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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Plan your perfect holiday schedule in Carol Stream! Our guide features all the best festive events and activities. From Carol Stream regulars to holiday explorers, our guide highlights the season's best events and activities.

Among the enchanting options is the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, where the festive spirit lights up the Chicago skyline with dazzling displays and vibrant parades. Another highlight is the City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, known for its charming atmosphere and community celebration that marks the official start of the holiday season. And the Lightscape is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering a unique blend of art and nature illuminated by stunning light installations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Carol Stream Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Illumination of a nominated tree in Millennium Park.

Description:

The City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is an annual event where the official Christmas Tree in Millennium Park is illuminated, marking the start of the holiday season. The tree, nominated from the Chicagoland area, must meet specific criteria and is illuminated through January 8, 2025. The event includes live performances and festivities, making it a significant part of Chicago's holiday traditions.

Where: Chicago | More Info: City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Largest nighttime parade in the United States with over one million lights.

Description:

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a day-through-night holiday extravaganza featuring a spectacular parade led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and musical performances. The event includes the illumination of one million lights on 200 trees along North Michigan Avenue, culminating in the Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River.

Where: Chicago | More Info: Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Dazzling light installations and seasonal music.

Description:

Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden features an illuminated trail with dazzling installations, art, and music, creating a vibrant and immersive winter experience.

Where: Glencoe | More Info: Lightscape

Event Organizer?

Carol Stream Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Showcasing original, handmade arts and crafts by over 140 artisans.

Description:

The Evanston Winter Arts and Crafts Expo features over 140 selected artisans showcasing original, handmade works of jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, and mixed media.

Where: Evanston | More Info: Evanston Winter Craft Fair

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Celebrating local craftsmanship with a focus on sustainability and community.

Description:

Renegade Craft Fair is a premier event showcasing over 400 local artists, designers, and makers in Chicago. The fair features a diverse array of handmade goods, including jewelry, pottery, and unique crafts. It is held in various locations around the city, including Wicker Park and Andersonville, and emphasizes sustainability and community engagement.

Where: Chicago | More Info: Renegade Craft Fair

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Showcase of diverse handmade products by local artists.

Description:

The One of a Kind Show is a premier event in Chicago, featuring over 350 talented artists and makers showcasing unique handmade products across 20 categories, including accessories, gourmet items, painting, and more.

Where: Chicago | More Info: One of a Kind Show

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Traditional Scandinavian handicrafts and Lucia processions.

Description:

Julmarknad is an annual Christmas Bazaar at the Swedish American Museum, featuring traditional Scandinavian and modern handicrafts for purchase. The event includes children's crafts, games, and a special visit from Santa. It also includes kaffestuga and Lucia processions with folk dancers.

Where: Chicago | More Info: Julmarknad

Event Organizer?

Carol Stream Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Innovative digital graffiti and visuals blend classic and contemporary elements.

Description:

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle that blends hip-hop dance with Tchaikovsky's timeless music, directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber. The show features a powerhouse cast of all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. It transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann's beloved story into a vibrant, diverse holiday event celebrating love, community, and the magic of the season.

Where: Chicago | More Info: The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Nationally televised celebration with diverse entertainment.

Description:

The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade is a cherished holiday tradition that kicks off the holiday season with a colorful procession of marching bands, live music, festive floats, acrobats, equestrians, and cultural performances. The parade takes place on State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street in downtown Chicago.

Where: Chicago | More Info: Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

Event Organizer?

Carol Stream Holiday Giving Opportunities

What to Expect:

World's largest motorcycle parade donating toys to children.

Description:

The Chicagoland Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade is an annual event where thousands of motorcycle riders come together to donate toys to needy children. Each rider must bring at least one new, unwrapped toy and ensure their motorcycle is street-legal.

Where: Chicago | More Info: Chicagoland Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade

Event Organizer?

Carol Stream Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Holiday-themed run with festive swag and charity support.

Description:

The Santa Hustle 5K is a festive holiday run at Navy Pier in Chicago, featuring a 5K course and a Kids Dash. Participants receive a long sleeve ugly sweater, embroidered beanie, and finisher medal. The event supports Cal's Angels, a pediatric cancer foundation.

Where: Chicago | More Info: Santa Hustle 5K

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

World's largest holiday bar crawl with cereal shots and charity support.

Description:

TBOX (Twelve Bars of Christmas) Bar Crawl is a unique holiday event where participants dress in crazy costumes, enjoy Froot Loops and festive beverages, and support local businesses while collecting stickers and taking photos in frames. It features a variety of activities including cereal shots, wire-to-wire experiences, and royalty-themed parties.

Where: Chicago | More Info: TBOX (Twelve Bars of Christmas) Bar Crawl

Event Organizer?

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