games are played on half ice with Pond Hockey nets.
Team manager/captain registers each team online, no goalies.