Des Plaines Other Christmas Activities 2026

Visitors take to the ice for public skating alongside Santa and his elves. All attending children receive complimentary candy canes to celebrate the season.

Guests can enjoy children's train rides on the Elk Grove Express, holiday storytime, and live a cappella harmonies performed by The Canterbury Carollers. The celebration highlights the illumination of the Village Green with over 500,000 lights, accompanied by a fireworks...

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 gather to countdown to the lighting of community trees surrounding the park and celebrate with activities both outdoors and inside Wilder Mansion. The event features visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, real reindeer, holiday carnival games, and festive live...

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.

Riders hop on and off a festive trolley that links dining, boutique shopping, and seasonal community destinations across Elmhurst. A narrated route highlights key areas of the city, completing the circuit approximately every 30 minutes. Stops along the line include...

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...

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...

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...

Santa lands by helicopter at the shopping center to kick off family holiday activities. Visitors can watch a magic show, participate in face painting and kids crafts, and take photos with Santa with a qualifying merchant receipt.

Bring the family to meet and take photos with Santa himself. Visitors can create keepsake holiday card pictures while enjoying the festive sights, sounds, and spirit of the holiday season in Downtown Mount Prospect.

Passengers take a festive journey aboard the Metra to Fox Lake alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus. Both characters remain on board for the entire two-hour trip to visit with each family. Guests can sing along with caroling while enjoying sweet...

Participants decorate their own holiday tree along the pathway in Hodges Park with family, friends, or coworkers. The Park District provides a fully LED-lit tree along with signage recognizing each participating group or organization. Once decorated, the trees create an...

Participants create a living holiday centerpiece with modern flair using multiple plants not typically seen in traditional festive arrangements. Set inside a reusable decorative bowl, the hands-on project offers an alternative to classic poinsettias and evergreens. Instructors also share composition...

Participants travel by coach bus to Shipshewana, Indiana, to explore the Ship Chic Holiday Craft Show and spend free time in the downtown area. The trip includes a homemade lunch at an Amish residence. Guests also experience Lights of Joy,...

Visitors can take to the ice for a holiday-themed public skating session. The event features sweet treats like cocoa and candy canes, along with a special appearance by St. Nick. Skaters can also participate in a community food drive supporting...

Participants learn to create homemade botanical decorations using velvet, decoupage, glitter, hand-cut paper, and glue with botanical artist Kate Donley. The hands-on session covers crafting velvet acorns, shimmering glittery pinecones, and custom decoupage wood slices. Everyone leaves with at least...

Participants move and stretch with deep breathing to release tension and restore balance to the body. Afterwards, attendees settle into a restorative posture for yoga nidra, a deeply restful guided meditation that leads through stages of consciousness to integrate body,...

Hallways are transformed into a North Pole trail filled with festive activities for children. Along the path, kids make crafts, mix reindeer food, play games, and discover fun surprises. The visit finishes with an opportunity to meet Santa and take...

Children and families can bring their letters for Santa to a magical mailbox at the park gazebo. Visitors get to meet one of Santa's elves to make sure their letters are safely on their way to the North Pole. Guests...

Step into Whoville for a themed holiday candy cane hunt filled with playful mischief. Children search the park for hidden candy canes of all shapes and sizes, which may move indoors in the event of bad weather. Participants should keep...

Children can join Santa at the pool as he relaxes before his big day. The event includes singing holiday songs, playing reindeer games, and sharing Christmas wishes with Santa. Attendees can also stay and enjoy open swim after the scheduled...

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...

Families sip hot chocolate and enjoy fresh donuts provided by Naperville's DeEtta's Bakery. Children can listen to a holiday story told by Santa and take pictures with him.

Children discover what it is like at the North Pole workshop while creating reindeer food, a holiday ornament, a hand-crafted card, and special elf slime. The session wraps up with hot cocoa shared among new elf friends. Each participant is...

Families can wear their holiday pajamas for an interactive concert featuring festive Christmas favorites led by Miss Jennifer from Kitty Orca Music & Piano. Children use instruments, scarves, and jingle bells to bring the seasonal music to life. The event...

