Mchenry Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Experience the festive spirit at the Festival of Trees, a heartwarming event spanning two locations in McHenry. Local businesses and organizations have adorned trees with unique themes, creating a visually stunning display. Visitors can participate by donating canned goods or toiletries to vote for their favorite tree, with all contributions...

Experience the magic of the McHenry Downtown Holiday Walk, a festive celebration featuring a vibrant Holiday Market with local vendors and entertainment. Stroll through charming 'Living Windows' displays, enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, and meet Santa. The event culminates with a dazzling tree lighting ceremony, illuminating the park and downtown streets.

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...

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 charm of Downtown Libertyville during First Friday events, running from October through December 2025. Shops stay open late, offering exclusive discounts, festive refreshments, and personalized shopping assistance. Enjoy live music, special offers from local businesses like The Bootery Boutique and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and a delightful community...

Embark on a festive Hot Cocoa Stroll through Hawthorn Row, where local businesses offer delightful samples of warm, comforting hot cocoa. It's a perfect way to experience the holiday spirit, discover unique shops, and enjoy a sweet treat during the festive season.

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the annual Holiday Craft Fair. Browse a diverse selection of handmade crafts and unique gifts from local artisans. Admission is free, and attendees receive a complimentary raffle ticket.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Woodfield Mall's Santa Photo Experience. Santa arrives on November 6th and will be available for photos through December 24th. Special events include Santa's grand arrival parade, dedicated pet photo sessions, and sensory-friendly visits for children with special needs. Reservations are encouraged to...

All aboard for a festive Polar Express Pub Crawl! Don your coziest pajamas and hop on a free trolley to visit multiple downtown McHenry locations. Enjoy special holiday drinks, entertainment, and a chance to win raffle prizes. It's a unique way to celebrate the holiday season with friends.

Immediately following the Annual Woodstock Christmas Parade, families can head to the Historic Woodstock Square for a delightful 'Cookies and Churros with Santa' event. This festive gathering offers children a perfect opportunity to share their Christmas wishes with Santa, indulge in sweet treats, and embrace the holiday spirit.

Join the magic of the holiday season with a delightful Brunch with Santa at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. This event is specially crafted for children, offering a memorable breakfast experience served right at your table. Guests are encouraged to bring their Christmas wish lists and capture cherished photos with...

Escape the ordinary and embrace the festive spirit with the Igloo Experience at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. These charming igloos offer a private and picturesque setting for up to six guests, perfect for intimate gatherings with friends and family. Reserve your spot in advance for a memorable holiday outing.

Celebrate Christmas Eve with exquisite dining experiences at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Choose between the festive Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet at Grand Café or gourmet meals at Geneva ChopHouse and Ristoranté Brissago. Enjoy a memorable holiday feast in a charming winter wonderland setting.

Celebrate the holiday season with a magical breakfast at Chevy Chase Country Club. This festive event offers a delicious holiday meal and the chance for children to meet and take photos with Santa Claus. It's a perfect way to create lasting holiday memories for the whole family.

Step into a winter wonderland at Kringle's Christmas Village, a charming holiday attraction in Antioch. This indoor event showcases dozens of oversized, illuminated shadowboxes filled with delightful miniature scenes. Explore the magic of the season with festive displays, a new miniature Dickens Village, and a dazzling array of community-decorated Christmas...

Experience the magic of Mundelein's Winter Tree Lighting Festival, a cherished tradition combining the Village's Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony with Winterfest. This festive event features live music, ice sculpting, and visits with Santa. Explore the Kris Kringle Market for unique gifts and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, culminating in...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Village Tree Lighting & Downtown Holiday Walk in Libertyville. Festivities commence with carols and entertainment, culminating in Santa's grand arrival to light the Village Holiday Tree. Capture memorable photos with Santa and explore the charming shops and restaurants that make downtown...

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...

Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas at Kemper, a beloved annual holiday event. Visitors can explore the beautifully adorned Durkee Mansion, themed 'A Snowy Winter Fantasy,' and admire a stunning Gallery of Trees. The event also features a special Opening Night Gala with entertainment and auctions, plus additional festive...

Get into the holiday spirit with the Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2025. This festive concert features contemporary saxophonist Dave Koz, a nine-time Grammy® Award nominee, alongside talented artists like guitarist Jonathan Butler and vocalists Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams. They will perform beloved holiday favorites and their own...

