Elmhurst Other Christmas Activities 2026

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...

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...

Visitors can kick off the holiday season by watching Santa arrive and attending the tree lighting ceremony at Memorial Hall. Families can enjoy carousel rides, a holiday train, and visits with Santa. Guests can also stroll to explore local downtown...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

Families can step into the world of Whoville with Grinchy games, festive crafts, holiday treats, and Who-themed keepsakes. Guests can take photos with Santa Claus, the Grinch, and Cindy Lou Who throughout the gathering. The open-house format allows families to...

Guests attend a live seated holiday show featuring John Waters. The performance takes place inside the Avondale Music Hall with both general seated admission and VIP options available.

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...

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

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

Families gather for an evening of festive holiday activities at the Dellwood Park Community Center. Guests can visit with Santa, enjoy inflatable fun, and make a holiday craft. The event also includes pizza and hot chocolate.

Visitors can join in a festive indoor swim with Santa at Challenge Fitness. The seasonal event is organized by the Lockport Township Park District at their local community fitness and aquatics facility.

Attendees gather for a reading celebrating the release of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas (According to Max). Following the storytime, guests participate in posed photo opportunities with the Grinch. Each ticket holder receives a copy of the featured...

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...

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.

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...

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

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 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...

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 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.

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,...

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,...

Step into a winter wonderland at the Forest Park Holiday Walk! Stroll down Madison Street to discover enchanting live window displays and enjoy open houses at local shops. Delight in magical horse-drawn sleigh rides, marvel at a festive ice sculpture,...

Westmont, Illinois, comes alive with the Holly Days Winter Festival, a month-long celebration of end-of-year festivities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of enchanting events, from the excitement of the Elf Olympics and Santa's Sleigh Visits to heartwarming community initiatives like...

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...

Join the community for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Glendale Heights. This festive event features performances by local choral groups and culminates with the Mayor and a special guest, Santa Claus, illuminating the Civic Center Complex. Following the ceremony,...

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...

Experience the holiday magic in Glen Ellyn with the return of the 'Letters to Santa' mailbox, a charming way for children to send their wishes directly to the North Pole. Letters mailed by December 14th are guaranteed a response from...

Experience the warmth of community at Hodgkins Holiday Happenings. This festive evening begins with the cherished annual tree lighting ceremony, illuminating the start of the holiday season. Following the lighting, enjoy a variety of engaging holiday activities designed for families...

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...

Bundle up for a magical evening at Westwood Park for Winter Wonderland! This festive celebration officially kicks off the holiday season with dazzling lights, lively entertainment, and fun for the entire family. Step inside the Community Center for warm hot...

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...

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....

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...

Join the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago in celebrating the Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. This annual observance honors a beloved saint, offering a moment for reflection and spiritual connection within the community.

Experience the magic of the holidays as Santa Claus makes a special visit to North Berwyn in his mobile workshop. This unique event offers residents the chance to receive a personal meet-and-greet with Santa right at their home, perfect for...