Arlington Heights Other Christmas Activities 2025

Discover 43 verified other christmas activities in Arlington Heights and nearby areas.

Welcome to our guide to diverse Arlington Heights Christmas activities! Beyond the usual festive events, there's a whole world of seasonal experiences waiting for you. This collection highlights unique ways to enjoy the holidays and discover the magic happening throughout the area. Get ready for some memorable Arlington Heights Christmas activities!

You'll find a variety of festive events and holiday activities happening in and around Arlington Heights. Explore popular areas like the downtown district or local parks, which often become hubs for seasonal celebrations. Many community spaces and public areas host special events designed to bring people together during this joyful time.

This guide covers a broad spectrum of seasonal experiences, offering something for everyone. From charming local traditions to unique festive events, there are plenty of ways to embrace the holiday spirit. Dive in and discover the wonderful mix of Arlington Heights Christmas activities available near you!

All Other Christmas Activities Around Arlington Heights

Santa Photo Shoot

Mount Prospect, IL
$$

Professional Santa photo sessions

Capture cherished holiday memories at the Santa Photo Shoot in Downtown Mount Prospect. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for families to get professional photos with Santa Claus himself. It's the perfect way to kick off the festive season and...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyHoliday Tradition

Christmas Classic Chicago South

Schaumburg, IL
$$

Christmas-themed national championship with indoor snowball fights

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...

Community CelebrationFamily FriendlyHoliday Entertainment

North Pole Express

Palatine, IL
$$

Magical train journey to the North Pole

Embark on a magical journey aboard the North Pole Express! This popular event offers a unique train ride from Palatine to Woodstock, Illinois, transforming it into a festive North Pole experience. Families can enjoy decorating cookies, sipping on hot cider...

Train RidesSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

Santa Splash

Wheeling, IL
$

Santa Claus appearance at the indoor pool.

Dive into the holiday spirit at Santa Splash, where Santa Claus makes a special appearance at the indoor pool. Enjoy festive photos and treats while celebrating the season. This unique event offers a fun way to combine a swim with...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyHoliday Season

Holiday Hoopla

Wheeling, IL
Free

Festive holiday fun with Santa

Join the Wheeling Park District for their annual Holiday Hoopla event! This festive gathering offers a delightful afternoon for families, featuring a variety of engaging games and creative crafts for children. The highlight for many will be the special opportunity...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyChildrens Activities

Happy NOON Year Celebration

Wheeling, IL
$

Daytime New Year's Eve celebration with balloon drop.

Ring in the New Year with a daytime celebration perfect for families! This event features a variety of games, music, and a spectacular balloon drop. Each attendee receives a glow-stick necklace, party hat, and noisemaker to add to the festive...

Family FriendlyChildrens ActivitiesCommunity Celebration

Family Gingerbread House Decorating

Wheeling, IL
$$

Family gingerbread house decorating with craft activity

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...

Family FriendlyChildrens ActivitiesHoliday Tradition

Letters to Santa

Wheeling, IL
Free

Letters to Santa with guaranteed reply

Children can send their holiday wishes directly to Santa Claus through a special mailbox located at the Community Recreation Center. Those who include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with their letter are guaranteed to receive a reply from Santa before Christmas...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyCommunity Celebration

Elk Grove Village Holiday Tree Lighting

Elk Grove Village, IL 6 mi from Arlington Heights
$

Annual holiday tree lighting with fireworks and Santa photos

Join Elk Grove Village for their annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony, a cherished tradition kicking off the festive season. The evening begins with warm refreshments and engaging storytime sessions with the Village Board. Families can enjoy a delightful ride on...

Tree LightingSanta VisitsFireworks

Schaumburg Tree Lighting Ceremony

Schaumburg, IL 6 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Annual community tree lighting ceremony

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.

Community CelebrationHoliday TraditionFamily Friendly

City of Des Plaines Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Des Plaines, IL 7 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Annual community tree lighting ceremony

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,...

Community CelebrationHoliday TraditionFree Event

Winterfest

Hoffman Estates, IL 9 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Free winter fun with carriage rides and iceless skating

Experience a magical winter celebration at Winterfest, a free community event designed for family fun. Guests can enjoy charming horse-drawn carriage rides, indulge in a s'mores station and hot cocoa, and try out iceless skating. The event also features cookie...

Family FriendlyFree EventSeasonal Activities

Breakfast with Santa

Glenview, IL 9 mi from Arlington Heights
$$

Breakfast with Santa Claus

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...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyHoliday Tradition

Holiday Events in Glenview

Glenview, IL 9 mi from Arlington Heights
$$

Diverse holiday events in Glenview and Chicago

Discover a festive array of holiday events happening in Glenview, Illinois, and the greater Chicago area. From thrilling Halloween costume parties with prize opportunities to iconic Christmas bar crawls like the 'TBOX | Chicago's 29th Annual 12 Bars of Xmas/Santa...

