Mchenry Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Mchenry and surrounding areas
McHenry kicks off the Christmas season near the historic district with Holiday lights along Green Street and community events like the McHenry Downtown Holiday Walk, Festival of Trees, and the Polar Express Pub Crawl. The lakefront and downtown shops offer a picturesque seasonal scene. Enjoy holiday activities, Christmas markets, and winter festivals that offer local crafts, seasonal performances, and family-friendly things to do during the festive season.
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Christmas Markets
26 eventsFull day of holiday festivities with parade and fireworks.
Christmas Lights
15 eventsEnchanting 1.3-mile illuminated trail with artistic light displays.
Christmas Parties
11 eventsSweet treats with Santa after the parade
Christmas Shows
7 eventsChristmas concert by Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz
Christmas Activities
40 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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A Very Merry Huntley
(Huntley)
Full day of holiday festivities with parade and fireworks.
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Santa's Village Magical Christmas Drive-Thru Experience
(East Dundee)
Over 3 million synchronized holiday lights in a drive-thru.
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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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Village Tree Lighting & Downtown Holiday Walk
(Libertyville)
Santa's grand entrance to light the Village Holiday Tree
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Giving Opportunities Near Mchenry
Give back this holiday season with volunteering and charitable opportunities in Mchenry.
Salvation Army Waukegan Holiday Giving
The Salvation Army's Waukegan Corps invites the community to participate in their annual...
View full details →Mchenry Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Mchenry
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Mchenry!
Mchenry Christmas FAQ
Key events include the Downtown Holiday Walk with sleigh rides, Santa visits, and the tree lighting ceremony, as well as the Toys for Tots parade and the Festival of Trees running through December.
McHenry celebrates with community-driven events like the Living Windows display downtown, where store windows come alive with festive scenes, and the Cocoa Crawl offering seasonal treats at local businesses.
Neighborhoods near downtown McHenry and some residential areas just outside the city are known for their impressive holiday light displays and festive decorations, popular with both locals and visitors.
Local makers and markets can be found at events like the Country Christmas Arts & Craft Show in Crystal Lake and various holiday markets held in downtown McHenry and surrounding communities throughout the season.
Free activities include enjoying neighborhood light displays, attending the Downtown Holiday Walk, and visiting public parks decorated for the holidays. Many markets and events offer free admission or low-cost entry.
Families can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, visits with Santa at Veteran’s Park, kids’ crafts during holiday markets, and festive walking trails with lights, all designed to create memorable holiday experiences for children.