Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get set for a festive adventure in West Englewood! Our guide has all the exciting holiday events and activities. For West Englewood natives and holiday travelers, this guide ensures everyone enjoys the season's best.
Popular Events: Experience the festive charm of the Christkindlmarket, a delightful open-air market showcasing unique crafts and authentic German holiday treats. Featuring stunning light displays and an atmosphere filled with carolers, the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting is sure to bring warmth to the season. And the Ice Skating at Millennium Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a scenic rink surrounded by the city’s vibrant holiday decorations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Illumination of a 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce with live performances and fireworks.
The Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting in Millennium Park features a 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, live performances, fireworks, and festive activities. The event includes a pre-show, tree lighting ceremony, and post-show entertainment.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
Community gathering featuring a large tree illuminated with stunning lights
A vibrant community celebration marks the lighting of a grand tree, illuminating the night with brilliant colours. Families gather to enjoy live entertainment, seasonal performances, and delightful refreshments while soaking in the joyful atmosphere. A variety of food stalls offering local treats enhance the community spirit, making this occasion a cherished tradition.
Where: Bolingbrook | More Info: Festival of Lights Tree Lighting
Traditional German holiday market with over 55 vendors.
Christkindlmarket is a German-style Christmas market offering a variety of international and local foods, unique shopping experiences, and festive live entertainment. Visitors can explore vendor products, participate in special events, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere filled with the smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and hot spiced wine.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket
Direct-to-consumer jewelry shopping experience with a wide variety of gemstones and jewelry items.
The Schaumburg, IL Holiday Show is a premier jewelry event featuring a diverse selection of vendors offering diamonds, beads, pearls, opals, fine jewelry, and more. The show brings together wholesalers, manufacturers, and designers in a unique marketplace setting, providing shoppers with fantastic deals and excellent selection.
Where: Schaumburg | More Info: Schaumburg Christmas Market
Interwoven Scriptural readings and choral music celebrating the birth of the Messiah.
The Festival of Lessons and Carols at Elmhurst University is a cherished annual tradition that bridges the season of Advent and Christmastide with nine Scriptural readings and musical performances.
Where: Elmhurst | More Info: Festival of Lessons and Carols
World-class ballet performance inspired by Chicago's 1893 World's Fair.
The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet is a holiday tradition set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, featuring a celebrated creative team including Christopher Wheeldon and Julian Crouch. The story follows Marie and her mother as they prepare for a festive celebration that leads to a whirlwind journey through the dreamlike fairgrounds of the World’s Columbian Exposition.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
Horse-drawn wagon rides and real-life reindeer.
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, and beautifully decorated storefronts. Enjoy 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
Whimsical adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic with magnificent sets and costumes.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical is a heart-warming holiday classic featuring hit songs "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. This show is a delightful blend of music, sets, and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss' original illustrations, bringing the timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas to life.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Grinch Stole Christmas
Self-guided tour of beautifully decorated historic homes in the community.
This annual event showcases beautifully decorated homes throughout Wheaton. Attendees can stroll from house to house, admiring festive decorations and seasonal displays. Each participating home presents its own unique charm, often featuring traditional holiday elements and local history. The event fosters community spirit and encourages visitors to appreciate the creativity and warmth of the holiday season.
Where: Wheaton | More Info: Wheaton Holiday House Walk
Family-friendly holiday activities and free giveaways.
The Christmas Walk in Downtown Hinsdale features a festive evening with holiday carolers, an annual tree lighting, animated characters, Santa's arrival, and family-friendly activities like the Cookie Express Kiddie Train and Cookie’s Carousel. Merchants will offer free giveaways and holiday crafts.
Where: Hinsdale | More Info: Christmas Walk
Free ice skating lessons for all skill levels.
Ice skating at Millennium Park offers free admission with online reservations required. Free skating lessons are available for beginners and intermediate skaters, made possible by the McDonald's Active Lifestyles Endowment. The rink is open daily from November through March, weather permitting, with snacks and hot drinks available from Momentum Coffee and Millennium Hall.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Ice Skating at Millennium Park
Interactive winter activities and festive cocktails in downtown Chicago.
Jack Frost Winterfest in Fulton Market, Chicago, features an outdoor ice rink, axe throwing, bumper cars, and festive cocktails amidst a colorful winter lights display.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Jack Frost Winterfest
Themed decor and entertainment across three levels.
The Christmas Inn at The Hubbard Inn is a multi-level holiday pop-up featuring themed decor, festive cocktails, and live entertainment. Each floor offers a unique Christmas experience, from classic magical themes to 60s Kitchmas vibes and a Christmas apocalypse setting.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Christmas Inn at The Hubbard Inn
Holiday-themed bar with a giant Christmas tree and specialty cocktails.
Santa's Workshop at Old Crow Smokehouse is a festive holiday event featuring a 18-foot-tall Christmas tree, specialty cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Santa’s Workshop at Old Crow Smokehouse
No cover charge and no reservations needed.
Christmas Club is a festive holiday pop-up in Wrigleyville featuring three rooms and three bars, offering a variety of themed cocktails and a fun, unexclusive atmosphere.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christmas Club