Sing along with the Uketones as they take the stage to perform seasonal favorites. Guests can also enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate during the performance.

Participants learn hands-on techniques for crafting a beautiful evergreen wreath. Everyone creates and takes home a completed winter decoration ready to display. All required materials are provided.

Families work together to assemble and decorate their own gingerbread house using supplied icing and an assortment of sweet treats. After crafting their holiday creations, participants can head over to enjoy playtime in the Exploritorium.

Teen bakers explore their creativity by icing, sprinkling, and designing their own holiday cookies using a variety of colorful toppings. Led by instructor Koala’s Kitchen, the festive workshop offers a sweet, hands-on seasonal activity.

Grandparents and grandchildren gather for a festive holiday celebration centered around creativity and sweet treats. Participants decorate an assortment of holiday cookies using colorful frosting, sprinkles, and festive decorations. Everyone leaves with their custom holiday creations to take home.

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...

Participants build artisan gingerbread houses using handmade frosting and decorate them with an array of candies, cookies, and goodies. Guests can enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic beverages such as espresso, coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider, or a signature mocktail alongside light savory...

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...

Parents and children celebrate the season by decorating pre-assembled gingerbread houses with candy, licorice, and gum drops. Families can enjoy the fun of making a holiday mess without having to clean it up. Light snacks and drinks are provided during...

This annual family event celebrates the new year with a DJ, games, crafts, and entertainment. Visitors can gather together to celebrate with a festive balloon drop. Entry also includes admission to the Exploritorium.

Ring in the new year with a holiday-themed public ice skate. The event welcomes participants of all ages to take to the ice at Centennial Ice Rinks.

Children explore international cultural customs and take part in activities without having to stay up late. Participants enjoy snacks inspired by global traditions and flavors. The celebration concludes with noisemakers, hats, beads, and a traditional balloon drop.

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.

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.

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.

Join the City of Des Plaines for their annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, a cherished tradition that officially ushers in the festive season. This heartwarming event brings the community together to witness the magical illumination of the city's holiday tree,...

Join the community for the annual Addison Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, a beloved tradition that officially kicks off the holiday season. This festive evening features a variety of family-friendly activities, including enchanting train rides, opportunities to meet Santa Claus, and...

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.

Experience the warmth of community at the 29th annual Winnetka Holiday Sing. Families and friends gather at Village Green Park to share in the joy of singing favorite holiday carols. Bring your candles or flashlights for this heartwarming, short-and-sweet celebration.

Experience the magic of winter at Parkway Bank Park's 'Skating in the Park'! Glide across a climate-controlled NHL-sized ice rink set against a festive backdrop. This popular seasonal activity offers a perfect opportunity for family fun and outdoor enjoyment. Special...

Experience the enchantment of Bensenville's annual Holiday Magic and Tree Lighting Ceremony. This festive event brings the community together in Downtown Bensenville for an evening filled with holiday cheer. Visitors can meet Santa Claus, enjoy a delightful holiday car parade,...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a visit to Santa's winter wonderland at Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Capture cherished memories with professional photos alongside Santa Claus. Special Pet Nights allow your furry companions to join in the festive...

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...

Step into a winter wonderland at the Holiday Flower Show, hosted at the beautiful Wilder Park Conservatory. This enchanting event transforms the conservatory into a breathtaking display of seasonal flowers and festive decorations, offering a magical experience for all who...

Celebrate the holiday season at Northfield's annual Holiday Fest! This family-friendly event features a magical park lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa Claus, and delightful holiday music performed by local school choirs. Children can write letters to Santa and enjoy...

Join Elmhurst University for a festive holiday celebration combining the President's Holiday Open House with the Annual Festival of Lessons & Carols. This special event offers a warm and inviting atmosphere to kick off the holiday season.

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...

Step back in time this holiday season at the Mount Prospect Historical Society's Holiday Family Fun event. Visitors can tour the beautifully decorated 1906 house and museum, enjoy a warm cup of cocoa, and create festive crafts to take home....

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...

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...