Holiday MarketFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

Holiday Magic and Tree Lighting

Bensenville, IL 9 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Annual tree lighting ceremony with Santa.

Experience the enchantment of Bensenville's annual Holiday Magic and Tree Lighting Ceremony. This festive event brings the community together in Downtown Bensenville for an evening filled with holiday cheer. Visitors can meet Santa Claus, enjoy a delightful holiday car parade,...

Tree LightingSanta VisitsCommunity Celebration

Skating in the Park

Rosemont, IL 10 mi from Arlington Heights
$

NHL-sized outdoor ice rink in an entertainment district

Experience the magic of winter at Parkway Bank Park's 'Skating in the Park'! Glide across a climate-controlled NHL-sized ice rink set against a festive backdrop. This popular seasonal activity offers a perfect opportunity for family fun and outdoor enjoyment. Special...

Ice SkatingSeasonal ActivitiesFamily Friendly

Polar Express Train Ride

Roselle, IL 10 mi from Arlington Heights

Magical train ride to the North Pole with Santa.

All aboard for a magical 1-hour train ride to the North Pole! Families can relive the classic story of 'The Polar Express,' sing cheerful Christmas carols, and enjoy milk and cookies. The highlight of this enchanting journey is a special...

Train RidesSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

Gingerbread House Decorating Class

Bannockburn, IL 10 mi from Arlington Heights
$$

Hands-on gingerbread house decorating for all ages.

Create lasting holiday memories at this signature gingerbread house decorating class. Children design and adorn their own gingerbread house with endless supplies, guided by experienced instructors. It's a delightful, hands-on experience perfect for family bonding and festive fun.

Family FriendlyChildrens ActivitiesWorkshops

Photos With Santa at Fashion Outlets of Chicago

Rosemont, IL 10 mi from Arlington Heights
$

Photos with Santa and Pet Nights

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a visit to Santa's winter wonderland at Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Capture cherished memories with professional photos alongside Santa Claus. Special Pet Nights allow your furry companions to join in the festive...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyHoliday Tradition

Christmas Gift-Wrapping Event

Chicago, IL 10 mi from Arlington Heights
$

Learn professional gift-wrapping techniques

Elevate your holiday gifting with this specialized Christmas gift-wrapping event. Attendees will learn expert techniques to transform presents into beautifully wrapped treasures. Discover creative solutions for all gift shapes and sizes, ensuring your holiday gifts make a memorable first impression.

Holiday TraditionWorkshopsFamily Friendly

Streamwood Home Holiday Decorating Contest

Streamwood, IL 10 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Community-wide holiday home decorating showcase

Residents of Streamwood are invited to participate in the annual Home Holiday Decorating Contest. This event encourages homeowners to transform their properties into dazzling displays of festive cheer, creating a magical atmosphere for the community to enjoy. It's a wonderful...

Holiday TraditionCommunity CelebrationFestive Decorations

Holiday Fest

Northfield, IL 11 mi from Arlington Heights
$

Community park lighting with Santa and local school choirs.

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...

Community CelebrationSanta VisitsLive Music

Addison Christmas Tree Lighting

Addison, IL 11 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Annual community tree lighting ceremony with Santa visits.

Join the community for the annual Addison Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, a beloved tradition that officially kicks off the holiday season. This festive evening features a variety of family-friendly activities, including enchanting train rides, opportunities to meet Santa Claus, and...

Tree LightingSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

Santa's Arrival at Hawthorn Mall

Vernon Hills, IL 11 mi from Arlington Heights
$

Santa's grand arrival parade and 'A Christmas Story' set

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...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyCommunity Celebration

Poplar Creek Library Events Calendar

11 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Diverse children's programming and art exhibits

Discover a vibrant calendar of events at Poplar Creek Public Library, offering engaging activities for all ages. From interactive storytimes and creative art sessions for toddlers and preschoolers to dinosaur-themed adventures and educational programs for older children, there's something to...

Family FriendlyChildrens ActivitiesStorytime

Itty Bitty New Year

Skokie, IL 12 mi from Arlington Heights

New Year's celebration for toddlers and preschoolers

Celebrate the New Year with a special event designed for the littlest party-goers. This "Itty Bitty New Year" event offers a fun and safe way for toddlers and preschoolers to experience the excitement of a New Year's Eve countdown, complete...

Family FriendlyChildrens ActivitiesSeasonal Activities

Santa's Cottage

Mundelein, IL 12 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Intimate Santa visits in a historic, community-built cottage.

Step into a magical holiday experience at Santa's Cottage, a cherished tradition in Mundelein. This unique, cozy house offers children a personal and memorable visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, far from the hustle of department stores. Built with community...

Santa VisitsFamily FriendlyHoliday Tradition

Skate with Santa

Wilmette, IL 13 mi from Arlington Heights
$

Holiday-themed public skate with Santa Claus

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...

