Grayslake Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Grayslake and surrounding areas
Grayslake comes alive during the Christmas season as Holiday lights and Christmas lights twinkle across popular neighborhoods and the Festival of Lights & Holiday Market brings families together near the village green. Holiday events combine seasonal attractions with lively performances and local vendors. Enjoy family fun along Lake Street, take in seasonal activities, and browse holiday markets and festive events that make Grayslake's Christmas 2025 warm, bright, and full of community cheer.
Find the best Grayslake Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
21 eventsAnnual Festival of Lights and Holiday Market kickoff.
Christmas Lights
17 eventsEnchanting 1.3-mile illuminated trail with artistic light displays.
Christmas Parties
9 eventsSweet treats with Santa after the parade
Christmas Shows
9 eventsChristmas concert by Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz
Christmas Activities
43 eventsChristmas-themed national championship with indoor snowball fights
Editor's Picks (6)
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Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
(Glencoe)
Enchanting 1.3-mile illuminated trail with artistic light displays.
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Christmas Classic Chicago South
(Schaumburg)
Christmas-themed national championship with indoor snowball fights
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Woodstock Christmas Parade
(Woodstock)
Community parade with Santa meet-and-greet
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Breakfast with Santa
(Glenview)
Breakfast with Santa Claus
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Village Tree Lighting & Downtown Holiday Walk
(Libertyville)
Santa's grand entrance to light the Village Holiday Tree
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Festival of Lights & Holiday Market
Annual Festival of Lights and Holiday Market kickoff.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Giving Opportunities Near Grayslake
Give back this holiday season with volunteering and charitable opportunities in Grayslake.
Salvation Army Waukegan Holiday Giving
The Salvation Army's Waukegan Corps invites the community to participate in their annual...
View full details →Grayslake Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Grayslake
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Grayslake!
Grayslake Christmas FAQ
The biggest annual Christmas event in Grayslake is the Festival of Lights & Holiday Market held downtown the day after Thanksgiving. It features a tree lighting, parade, Santa visits, and a holiday market with local vendors.
Grayslake’s unique holiday traditions include the community parade during the Festival of Lights and the partnership with local arts groups for holiday shows and craft activities, creating a strong local arts and family focus.
Neighborhoods near the historic downtown area are known for their festive displays, with several beloved residential streets offering impressive holiday lights that are free to enjoy by walking or driving through.
Local makers and Christmas markets can be found primarily at the Festival of Lights & Holiday Market downtown, as well as at smaller artisan markets and craft fairs hosted throughout the season near Grayslake.
Free or budget-friendly activities include visiting neighborhood light displays, attending the Festival of Lights parade and tree lighting, and exploring local holiday markets with free admission and family-friendly events.
Families with kids will enjoy the Festival of Lights with its Santa visits, kids’ crafts, and holiday performances, as well as drive-through light shows like Santa’s Rock N Lights for a fun and easy holiday outing.