Palatine Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Palatine and surrounding areas
Palatine lights up for the Christmas season around the downtown square and community parks with Holiday lights, seasonal markets, and performances that create family-friendly fun. Visit the Fremd Booster Club Holiday Craft Fair for handmade goods or ride the North Pole Express for a magical holiday train experience. With winter markets, holiday attractions, and a calendar full of festive events, Palatine offers many things to do that make the season lively and welcoming for families and friends.
Find the best Palatine Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
24 eventsCommunity winter festival with tree lighting and Santa visits.
Christmas Lights
14 eventsEnchanting 1.3-mile illuminated trail with artistic light displays.
Christmas Shows
10 eventsMariah Carey's "Christmas Time" concert tour
Christmas Parties
7 eventsBreakfast with Santa Claus
Christmas Activities
45 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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Mariah Carey's Christmas Time
(Rosemont)
Mariah Carey's "Christmas Time" concert tour
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Christmas Classic Chicago South
(Schaumburg)
Christmas-themed national championship with indoor snowball fights
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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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Breakfast with Santa
(Glenview)
Breakfast with Santa Claus
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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)
Palatine Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Palatine
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Palatine!
Palatine Christmas FAQ
The Palatine Concert Band Holiday Concert, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, and North Pole Express train ride are among the most popular annual events in the area.
Palatine is known for its festive tree lighting in Towne Square, the North Pole Express train ride, and community sing-alongs during the holiday concert.
Downtown Palatine and several residential neighborhoods are especially known for their creative and festive Christmas light displays.
Local markets and vendor fairs are often held at Cutting Hall, Palatine Park District facilities, and community centers during the holiday season.
Free activities include the Holiday Tree Lighting, neighborhood light displays, and some holiday concerts and markets with no admission fee.
Families enjoy the North Pole Express train ride, the Palatine Concert Band Holiday Concert, and visits to local parks for light displays and festive events.