Dekalb Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Get into the holiday spirit at the DAWC Annual Local Holiday Shopping Fair. This event is a fantastic opportunity to find unique gifts and festive decorations crafted by local artisans. Immerse yourself in a cheerful atmosphere filled with seasonal sights and sounds, making it the perfect place to start your...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the 31st Annual Elburn Chamber Christmas Stroll! Join the community on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, from 4-7 pm in Downtown Elburn for a delightful evening filled with festive activities. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live music, explore local shops, and discover...

Discover a festive indoor holiday market at the Prairie Events Center, featuring over 100 juried artisans. Browse unique, handmade Christmas gifts, from jewelry and photography to folk art and apparel. Enjoy a charming country Christmas atmosphere with live trees, festive music, and a sleigh, plus fresh holiday greens available for...

Discover the magic of the Ice Sculpture Cocoa Crawl in Downtown Huntley Square. This festive event showcases incredible ice sculptures, inviting attendees to warm up with delicious cocoa from local vendors. It's a perfect way to embrace the winter spirit and enjoy a unique community celebration.

Experience the magic of 'A Very Merry Huntley,' a festive celebration packed with holiday cheer. This event features a lively Kris Kringle Market, a special parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a dazzling fireworks display. Enjoy family-friendly activities like train rides, hot cocoa, and meeting live reindeer, making it...

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Christkindlmarket Aurora, a beloved German-style holiday tradition. Discover unique handcrafted gifts, savor festive treats like Glühwein, and soak in the enchanting atmosphere. This vibrant market offers a delightful European experience for the whole family.

West Chicago invites you to its annual Frosty Fest, a magical winter celebration marking the start of the holiday season. This beloved community event features a dazzling tree lighting ceremony, enchanting horse-drawn trolley rides, and a lively downtown filled with festive activities. Discover unique handmade gifts from local artisans, savor...

Stroll on State is Rockford's premier holiday celebration, marking the official start to the festive season. This free community event transforms downtown Rockford with a vibrant parade, a dazzling tree lighting ceremony, and spectacular fireworks. Visitors can enjoy live music, explore Frosty's Merry Market for unique gifts, and even participate...

Discover Christmas Town at Summerfield Zoo for a magical family tradition! Meet live reindeer, visit Santa at his cottage for photos, and enjoy festive train rides. Explore the zoo to see a variety of animals, including cold-climate species, and find unique gifts at The Flying Reindeer Gift Shop. Mrs. Claus'...

Experience the magic of the season at Peck Farm Park's Winter Wonder Lights. Wander through enchanting illuminated pathways, enjoy festive activities like hot cocoa by the fire, and meet Santa Claus. Special events include a craft brew festival, gingerbread decorating, and a unique winter solstice bonfire with bagpipes.

St. Charles transforms into a winter wonderland for the Holiday Homecoming Weekend. This spectacular event kicks off the festive season with the enchanting Lighting of the Lights Ceremony. Families can enjoy a free screening of 'Elf,' a dazzling Electric Christmas Parade, and a chance to visit Santa in his new...

Experience the magic of the holiday season in Yorkville with a weekend of festive fun! The celebration kicks off Friday with community performances, a dazzling Holiday Parade, and the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony. Saturday brings opportunities to visit Santa Claus, participate in the charitable Rudolph Run 5K or Jingle Jog...

Embark on a magical holiday journey at Santa's Village with their one-of-a-kind drive-thru Christmas experience. Glide through millions of lights synchronized to festive music, creating a dazzling spectacle from the comfort of your car. At the end of the route, park to meet Santa, capture memorable family photos, and savor...

Experience the magic of the Rockford Festival of Lights, a cherished holiday tradition spanning over 35 years. This spectacular drive-through event transforms Sinnissippi Park into a winter wonderland with over 85 dazzling light displays. Marvel at new installations and beloved classics, all brought to life by local community groups and...

Experience the enchantment of the All Aglow Holiday Display at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Wander through outdoor gardens transformed by over 300,000 sparkling lights, featuring illuminated stars, giant candy canes, and glistening displays. This magical, free event offers a festive way to celebrate the holiday season.

