St Charles Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

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 a dazzling holiday wonderland at Christmas at Cantigny, featuring a spectacular light show with synchronized music and festive decorations. Explore illuminated gardens, including a new Northern Lights display, and admire a towering Christmas tree. Enjoy ice skating, cozy up in the Noël Lounge, and shop for unique gifts at...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Discover unique, handmade treasures at A Holiday Happening Craft & Art Fair, recognized as one of the Top 20 craft shows in the US. This largest holiday event showcases the work of over 100 talented artisans from across the Midwest, offering a wide array of handmade gifts, jewelry, festive decor,...

Experience a charming holiday tradition at 'Once Upon A Christmas' in Lisle. This free event offers a delightful array of old-fashioned festive fun for all ages. Visitors can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy warm beverages, create holiday crafts, and participate in workshops. The event is held in conjunction with...

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...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Fashion Outlets of Chicago's Holiday HQ. This premier shopping destination invites visitors to create lasting memories with Santa Claus, find incredible deals at over 130 outlet stores, and give back to the community through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Giving Tree initiative....

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...

Immerse yourself in the magic of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, a cherished holiday tradition. This spectacular performance features an international cast of world-class dancers, breathtaking Broadway-level sets, and opulent costumes. Experience Tchaikovsky's iconic score brought to life with innovative choreography, whimsical puppetry, and dazzling visuals that will captivate audiences of...

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...

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...

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.

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...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a unique Flashlight Candy Cane Hike. This guided nighttime adventure takes participants along winter trails, illuminated by the glow of flashlights. It's a memorable way for families to embrace the festive spirit and enjoy the outdoors during the winter months.

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...

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...

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...

Step into Santa's magical workshop for a unique and personal visit. This event offers exclusive, one-on-one time with Santa for your family, allowing for private conversations and the opportunity to capture your own photos and videos. Special themed nights cater to various community groups, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

Experience the magic of the Rotary Club of Naperville's Parade of Lights. This enchanting evening parade winds through downtown Naperville, adorned with twinkling lights. It's a spectacle of brightly lit floats, local musical talent, and community participants, culminating in a special visit from Santa Claus, promising a delightful experience for...

Bring your furry best friend to The Morton Arboretum for special Dog Admission Days. Explore 16 miles of trails together, and on select 'Illumination' nights, even experience the magical holiday light display with your canine companion. 'Tails on the Trails' events offer a pet expo with local vendors.

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.

Join Elmhurst University for a festive holiday celebration combining the President's Holiday Open House with the Annual Festival of Lessons & Carols. This special event offers a warm and inviting atmosphere to kick off the holiday season.

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...

Experience the magic of the holiday season in Elmhurst with the FREE Holly Trolley. This festive service runs on Saturdays, allowing you to easily hop on and off to shop, dine, and explore the charming town. Stay tuned for exciting announcements about special guests who will be joining the trolley...

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.

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.