Other Christmas Activities Near North Chicago 2026

Get ready for a spirited holiday celebration at the Christmas Classic Chicago South! This two-day national championship event in Schaumburg, IL, brings together teams for exciting competition. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with holiday music, and don't miss the...

Experience the magic of Mundelein's Winter Tree Lighting Festival, a beloved community event merging tradition and festive fun. Visitors can enjoy live music, kiddy train rides, ice sculpting, and meet beloved Disney Princesses. Santa's Cottage will be open for visits,...

Experience a Holly Jolly Holiday family event in Wauconda, transforming the Community Center into a winter wonderland. Enjoy indoor activities like crafts and a gingerbread house contest, browse a local vendor market, and take photos with Santa. The festivities culminate...

Join the Village of Arlington Heights and the Park District for the annual Tree Lighting ceremony. Experience the festive atmosphere as two parks are illuminated, marking the start of the holiday season. Enjoy a unique trolley ride with historical characters...

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...

Capture the magic of the holiday season with a special Santa Photo Shoot in Downtown Mount Prospect. This festive event offers families the perfect opportunity to create cherished memories and capture timeless photos with Santa Claus himself. It's an ideal...

Step into a magical holiday experience at Santa's Cottage, a cherished tradition in Mundelein. This unique, cozy house offers children a personal and memorable one-on-one visit with Santa Claus, away from the hustle of malls. Built with community spirit and...

Experience a magical 'Holiday in the Hart' event, offering a delightful mix of indoor and outdoor festivities. Visitors can meet Santa, enjoy hot cocoa and holiday music, take enchanting sleigh rides, and participate in winter-themed crafts. Witness a live ice...

The Unconventional Holiday Bowl workshop guides participants in creating a living centerpiece with plants other than poinsettias and evergreens. Care instructions are provided.

A Holiday De-Stress Yoga Nidra session offers gentle movement, stretching, and yoga nidra meditation to release tension and foster balance.

A Nature-Inspired Ornaments Workshop teaches participants to craft holiday decorations using materials such as velvet, glitter, and paper. Attendees will make at least six ornaments and three gift tags.

A local therapist leads "Calm for the Holidays: Managing Stress in a Busy Season." This workshop offers strategies for managing stress and setting boundaries during winter.

Santa Paws offers dogs the chance to meet Santa Claus and have their photo taken. Registered dogs receive a souvenir photo, a stocking of treats, and a craft activity.

The Village of Palatine's Annual Tree Lighting celebration includes family games, holiday crafts, and a meeting with Santa's elves. Live music from the Palatine Children's Chorus, free hot chocolate, and a 5:00 PM tree lighting with the Mayor and Santa...

Barrington's White House hosts a Holiday Open House as part of the Village's Holiday Festival. Visitors can take family photos, share wish lists with Santa, and enjoy cookies and refreshments.

Former Barrington High School Choir Director Nancie Tobison and alumni present 'Home for the Holidays'. The program features holiday classics and personal stories.

Families can decorate a gingerbread house with provided frosting and candy. An award is given for 'Best House in Town'.

Teens aged 10-18 can decorate holiday cookies using various toppings and icing.

Volunteer carolers will perform festive songs at a scheduled location through the 'Book Our Holiday Carolers' service.

Santa and his elves host an ice skating event at the Oakton Sports Complex for all ages. Children receive complimentary candy canes.

Kenosha's beloved Lightin' Up celebration officially kicks off the holiday season. Downtown Kenosha transforms into a magical winter wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The event features a spectacular drone light show, a visit from Santa Claus, and...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a special 'Breakfast with Santa' event. This cherished tradition offers families a chance to enjoy a delicious breakfast while meeting the jolly man himself. Children can share their holiday wishes and capture...

Lace up your skates for a magical holiday experience at Centennial Ice Rinks! Join Santa Claus for a festive public skate session filled with holiday cheer, complete with cocoa and candy canes. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season...

Join the community in Downtown Evanston for their cherished annual Holiday Tree Lighting event. This festive celebration at Fountain Square features live music from local choirs, a special tree lighting ceremony with the Mayor, and a visit from Santa and...

Join Hawthorn Mall for a magical Santa's Arrival event on Friday, November 21, 2025. Santa will make a grand entrance with a festive parade, kicking off the holiday season. The celebration includes activities like face painting, balloon twisting, crafts, and...

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...

Celebrate the holiday season at Northfield's annual Holiday Fest! This family-friendly event features a magical park lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa Claus, and delightful holiday music performed by local school choirs. Children can write letters to Santa and enjoy...

Unleash your creativity this holiday season with a unique fused glass workshop. Participants can choose to design a set of vibrant fused glass jewelry or craft two enchanting Christmas tree votives. Explore a spectrum of colors and shapes to bring...

Join the Village of Pleasant Prairie for a free, family-friendly Twelfth Night Ceremony and Bonfire on January 6, 2025. This cherished tradition marks the end of the holiday season with a spectacular holiday tree bonfire at Lake Andrea. Enjoy hot...

Join the Zion Park District for their annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. This festive event marks the beginning of the holiday season with community spirit and seasonal cheer. It's a wonderful opportunity to gather with neighbors and celebrate the magic...

Experience the warmth of community at the 29th annual Winnetka Holiday Sing. Families and friends gather at Village Green Park to share in the joy of singing favorite holiday carols. Bring your candles or flashlights for this heartwarming, short-and-sweet celebration.

Get ready for a magical evening at the Festival of Lights! The celebration kicks off with a vibrant parade, followed by the enchanting Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy festive songs and meet Santa Claus himself to usher in the holiday...

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....

Step into a festive wonderland at the Historic Mansion Holiday Tour. This event offers a captivating glimpse into the past, with a beautifully decorated historic mansion showcasing exquisite holiday decor. It's a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday...

Step back in time with 'Under the Mistletoe! Nostalgic Holiday Favorites,' a delightful musical performance. This event promises to evoke the warmth and joy of past holidays with beloved songs that capture the spirit of the season.

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...

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...

Experience the magic of the season at the Kenosha Public Museum's Holiday Train Display. This cherished annual event transforms the museum lobby into a winter wonderland with an enchanting exhibition of model trains and delightful holiday houses. It's a perfect,...

Create lasting holiday memories at this signature gingerbread house decorating class. Children design and adorn their own gingerbread house with endless supplies, guided by experienced instructors. It's a delightful, hands-on experience perfect for family bonding and festive fun.

Children can send their holiday wishes directly to Santa Claus through a special mailbox located at the Community Recreation Center. Those who include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with their letter are guaranteed to receive a reply from Santa before Christmas...

Discover the GO WAUKEGAN Community Walks, a series of free outdoor events designed to encourage residents to embrace an active lifestyle. These walks take place in various Waukegan parks throughout the year, each featuring a unique theme, from a lively...

Discover a festive array of holiday events happening in Glenview, Illinois, and the greater Chicago area. From thrilling Halloween costume parties with prize opportunities to iconic Christmas bar crawls like the 'TBOX | Chicago's 29th Annual 12 Bars of Xmas/Santa...

The Waukegan Park District invites families to celebrate the holiday season with a variety of engaging programs and events. From the thrilling Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day to the fun-filled 'Holiday Adventures' with themes like Winter Olympics...

Ring in the New Year with the Zion Park District as they celebrate the arrival of 2025! This event promises a year of fun, fitness, and community connection. Join them for a festive occasion to welcome new adventures and embrace...

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...