Aurora Other Christmas Activities 2026

Visitors can take continuous train rides past holiday light displays, dash through the snow on a cozy winter sleigh ride, and explore the illuminated playground. Children can share their wish lists and pose for photos with Santa Claus and his...

Celebrate the start of the season with Santa and the lighting of the Village tree. Families can visit with Santa, interact with animals at the petting zoo, decorate cookies, and place a message on the Wish Tree. The evening also...

Families board a train for a magical one-hour journey to the North Pole. Along the way, passengers experience the story of the Polar Express, sing Christmas carols, and enjoy milk and cookies. The trip also includes a visit from Santa...

Visitors embark on a self-guided tour of five homes decorated for the season by local designers and green-scape experts using items from local shops. Guests drive to each home to gather ideas and inspiration for their own holiday decor. Admission...

Board the train for a journey to the North Pole to pick up Santa and his friends before traveling back to Geneva for a meal. Following lunch or dinner, children have the opportunity to share their wish lists, sit on...

Visitors attend the Winter Wonderland performance at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. The production is presented live on stage and broadcast through the venue's BFAC On Air platform. On-site attendees have access to concessions under the venue's orange limited food...

Guests explore the beautifully decorated rooms of the Colonel’s former home before it opens to the public for the evening. Led by the McCormick House Director and Horticulture Director, the intimate experience blends history, design, and holiday traditions. The visit...

Guests gather inside the airport hangar to enjoy a buffet meal accompanied by holiday music and crafts. As Santa approaches, the hangar doors open so attendees can watch his helicopter touch down. Afterward, Santa steps inside to meet children and...

Families take festive wagon rides through twinkling lights and warm up with cups of hot cocoa. Children can participate in cookie decorating and meet Santa to share their holiday wish lists. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras to capture memories...

Children and family members of all ages can experience a visit with Santa inside his magical workshop. Only one family enters the workshop at a time to enjoy a brief conversation with Santa. Guests can capture the memory by bringing...

Families can step into the world of Whoville with Grinchy games, festive crafts, holiday treats, and Who-themed keepsakes. Guests can take photos with Santa Claus, the Grinch, and Cindy Lou Who throughout the gathering. The open-house format allows families to...

Participants enjoy private ice time featuring photo opportunities with Santa, holiday music, and hot chocolate. A skating trainer device is available to assist children who are new to the ice. Skate rental is provided for each registered participant.

Families sip hot chocolate and enjoy fresh donuts provided by Naperville's DeEtta's Bakery. Children can listen to a holiday story told by Santa and take pictures with him.

Families gather for an evening of festive holiday activities at the Dellwood Park Community Center. Guests can visit with Santa, enjoy inflatable fun, and make a holiday craft. The event also includes pizza and hot chocolate.

Visitors can join in a festive indoor swim with Santa at Challenge Fitness. The seasonal event is organized by the Lockport Township Park District at their local community fitness and aquatics facility.

Attendees gather for a reading celebrating the release of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas (According to Max). Following the storytime, guests participate in posed photo opportunities with the Grinch. Each ticket holder receives a copy of the featured...

Participants gather to discuss the holiday cozy mystery novel The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter. The club features a meet-and-greet session where attendees make a bookmark, learn how to access the book, and enjoy appetizers and...

Young children can enjoy a winter wonderland filled with festive movement games, reindeer games, and cheerful music activities. Participants also create simple gift-making crafts during the session. A nut-free snack is provided for all attendees.

St. Charles transforms into a winter wonderland for the Holiday Homecoming, culminating in the spectacular Electric Christmas Parade. This beloved Midwest event kicks off the holiday season with dazzling lights, festive floats, and the joyous presence of Santa Claus. Explore...

Downtown Geneva sparkles with holiday cheer during the annual Christmas Walk. This cherished event kicks off the festive season with the arrival of Santa Lucia and Santa Claus, the illumination of the Great Tree, and a magical atmosphere. Stroll through...

The Rotary Club of Naperville presents a magical evening with their annual Parade of Lights. This family-friendly event illuminates downtown Naperville with dazzling floats, local performers, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. It's a heartwarming celebration that supports local...

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...

Westmont, Illinois, comes alive with the Holly Days Winter Festival, a month-long celebration of end-of-year festivities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of enchanting events, from the excitement of the Elf Olympics and Santa's Sleigh Visits to heartwarming community initiatives like...

The Yorkville Holiday Celebration Weekend is the ultimate kickoff to the holiday season, offering a festive array of family-friendly events. Experience the excitement of the Holiday Parade, the heartwarming Tree Lighting Ceremony, and joyful visits with Santa. Lace up for...

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,...

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...

Step into the holiday spirit with the West Englewood Wheaton Holiday House Walk. This event invites visitors to tour four beautifully decorated homes in historic downtown Wheaton, offering a charming glimpse into festive holiday decor. It's the perfect way to...

Bundle up for a magical evening at Westwood Park for Winter Wonderland! This festive celebration officially kicks off the holiday season with dazzling lights, lively entertainment, and fun for the entire family. Step inside the Community Center for warm hot...

All aboard for a magical Santa Express train ride departing from Wheaton Train Station! Families can enjoy a festive journey filled with holiday music and stories, while Santa himself makes his way through the train to greet each child and...

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...

At Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, visitors can pick up an ornament for an animal resident and learn about their Christmas wish lists. Donations are encouraged to support the animals.

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...

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...

Join Santa Claus for a magical morning filled with delicious breakfast and delightful surprises. Children can enjoy a one-on-one visit with Santa, perfect for capturing memorable photos. Each registered child receives a special goodie bag to take home.

Experience the festive sounds of the Black Willow Brass Quintet at the Joliet North Pole Market. They will be performing a selection of holiday music, adding a special touch to your market visit. Discover unique gifts and enjoy the seasonal...

Ring in the New Year early at this exciting Noon Year's Eve Celebration designed for kids aged 6-10. They can enjoy music, dancing, games, and creative activities, all leading up to a grand countdown to noon. It's a fantastic way...

Join the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago in celebrating the Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. This annual observance honors a beloved saint, offering a moment for reflection and spiritual connection within the community.

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. Participants can choose between a chip-timed 5K or...