Last updated: November 11, 2024
Spread holiday cheer in Carpentersville with our guide. Find all the events and activities that make this season special. From Carpentersville natives to wandering souls, our guide is your key to holiday magic.
Popular Events: This season, transform your evenings with the enchanting display at Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, where nature twinkles in a mesmerizing light show. Or explore the wonders of the animal kingdom at Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo, featuring dazzling lights and festive activities for all ages. And the Magical Christmas Drive-Thru Experience is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a unique drive-through spectacle that immerses you in festive cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Twinkling lights and live entertainment along the parade route.
The Holiday Parade of Lights in Downtown Naperville features brightly lit floats, local music performers, and Santa Claus, delighting children of all ages with an evening of festive entertainment.
Where: Naperville | More Info: Holiday Parade of Lights
Spectacular lighted parade with Santa Claus and high school bands.
The Electric Christmas Parade in St. Charles features beautifully lighted parade floats, high school marching bands, and a special guest appearance by Santa Claus as it travels down Main Street from 6th Street to 4th Avenue.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: Electric Parade
Community-driven lighting ceremony.
The Holiday Homecoming Lighting of the Lights is a spectacular display of holiday lights in downtown St. Charles, IL, kicking off the holiday season with a community event featuring a switch-flipping ceremony to illuminate the city.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: Holiday Homecoming Lighting of the Lights
Community-driven holiday celebration with festive activities and tree lighting.
The Celebration of Lights Festival in Batavia features hayrides, holiday craft activities, a community sing-along, ceremonial tree lighting, Santa visits, and a Christmas Tree Lane with 25 decorated trees. Enjoy free hayrides, food, and family photo opportunities, along with holiday craft activities and live music by the Batavia Community Band.
Where: Batavia | More Info: Celebration of Lights Festival
Immersive holiday light and sound experience.
Drive through a spectacular display of over 3 million lights synchronized to holiday music and enjoy dazzling displays at Santa's Village.
Where: Dundee | More Info: Magical Christmas Drive-Thru Experience
Immersive light and music installations highlighting tree beauty in winter.
Explore 50 acres of The Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular display of color, light, and sound. The event features 17 light and music displays, including a secluded glade with fairy lights and kinetic LED tall grasses honoring Midwest native species. The journey begins in The Grand Garden and includes interactive light displays and a laser light finale at Meadow Lake.
Where: Lisle | More Info: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Synchronized light and animal exhibits
Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic features over two million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, and immersive light displays. Guests can explore indoor and outdoor habitats, meet Santa, and enjoy festive shopping and dining options.
Where: Brookfield | More Info: Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Community-driven holiday light display contest with various categories.
The Holiday Lighting Contest in Carpentersville, IL, features 27 homes decorated with stunning lights and decorations. Residents are encouraged to drive through the neighborhood to see the beautiful displays.
Where: Carpentersville | More Info: Holiday Lighting Contest
30th Anniversary Commemorative Ornament and diverse holiday activities.
The Elburn Christmas Stroll is a festive event featuring holiday-themed activities, downtown lights, shops on Main Street, events at the Library, and the Kris Kringle Market at Obscurity Brewing. Enjoy crafts, photo opportunities, treat giveaways, and live music.
Where: Elburn | More Info: Elburn Christmas Stroll
Themed courses and festive activities.
Join the St. Charles Regional Chamber's 14th Annual Santa's North Pole Dash, featuring timed 5K and 1-Mile courses along the riverside of Historic St. Charles. Participants will receive themed runner's shirts and can enjoy holiday traditions, awards, and festivities. The event includes a life-size snow globe, donuts, and photo opportunities.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: Trip to the North Pole
Holiday decorations and activities in a park setting.
Winterville at the Park is a festive event held in December, featuring holiday decorations and activities in a picturesque park setting.
Where: Carpentersville | More Info: Winterville at the Park
Interactive holiday photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
Santa's House is a festive gathering spot where children can drop off their letters and share their holiday gift wish lists with Santa Claus. Youngsters can take pictures with the North Pole's most popular resident, creating cherished holiday memories.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: Santa's House
