Students, teachers, and staff across Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are ringing in the holidays with a diverse slate of events and celebrations for their school communities as the calendar year comes to a close. District and school leaders and teachers aim to ensure that every student in every school feels represented and included this holiday season with school day and evening events that celebrate community, the arts, and the District’s rich diversity. Santa and his elves will be making appearances across the District too, popping in for breakfast events and evening choir performances. Schools across the District also host decorating events such as the annual December door decorating contest at Portage Park Elementary School.

Jordan Elementary School in Rogers Park will host their first La Posada holiday event, bringing together families and community members who represent more than 30 nationalities. The celebration, set to take place on December 20th will feature music, arts and crafts, and food prepared by local vendors and families, all highlighting the school community’s wide array of holiday traditions. School leaders at Jordan Elementary hope to continue the La Posada festival as an annual tradition and as one of the many ways they embrace and celebrate their school community.

Little Village Elementary School is partnering with Levy Restaurants to host a holiday breakfast event on Tuesday, December 19 for their school community, and Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy in Brighton Park will host their annual Winter Showcases event on Thursday, December 21st. This event features performances from Gunsaulus students who have participated in programs such as a folkloric dance club, a breakdancing club, and Merit Music programs.  Winter break begins for CPS students on December 22, 2023, and runs through January 5th, 2024. Classes resume on Monday, January 8, 2024.