Charles Dickens’ enchanting tale of redemption, generosity, and hope comes to life in Arlington Heights’ favorite holiday tradition. On a snowy Christmas Eve brimming with memorable characters, ghostly apparitions, and festive holiday music, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge visits the past, present, and future and discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Metropolis’...

Get ready for a spectacular holiday celebration as Mariah Carey brings her "Christmas Time" tour to the Allstate Arena. Experience the Queen of Christmas live in concert for an unforgettable evening of festive music and dazzling performances that will fill you with holiday cheer.

The Salvation Army's Waukegan Corps invites the community to participate in their annual Holiday Giving campaign. This initiative focuses on providing essential support, including food, gifts, and warmth, to vulnerable individuals and families during the festive season. Contributions help ensure that everyone in Waukegan can experience the joy and comfort...

Get ready for a magical evening at the Festival of Lights! The celebration kicks off with a vibrant parade, followed by the enchanting Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy festive songs and meet Santa Claus himself to usher in the holiday spirit.

Step into a festive winter wonderland at the Holly Jolly Holiday Family Event! This delightful celebration features a variety of indoor activities, including craft stations for kids, a gingerbread house contest, and a fun cake walk. As dusk settles, gather for outdoor holiday carols before the grand Tree Lighting Ceremony,...

Join the festive kickoff to the holiday season at Woodstock's Annual Christmas Parade. This beloved event features a vibrant procession of local organizations and businesses showcasing their creativity on decorated floats. The highlight of the parade is the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, bringing holiday cheer to all.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the annual Woodstock Christmas Parade. This cherished tradition features dazzling floats and decorated vehicles, bringing festive spirit to life. Following the parade, join in for a special meet-and-greet with Santa, complete with cookies and churros, to officially welcome the holidays.

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.

Join Hawthorn Mall for a magical Santa's Arrival event on Friday, November 21, 2025. Santa will make a grand entrance with a festive parade, kicking off the holiday season. The celebration includes activities like face painting, balloon twisting, crafts, and entertainment, plus a special 'A Christmas Story' themed set. Registered...

Discover a delightful display of edible artistry at the Grand Geneva Gingerbread House Competition. Area residents showcase their handcrafted gingerbread masterpieces from November 23 through December 31, 2025. Wander through the Brissago Foyer to admire these festive creations and vote for your favorites. This event offers a unique opportunity to...

Experience the magic of the holiday season on the slopes with Santa Claus at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Join him for a special skiing session and enjoy festive fun during this unique Christmas event.

Get ready for the Christmas Classic Chicago South, a two-day national championship event filled with holiday spirit! This exciting competition features holiday music, opportunities for photos with Santa, and the thrilling World's Largest Indoor Snowball Fights. Teams will compete for prestigious awards, including Grand Champion Rings and National Champion Bracelets,...

Gather your family for a delightful gingerbread house decorating session. Each group receives a gingerbread house, frosting, and an assortment of candies to create a festive masterpiece. Little ones will also enjoy a special gingerbread craft activity, making it a sweet and memorable holiday experience for all ages.

Join the Schaumburg community for their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, a cherished tradition that officially ushers in the holiday spirit. This festive event brings residents together to celebrate the season and witness the magical illumination of the village's holiday tree.

Unleash your creativity this holiday season with a unique fused glass workshop. Participants can choose to design a set of vibrant fused glass jewelry or craft two enchanting Christmas tree votives. Explore a spectrum of colors and shapes to bring your artistic vision to life, resulting in a beautiful, handmade...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a special 'Breakfast with Santa' event. This cherished tradition offers families a chance to enjoy a delicious breakfast while meeting the jolly man himself. Children can share their holiday wishes and capture unforgettable photos with Santa, creating lasting memories. It's the perfect...

Join the City of Des Plaines for their annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, a cherished tradition that officially ushers in the festive season. This heartwarming event brings the community together to witness the magical illumination of the city's holiday tree, creating a memorable start to the holidays.

Celebrate the holiday season at Northfield's annual Holiday Fest! This family-friendly event features a magical park lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa Claus, and delightful holiday music performed by local school choirs. Children can write letters to Santa and enjoy festive crafts, s'mores, and refreshments. It's a perfect community gathering...