Hoffman Estates Other Christmas Activities 2026

Guests gather at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club for the Hoffman Estates Park District's annual winter celebration. The event features festive music, cozy treats, and activities suitable for all ages. Everything is set against a winter wonderland backdrop.

Guests gather for an annual holiday breakfast hosted at the country club. Attendees can meet Santa Claus in person and capture their own festive pictures during the visit.

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...

Visitors celebrate the kick-off to the holiday season with the lighting of North School Park and Harmony Park. Trolleys loop between the two parks, featuring Dickens-era characters who share stories about Arlington Heights in the past.

Visitors can celebrate the holiday season with festive games, merry crafts, and encounters with Santa’s elves. The gathering features live music by the Palatine Children’s Chorus, complimentary hot chocolate and treats, and photo opportunities with Santa in the gazebo.

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...

Old Town Algonquin transforms into a holiday celebration featuring a ceremonial tree lighting and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visitors can enjoy live music and dance performances across multiple stages while browsing handcrafted gifts and treats from artisan vendors...

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...

Visitors can celebrate the holiday season with lights, music, and community festivities. The seasonal event also includes a tree lighting.

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...

Visitors can meet Santa to share their wish lists and take family photos in front of a decorated Christmas tree. Held as part of the Village’s Holiday Festival, the decorated open house also offers cookies, refreshments, and activities for all...

Visitors can explore a winter wonderland set throughout the community center featuring pictures with Santa, children's crafts, and a gingerbread house contest. The event also offers trolley rides, a balloon artist, and a local vendor market. Festivities conclude outdoors with...

Visitors can enjoy festive seasonal activities including hands-on crafts and cookie decorating. Guests can also meet with Santa and browse the Kris Kringle Market.

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...

Bring the family to meet and take photos with Santa himself. Visitors can create keepsake holiday card pictures while enjoying the festive sights, sounds, and spirit of the holiday season in Downtown Mount Prospect.

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...

Former Barrington High School choir director Nancie Tobison hosts this seasonal gathering alongside returning alumni and musical friends. Attendees listen to live performances of holiday classics and hear personal stories shared by the performers.

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

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...

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...

Guests can dress in their comfiest pajamas for an evening of festive fun. Activities include writing letters to Santa, making an ornament, and getting a photo taken with Santa. Visitors also enjoy pizza and watch a screening of the movie...

Dogs and their owners can visit to take a festive souvenir photo with Santa Claus. Each registered dog receives a stocking full of treats and participates in a craft activity to create a keepsake holiday gift. Additional fun and festive...

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.

Visitors celebrate the season with hands-on holiday fun, including decorating Christmas cookies, crafting festive projects, and writing letters to Santa. The event also features holiday-themed games and snacks for attendees.

Families gather to design and decorate festive gingerbread houses together. Each group is provided with an assembled house, frosting, and candy treats to customize their creation. Guests can get as creative as possible for a chance to win the title...

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.

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...

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...

Families gather for a cozy evening to decorate gingerbread houses using pre-packaged baskets filled with all the necessary decorating tools. The event features festive holiday music alongside a hot cocoa bar.

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...

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.

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.

St. Charles transforms into a winter wonderland for the Holiday Homecoming, culminating in the spectacular Electric Christmas Parade. This beloved Midwest event kicks off the holiday season with dazzling lights, festive floats, and the joyous presence of Santa Claus. Explore...

Join the St. Charles community for the magical Holiday Homecoming Lighting of the Lights Ceremony, marking the official start of the holiday season. This spectacular event features a stunning display of holiday lights, festive music, and a special visit from...

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 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,...

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...

Embark on a magical journey with the North Pole Express, a beloved holiday tradition hosted by the Palatine Park District. This enchanting event offers a festive experience for all ages, inviting families to create lasting memories. While specific details for...

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...

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...

Residents of Streamwood are invited to participate in the annual Home Holiday Decorating Contest. This event encourages homeowners to transform their properties into dazzling displays of festive cheer, creating a magical atmosphere for the community to enjoy. It's a wonderful...

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...

Join the Wheeling Park District for their annual Holiday Hoopla event! This festive gathering offers a delightful afternoon for families, featuring a variety of engaging games and creative crafts for children. The highlight for many will be the special opportunity...

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....

Embark on a whimsical North Pole Adventure, a festive event designed to bring holiday cheer to families. This experience promises a magical journey filled with enchanting decorations, engaging games, and creative crafts. It's the perfect opportunity to create lasting holiday...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a unique Flashlight Candy Cane Hike. This guided nighttime adventure takes participants along winter trails, illuminated by the glow of flashlights. It's a memorable way for families to embrace the festive spirit...

Bring the little ones to Jolly Stop for an evening of holiday cheer! Children aged 2-12 can enjoy cookies, cocoa, and a festive craft. They can also write a letter to Santa and drop it in his mailbox, and sing...

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...

Dive into the holiday spirit at Santa Splash, where Santa Claus makes a special appearance at the indoor pool. Enjoy festive photos and treats while celebrating the season. This unique event offers a fun way to combine a swim with...

Gather your family for a delightful gingerbread house decorating session. Each group receives a gingerbread house, frosting, and an assortment of candies to create a festive masterpiece. Little ones will also enjoy a special gingerbread craft activity, making it a...

Ring in the New Year with a daytime celebration perfect for families! This event features a variety of games, music, and a spectacular balloon drop. Each attendee receives a glow-stick necklace, party hat, and noisemaker to add to the festive...