Embark on a magical journey with The Fox Valley Nutcracker, a beloved holiday tradition. This enchanting production features over 130 performers, blending local dance studio talent with professional dancers. Immerse yourself in Tchaikovsky's timeless score, brought to life with stunning choreography, lavish sets, and festive costumes. It's the perfect way...

Immerse yourself in the magic of 'Christmas in the Air,' a spectacular Broadway-style holiday review. This enchanting performance, presented by Rand Productions, features the dazzling Tinsel-toes dancers and a heartwarming story narrated by Santa's favorite elves. Get ready for a captivating mix of classic carols, contemporary hits, and original music...

Experience M3 Dance Company's enchanting 8th annual production of The Nutcracker. This fresh take on the classic tale features a captivating cast of students, pre-professionals, and professionals, showcasing beautifully crafted costumes and unique sets. It's a magical community event where dancers from near and far unite to create a memorable...

Step into a world of holiday cheer with Irving Berlin's White Christmas, a dazzling stage production filled with spectacular dance numbers and beloved songs. This iconic musical tells the story of two GIs who team up with a sister act to save a Vermont ski resort, culminating in a show-stopping...

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Rockford Dance Company present the beloved holiday classic, 'The Nutcracker.' This enchanting performance features professional musicians and dancers alongside talented community performers. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a magical adventure, making this a perfect addition to your family's holiday traditions.

Join Santa Claus for a delightful breakfast or lunch event. Families can enjoy a festive meal, participate in holiday crafts, and create reindeer food. Each child will have a special one-on-one visit with Santa, offering a perfect opportunity for photos. Bring your own camera to capture these magical holiday moments.

Experience the festive spirit of Holly Days in Downtown Elgin, a month-long celebration designed to support local businesses. The event kicks off with the popular Holiday Cheers Beverage Crawl on Small Business Saturday, where you can sample over 20 unique hot holiday beverages from participating establishments. Explore curated pop-up markets...

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...

Unleash your creativity this holiday season at the Plant & Sip: Holiday Wreath Make & Take event. Participants will craft their own unique holiday wreath, perfect for adding a festive touch to their homes. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while sipping on beverages as you learn to assemble a beautiful, custom...

All aboard for holiday cheer on the Holiday Express! This festive event offers a delightful train ride experience adorned with holiday spirit. Families can also get creative by decorating a wooden tree to be displayed along the streets, adding to the festive atmosphere. A special Sensory-Friendly Night provides a more...

Join the St. Charles community for the magical Holiday Homecoming Lighting of the Lights Ceremony, marking the official start of the holiday season. This spectacular event features a stunning display of holiday lights, festive music, and a special visit from Santa. The celebration continues with the Electric Christmas Parade, free...

All aboard for a magical journey on the Polar Express Storytime Train! Families are invited to wear their pajamas and embrace the holiday spirit for an unforgettable trip to the North Pole. Meet Santa and his friends, enjoy a festive meal, and create lasting memories with photos and wish list...

Step into a winter wonderland at the Geneva Holiday House Tour. This event invites visitors to explore five stunning homes in Geneva, each transformed into a festive masterpiece by talented local designers and green-scape experts. Discover creative decorating ideas and draw inspiration for your own holiday celebrations while enjoying a...

Belvidere's Hometown Christmas Celebration brings the community together on the first Friday of December for a festive kickoff to the holiday season. This cherished event in Downtown Belvidere offers a variety of activities for the whole family, creating a magical atmosphere to usher in the holidays.

Lace up your running shoes for the Rudolph Run 5K and Jingle Jog Family Fun Run! This festive event supports the Knights of Columbus in providing food and toys to local families this Christmas. Participants can choose between a 5K or a 1-mile fun run, with both walkers and runners...

Embark on a whimsical North Pole Adventure, a festive event designed to bring holiday cheer to families. This experience promises a magical journey filled with enchanting decorations, engaging games, and creative crafts. It's the perfect opportunity to create lasting holiday memories with loved ones in a truly festive atmosphere.

Winterville at the Park promises a delightful community celebration, bringing festive cheer and winter activities to Carpentersville. This event is a wonderful opportunity for residents to gather and enjoy the holiday spirit together in a welcoming park setting.