DeKalb Other Christmas Activities 2026

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 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...

Visitors can take continuous train rides past holiday light displays, dash through the snow on a cozy winter sleigh ride, and explore the illuminated playground. Children can share their wish lists and pose for photos with Santa Claus and his...

The Belvidere Chamber brings the community together in Downtown Belvidere for the Hometown Christmas Celebration. The gathering offers a variety of seasonal activities designed for the entire family to enjoy.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Visitors celebrate the season with a fireworks display accompanied by Christmas music, followed by a festive parade filled with decorative floats distributing candy. The event kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony and concludes at the Town Center with the...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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 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...

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...

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...

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.

Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown DeKalb with a charming collection of free events. Visitors can enjoy the festive 'Lights on Lincoln' display, meet Santa Claus in his special house for photos, and participate in the 'Adventures with Elfie' scavenger...

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...

Step into a magical holiday experience at Santa's Workshop, located within CherryVale Mall. Visitors can write letters to Santa, capture cherished annual photos with the man in red, and drop off their wishes in his special mailbox. Reservations are encouraged...

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.

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...

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...

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...

The Yorkville Holiday Celebration Weekend is the ultimate kickoff to the holiday season, offering a festive array of family-friendly events. Experience the excitement of the Holiday Parade, the heartwarming Tree Lighting Ceremony, and joyful visits with Santa. Lace up for...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Lace up your running shoes for the Rudolph Run 5K and Jingle Jog Family Fun Run! This festive event supports the Knights of Columbus in providing food and toys to local families. Participants can choose between a chip-timed 5K or...