Chicago Heights Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Join the Village of Burr Ridge for their annual 'Deck the Green' holiday celebration. This festive outdoor event features a magical holiday train ride around the Village Green, opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and appearances by beloved holiday characters. Enjoy live entertainment from illuminated jugglers and fun face...

Joliet transforms into a winter wonderland for the Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade. This vibrant event features a bustling North Pole Market with artisan vendors, a magical North Pole Park with an iceless skating rink and kids' rides, and opportunities to visit with Santa. The day culminates in...

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Holiday Magic, Chicagoland's longest-running holiday lights festival. For over 40 years, they've transformed the zoo with over 2 million LED lights, creating a dazzling spectacle. Stroll through glowing pathways and immerse yourself in festive decorations that make this a cherished...

Navy Pier transforms into a winter wonderland with the return of Winter WonderFest. This beloved indoor holiday event features dazzling décor, thrilling rides, an ice rink, and festive fun for all ages. Explore the 42-foot Holiday Tree, enjoy classic attractions, and savor seasonal treats.

America's holiday season officially begins at The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® in Chicago. This iconic event features the nation's largest nighttime parade, dazzling floats, marching bands, and beloved characters from Walt Disney World®. The celebration culminates with a spectacular fireworks display, illuminating over one million lights along Michigan Avenue.

Experience the magical kickoff to the holiday season at Illuminate 900. Hosts Giuliana & Bill Rancic will guide you through an evening of spectacular performances, delightful family activities like cookie decorating, and festive music. The highlight is Santa's arrival to light the magnificent 50-foot tree, transforming the venue into a...

Central Park transforms into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights. Stroll through a 1/2 mile path featuring dancing trees, rainbow arches, snowflakes, and musical hearts. Enjoy a free, accessible experience perfect for all ages, with special sensory-friendly times available daily.

Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland for ZooLights, a beloved holiday tradition. Millions of lights illuminate the park, creating a magical atmosphere with dazzling displays and a festive light tunnel. Enjoy seasonal treats, rides on the Ferris wheel and carousel, and special events like ice carving and live...

Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a magical holiday spectacle with ZooLights, featuring over 3 million dazzling lights and hundreds of festive displays. Enjoy iconic rides, warm up with seasonal treats, and experience live ice carving and caroling. It's Chicago's favorite holiday tradition, perfect for creating lasting winter memories.

Celebrate an annual holiday tradition at The Polo Inn's Christmas Brunch. This festive event takes place in the historic Old Eagle Room, featuring live organ music playing beloved Christmas favorites. Reservations are essential for this popular celebration, offering a unique way to enjoy the holiday season.

Experience Brookfield Zoo Chicago after dark at the exclusive Zoo After Dark: Holiday Sip & Stroll. This 21+ event offers a magical evening filled with dazzling holiday lights, festive cocktails, and a lively DJ dance party. Get a first look at the Holiday Magic displays and enjoy seasonal sips in...

Get ready for an unforgettable New Year's Eve at Howl at the Moon's spectacular celebration! They are hosting a night of high-energy entertainment and live music, promising a countdown like no other. Whether you prefer to start with a seated dinner and show or dive straight into the festivities with...

Get ready to ring in the New Year with an electrifying disco dance party at The Salt Shed! This event promises a night filled with the greatest hits from ABBA, alongside beloved disco anthems from the 70s and 80s by artists like The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and Cher. Don...

Celebrate the holiday season with a unique culinary experience at Royal Palms Chicago's Holiday Food Program. They partner with Mad Man Hospitality Group to offer delicious catering for cabana parties from late November through early January. Guests can pre-order gourmet buffets, stations, or passed appetizers, or opt for a la...

Experience the magic of the season at Tinley Park's Holiday Happenings! This beloved annual event transforms Downtown Tinley Park into a festive wonderland. Browse unique gifts and artisanal crafts at the Holiday Market, and savor delicious seasonal treats and warm beverages. It's the perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit...

Experience a delightful holiday celebration at Crestwood's Christmas Market with Santa. This festive event features a charming market with holiday-themed merchants, opportunities to write letters to Santa, and creative cookie decorating sessions. Visitors can also enjoy warm hot chocolate and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos.

