Crystal Lake Other Christmas Activities 2026

This planetarium show explores potential astronomical explanations and modern misconceptions regarding the biblical Star of Bethlehem, examining possibilities such as exploding stars or comets. The presentation begins with a live segment covering current night sky highlights and visual tours of...

Visitors gather for a festive twist on traditional bingo where standard numbers are swapped for beloved holiday tunes. Guests can test their seasonal music knowledge, sing along, and engage in friendly competition. Outside snacks are welcome to enjoy during the...

Visitors celebrate the kick-off to the holiday season with the lighting of North School Park and Harmony Park. Trolleys loop between the two parks, featuring Dickens-era characters who share stories about Arlington Heights in the past.

Visitors can experience live entertainment, ice carving displays, crafts, and character meet and greets, along with train rides for kids. The festival hosts a Kris Kringle market, food vendors, and visits with Santa at Santa's Cottage. The festivities conclude with...

Visitors can experience a holiday parade, a drone show, and the lighting of the Town Square. Activities throughout the event include train rides, visits and photo opportunities with Santa, free hot cocoa, and browsing vendors at the Kris Kringle Market....

Visitors can celebrate the holiday season with festive games, merry crafts, and encounters with Santa’s elves. The gathering features live music by the Palatine Children’s Chorus, complimentary hot chocolate and treats, and photo opportunities with Santa in the gazebo.

The celebration begins with the Festival of Lights Parade stepping off from Grant Community High School and concluding at Millenium Park. Following the parade, guests can gather for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and choral performances by the Grant Community...

Hawthorn and the Village of Vernon Hills celebrate the season with the lighting of the village holiday tree and Santa's arrival on a fire truck. Guests can meet winter princesses, take photos with Santa, and browse a vendor market while...

Visitors embark on a train ride through the winter countryside accompanied by Santa Claus, an animated light show, holiday songs, cookies, and hot chocolate. On the museum grounds, guests can meet Mrs. Claus in a heated tent, view campus light...

Old Town Algonquin transforms into a holiday celebration featuring a ceremonial tree lighting and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visitors can enjoy live music and dance performances across multiple stages while browsing handcrafted gifts and treats from artisan vendors...

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...

Visitors can celebrate the holiday season with lights, music, and community festivities. The seasonal event also includes a tree lighting.

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.

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...

Visitors can wander through a festive display of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. The exhibit honors American heritage and holiday traditions with creative, patriotic-themed tree designs. Guests can view the decorated trees throughout the historic Opera House.

Visitors can explore a winter wonderland set throughout the community center featuring pictures with Santa, children's crafts, and a gingerbread house contest. The event also offers trolley rides, a balloon artist, and a local vendor market. Festivities conclude outdoors with...

Visitors can meet Santa to share their wish lists and take family photos in front of a decorated Christmas tree. Held as part of the Village’s Holiday Festival, the decorated open house also offers cookies, refreshments, and activities for all...

Visitors can enjoy festive seasonal activities including hands-on crafts and cookie decorating. Guests can also meet with Santa and browse the Kris Kringle Market.

Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor holiday activities, including sleigh rides, winter-themed crafts, holiday music, and complimentary hot cocoa. The event features live demonstrations from sled dogs taking their handlers for a ride and an ice sculptor creating a custom...

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...

Participants pick up an official play card and search for ornamental pickles hidden inside local shops and businesses throughout Woodstock. Hunters who find the required number of pickles submit their completed cards to earn a holiday craft ornament and an...

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...

Children can enjoy a personal visit with Santa inside a cozy, dedicated cottage designed to offer an intimate holiday experience outside of a commercial mall setting. The festive house is staffed by Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a team of elves....

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.

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...

Former Barrington High School choir director Nancie Tobison hosts this seasonal gathering alongside returning alumni and musical friends. Attendees listen to live performances of holiday classics and hear personal stories shared by the performers.

Huntley Cemetery partners with the Huntley American Legion Post 673 and The Rotary Club of Huntley to hold a National Remembrance Ceremony. The nationwide gathering honors local veterans in Huntley Cemetery and St. Mary Cemetery by placing a fresh wreath...

Dogs and their owners can visit to take a festive souvenir photo with Santa Claus. Each registered dog receives a stocking full of treats and participates in a craft activity to create a keepsake holiday gift. Additional fun and festive...

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...

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.

Families gather for a cozy evening to decorate gingerbread houses using pre-packaged baskets filled with all the necessary decorating tools. The event features festive holiday music alongside a hot cocoa bar.

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...

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.

Join local therapist Cara Stronsky, founder of Rising Sunlight Counseling, for a workshop focused on managing holiday stress and emotional pressures. Participants explore practical techniques for coping with overwhelm and setting healthy boundaries. The session provides actionable guidance on staying...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the annual Woodstock Christmas Parade. This cherished tradition features dazzling floats and decorated vehicles, bringing festive spirit to life. Following the parade, join in for a special meet-and-greet with Santa, complete with...

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.

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...

Embark on a magical journey with the North Pole Express, a beloved holiday tradition hosted by the Palatine Park District. This enchanting event offers a festive experience for all ages, inviting families to create lasting memories. While specific details for...

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 the Wheeling Park District for their annual Holiday Hoopla event! This festive gathering offers a delightful afternoon for families, featuring a variety of engaging games and creative crafts for children. The highlight for many will be the special opportunity...

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...

Get ready for a delightful holiday experience with Jolly Jingles, a Santa Sing-Along Celebration. This event promises a heartwarming gathering where families can come together to share in the joy of the season through music and festive cheer. It's a...

Bring the little ones to Jolly Stop for an evening of holiday cheer! Children aged 2-12 can enjoy cookies, cocoa, and a festive craft. They can also write a letter to Santa and drop it in his mailbox, and sing...

Dive into the holiday spirit at Santa Splash, where Santa Claus makes a special appearance at the indoor pool. Enjoy festive photos and treats while celebrating the season. This unique event offers a fun way to combine a swim with...

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...

Step back in time with 'Under the Mistletoe! Nostalgic Holiday Favorites,' a delightful musical performance. This event promises to evoke the warmth and joy of past holidays with beloved songs that capture the spirit of the season.

Gather your family for a delightful gingerbread house decorating session. Each group receives a gingerbread house, frosting, and an assortment of candies to create a festive masterpiece. Little ones will also enjoy a special gingerbread craft activity, making it a...

Ring in the New Year with a daytime celebration perfect for families! This event features a variety of games, music, and a spectacular balloon drop. Each attendee receives a glow-stick necklace, party hat, and noisemaker to add to the festive...