Celebrate the joy of the holidays in Joliet with our event guide. Whether you're a familiar face in Joliet or a fresh visitor, this guide unlocks the holiday spirit.
Don't miss the enchanting Holiday Lights at the Morton Arboretum, where the dazzling displays light up the winter nights. Experience the festive charm and unique crafts at the traditional Christkindlmarkt. And the Joliet Festival of Trees is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Joliet
See these and even more events listed below!Joliet Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at the Rialto
What to Expect:
Celebrates the holidays in a historic 1926 vaudeville theater
Description:
Christmas at the Rialto transports visitors to a bygone era of entertainment. The Rialto Square Theatre, often called the "Jewel of Joliet," dons its holiday best, showcasing its stunning architecture and ornate details. Guests can marvel at the theater's grand rotunda, adorned with a magnificent Christmas tree. The event features performances that pay homage to the venue's vaudeville roots, blending nostalgia with contemporary holiday cheer. Built in 1926, the Rialto Square Theatre stands as a testament to the golden age of American theater, its preservation allowing new generations to experience its grandeur.
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Joliet Other Holiday Activities
Joliet Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Showcases creatively decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
The Joliet Festival of Trees spotlights the creativity of local businesses, schools, and community groups through a forest of uniquely adorned Christmas trees. Each tree tells a story, reflecting the character and mission of its decorator. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, fostering a spirit of friendly competition. The festival originated in 1987 as a fundraiser for local charities, embodying the community's generous spirit. As you explore, you'll discover trees decorated with themes ranging from whimsical to elegant, each a testament to Joliet's diverse and vibrant community.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Lights at the Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
What to Expect:
Mile-long illuminated trail through a living tree museum
Description:
The Morton Arboretum transforms into a luminous spectacle during the holiday season. Visitors meander through a mile-long trail adorned with dazzling light installations that highlight the natural beauty of the arboretum's diverse tree collection. Founded in 1922, this living museum boasts over 4,100 different plant species. As you stroll, you'll encounter interactive light displays that respond to touch and movement, creating a dynamic experience. The arboretum's commitment to conservation shines through in their use of energy-efficient LED technology throughout the event.
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Holiday Lights at the Morton Arboretum
Christkindlmarkt (Aurora)
What to Expect:
Authentic German-style Christmas market in the heart of Illinois
Description:
Aurora's Christkindlmarkt brings a slice of Old World charm to the Midwest. This German-inspired holiday market buzzes with activity as vendors in traditional wooden stalls offer handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, and savory treats. The air is filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. You can participate in a Glühwein toast, a cherished German custom. The market pays homage to Aurora's German heritage, which dates back to the mid-19th century when German immigrants settled in the area, influencing local culture and traditions.
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Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert (Palos Heights)
What to Expect:
Combines classical masterpieces with holiday favorites
Description:
The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra's Holiday Concert elevates the season with a harmonious blend of classical compositions and beloved yuletide melodies. The orchestra's rich, full sound reverberates through the concert hall, bringing new life to familiar tunes. Audience members can join in a sing-along of classic carols, becoming part of the performance. Founded in 1978, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra has been a cultural cornerstone of the south Chicago suburbs, consistently pushing the boundaries of orchestral programming while honoring musical traditions.
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Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert
Winter Lights Festival (Aurora)
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations along the Fox River
Description:
Aurora's Winter Lights Festival illuminates the banks of the Fox River with a series of innovative light installations. Visitors can interact with many of the displays, creating ever-changing patterns and colors. The festival showcases cutting-edge light technology, including projection mapping on historic buildings. You'll encounter light sculptures that respond to sound and movement, creating a dynamic, immersive experience. This event celebrates Aurora's nickname, "City of Lights," earned in 1881 when it became one of the first cities in the United States to implement an all-electric street lighting system.
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Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield)
What to Expect:
Combines wildlife encounters with holiday celebrations
Description:
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo offers a unique twist on traditional festivities by incorporating animal experiences into the celebration. The zoo pathways sparkle with over two million lights, creating illuminated corridors between animal habitats. Visitors can observe special holiday-themed animal enrichment activities, watching as creatures interact with seasonal treats and toys. The event also features an impressive 41-foot talking tree, sharing conservation messages. Established in 1934, Brookfield Zoo has long been a pioneer in naturalistic animal exhibits and conservation efforts, a legacy that shines through even in its holiday celebrations.
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Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Plainfield)
What to Expect:
Community-driven event with local performances
Description:
Plainfield's Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony brings the community together in a heartwarming display of local talent and holiday spirit. The event kicks off with performances by school choirs and dance troupes, showcasing the town's young artists. Visitors can warm up with complimentary hot cocoa while browsing a pop-up market featuring local artisans. The ceremony culminates in the lighting of a towering evergreen, a tradition that dates back to 1957 when Plainfield first began its annual tree lighting. This event embodies the small-town charm that has defined Plainfield since its founding in the 1820s.
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Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dickens Fest (Lockport)
What to Expect:
Victorian-era Christmas celebration in a historic canal town
Description:
Lockport's Dickens Fest transports visitors to 19th-century England, transforming the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal town into a scene from a Charles Dickens novel. Costumed characters roam the streets, bringing literary favorites to life. Visitors can try their hand at Victorian-era crafts or sample traditional English fare. The event pays homage to Lockport's own 19th-century heritage, when it served as headquarters for the I&M Canal construction. Founded in 1836, Lockport's well-preserved architecture provides an authentic backdrop for this immersive holiday experience.
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Yuletide Festival & Fair (Frankfort)
What to Expect:
Celebrates diverse holiday traditions from around the world
Description:
Frankfort's Yuletide Festival & Fair embraces global holiday traditions, offering visitors a multicultural celebration. The event features displays and performances representing Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and winter solstice customs from various cultures. Visitors can participate in international craft workshops, learning techniques from around the world. The air is filled with the aromas of diverse holiday cuisines. This inclusive approach reflects Frankfort's evolution from a 19th-century German settlement to a diverse modern community. The festival grounds are dotted with educational stations, each highlighting a different cultural tradition and its historical significance.
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Festival of Lights & Tree Lighting (Naperville)
What to Expect:
Combines a grand tree lighting with a month-long light festival
Description:
Naperville's Festival of Lights & Tree Lighting kicks off a month of illuminated celebrations throughout the city. The event begins with the lighting of a massive tree in the heart of downtown, accompanied by a community countdown. Following the ceremony, visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of light displays scattered across Naperville's parks and public spaces. You can participate in a scavenger hunt, seeking out hidden holiday symbols within the light installations. This festival builds on Naperville's long history of community gatherings, dating back to its founding in 1831 as a tight-knit frontier settlement.
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Festival of Lights & Tree Lighting