Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get excited for the holidays in Crystal Lake! Our comprehensive guide is here to help you make the most of this festive season with all the must-see events and activities. From Crystal Lake aficionados to curious travelers, our guide unlocks the city's holiday magic.
This season, immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, where holiday classics are brought to life in heartwarming performances. Another highlight is Fleetwood Max, a tribute to the legendary band that promises a night of nostalgia and engaging music. And don’t forget Heartache Tonight, an engaging experience that celebrates the music of The Eagles. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Crystal Lake Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Elgin Symphony Orchestra
- What to Expect
- World-class holiday music performance with Santa Claus appearance.
- Description
- The Elgin Symphony Orchestra presents an evening of holiday music featuring Christmas favorites, seasonal carols, and an appearance by Santa Claus. Conductor Chad Goodman leads the orchestra and the Elgin Master Chorale in an unmatched performance of world-class entertainment.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Fleetwood Max
- What to Expect
- Authentic Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham impersonations.
- Description
- Fleetwood Max is a definitive Fleetwood Mac tribute band featuring an authentic recreation of the band's music, magic, and incredible stage production. The event captures the mystical atmosphere and outstanding vocal and character performances of legendary Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, including hits like "Sara," "Gypsy," "Rhiannon," and "Edge of Seventeen."
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Fleetwood Max
Heartache Tonight
- What to Expect
- True Eagles concert experience with meticulous attention to detail.
- Description
- Heartache Tonight is a tribute to The Eagles, featuring powerful guitar duels and shimmering harmonies in a true Eagles concert experience. The band performs songs from all eras and incarnations of the Eagles, including many individual members' hugely popular solo hits.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Heartache Tonight
Phil Vassar
- What to Expect
- Country music legend performing iconic hits.
- Description
- Phil Vassar, a renowned country music singer-songwriter, returns to Raue Center with his Hits & Heroes Tour. With 10 No. 1 singles and 26 Top 40 hits, including "Carlene," "Just Another Day in Paradise," and "Six-Pack Summer," Vassar has established himself as a leading figure in country music. His extensive songwriting career includes hits for artists like Collin Raye, Alan Jackson, and Tim McGraw.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Phil Vassar
Willie and Family
- What to Expect
- Tribute performance by Michael Moore capturing Willie Nelson's voice and style.
- Description
- Michael Moore performs a tribute to Willie Nelson with his upbeat 90-minute show featuring all country hits like "Whiskey River," "Good Hearted Woman," and "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys."
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Willie and Family
Bill Pantle A Tribute to Old Blue Eyes
- What to Expect
- Frank Sinatra tribute performance by Bill Pantle with the ATTOBE Quintet Band.
- Description
- Bill Pantle's tribute to Frank Sinatra features classic hits and jazz, showcasing his baritone voice and quick wit, recreating the classic variety show format with many Sinatra selections from the Great American Songbook.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Bill Pantle A Tribute to Old Blue Eyes
Lucy's Comedy
- What to Expect
- Stand-up comedy with a seasoned performer known for his unique style and uncontrollable laughs.
- Description
- Lucy's Comedy features stand-up comedian Mike Toomey, known for his sharp delivery and PG-rated humor, curated by John DaCosse. Mike has performed with notable acts and has a highly successful one-person show.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Lucy's Comedy
Teachers' Lounge Comedy
- What to Expect
- Hilarious comedy show by teachers-turned-comedians.
- Description
- Teachers' Lounge Comedy features professional stand-up comics turned teachers sharing their unique experiences, anecdotes, and frustrations about school life, providing a light-hearted and relatable perspective on the joys and challenges of being an educator.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Teachers' Lounge Comedy
American English
- What to Expect
- Spectacular tribute performance of Beatles music.
- Description
- American English is a renowned tribute band known for their performances of Beatles music, including hits from movies and TV shows. Their setlist includes iconic songs like "Some Other Guy," "Besame Mucho," and "Johnny B. Goode."
