Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the holiday joy in Des Plaines! Our guide has all the exciting festive happenings. For Des Plaines natives and holiday travelers, our guide ensures everyone enjoys the season's best.
Popular events include the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, where the community comes together to witness the illumination of the festive tree in a heartwarming celebration. Additionally, the Annual Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting features charming decorations and local vendors that enhance the holiday spirit. And the Holiday Tree Lighting is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it marks the start of the holiday season in Des Plaines. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Live performances and Santa's arrival.
The City of Des Plaines Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place at Metropolitan Square on December 1, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. The event features live performances, Santa's arrival, food trucks, and photos with Santa.
Where: Des Plaines | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Horse-drawn wagon ride with live reindeer and Disney characters.
The Holiday Tree Lighting in Bartlett features a horse-drawn wagon ride through downtown, live reindeer, ice sculptures, and Disney characters. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for visits in a log cabin, and the South Elgin High choir will perform holiday songs. The event includes food trucks, fire pits, and a holiday tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Bartlett | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting
Traditional tree lighting with holiday entertainment and special visitors.
Join the Park District of La Grange for an old-fashioned tree lighting at Waiola Park, featuring holiday entertainment, special visitors, and hot cocoa and cookies. Gather your family and friends to enjoy wonderful tree decorations and register for tree decorating guidelines.
Where: La Grange Park | More Info: Village Tree Lighting
Community celebration with Santa and holiday activities.
The Holiday Tree Lighting in Carol Stream, IL, is a community event hosted by the Carol Stream Park District. Attendees gather at the Carol Stream Town Center to share holiday cheer through seasonal music performances. Santa arrives at 6:30 PM, accompanied by the Carol Stream Fire District, and together they light the holiday tree. Guests can enjoy seasonal beverages and snacks, participate in free holiday crafts, visit the Carol Stream Library, and watch a Park District dance performance. A free digital photo opportunity with Santa is also available.
Where: Carol Stream | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting
Illuminating Heritage Park with festive lights and fun activities.
Join the community in celebrating the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony at Heritage Park, featuring festive lights, music, fun characters, and delicious seasonal treats.
Where: Homer Glen | More Info: Homer For The Holidays
Community tree lighting with a people's choice award.
Join the Elmhurst Park District for a festive holiday event in Wilder Park, featuring the lighting of community trees and holiday festivities. Enjoy food trucks, decorations, and a chance to vote for your favorite tree.
Where: Elmhurst | More Info: Tree Lighting in Wilder Park
Holiday celebration with local business specials and entertainment.
Join downtown Downers Grove businesses for Merry Madness, featuring holiday specials, gift card drawings, strolling carolers, and more.
Where: Downers Grove | More Info: Merry Madness
An immersive light display combined with a charming market atmosphere.
The Festival of Lights Opening Night features a vibrant display of lights throughout the venue, creating an inviting atmosphere. Local vendors showcase unique crafts and delicious seasonal treats, making it a delightful setting for families to stroll and explore. Live entertainment adds to the lively ambiance, enhancing the community's festive spirit.
Where: Bloomingdale | More Info: Festival of Lights Opening Night and Kris Kringle Market
Student and faculty musical performances.
The Christmas Concert at Willows Academy is an annual celebration featuring a variety of musical performances by students and faculty, showcasing the school's talent and spirit.
Where: Des Plaines | More Info: Christmas Concert at Willows Academy
Celebrating 50 years of Willows Academy with a benefit dinner and auctions.
Join Willows Academy for a special evening celebrating 50 years of education and community. Enjoy cocktails, a silent auction, dinner, paddle raise, live auction, and dancing at the Chevy Chase Country Club.
Where: Des Plaines | More Info: Holiday Prelude at Willows Academy
Family-friendly holiday crafts and activities.
The Annual Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting in Downtown Hinsdale features family-friendly holiday crafts, giveaways, and activities, making it a delightful way to kick off the holiday season.
Where: Hinsdale | More Info: Annual Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting
Outdoor winter fun with festive activities and refreshments.
Snow Much Fun is a festive winter event at Veterans Memorial Park featuring outdoor games, a gingerbread bounce house, mule-drawn wagon rides, and community-decorated Christmas trees. Enjoy refreshments from a local food truck and take selfies with Santa's sleigh. Kids can visit Santa inside the Gregg House and make s'mores.
Where: Westmont | More Info: Snow Much Fun
Holiday celebration with Santa Claus, carolers, and festive shopping.
The Geneva Christmas Walk is a festive holiday event in downtown Geneva, IL, featuring the lighting of the Great Tree, Santa Claus, carolers, a live nativity, and holiday refreshments. The event includes dazzling business window displays, roasted chestnuts, and plenty of shopping opportunities.
Where: Geneva | More Info: Christmas Walk
