Carol Stream Other Christmas Activities 2026

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...

Visitors can kick off the holiday season by watching Santa arrive and attending the tree lighting ceremony at Memorial Hall. Families can enjoy carousel rides, a holiday train, and visits with Santa. Guests can also stroll to explore local downtown...

Guests can enjoy children's train rides on the Elk Grove Express, holiday storytime, and live a cappella harmonies performed by The Canterbury Carollers. The celebration highlights the illumination of the Village Green with over 500,000 lights, accompanied by a fireworks...

Visitors gather to countdown to the lighting of community trees surrounding the park and celebrate with activities both outdoors and inside Wilder Mansion. The event features visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, real reindeer, holiday carnival games, and festive live...

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...

Riders hop on and off a festive trolley that links dining, boutique shopping, and seasonal community destinations across Elmhurst. A narrated route highlights key areas of the city, completing the circuit approximately every 30 minutes. Stops along the line include...

Guests gather at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club for the Hoffman Estates Park District's annual winter celebration. The event features festive music, cozy treats, and activities suitable for all ages. Everything is set against a winter wonderland backdrop.

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...

Step back into the holiday season as it was celebrated in 1880s Schaumburg. Visitors can enjoy traditional holiday treats, crafts for children, and marshmallows with warm beverages around a bonfire. Guests can also stop by Merkle Cabin for a visit...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Guests gather for an annual holiday breakfast hosted at the country club. Attendees can meet Santa Claus in person and capture their own festive pictures during the visit.

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.

Children and families can bring their letters for Santa to a magical mailbox at the park gazebo. Visitors get to meet one of Santa's elves to make sure their letters are safely on their way to the North Pole. Guests...

Guests can dress in their comfiest pajamas for an evening of festive fun. Activities include writing letters to Santa, making an ornament, and getting a photo taken with Santa. Visitors also enjoy pizza and watch a screening of the movie...

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...

Visitors celebrate the season with hands-on holiday fun, including decorating Christmas cookies, crafting festive projects, and writing letters to Santa. The event also features holiday-themed games and snacks for attendees.

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.

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...

Families gather to design and decorate festive gingerbread houses together. Each group is provided with an assembled house, frosting, and candy treats to customize their creation. Guests can get as creative as possible for a chance to win the title...

Grandparents and grandchildren gather for a festive holiday celebration centered around creativity and sweet treats. Participants decorate an assortment of holiday cookies using colorful frosting, sprinkles, and festive decorations. Everyone leaves with their custom holiday creations to take home.

Ring in the new year with a holiday-themed public ice skate. The event welcomes participants of all ages to take to the ice at Centennial Ice Rinks.

Teams take the stage under bright lights and screens to compete in a spirited cheer and dance championship. Attendees can listen to holiday music, snap photos with Santa, and join in indoor snowball fights. Winning teams and athletes are awarded...

Participants build artisan gingerbread houses using handmade frosting and decorate them with an array of candies, cookies, and goodies. Guests can enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic beverages such as espresso, coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider, or a signature mocktail alongside light savory...

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...

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...

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 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...

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.

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,...

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...

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,...

Step into a festive winter wonderland at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago for the Holiday Bricktacular! Families can enjoy a magical experience with holiday-themed LEGO builds, including a giant DUPLO sleigh and Santa. Participate in the heartwarming 'Build to Give' initiative...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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.