Vernon Hills Other Christmas Activities 2026

Hawthorn and the Village of Vernon Hills celebrate the season with the lighting of the village holiday tree and Santa's arrival on a fire truck. Guests can meet winter princesses, take photos with Santa, and browse a vendor market while...

Guests can enjoy children's train rides on the Elk Grove Express, holiday storytime, and live a cappella harmonies performed by The Canterbury Carollers. The celebration highlights the illumination of the Village Green with over 500,000 lights, accompanied by a fireworks...

Visitors celebrate the kick-off to the holiday season with the lighting of North School Park and Harmony Park. Trolleys loop between the two parks, featuring Dickens-era characters who share stories about Arlington Heights in the past.

Visitors can experience live entertainment, ice carving displays, crafts, and character meet and greets, along with train rides for kids. The festival hosts a Kris Kringle market, food vendors, and visits with Santa at Santa's Cottage. The festivities conclude with...

Visitors can celebrate the holiday season with festive games, merry crafts, and encounters with Santa’s elves. The gathering features live music by the Palatine Children’s Chorus, complimentary hot chocolate and treats, and photo opportunities with Santa in the gazebo.

The celebration begins with the Festival of Lights Parade stepping off from Grant Community High School and concluding at Millenium Park. Following the parade, guests can gather for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and choral performances by the Grant Community...

Guests gather at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club for the Hoffman Estates Park District's annual winter celebration. The event features festive music, cozy treats, and activities suitable for all ages. Everything is set against a winter wonderland backdrop.

Teams take the stage under bright lights and screens to compete in a spirited cheer and dance championship. Attendees can listen to holiday music, snap photos with Santa, and join in indoor snowball fights. Winning teams and athletes are awarded...

Visitors can explore a winter wonderland set throughout the community center featuring pictures with Santa, children's crafts, and a gingerbread house contest. The event also offers trolley rides, a balloon artist, and a local vendor market. Festivities conclude outdoors with...

Visitors can meet Santa to share their wish lists and take family photos in front of a decorated Christmas tree. Held as part of the Village’s Holiday Festival, the decorated open house also offers cookies, refreshments, and activities for all...

Visitors can enjoy festive seasonal activities including hands-on crafts and cookie decorating. Guests can also meet with Santa and browse the Kris Kringle Market.

Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor holiday activities, including sleigh rides, winter-themed crafts, holiday music, and complimentary hot cocoa. The event features live demonstrations from sled dogs taking their handlers for a ride and an ice sculptor creating a custom...

Step back into the holiday season as it was celebrated in 1880s Schaumburg. Visitors can enjoy traditional holiday treats, crafts for children, and marshmallows with warm beverages around a bonfire. Guests can also stop by Merkle Cabin for a visit...

Children can enjoy a personal visit with Santa inside a cozy, dedicated cottage designed to offer an intimate holiday experience outside of a commercial mall setting. The festive house is staffed by Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a team of elves....

Bring the family to meet and take photos with Santa himself. Visitors can create keepsake holiday card pictures while enjoying the festive sights, sounds, and spirit of the holiday season in Downtown Mount Prospect.

Participants create a living holiday centerpiece with modern flair using multiple plants not typically seen in traditional festive arrangements. Set inside a reusable decorative bowl, the hands-on project offers an alternative to classic poinsettias and evergreens. Instructors also share composition...

Participants learn to create homemade botanical decorations using velvet, decoupage, glitter, hand-cut paper, and glue with botanical artist Kate Donley. The hands-on session covers crafting velvet acorns, shimmering glittery pinecones, and custom decoupage wood slices. Everyone leaves with at least...

Guests gather for an annual holiday breakfast hosted at the country club. Attendees can meet Santa Claus in person and capture their own festive pictures during the visit.

Former Barrington High School choir director Nancie Tobison hosts this seasonal gathering alongside returning alumni and musical friends. Attendees listen to live performances of holiday classics and hear personal stories shared by the performers.

