Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your festive season in Skokie with our guide. Discover all the best holiday events and activities. Whether Skokie is your hometown or your holiday destination, our guide ensures you enjoy all the festivities.
Among the highlights this season is the Sparkle Light Festival, featuring enchanting displays that illuminate the night. With a blend of music and artful lights, it’s an experience to delight visitors of all ages. Additionally, the Willow Hill Lights will captivate you with its synchronized light shows that dance to holiday tunes. And the Vintage Holidays in Long Grove is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering charm, shopping, and seasonal traditions. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Skokie Holiday Light Displays
Sparkle Light Festival
- What to Expect
- Holiday light display with ice skating and tubing activities.
- Description
- Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont features a completely redesigned layout with an ice skating rink, five illuminated villages, and activities like free train rides and tubing down the Alpine Slide. Guests can visit Santa Claus and enjoy festive food and beverage options.
- Where
- Rosemont | More Info : Sparkle Light Festival
Willow Hill Lights
- What to Expect
- 2.5-mile long LED light display with synchronized music.
- Description
- Willow Hill Lights is a drive-thru holiday light show featuring over one million LED lights, three drive-through tunnels, and a 30-foot Christmas tree. The event takes place at Willow Hill Golf Course in Northbrook, IL, and includes holiday favorites like Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman.
- Where
- Northbrook | More Info : Willow Hill Lights
Happy Holiday Railway
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday train ride with Santa and animated light displays.
- Description
- Take a 40-minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus. Enjoy treats and hot chocolate while seeing holiday lights and an animated light show. Historic trains and Chicago streetcars are also part of the experience.
- Where
- Union | More Info : Happy Holiday Railway
Santa’s Rock n Lights – Drive Thru Light Show
- What to Expect
- An immersive drive-thru experience featuring synchronized lights and music
- Description
- A spectacular drive-thru light show that features dazzling displays, festive music, and vibrant holiday scenes. Families can enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience from the comfort of their vehicles, creating lasting memories during the holiday season. The event combines creative light arrangements with immersive holiday sounds to bring cheer to all visitors.
- Where
- Grayslake | More Info : Santa’s Rock n Lights – Drive Thru Light Show
Skokie Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts
- What to Expect
- Historic brass and choral music performances in iconic Chicago venues.
- Description
- The Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts, conducted by Stephen Alltop, feature the Music of the Baroque Chorus and Brass Ensemble performing ethereal chants and majestic works by Gabrieli, Praetorius, and more in some of Chicago's most beautiful spaces.
- Where
- River Forest | More Info : Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts
Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts
- What to Expect
- Historic choral and brass music performed in iconic Chicago venues.
- Description
- The Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts, conducted by Stephen Alltop, feature a diverse repertoire including works by Gabrieli and Praetorius. The Music of the Baroque Chorus and Brass Ensemble traverse through time, performing ethereal chants and majestic brass pieces in some of Chicago’s most beautiful spaces.
- Where
- Chicago | More Info : Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts
Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts
- What to Expect
- Historic choral and brass ensemble performances.
- Description
- The Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts, conducted by Stephen Alltop, feature a journey through time with ethereal chant and majestic brass works, including music by Gabrieli and Praetorius, in some of Chicago's most beautiful spaces.
- Where
- Winnetka | More Info : Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts
Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts
- What to Expect
- Historic choral and brass ensemble performances in iconic Chicago venues.
- Description
- The Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts, conducted by Stephen Alltop, feature ethereal chant and majestic brass works, traversing from the medieval age to the present. The Music of the Baroque Chorus and Brass Ensemble perform music by Gabrieli, Praetorius, and more in some of Chicago's most beautiful spaces.
- Where
- Evanston | More Info : Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts
for KING & COUNTRY: A Drummer Boy Christmas Concert
- What to Expect
- Grammy-winning duo performs holiday favorites and original songs.
- Description
- for KING & COUNTRY brings their A Drummer Boy Christmas Tour to NOW Arena, featuring Christmas classics and new hits.
- Where
- Hoffman Estates | More Info : for KING & COUNTRY: A Drummer Boy Christmas Concert
NUTCRACKER Magical Christmas Ballet
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet is a spectacular holiday performance featuring spectacular sets and beautifully costumed dancers, making it an annual treat for the whole family.
- Where
- Rosemont | More Info : NUTCRACKER Magical Christmas Ballet
Devonshire Cultural Center Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday entertainment with diverse cultural performances.
- Description
- Devonshire Cultural Center offers a variety of holiday events, including concerts, plays, and cultural activities that celebrate the season with unique performances and engaging experiences.
- Where
- Skokie | More Info : Devonshire Cultural Center Holiday Events
Skatium Ice Arena Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Holiday ice skating exhibition with professional and competitive performances.
- Description
- The Skatium Ice Arena Holiday Skating Exhibition features skaters performing holiday favorites and competitive programs. Spectators are welcome to watch for free.
- Where
- Skokie | More Info : Skatium Ice Arena Holiday Events
Skokie Other Holiday Activities
Vintage Holidays in Long Grove
- What to Expect
- Nostalgic holiday activities in historic downtown Long Grove.
- Description
- Vintage Holidays in Long Grove is a nostalgic holiday celebration featuring quaint shops, old-world charm, and family memories. The event includes a Holiday Walk, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa in the village, caroling around town, and merchant specials and promotions.
- Where
- Long Grove | More Info : Vintage Holidays in Long Grove
Skokie Park District Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Seasonal festivities with cultural performances and interactive activities.
- Description
- The Skokie Park District offers a variety of holiday events, including cultural performances, interactive activities, and seasonal festivities. These events cater to diverse interests and age groups, providing a rich and engaging experience for all participants.
- Where
- Skokie | More Info : Skokie Park District Holiday Events
Skokie Heritage Museum Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Historical holiday crafts and educational programs.
- Description
- The Skokie Heritage Museum offers a variety of holiday events, including historical crafts, educational programs, and interactive activities that delve into the rich history of Skokie. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and engage with local history.
- Where
- Skokie | More Info : Skokie Heritage Museum Holiday Events
Emily Oaks Nature Center Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Nature-based holiday celebrations with interactive exhibits.
- Description
- Emily Oaks Nature Center offers a variety of holiday events, including guided nature walks, interactive exhibits, and educational programs for all ages. These events celebrate the natural world and promote ecological awareness.
- Where
- Skokie | More Info : Emily Oaks Nature Center Holiday Events
Oakton Community Center Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of social activities and themed events for seniors.
- Description
- Oakton Community Center hosts a variety of holiday events, including themed parties, tours, and activities tailored for adults over 60. These events offer a range of social and recreational activities, such as big screen TV viewing, card games, and seasonal outings.
- Where
- Skokie | More Info : Oakton Community Center Holiday Events
Fitness First in the Weber Center Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Holiday-themed fitness classes and activities.
- Description
- Fitness First in the Weber Center offers a variety of holiday-themed activities and fitness classes, providing a fun and engaging way to stay active during the season.
- Where
- Skokie | More Info : Fitness First in the Weber Center Holiday Events
Exploritorium Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities for all ages.
- Description
- The Exploritorium offers interactive holiday events with activities like pumpkin decorating, candy trails, and paint nights, providing a fun and engaging environment for children and adults.
- Where
- Skokie | More Info : Exploritorium Holiday Events