Chicago Heights Other Christmas Activities 2026

Gather with the community to watch the Mayor and the Village Board of Trustees light the village Christmas tree. The annual celebration is followed by a special visit from Santa Claus.

Families enjoy a full catered breakfast and entertainment together. Children have a special visit with Santa Claus and receive their own gift.

This holiday tradition in downtown Tinley Park brings the community together for a festive evening procession along Oak Park Avenue. Spectators can watch illuminated floats, civic organizations, non-profits, local businesses, and marching bands. The procession also features special guests, including...

Trim-A-Tree is a Tinley Park holiday tradition bringing together the community to welcome the season. Families, schools, businesses, and organizations gather to decorate holiday trees. The completed trees are proudly showcased around Harmony Square and along North Avenue.

Participants can run or walk through 5K and 10K courses lined with cheerful volunteers and aid stations, while children up to age 12 can participate in a 1K Kids Dash. Entrants receive themed apparel including beanies or Santa hats and...

Visitors can board Santa's Candy Cane Express featuring open and enclosed passenger coaches, with the museum operating up to three railroads depending on the weather. Guests can meet Santa inside a real railroad caboose and stop by Doc's Soda Fountain...

Families board a holiday train ride traveling from the New Lenox station to Tinley Park and back. The event includes a meal, a visit with Santa and his elves, and activities at Santa's Workshop at Harald Viking Lodge. Guests can...

Participants take to the streets of Crown Point in a timed 5K run or a non-timed 2K run/walk. Following the race, attendees can visit with Santa, meet 93.9 LITE FM host Robin Rock, and enjoy hot cocoa, holiday treats, and...

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.

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 gather in viewing areas throughout the park equipped with giant screens to watch the official illumination of the city's Christmas tree. A vibrant main stage along Washington Street next to the Chicago Cultural Center hosts seasonal entertainment, accompanied by...

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...

Visitors gather at Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean, to celebrate Chicago's diverse holiday traditions through choral music and communal singing. Attendees can follow along using printed songbooks or digital downloads to join their voices together. The program also...

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.

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...

Join the iconic Chicagoland Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade, the world's largest of its kind, dedicated to bringing holiday joy to children. This massive event encourages participants to donate a toy, with all proceeds and merchandise sales supporting parade expenses...

Get ready for a magical holiday experience at the Crown Point Santa Parade! Watch as Santa makes a spectacular arrival by helicopter, landing at Pointe Plaza before heading to the historic Lake County Courthouse. Families can greet Santa and enjoy...

Get ready for the dazzling Jean Eberle Parade of Lights! This beloved community event features a spectacular procession of illuminated floats and participants, bringing holiday cheer to Cedar Lake. Watch as the parade lights up the night, showcasing creative designs...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Santa's March & Tree Lighting! Join the festive parade as Santa makes his way through downtown, culminating at the Main Square Gazebo. The evening culminates with a heartwarming tree lighting ceremony at...

Get ready for the enchanting Tinley Toyland Parade, a delightful community event that brings holiday magic to life. This festive procession features imaginative floats and enthusiastic participants, all celebrating the whimsical 'Toyland' theme. It's a perfect opportunity for families to...

Get into the holiday spirit at the Schererville Old-Fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting! This cherished event marks the beginning of the festive season. Community members have the opportunity to sponsor a tree, which will be beautifully displayed around the Schererville Town...

Capture the magic of the holiday season with a visit to the Santa Photo Experience at Orland Square. This cherished tradition allows families to create lasting memories with professional photos alongside Santa Claus. Special 'Pet Photos with Santa' events offer...

Experience the warmth of community at Hodgkins Holiday Happenings. This festive evening begins with the cherished annual tree lighting ceremony, illuminating the start of the holiday season. Following the lighting, enjoy a variety of engaging holiday activities designed for families...

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...

Join the festive spirit at Hamilton Park for a delightful holiday event featuring Santa Claus and his friends. This celebration promises an afternoon filled with joy, including toys, delicious desserts, engaging music, lively dance performances, and creative arts and crafts....

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...

Get ready for a festive evening at the Jingle Bell Rock Family Dance! This event offers a lively atmosphere with a live DJ spinning holiday tunes, perfect for dancing the night away. Families can capture magical memories with a special...

Get into the festive spirit at the Oak Forest Park District's Christmas Arts and Crafts Workshop. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to engage in creative holiday crafting, perfect for all ages. Discover new techniques and create unique holiday-themed items.

Join the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post #5220 for their annual Christmas Party! This festive event promises an afternoon of holiday cheer. Keep an eye out, as Santa and Mrs. Claus are rumored to make a special appearance, bringing extra magic to...

All aboard for holiday cheer! Chicago's beloved Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus return, bringing festive magic to the city. Ride the dazzling train, adorned with thousands of lights and featuring Santa and his reindeer, or hop on the decorated...

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at West Chicago's annual Frosty Fest. This beloved community event features a magical tree lighting ceremony, opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a festive Elves Workshop for unique gift shopping. Enjoy...

Discover a day of intergenerational cultural fun at the Chicago Cultural Center's Holiday Open House. This free event features a variety of activities for all ages, including live music and dance performances, hands-on art workshops, and engaging exhibitions. Explore the...

Experience the magic of the holidays as Santa Claus makes a special visit to North Berwyn in his mobile workshop. This unique event offers residents the chance to receive a personal meet-and-greet with Santa right at their home, perfect for...