Portage Other Christmas Activities 2026

Visitors can browse gifts and goods at a special holiday edition of Chesterton's European Market and shop at downtown businesses. As the evening sets in, guests gather to watch the community Twilight Parade step off. Directly following the parade, families...

Downtown Valparaiso fills with seasonal cheer featuring holiday lights, carolers, live entertainment, and ice sculptures. Families can visit Candy Cane Lane, ride the Holiday Express Train, meet Santa, and see a live nativity hosted by Grace Chapel. Local retailers also...

Visitors can enjoy live musical performances and take photos with Santa. The celebration includes the presentation of the Good Neighbor Award along with the lighting of the plaza's giant Christmas tree. Ice skating is also available on-site at the rink.

Visitors can board Santa's Candy Cane Express featuring open and enclosed passenger coaches, with the museum operating up to three railroads depending on the weather. Guests can meet Santa inside a real railroad caboose and stop by Doc's Soda Fountain...

Gather with the community to watch the Mayor and the Village Board of Trustees light the village Christmas tree. The annual celebration is followed by a special visit from Santa Claus.

Participants take to the streets of Crown Point in a timed 5K run or a non-timed 2K run/walk. Following the race, attendees can visit with Santa, meet 93.9 LITE FM host Robin Rock, and enjoy hot cocoa, holiday treats, and...

Families enjoy a full catered breakfast and entertainment together. Children have a special visit with Santa Claus and receive their own gift.

Visitors gather in viewing areas throughout the park equipped with giant screens to watch the official illumination of the city's Christmas tree. A vibrant main stage along Washington Street next to the Chicago Cultural Center hosts seasonal entertainment, accompanied by...

Navy Pier transforms into an indoor holiday destination filled with festive décor and seasonal attractions for visitors of all ages. Guests can take to the ice on the rink, with ice skating included with entry. Visitors can also experience the...

This holiday tradition in downtown Tinley Park brings the community together for a festive evening procession along Oak Park Avenue. Spectators can watch illuminated floats, civic organizations, non-profits, local businesses, and marching bands. The procession also features special guests, including...

Trim-A-Tree is a Tinley Park holiday tradition bringing together the community to welcome the season. Families, schools, businesses, and organizations gather to decorate holiday trees. The completed trees are proudly showcased around Harmony Square and along North Avenue.

Visitors gather at Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean, to celebrate Chicago's diverse holiday traditions through choral music and communal singing. Attendees can follow along using printed songbooks or digital downloads to join their voices together. The program also...

Participants can run or walk through 5K and 10K courses lined with cheerful volunteers and aid stations, while children up to age 12 can participate in a 1K Kids Dash. Entrants receive themed apparel including beanies or Santa hats and...

Passengers embark on a leisurely journey departing from the North Judson depot through the rural winter landscape. During the trip, families can visit with Santa and take memorable photos, while every child aboard receives a special gift from Santa. Guests...

Get ready for a magical holiday experience at the Crown Point Santa Parade! Watch as Santa makes a spectacular arrival by helicopter, landing at Pointe Plaza before heading to the historic Lake County Courthouse. Families can greet Santa and enjoy...

Join the Michigan City community for the spectacular Festival of Lights Celebration. The event kicks off with a dazzling parade through the Uptown Arts District, followed by a lively chili cook-off and other festivities downtown. It's a perfect way to...

Get ready for the dazzling Jean Eberle Parade of Lights! This beloved community event features a spectacular procession of illuminated floats and participants, bringing holiday cheer to Cedar Lake. Watch as the parade lights up the night, showcasing creative designs...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Santa's March & Tree Lighting! Join the festive parade as Santa makes his way through downtown, culminating at the Main Square Gazebo. The evening culminates with a heartwarming tree lighting ceremony at...

Get into the holiday spirit at the Schererville Old-Fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting! This cherished event marks the beginning of the festive season. Community members have the opportunity to sponsor a tree, which will be beautifully displayed around the Schererville Town...

All aboard for holiday cheer! Chicago's beloved Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus return, bringing festive magic to the city. Ride the dazzling train, adorned with thousands of lights and featuring Santa and his reindeer, or hop on the decorated...

Join the iconic Chicagoland Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade, the world's largest of its kind, dedicated to bringing holiday joy to children. This massive event encourages participants to donate a toy, with all proceeds and merchandise sales supporting parade expenses...

Get ready for the enchanting Tinley Toyland Parade, a delightful community event that brings holiday magic to life. This festive procession features imaginative floats and enthusiastic participants, all celebrating the whimsical 'Toyland' theme. It's a perfect opportunity for families to...

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at West Chicago's annual Frosty Fest. This beloved community event features a magical tree lighting ceremony, opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a festive Elves Workshop for unique gift shopping. Enjoy...

Discover a day of intergenerational cultural fun at the Chicago Cultural Center's Holiday Open House. This free event features a variety of activities for all ages, including live music and dance performances, hands-on art workshops, and engaging exhibitions. Explore the...

Santa at 900 North Michigan Shops provides professional photos in a winter wonderland setting with a tree and digital displays. Each reservation includes a plush toy and digital photo.

Join the festive spirit at Hamilton Park for a delightful holiday event featuring Santa Claus and his friends. This celebration promises an afternoon filled with joy, including toys, delicious desserts, engaging music, lively dance performances, and creative arts and crafts....

Get ready for a festive evening at the Jingle Bell Rock Family Dance! This event offers a lively atmosphere with a live DJ spinning holiday tunes, perfect for dancing the night away. Families can capture magical memories with a special...

Get into the festive spirit at the Oak Forest Park District's Christmas Arts and Crafts Workshop. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to engage in creative holiday crafting, perfect for all ages. Discover new techniques and create unique holiday-themed items.

Join the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post #5220 for their annual Christmas Party! This festive event promises an afternoon of holiday cheer. Keep an eye out, as Santa and Mrs. Claus are rumored to make a special appearance, bringing extra magic to...

The Drake Hotel in Chicago transforms into a festive wonderland for the holidays, continuing a tradition of over 100 years. Guests can enjoy elegant afternoon teas, including the special 'Festival of Lights' tea, and festive dining options like Thanksgiving and...