Holidays in Downtown DeKalb
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Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Holidays in Downtown DeKalb

Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown DeKalb with a charming collection of free events. Visitors can enjoy the festive 'Lights on Lincoln' display, meet Santa Claus in his special house for photos, and participate in the 'Adventures with Elfie' scavenger hunt for a chance to win local gift cards. The festivities kick off with a Christmas tree lighting, caroling, and hot chocolate.

What to Expect

Free holiday events and Santa visits in Downtown DeKalb.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Parking: Free bus rides to and from Downtown DeKalb are offered by City of DeKalb Public Transit.
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Other Christmas Events Near DeKalb

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and children

Vibe

Festive and joyful

Energy Level

Low

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High

Special Events & Promotions

  • Free bus rides to downtown events
  • Chance to win local gift cards through 'Adventures with Elfie' contest

Tags

Santa visitscommunity celebrationfree eventholiday traditionfamily friendlyseasonal activitiesholiday cheerfestive food

Location

Downtown DeKalb
DeKalb, IL

Event Details

Duration

Specific event times listed

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown DeKalb

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

Food & Drink

Hot chocolate and caroling are mentioned for the tree lighting.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Check the special Santa bus schedule provided by DeKalb Public Transit for convenient, free transportation to and from the downtown events.
  • Arrive early for the 'Lights on Lincoln & Santa Comes to Town' event on December 5th to secure a good spot for Santa's parade and the tree lighting.
  • Bring your own camera to capture photos with Santa at his house; there is no fee for entry or photos.
  • Participate in the 'Adventures with Elfie' scavenger hunt by December 16th for a chance to win local gift cards, making it a fun way to explore local businesses.
  • Dress warmly for the outdoor tree lighting and caroling event, and consider bringing a thermos for hot chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main events during Holidays in Downtown DeKalb?

The main events include 'Lights on Lincoln & Santa Comes to Town' on December 5th, featuring a parade, tree lighting, caroling, and Santa's arrival, followed by 'Visits with Santa' on December 7th, 14th, and 21st. The 'Adventures with Elfie' scavenger hunt runs until December 16th.

Are there any costs associated with these events?

No, all events mentioned, including visits with Santa and the 'Lights on Lincoln' celebration, are free of charge.

How can I get to Downtown DeKalb for the events?

City of DeKalb Public Transit is offering free bus rides to and from Downtown DeKalb for the 'Lights on Lincoln & Santa Comes to Town' event. Check the provided schedule for details.

Where is Santa's house located?

Santa's House is located in Van Buer Plaza, at the corner of 2nd and Locust Street.

What is the 'Adventures with Elfie' contest?

It's a scavenger hunt where you find Elfie cutouts at participating local businesses, scan a QR code, and enter to win local gift cards. The deadline to submit is December 16th.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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