Ice SkatingSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

Glendale Heights Tree Lighting Ceremony

Glendale Heights, IL 13 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Santa Claus illuminates the holiday tree

Join the community for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Glendale Heights. This festive event features performances by local choral groups and culminates with the Mayor and a special guest, Santa Claus, illuminating the Civic Center Complex. Following the ceremony,...

Tree LightingSanta VisitsCommunity Celebration

Carol Stream Holiday Tree Lighting

Carol Stream, IL 13 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Community tree lighting with Santa and live performances

Join the Village of Carol Stream for their annual Holiday Tree Lighting Extravaganza! This cherished community tradition, hosted by the Village, Park District, and Public Library, promises an evening of festive fun. Enjoy holiday crafts, lively performances, a petting zoo,...

Tree LightingSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

Winnetka Holiday Sing

Winnetka, IL 13 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Annual community caroling event

Experience the warmth of community at the 29th annual Winnetka Holiday Sing. Families and friends gather at Village Green Park to share in the joy of singing favorite holiday carols. Bring your candles or flashlights for this heartwarming, short-and-sweet celebration.

Community CelebrationHoliday TraditionCarols

Glendale Heights House Decorating Contest

Glendale Heights 13 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Community holiday house decorating contest

Experience the magic of the holiday season as Glendale Heights residents transform their homes into dazzling displays of festive lights and decorations. This beloved contest brings the community together, offering a delightful visual spectacle for all to enjoy.

Holiday SeasonFestive DecorationsCommunity Celebration

Holly Trolley

Elmhurst, IL 13 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Free holiday trolley service with real-time tracking

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...

Seasonal ActivitiesHoliday TraditionFamily Friendly

Des Plaines Tree Lighting in Wilder Park

Elmhurst, IL 13 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Community tree sponsorship and decoration opportunity.

Join the Elmhurst Park District for their annual Tree Lighting in Wilder Park, marking the festive start to the holiday season. This beloved community event features a countdown to the lighting of numerous trees, creating a magical atmosphere. Attendees can...

Tree LightingCommunity CelebrationFamily Friendly

President's Holiday Open House and Festival of Lessons & Carols

Elmhurst, IL 13 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Holiday open house and carols festival hosted by university president.

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.

Community CelebrationHoliday TraditionConcerts

Holiday Flower Show at Wilder Park Conservatory

Elmhurst, IL 14 mi from Arlington Heights

Holiday floral displays at Wilder Park Conservatory

Step into a winter wonderland at the Holiday Flower Show, hosted at the beautiful Wilder Park Conservatory. This enchanting event transforms the conservatory into a breathtaking display of seasonal flowers and festive decorations, offering a magical experience for all who...

Seasonal ActivitiesFamily FriendlyFestive Decorations

Jolly Stop

Carpentersville, IL 14 mi from Arlington Heights

Visit with Santa and holiday crafts for kids

Bring the little ones to Jolly Stop for an evening of holiday cheer! Children aged 2-12 can enjoy cookies, cocoa, and a festive craft. They can also write a letter to Santa and drop it in his mailbox, and sing...

Santa VisitsChildrens ActivitiesHoliday Tradition

Winterville at the Park

Carpentersville, IL 14 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Community winter celebration

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.

Community CelebrationFamily FriendlySeasonal Activities

Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk & Tree Lighting

Glen Ellyn, IL 14 mi from Arlington Heights
Free

Letters to Santa mailbox with guaranteed reply

Experience the holiday magic in Glen Ellyn with the return of the 'Letters to Santa' mailbox, a charming way for children to send their wishes directly to the North Pole. Letters mailed by December 14th are guaranteed a response from...

Santa VisitsCommunity CelebrationHoliday Shopping

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any ice skating rinks or winter sports activities in Arlington Heights?

While specific rinks can vary, the Arlington Heights Park District often offers seasonal ice skating opportunities at their facilities. You might also find outdoor rinks set up in local parks during colder months. Checking the Park District's website for current winter programming is the best approach.

Where can families meet Santa Claus in Arlington Heights?

Families can often meet Santa Claus at various locations in Arlington Heights during the holiday season. Look for appearances at local shopping centers, community events hosted by the Park District, or special holiday markets. These events are usually announced closer to the festive period.

Are there any holiday train rides or special seasonal events near Arlington Heights?

Holiday train rides and special seasonal events are popular in the wider region around Arlington Heights. While specific offerings change yearly, keep an eye on announcements from local historical societies, parks, or nearby attractions that might host themed train excursions or unique festive gatherings.

What are some free or budget-friendly Christmas activities in Arlington Heights?

Arlington Heights often has free or budget-friendly Christmas activities, such as viewing neighborhood holiday lights, attending community tree-lighting ceremonies, or enjoying festive window displays downtown. Many local libraries and community centers also host free holiday-themed events and craft sessions.

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