Waukegan Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

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...

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...

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...

Experience Chicagoland's largest drive-thru Christmas light show, 'Shine Light Show,' returning to Northbrook Court. Immerse yourself in a dazzling wonderland of over one million LED lights, featuring unique displays like archways, candy canes, and glowing snowmen, all synchronized to beloved holiday classics. It's a festive and animated journey perfect for...

Step into an enchanting world at Lightscape, a dazzling 1.3-mile trail of twinkling lights and showstopping artistic displays at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Bundle up for a magical evening, grab a hot chocolate, and witness the garden glow beyond the expected. New this year are Jingle Jam Family Nights and...

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 Chicagoland's premier drive-thru holiday lights show at Willow Hill Lights. This fifth annual event features a spectacular 2.5-mile journey adorned with over 1.5 million LED lights. Drive through immersive tunnels, admire a 30-foot Christmas tree, and encounter beloved holiday characters synchronized to festive music. It's a magical, family-friendly experience...

Join Westfield Old Orchard for a magical evening to 'Illuminate the Orchard,' transforming the center into a sparkling winter wonderland. This free, family-friendly event features live music, ice skating, exciting giveaways, and special appearances by Santa Claus and beloved characters. Don't miss the spectacular fireworks display to light up the...

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.

Discover a festive array of Christmas events in Highland Park, IL, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Explore vibrant holiday markets showcasing unique handmade crafts and gifts from local artisans. Families can enjoy special events like 'Breakfast with Santa,' offering a magical experience for children. Additionally, participate in creative...

The Evanston Art Center's Winter Arts & Crafts Expo is a premier event in the Chicago area, featuring original, handmade works from over 150 selected artisans. Discover unique creations in jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, and mixed-media.

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....

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.

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...

Get ready for a magical holiday evening as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and CeCe Winans unite for 'Christmas Together' at the Rosemont Theatre. This special concert promises an unforgettable experience filled with beloved holiday classics and inspiring performances from these iconic artists. Don't miss this chance to celebrate the...

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...

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.

Discover the GO WAUKEGAN Community Walks, a series of free outdoor events designed to encourage residents to embrace an active lifestyle. These walks take place in various Waukegan parks throughout the year, each featuring a unique theme, from a lively Wag 'N' Walk to a festive Winter Hot Chocolate Walk....

The Waukegan Park District invites families to celebrate the holiday season with a variety of engaging programs and events. From the thrilling Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day to the fun-filled 'Holiday Adventures' with themes like Winter Olympics and Science Lab, there are activities for all ages. Additionally,...

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...

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...

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,...

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.

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...

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...

Lace up your skates for a magical holiday experience at Centennial Ice Rinks! Join Santa Claus for a festive public skate session filled with holiday cheer, complete with cocoa and candy canes. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season on the ice.

Join the community in Downtown Evanston for their cherished annual Holiday Tree Lighting event. This festive celebration at Fountain Square features live music from local choirs, a special tree lighting ceremony with the Mayor, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Families can capture memorable photos with Santa and...

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.

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.