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : American English
Steve Cochran's NYE Show
- What to Expect
- Early bird-friendly New Year's Eve comedy show with a lineup of renowned stand-up comedians.
- Description
- Steve Cochran's NYE Comedy Show features headliner Steve Cochran, a longtime Chicago radio personality, along with special guests John DaCosse and Tim Benker. This hilarious New Year's Eve comedy show offers a unique blend of humor and entertainment.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Steve Cochran's NYE Show
Crystal Lake Holiday Giving Opportunities
Hands for Hope Gala
- What to Expect
- Supporting charitable causes through a keynote speaker and special messages.
- Description
- Hands for Hope Gala is a fundraising event supporting charitable causes, featuring a keynote speaker and special messages from notable figures.
- Where
- Barrington | More Info : Hands for Hope Gala
Crystal Lake Other Holiday Activities
Svengoolie Meet & Greet at Volo Museum
- What to Expect
- Exclusive meet-and-greet with Svengoolie in 30-minute time blocks.
- Description
- Meet Svengoolie, the iconic horror show host, at the Volo Museum for a unique fan experience. Enjoy photo opportunities, autograph sessions, and all-day admission to the museum. This event is a rare chance for fans to connect with a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
- Where
- McHenry | More Info : Svengoolie Meet & Greet at Volo Museum
Colorways Yarn Shoppe Trick or Treat Halloween Event
- What to Expect
- Trick-or-treat event with yarn shopping.
- Description
- Colorways Yarn Shoppe invites you to visit during the Crystal Lake Plaza Trick or Treat Halloween Event. The new store offers gorgeous yarn for all fiber artists and will soon provide classes and online purchases.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Colorways Yarn Shoppe Trick or Treat Halloween Event
Crystal Lake Cars and Caffeine Charity Car Show
- What to Expect
- Charity car show with 200 cars on display.
- Description
- The Crystal Lake Cars and Caffeine Charity Car Show is a one-day event hosted by the Downtown Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce. It features up to 200 cars on display on Williams Street and Brink Street, with free admission and car entry fees benefiting the Crystal Lake community.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Crystal Lake Cars and Caffeine Charity Car Show
Crystal Lake Service League Housewalk
- What to Expect
- Home tours with a bonus arts and theater experience.
- Description
- The Crystal Lake Service League Housewalk is an annual event featuring tours of four beautiful homes in Crystal Lake, including a bonus stop at Raue Center for Arts for bourbon and bubbles tasting, along with theater tours.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Crystal Lake Service League Housewalk
Trivia Night - Pub Trivia USA
- What to Expect
- Interactive trivia night with a competitive twist.
- Description
- Engage in a lively trivia game with 20 questions, including a halftime and bonus round, at Stage Left.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Trivia Night - Pub Trivia USA
Advanced Therapy Services Ribbon Cutting
- What to Expect
- Unique ribbon-cutting ceremony with a dedicated lymphedema therapist.
- Description
- Advanced Therapy Services is celebrating the grand opening of its new location in Crystal Lake, Illinois, offering comprehensive outpatient therapy including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The event highlights the company's mission to enhance patients' functional well-being and promote greater independence through innovative treatment approaches.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Advanced Therapy Services Ribbon Cutting
Medina Mufflers Ribbon Cutting
- What to Expect
- Grand opening celebration for a local business.
- Description
- Medina Mufflers Ribbon Cutting is an event celebrating the grand opening of Medina Mufflers, featuring local business leaders and community members.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Medina Mufflers Ribbon Cutting
Singo Night at Main Stay Farm
- What to Expect
- Interactive games and social activities in a farm setting.
- Description
- Singo Night at Main Stay Farm is a fun evening event featuring games, socializing, and community bonding in a relaxed farm setting.
- Where
- Crystal Lake | More Info : Singo Night at Main Stay Farm