Glen Ellyn Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Glen Ellyn and surrounding areas

How we verify →
Christmas Markets (26 events) → Christmas Lights (15 events) → Christmas Shows (7 events) → Christmas Activities (45 events) →

Glen Ellyn lights up the festive season with Holiday lights, festive events and community tree lighting ceremonies around downtown and Lake Ellyn Park. The popular Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk & Tree Lighting brings neighbors together for seasonal fun and holiday entertainment. Explore holiday markets, enjoy local performances and join family-friendly activities that showcase this charming town’s winter traditions.

Find the best Glen Ellyn Christmas happenings this year!

Glen Ellyn Christmas Events

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Christmas Markets

26 events
Candy Cane Lane Holiday Market • Dec 6

Holiday market with Nutcracker dancers and light ceremony.

Glen Ellyn Christmas Markets →

Christmas Lights

15 events
St. Charles Holiday Homecoming Weekend • Nov 28 – Nov 29

Kick off the holiday season with a weekend of festive events.

Glen Ellyn Christmas Lights →

Christmas Shows

7 events
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet • Dec 14

International cast and European-crafted sets and costumes

Glen Ellyn Christmas Shows →

Christmas Activities

45 events
Holiday Homecoming Lighting of the Lights Ceremony • Nov 28 – Nov 29

Community lighting ceremony and electric Christmas parade.

Glen Ellyn Christmas Activities →

Editor's Picks (6)

  1. Holiday Homecoming Lighting of the Lights Ceremony (St. Charles)
    Community lighting ceremony and electric Christmas parade.
  2. St. Charles Holiday Homecoming Weekend (St. Charles)
    Kick off the holiday season with a weekend of festive events.
  3. Santa's Naperville Workshop (Naperville)
    Exclusive one-on-one Santa visits.
  4. Polar Express Storytime Train (Geneva)
    The Polar Express train ride with Santa visit
  5. Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (Brookfield)
    Chicagoland's longest-running holiday lights festival.
  6. Candy Cane Lane Holiday Market (Lombard)
    Holiday market with Nutcracker dancers and light ceremony.

Events Happening Soon (6)

Holiday Magic and Tree Lighting Sun, Nov 23 View →
Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk & Tree Lighting Wed, Nov 26 View →
Rotary Club of Naperville Parade of Lights Fri, Nov 28 View →
Holly Trolley Sat, Nov 29 View →
Christmas Together with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith & CeCe Winans Wed, Dec 3 View →
President's Holiday Open House and Festival of Lessons & Carols Fri, Dec 5 View →
Latest Christmas news and updates in Glen Ellyn

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Glen Ellyn Christmas Events Map

See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.

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Glen Ellyn Christmas events map

Also Near Glen Ellyn

Wheaton (2.2 miles) → Glendale Heights (2.9 miles) → Lombard (3 miles) → Villa Park (4.1 miles) → Carol Stream (4.2 miles) → Lisle (5.3 miles) →
Christmas road trip adventure with festive characters

Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways

Worth the drive for more holiday events near Glen Ellyn!

Milwaukee (80.7 miles) → Madison (106.9 miles) →

Looking for more? Explore all Illinois Christmas Events →

Glen Ellyn Christmas FAQ

What are the biggest annual Christmas events in Glen Ellyn?

The Holiday Walk & Tree Lighting, the Holiday Happening at College of DuPage, and the annual Jingle Jam music festival are among the most popular annual Christmas events in Glen Ellyn.

What holiday traditions are unique to Glen Ellyn?

Glen Ellyn is known for its Letters to Santa mailbox, festive downtown window displays, and the tradition of the Holiday Happening craft fair, which has been a local favorite for decades.

Which neighborhoods are best for Christmas lights in Glen Ellyn?

The downtown area and historic neighborhoods around Main Street are especially festive, with many homes and businesses participating in the holiday light displays each year.

Where can I find Christmas markets and local makers in Glen Ellyn?

Christmas markets and local makers can be found at the Holiday Happening at College of DuPage, downtown Glen Ellyn during the holiday walk, and at special events hosted by the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce.

What are the best free or budget-friendly holiday activities in Glen Ellyn?

Free activities include viewing downtown holiday lights, attending the tree lighting, visiting the Letters to Santa mailbox, and enjoying the Holiday Happening craft fair and Jingle Jam music festival.

What are good picks for families with kids in Glen Ellyn?

Families enjoy the tree lighting, Letters to Santa mailbox, photos with Santa at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse, and the Jingle Jam music festival, all of which are welcoming and fun for children.

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