Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your festive adventure in Glenview with our ultimate event guide. From Glenview stalwarts to wandering visitors, our guide ensures a holiday season to remember.
One of the highlights this season is the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Tree-Lighting Parade, where the city illuminates in a vibrant spectacle to mark the start of festivities. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink offers a delightful outdoor skating experience right at the heart of the city, providing a unique winter charm. And the beloved Holiday Magic is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring holiday-themed attractions and local shopping opportunities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Glenview Holiday Light Displays
Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Tree-Lighting Parade
- What to Expect
- Largest nighttime parade in the U.S. with over one million lights.
- Description
- The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a day-through-night holiday celebration featuring the largest nighttime parade in the U.S., led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. The event includes musical celebrity performances, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and illuminated floats, culminating in the Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Tree-Lighting Parade
Light Up the Park
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday festivities with a tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park hosts Light Up the Park, featuring ice skating, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers, and ice sculpting viewing. The event includes a tree lighting ceremony with over 80,000 holiday lights.
- Where
- Rosemont | More Info : Light Up the Park
Holiday Magic
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic features over two million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, and immersive light tunnels. Guests can explore indoor and outdoor habitats, enjoy live entertainment, and meet Santa. The event includes a festive holiday market with unique shopping and seasonal food options.
- Where
- Brookfield | More Info : Holiday Magic
Lightscape
- What to Expect
- Interactive light displays synchronized to different instruments.
- Description
- Explore 50 acres of the Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular display of color, light, and sound. The event features 17 displays of lights and music that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Enjoy interactive light displays, concession tents, and a temperature-activated, color-changing ceramic mug available for purchase.
- Where
- Lisle | More Info : Lightscape
Light Up the Lake
- What to Expect
- Largest indoor holiday light show with oversized sculptures and festive activities.
- Description
- Light Up the Lake is an indoor holiday light sculpture experience at Navy Pier, featuring over 600,000 twinkling lights, an Alpine ice rink, holiday beer garden, and Santa's Village.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Light Up the Lake
Kohlights
- What to Expect
- Stunning light displays set against a backdrop of seasonal festivities
- Description
- An impressive display of festive lights transforms the venue into a visual spectacle, captivating visitors of all ages. The array of illuminations includes various themed installations, inviting families to explore each section. Food and drink vendors enhance the experience, offering seasonal treats as guests stroll through the vibrant pathways. Special activities and entertainment options provide additional enjoyment, making it a wonderful outing for friends and families.
- Where
- Glenview | More Info : Kohlights
Glenview Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Tea at The Grove
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade items and festive food offerings.
- Description
- The Holiday Market at The Grove's Historic Redfield Estate offers unique, handmade items from 20 artists, makers, and designers. Find gifts, jewelry, textiles, decorations, personalized ornaments, stocking stuffers, gourmet food, and baked goods. Enjoy holiday refreshments and visit Santa's chalet for photos by the fireplace in a heated pavilion.
- Where
- Glenview | More Info : Holiday Tea at The Grove
Glenview Holiday Shows and Entertainment
“Elf” in Concert
- What to Expect
- Live orchestral performance accompanying a classic holiday film.
- Description
- Relive the heartwarming holiday classic "Elf" with a live-to-film concert experience, featuring John Debney's score played in perfect sync with the beloved Christmas movie.
- Where
- Rosemont | More Info : “Elf” in Concert
North Pole Express
- What to Expect
- Interactive train experience with themed characters and visits from Santa Claus.
- Description
- A delightful train ride that takes families on an imaginative journey to the North Pole, featuring interactions with costumed characters and various themed activities. Guests can revel in a festive atmosphere while enjoying seasonal treats and music along the way. Children can meet Santa Claus and share their Christmas wishes before returning to reality.
- Where
- Glenview | More Info : North Pole Express
Glenview Other Holiday Activities
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
- What to Expect
- Free skating lessons for all ages.
- Description
- The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park offers free admission with online reservations required. It features free skating lessons, making it accessible for all ages. The rink is open daily from November 15 through February 2, weather permitting, and provides snacks and hot drinks from Momentum Coffee and Millennium Hall.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Skating in the Park
- What to Expect
- Unique outdoor skating sessions with flexible timing.
- Description
- Skating in the Park offers a serene and enjoyable outdoor skating experience with various session times throughout the day and evening.
- Where
- Rosemont | More Info : Skating in the Park
Winter Flower Show: Celebrating Silver
- What to Expect
- Celebrating 25 years of Garfield Park Conservatory's community alliances.
- Description
- The Winter Flower Show: Celebrating Silver at the Garfield Park Conservatory highlights the 25-year history of the Garfield Park community alliance. Enjoy beautiful silver foliage, lush poinsettias in pink and white hues, and other winter flowers and plants.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Winter Flower Show: Celebrating Silver
Winter Fireworks
- What to Expect
- Free, award-winning fireworks display over Lake Michigan.
- Description
- Navy Pier's free dazzling Award-Winning fireworks display features spectacular winter fireworks on Saturdays, showcasing the beauty of Lake Michigan.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Winter Fireworks