Discover the magic of the Holiday Road, a vibrant stretch of Western Avenue transformed into a festive celebration. This event offers a delightful mix of shopping specials, kids' activities, and unique food and drink options. Enjoy free trolley rides, visit with Santa, and explore a variety of local businesses offering...

Step into the holiday spirit at the Holiday Housewalk & Market in Oak Park and River Forest. This cherished local tradition invites you to tour four stunning homes, each adorned with festive decorations and offering inspiration for your own seasonal decor. Complement your visit with a stop at the vibrant...

Get into the holiday spirit with a delightful afternoon in Downtown Oak Park. Enjoy complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, a festive Cocoa Walk featuring unique hot chocolate creations from local coffee shops, and a special visit from Santa Claus himself. It's the perfect way to embrace the magic of the season.

Joliet's Rialto Square Theatre presents 'Home for the Holidays,' a season packed with festive entertainment. This celebration features a curated selection of family-friendly shows, including beloved holiday classics and exciting new performances. Enjoy live music, theatrical productions, and classic holiday movies in the stunning, historic setting of the Rialto Square...

Salt Creek Ballet presents a timeless holiday tradition: The Nutcracker. This beloved ballet, set to Tchaikovsky's enchanting score, follows Clara's magical Christmas Eve journey. Witness the epic battle against the Mouse King, a voyage to the Kingdom of Sweets, and the dazzling performance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. A captivating...

Step into a magical Christmas Eve at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with The Joffrey Ballet's spectacular production of The Nutcracker. This Tony Award-winning reimagining by Christopher Wheeldon transports audiences on a fantastical journey with Marie and her prince, set to Tchaikovsky's beloved score. Experience a dazzling array of international...

Experience the magic of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at Goodman Theatre. This beloved adaptation, praised for its "first-rate cast and marvelous staging," follows Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey on Christmas Eve. Directed by Malkia Stampley, the production features Christopher Donahue returning as Scrooge in a performance hailed as "historical standout."...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the South Chicago Heights Tree Lighting Ceremony. This cherished annual event, now in its 37th year, invites the community to gather as the Mayor and Village Board of Trustees illuminate the Christmas tree. Following the ceremony, children can anticipate a delightful visit...

South Chicago Heights invites families to a magical 'Breakfast With Santa' event. This special occasion offers a catered breakfast, engaging entertainment, and a cherished gift for every child aged 11 and under. It's a wonderful opportunity for young ones to share their holiday wishes directly with Santa Claus in a...

The 27th Annual Tinley Park Parade of Lights illuminates the heart of downtown Tinley Park, marking a magical start to the holiday season. Families and friends gather for a dazzling procession of illuminated floats, marching bands, and community organizations, culminating in a special appearance by Santa Claus. Local businesses along...

Embark on a whimsical journey aboard Santa's Candy Cane Express for a truly magical holiday experience. This festive event promises enchanting moments as you ride with Santa and his cheerful helpers, surrounded by dazzling holiday decorations. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season.

Visit Santa atop Santa's Mountain, a replica from 'A Christmas Story,' for a memorable photo opportunity. Children can also enjoy sliding down the iconic red slide. This special holiday event takes place at the Indiana Welcome Center.

Get ready for the magical Crown Point Santa Parade! Witness Santa's spectacular arrival by helicopter at Pointe Plaza before he heads to the historic Lake Country Courthouse. This beloved event marks the joyous start of the holiday season, bringing festive cheer to families.

Lace up your running shoes for the Santa Run & Walk 5K/2K, a festive event for everyone! Choose between a timed 5K or a non-timed 2K run/walk through Crown Point. Participants receive finisher medals, and awards are given to top performers. After the race, enjoy hot cocoa, Christmas treats, and...

Bundle up for a magical evening at the Winter Holiday Celebration in the Park! This festive event offers a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit with dazzling light displays and engaging holiday entertainment. Enjoy warm beverages and sweet treats while soaking in the cheerful atmosphere. Keep an eye out,...

Join the city of Chicago for the 112th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millennium Park. This cherished event officially ushers in the holiday season, illuminating the city's official Christmas tree. Gather near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street to witness this spectacular tradition.