Participants move and stretch with deep breathing to release tension and restore balance to the body. Afterwards, attendees settle into a restorative posture for yoga nidra, a deeply restful guided meditation that leads through stages of consciousness to integrate body,...

Visitors take to the ice for public skating alongside Santa and his elves. All attending children receive complimentary candy canes to celebrate the season.

Hallways are transformed into a North Pole trail filled with festive activities for children. Along the path, kids make crafts, mix reindeer food, play games, and discover fun surprises. The visit finishes with an opportunity to meet Santa and take...

Children and families can bring their letters for Santa to a magical mailbox at the park gazebo. Visitors get to meet one of Santa's elves to make sure their letters are safely on their way to the North Pole. Guests...

Dogs and their owners can visit to take a festive souvenir photo with Santa Claus. Each registered dog receives a stocking full of treats and participates in a craft activity to create a keepsake holiday gift. Additional fun and festive...

Guests can dress in their comfiest pajamas for an evening of festive fun. Activities include writing letters to Santa, making an ornament, and getting a photo taken with Santa. Visitors also enjoy pizza and watch a screening of the movie...

Step into Whoville for a themed holiday candy cane hunt filled with playful mischief. Children search the park for hidden candy canes of all shapes and sizes, which may move indoors in the event of bad weather. Participants should keep...

Visitors celebrate the season with hands-on holiday fun, including decorating Christmas cookies, crafting festive projects, and writing letters to Santa. The event also features holiday-themed games and snacks for attendees.

Families gather for a cozy evening to decorate gingerbread houses using pre-packaged baskets filled with all the necessary decorating tools. The event features festive holiday music alongside a hot cocoa bar.

Families gather to design and decorate festive gingerbread houses together. Each group is provided with an assembled house, frosting, and candy treats to customize their creation. Guests can get as creative as possible for a chance to win the title...

Children discover what it is like at the North Pole workshop while creating reindeer food, a holiday ornament, a hand-crafted card, and special elf slime. The session wraps up with hot cocoa shared among new elf friends. Each participant is...

Families can wear their holiday pajamas for an interactive concert featuring festive Christmas favorites led by Miss Jennifer from Kitty Orca Music & Piano. Children use instruments, scarves, and jingle bells to bring the seasonal music to life. The event...

Grandparents and grandchildren gather for a festive holiday celebration centered around creativity and sweet treats. Participants decorate an assortment of holiday cookies using colorful frosting, sprinkles, and festive decorations. Everyone leaves with their custom holiday creations to take home.

Participants build artisan gingerbread houses using handmade frosting and decorate them with an array of candies, cookies, and goodies. Guests can enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic beverages such as espresso, coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider, or a signature mocktail alongside light savory...

Join local therapist Cara Stronsky, founder of Rising Sunlight Counseling, for a workshop focused on managing holiday stress and emotional pressures. Participants explore practical techniques for coping with overwhelm and setting healthy boundaries. The session provides actionable guidance on staying...

Ring in the new year with a holiday-themed public ice skate. The event welcomes participants of all ages to take to the ice at Centennial Ice Rinks.

Children explore international cultural customs and take part in activities without having to stay up late. Participants enjoy snacks inspired by global traditions and flavors. The celebration concludes with noisemakers, hats, beads, and a traditional balloon drop.

Participants gather to discuss the holiday cozy mystery novel The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter. The club features a meet-and-greet session where attendees make a bookmark, learn how to access the book, and enjoy appetizers and...

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 Schaumburg community for their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, a cherished tradition that officially ushers in the holiday spirit. This festive event brings residents together to celebrate the season and witness the magical illumination of the village's holiday tree.

Join the City of Des Plaines for their annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, a cherished tradition that officially ushers in the festive season. This heartwarming event brings the community together to witness the magical illumination of the city's holiday tree,...

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.

Step into a festive winter wonderland at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago for the Holiday Bricktacular! Families can enjoy a magical experience with holiday-themed LEGO builds, including a giant DUPLO sleigh and Santa. Participate in the heartwarming 'Build to Give' initiative...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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.

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...

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 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...