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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Step into a winter wonderland with our ultimate holiday guide for Joliet! Whether Joliet is your home base or your holiday escape, our guide maximizes your yuletide potential.

Popular events during this festive season include the charming “Home for the Holidays at the Rialto,” where you can enjoy local performances and embrace the spirit of the holidays. The dazzling “Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade” showcases a vibrant array of lights and festive floats that illuminate the city. And the “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical” is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful experience for families and fans of the beloved holiday classic. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Joliet Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Annual tree lighting ceremony with unique stores and boutiques.

Description:

Holiday Lights in Homewood is a treasured event capturing joy, excitement, and traditions of the season with unique stores, boutiques, and restaurants filled with gifts and recipes you won't find in any mall. Watch Santa flip the switch for the annual tree lighting ceremony, enjoy an ice sculpture demonstration, antique car parade, and grand holiday carousel.

Where: Homewood | More Info: Holiday Lights in Homewood

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Joliet Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Unique blend of holiday activities and festive entertainment.

Description:

The Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade in Downtown Joliet features a North Pole Market, North Pole Park with an artificial ice skating rink and kiddie ferris wheel, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a spectacular parade with a firework show.

Where: Joliet | More Info: Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade

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What to Expect:

Community-driven holiday market with local vendors and activities.

Description:

The Kris Kringle Market is a two-day holiday celebration featuring local vendors, food, and activities in Palos Heights, IL.

Where: Palos Heights | More Info: Kris Kringle Market

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What to Expect:

Showcasing diverse, high-quality handmade crafts by local artisans.

Description:

The Evanston Winter Arts and Crafts Expo features over 140 selected artisans showcasing original, handmade works in various mediums, including jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, and photography.

Where: Evanston | More Info: Evanston Winter Craft Fair

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Joliet Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Diverse lineup of family-friendly holiday entertainment.

Description:

Home for the Holidays at the Rialto Square Theatre features a lineup of family-friendly shows, including classic titles, holiday favorites, and performances by well-known artists. This event offers entertainment options for the whole family, including holiday shows, concerts, social gatherings, and movies throughout the holiday season.

Where: Joliet | More Info: Home for the Holidays at the Rialto

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What to Expect:

Interactive breakfast event with Santa and holiday activities.

Description:

Join Santa Claus for a morning of jolly festivities and great food at the Alsip Park District. Enjoy all the usual breakfast foods as well as some holiday surprises. A photo opportunity with Santa, game corner, and craft station will also be available.

Where: Alsip | More Info: Breakfast with Santa

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What to Expect:

Christmas tree lighting ceremony and concert.

Description:

A Very Rialto Christmas is a holiday concert featuring a special Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a concert focused on making the holiday season merry and bright.

Where: Joliet | More Info: A Very Rialto Christmas

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What to Expect:

Special appearance by St. Nick and keepsake teddy bear.

Description:

Join the Rialto Square Theatre for a family tradition featuring a delicious brunch buffet, family fun, and a special appearance by St. Nick himself, complete with a keepsake teddy bear.

Where: Joliet | More Info: Teddy Bear Tea

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What to Expect:

Immersive theatrical re-creation of the classic holiday story.

Description:

The Polar Express is an immersive theatrical re-creation of the classic holiday story, where passengers embark on a train ride to the North Pole. They enjoy hot chocolate and sweet treats while listening to the Polar Express book. Santa Claus visits each coach, handing out the first gift of Christmas—a silver sleigh bell—to each passenger.

Where: Joliet | More Info: The Polar Express

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What to Expect:

Believable portrayal of Santa Claus in modern-day New York City.

Description:

A heartwarming tale of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real deal, bringing joy and skepticism to those around him.

Where: Joliet | More Info: Miracle on 34th Street

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