Naperville Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Experience NaperLights, a free winter wonderland in downtown Naperville. Stroll along Water Street, Foyo Plaza, Jaycees Park, and the Riverwalk, illuminated by a dazzling display of holiday lights and synchronized sound. Don't miss special events like the Family Holiday Stroll and opportunities to meet Santa.

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Naperville Trolley & Tours' famous December Holiday Lights Trolley Tour. For 30 years, this beloved tradition has delighted residents and visitors alike. Let them drive you past stunningly decorated homes while you relax and enjoy the festive spirit with your loved ones....

Experience a dazzling holiday wonderland at Christmas at Cantigny, featuring a spectacular light show with synchronized music and festive decorations. Explore illuminated gardens, including a new Northern Lights display, and admire a towering Christmas tree. Enjoy ice skating, cozy up in the Noël Lounge, and shop for unique gifts at...

Joliet transforms into a winter wonderland for the Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade. This vibrant event features a bustling North Pole Market with artisan vendors, a magical North Pole Park with an iceless skating rink and kids' rides, and opportunities to visit with Santa. The day culminates in...

Step into a magical winter wonderland at Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Holiday Magic, Chicagoland's longest-running holiday lights festival. For over 40 years, they've transformed the zoo with over 2 million LED lights, creating a dazzling spectacle. Stroll through glowing pathways and immerse yourself in festive decorations that make this a cherished...

Experience the magical kickoff to the holiday season at Illuminate 900. Hosts Giuliana & Bill Rancic will guide you through an evening of spectacular performances, delightful family activities like cookie decorating, and festive music. The highlight is Santa's arrival to light the magnificent 50-foot tree, transforming the venue into a...

America's holiday season officially begins at The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® in Chicago. This iconic event features the nation's largest nighttime parade, dazzling floats, marching bands, and beloved characters from Walt Disney World®. The celebration culminates with a spectacular fireworks display, illuminating over one million lights along Michigan Avenue.

Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland for ZooLights, a beloved holiday tradition. Millions of lights illuminate the park, creating a magical atmosphere with dazzling displays and a festive light tunnel. Enjoy seasonal treats, rides on the Ferris wheel and carousel, and special events like ice carving and live...

Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a magical holiday spectacle with ZooLights, featuring over 3 million dazzling lights and hundreds of festive displays. Enjoy iconic rides, warm up with seasonal treats, and experience live ice carving and caroling. It's Chicago's favorite holiday tradition, perfect for creating lasting winter memories.

Navy Pier transforms into a winter wonderland with the return of Winter WonderFest. This beloved indoor holiday event features dazzling décor, thrilling rides, an ice rink, and festive fun for all ages. Explore the 42-foot Holiday Tree, enjoy classic attractions, and savor seasonal treats.

Step into a festive holiday wonderland at Naper Settlement's Holly Jolly Days. This event offers a delightful array of seasonal activities, including hands-on holiday crafts, captivating Christmas stories, and unique demonstrations. Experience the warmth of roasting chestnuts by an open fire and learn about traditional blacksmithing. Capture cherished family memories...

Discover the charm of the 63rd Annual Cup of Cheer™ event in Naperville, featuring a delightful home tour, a vibrant holiday market, and a festive tea. Explore beautifully decorated homes, shop for unique gifts, and take home a commemorative teacup. Proceeds support local scholarships and club projects, making it a...

Experience a charming holiday tradition at 'Once Upon A Christmas' in Lisle. This free event offers a delightful array of old-fashioned festive fun for all ages. Visitors can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy warm beverages, create holiday crafts, and participate in workshops. The event is held in conjunction with...

Discover unique, handmade treasures at A Holiday Happening Craft & Art Fair, recognized as one of the Top 20 craft shows in the US. This largest holiday event showcases the work of over 100 talented artisans from across the Midwest, offering a wide array of handmade gifts, jewelry, festive decor,...

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Christkindlmarket Aurora, a beloved German-style holiday tradition. Discover unique handcrafted gifts, savor festive treats like Glühwein, and soak in the enchanting atmosphere. This vibrant market offers a delightful European experience for the whole family.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Woodfield Mall's Santa Photo Experience. Santa arrives on November 6th and will be available for photos through December 24th. Special events include Santa's grand arrival parade, dedicated pet photo sessions, and sensory-friendly visits for children with special needs. Reservations are encouraged to...

Experience the magic of the season at Tinley Park's Holiday Happenings! This beloved annual event transforms Downtown Tinley Park into a festive wonderland. Browse unique gifts and artisanal crafts at the Holiday Market, and savor delicious seasonal treats and warm beverages. It's the perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit...

Get into the holiday spirit at The Salt Shed's Holiday Gift Market. This vibrant event showcases Chicago's finest artisans, jewelers, ceramicists, and vintage vendors, offering a perfect opportunity to find unique gifts for everyone on your list. Explore one-of-a-kind jewelry, stunning ceramics, handmade textiles, and curated vintage finds in a...

