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Last updated: November 11, 2024

See the best of the festive season in Downers Grove with our comprehensive overview guide. Discover all the key holiday events. Whether you're a familiar face in Downers Grove or seeing it fresh, our guide is your key to holiday cheer.

One highlight of the holiday experience is the Christkindlmarket Aurora, where you can explore the charm of a traditional German market filled with handcrafted goods and delicious seasonal treats. Another local favorite is the Village of Downers Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring festive music and a beautiful display that captures the spirit of the season. And the Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a stunning spectacle of lights against the backdrop of nature. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Downers Grove Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Interactive light displays synchronized to music in a beautiful arboretum setting.

Description:

Explore 50 acres of The Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular light and sound display. The event features 17 dazzling light and music displays, including new exhibits like Starlit Trail and Winter Radiance, along a one-mile ADA-compliant path. Enjoy warm beverages, snacks, and meals at concession tents and the Ginkgo Restaurant while viewing a laser light finale at Meadow Lake.

Where: Lisle | More Info: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

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What to Expect:

Community celebration with live music and Santa.

Description:

The Village of Downers Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony is a community event held at the Main Street Train Station, featuring Santa, the District 99 marching band, and the Downers Grove Choral Society. It marks the beginning of the holiday season with music and festive atmosphere.

Where: Downers Grove | More Info: Village of Downers Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony

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What to Expect:

Immersive light installations set against the backdrop of a botanical garden.

Description:

This vibrant event transforms the Chicago Botanical Garden with captivating light displays that illuminate pathways and landscapes. Visitors stroll through stunning art installations of light, experiencing breathtaking visual narratives that highlight the beauty of nature in a new way. Seasonal music enhances the atmosphere, making it a memorable outing for all ages.

Where: Glencoe | More Info: Lightscape at the Chicago Botanical Garden

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Downers Grove Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Traditional German market with diverse shopping and entertainment.

Description:

Christkindlmarket Aurora is a German-themed holiday market at RiverEdge Park, featuring over 55 vendors, live performances, and family-friendly activities.

Where: Aurora | More Info: Christkindlmarket Aurora

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What to Expect:

Creative and colorful holiday window displays by local businesses.

Description:

The Holiday Window Contest in Downtown Downers Grove is a festive event where local businesses showcase their creative and colorful holiday displays. Residents and visitors can admire the intricate designs and decorations that transform the town's storefronts into a vibrant holiday scene.

Where: Downers Grove | More Info: Holiday Window Contest

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What to Expect:

Exclusive holiday discounts at local businesses.

Description:

Candy Cane Cash is a holiday promotion offering discounts and special deals at participating businesses in Downtown Downers Grove.

Where: Downers Grove | More Info: Candy Cane Cash

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What to Expect:

Holiday shopping and dining specials with local businesses.

Description:

Join downtown Downers Grove businesses for Merry Madness, featuring holiday specials, late hours, massages, and festive cocktails. Enjoy music bingo, gift card drawings, and unique shopping experiences.

Where: Downers Grove | More Info: Merry Madness

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Downers Grove Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Interactive holiday experience with Santa and festive train ride.

Description:

The Polar Express Train Ride is a family-friendly holiday event where beautifully decorated trains take passengers on a journey to the North Pole. The trip includes a reading of The Polar Express, hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Where: Union | More Info: Polar Express Train Rides

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Downers Grove Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

USA Track & Field certified course through the heart of downtown Downers Grove.

Description:

The Grove Express 5K is an annual Thanksgiving Day run/walk in downtown Downers Grove, supporting education and youth programs in the community.

Where: Downers Grove | More Info: Grove Express 5K Race

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What to Expect:

Community-driven trick-or-treating with local business participation.

Description:

Join participating downtown Downers Grove businesses for a fun afternoon of trick-or-treating. The event includes a costume contest at Fishel Park hosted by the Lions Club.

Where: Downers Grove | More Info: Downtown Trick-or-Treating

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What to Expect:

Interactive holiday train ride with Santa Claus.

Description:

The Skokie North Pole Express is a festive train ride where riders are provided with decorations, crafts, and activity books. The event includes a reading of "The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg and singing of holiday carols. Santa Claus joins the train upon arrival at Fox Lake to visit with every child. Drinks and snacks are offered during the ride.

Where: Skokie | More Info: Skokie North Pole Express

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