Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the must-see holiday highlights in North Lawndale! Our guide showcases all the top festive events. From North Lawndale aficionados to curious travelers, our guide showcases both traditional and unique holiday experiences.
One event to visit is the Christkindlmarket, where you can enjoy a delightful blend of German holiday traditions, complete with handcrafted goods and festive food. Another highlight is the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, characterized by its vibrant atmosphere and the stunning spectacle of the season's first tree lighting. And the Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum is something you definitely don't want to miss with its enchanting display of lights set against a winter landscape. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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North Lawndale Holiday Light Displays
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
- What to Expect
- Interactive light displays synchronized to different instruments.
- Description
- Explore 50 acres of The Morton Arboretum's majestic trees during this spectacular display of color, light, and sound. The event features 17 displays of lights and music that highlight the beauty of trees in winter, including a secluded glade strung with fairy lights and kinetic LED tall grasses honoring Midwest native species. Enjoy immersive installations, warm fires, and delicious meals while experiencing the transformation of the landscape with light.
- Where
- Lisle | More Info : Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and animal-themed displays
- Description
- Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic features over two million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, and immersive light displays. Guests can explore indoor and outdoor habitats, visit Santa, and enjoy live entertainment and seasonal attractions.
- Where
- Brookfield | More Info : Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- What to Expect
- Illumination of a nominated tree in Millennium Park.
- Description
- The Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is an annual event where the city's official Christmas Tree is illuminated in Millennium Park, marking the start of the holiday season. The tree, which must meet specific criteria, is nominated by local families and remains lit through January 8, 2025. The ceremony includes live performances and festivities, making it a significant part of Chicago's holiday traditions.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
North Lawndale Holiday Markets and Shopping
Schaumburg Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Direct-to-consumer jewelry shopping experience with a wide variety of vendors.
- Description
- The Schaumburg, IL Holiday Show is a premier event featuring a diverse selection of jewelry, fashion accessories, and gifts. Shop directly from wholesalers, manufacturers, and designers in a unique marketplace setting. Enjoy fantastic deals and selections, including diamonds, beads, pearls, opals, fine jewelry, and more.
- Where
- Schaumburg | More Info : Schaumburg Christmas Market
Christkindlmarket
- What to Expect
- Authentic German holiday market with unique shopping and cultural activities.
- Description
- The Christkindlmarket offers a traditional German-style Christmas market experience with a variety of vendors selling handmade goods, food, and drinks. Visitors can explore international and local products, enjoy live entertainment, and experience a cozy atmosphere.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Christkindlmarket
North Lawndale Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Northfield Winterfest
- What to Expect
- Horse-drawn wagons and real-life reindeer add a unique touch to this festive celebration.
- Description
- Join us for the 26th Annual Winter Walk in downtown Northfield, featuring horse-drawn wagons, heartwarming caroling, pictures with Santa and the Grinch, twinkling luminaries, beautifully decorated storefronts, and more. Indulge in holiday shopping with fantastic deals and savor the flavors of amazing food throughout the evening. Exciting additions include a Flash Mob, Window, Tree, and Gingerbread House Decorating Contests, real-life reindeer, DJJD Royalty Storytime, and fireworks at 8:45 PM.
- Where
- Northfield | More Info : Northfield Winterfest
The Nutcracker (Schaumburg Dance Ensemble)
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Schaumburg Dance Ensemble's production of The Nutcracker is a classic ballet performance featuring thousands of dancers, including students and professionals. This 29th annual production has become a seasonal favorite among generations of families.
- Where
- Schaumburg | More Info : The Nutcracker (Schaumburg Dance Ensemble)
Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You
- What to Expect
- Iconic holiday hits performed by Mariah Carey.
- Description
- Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You concert features a spectacular performance of her iconic holiday hits, including songs from her beloved album "Merry Christmas." The show is an extravagant celebration of the holiday season with Mariah Carey's powerful vocals and engaging stage presence.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You