Joliet's Rialto Square Theatre presents 'Home for the Holidays,' a season packed with festive entertainment. This celebration features a curated selection of family-friendly shows, including beloved holiday classics and exciting new performances. Enjoy live music, theatrical productions, and classic holiday movies in the stunning, historic setting of the Rialto Square...

Immerse yourself in the magic of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, a cherished holiday tradition. This spectacular performance features an international cast of world-class dancers, breathtaking Broadway-level sets, and opulent costumes. Experience Tchaikovsky's iconic score brought to life with innovative choreography, whimsical puppetry, and dazzling visuals that will captivate audiences of...

Step back in time for a special screening of 'Home Alone' followed by an intimate Q&A with star Macaulay Culkin. This event offers a rare opportunity to relive the magic of the holiday classic and hear directly from the actor himself. It's a nostalgic journey perfect for fans of the...

Step into a magical Christmas Eve at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with The Joffrey Ballet's spectacular production of The Nutcracker. This Tony Award-winning reimagining by Christopher Wheeldon transports audiences on a fantastical journey with Marie and her prince, set to Tchaikovsky's beloved score. Experience a dazzling array of international...

Experience the magic of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at Goodman Theatre. This beloved adaptation, praised for its "first-rate cast and marvelous staging," follows Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey on Christmas Eve. Directed by Malkia Stampley, the production features Christopher Donahue returning as Scrooge in a performance hailed as "historical standout."...

Experience Brookfield Zoo Chicago after dark at the exclusive Zoo After Dark: Holiday Sip & Stroll. This 21+ event offers a magical evening filled with dazzling holiday lights, festive cocktails, and a lively DJ dance party. Get a first look at the Holiday Magic displays and enjoy seasonal sips in...

Get ready to ring in the New Year with an electrifying disco dance party at The Salt Shed! This event promises a night filled with the greatest hits from ABBA, alongside beloved disco anthems from the 70s and 80s by artists like The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and Cher. Don...

Get ready for an unforgettable New Year's Eve at Howl at the Moon's spectacular celebration! They are hosting a night of high-energy entertainment and live music, promising a countdown like no other. Whether you prefer to start with a seated dinner and show or dive straight into the festivities with...

Step into Santa's magical workshop for a unique and personal visit. This event offers exclusive, one-on-one time with Santa for your family, allowing for private conversations and the opportunity to capture your own photos and videos. Special themed nights cater to various community groups, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

The Rotary Club of Naperville presents a magical evening with their annual Parade of Lights. This family-friendly event illuminates downtown Naperville with dazzling floats, local performers, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. It's a heartwarming celebration that supports local youth-oriented non-profits, making it a parade with a purpose.

Experience the magic of the Rotary Club of Naperville's Parade of Lights. This enchanting evening parade winds through downtown Naperville, adorned with twinkling lights. It's a spectacle of brightly lit floats, local musical talent, and community participants, culminating in a special visit from Santa Claus, promising a delightful experience for...

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, and receive free commemorative ornaments and refreshments while supplies last....

Bring your furry best friend to The Morton Arboretum for special Dog Admission Days. Explore 16 miles of trails together, and on select 'Illumination' nights, even experience the magical holiday light display with your canine companion. 'Tails on the Trails' events offer a pet expo with local vendors.

All aboard for a magical journey on the Polar Express Storytime Train! Families are invited to wear their pajamas and embrace the holiday spirit for an unforgettable trip to the North Pole. Meet Santa and his friends, enjoy a festive meal, and create lasting memories with photos and wish list...

All aboard for holiday cheer on the Holiday Express! This festive event offers a delightful train ride experience adorned with holiday spirit. Families can also get creative by decorating a wooden tree to be displayed along the streets, adding to the festive atmosphere. A special Sensory-Friendly Night provides a more...

Step into a winter wonderland at the Geneva Holiday House Tour. This event invites visitors to explore five stunning homes in Geneva, each transformed into a festive masterpiece by talented local designers and green-scape experts. Discover creative decorating ideas and draw inspiration for your own holiday celebrations while enjoying a...

Join Elmhurst University for a festive holiday celebration combining the President's Holiday Open House with the Annual Festival of Lessons & Carols. This special event offers a warm and inviting atmosphere to kick off the holiday season.

Experience the magic of the holiday season in Elmhurst with the FREE Holly Trolley. This festive service runs on Saturdays, allowing you to easily hop on and off to shop, dine, and explore the charming town. Stay tuned for exciting announcements about special guests who will be joining the trolley...

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.

The 27th Annual Tinley Park Parade of Lights illuminates the heart of downtown Tinley Park, marking a magical start to the holiday season. Families and friends gather for a dazzling procession of illuminated floats, marching bands, and community organizations, culminating in a special appearance by Santa Claus. Local businesses along...