Wheaton Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Wheaton and surrounding areas

How we verify →
Christmas Markets (26 events) → Christmas Lights (17 events) → Christmas Shows (9 events) → Christmas Activities (39 events) →

Wheaton celebrates the Christmas season with the historic downtown as a centerpiece, where Holiday lights brighten tree-lined streets and the Illinois Prairie Path area hosts seasonal tours. A Holiday Happening Craft & Art Fair, Christmas at Cantigny and the West Englewood Wheaton Holiday House Walk offer holiday activities, holiday attractions and festive events that make the season come alive for families and visitors.

Find the best Wheaton Christmas happenings this year!

Wheaton Christmas Events

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Christmas Markets

26 events
Candy Cane Lane Holiday Market • Dec 6

Holiday market with Nutcracker dancers and light ceremony.

Wheaton Christmas Markets →

Christmas Lights

17 events
St. Charles Holiday Homecoming Weekend • Nov 28 – Nov 29

Kick off the holiday season with a weekend of festive events.

Wheaton Christmas Lights →

Christmas Shows

9 events
Irving Berlin's White Christmas • Nov 12 – Jan 11, 2026

Iconic holiday musical with spectacular costumes and dance numbers.

Wheaton Christmas Shows →

Christmas Activities

39 events
Holiday Homecoming Lighting of the Lights Ceremony • Nov 28 – Nov 29

Community lighting ceremony and electric Christmas parade.

Wheaton Christmas Activities →

Editor's Picks (6)

  1. Holiday Homecoming Lighting of the Lights Ceremony (St. Charles)
    Community lighting ceremony and electric Christmas parade.
  2. St. Charles Holiday Homecoming Weekend (St. Charles)
    Kick off the holiday season with a weekend of festive events.
  3. Santa's Naperville Workshop (Naperville)
    Exclusive one-on-one Santa visits.
  4. Polar Express Storytime Train (Geneva)
    The Polar Express train ride with Santa visit
  5. Candy Cane Lane Holiday Market (Lombard)
    Holiday market with Nutcracker dancers and light ceremony.
  6. Polar Express Train Ride (Roselle)
    Magical train ride to the North Pole with Santa.

Events Happening Soon (6)

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights & Tree Sale Fri, Nov 28 View →
Rotary Club of Naperville Parade of Lights Fri, Nov 28 View →
Holly Trolley Sat, Nov 29 View →
Christmas Together with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith & CeCe Winans Wed, Dec 3 View →
President's Holiday Open House and Festival of Lessons & Carols Fri, Dec 5 View →
Geneva Holiday House Tour Fri, Dec 5 View →

Wheaton Christmas Events Map

See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.

View Wheaton Christmas Events Map →
Wheaton Christmas events map

Also Near Wheaton

Glen Ellyn (2.2 miles) → Carol Stream (3.5 miles) → Glendale Heights (3.8 miles) → Lisle (4.8 miles) → West Chicago (5.2 miles) → Lombard (5.2 miles) →
Christmas road trip adventure with festive characters

Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways

Worth the drive for more holiday events near Wheaton!

Milwaukee (81.7 miles) → Madison (106.3 miles) →

Looking for more? Explore all Illinois Christmas Events →

Wheaton Christmas FAQ

What are the biggest annual Christmas events in Wheaton?

The biggest events include Christmas at Cantigny, a large holiday light show with themed nights, and the Light Up Wheaton decorating contest, which showcases festive neighborhood displays throughout the city.

What holiday traditions are unique to Wheaton?

Wheaton’s Light Up Wheaton contest is a unique tradition encouraging residents and businesses to decorate creatively, fostering community spirit and friendly competition during the holidays.

Which neighborhoods are best for Christmas lights in Wheaton?

Neighborhoods participating in the Light Up Wheaton contest, such as George Street and Liberty Drive, are known for their impressive and creative holiday light displays.

Where can I find Christmas markets and local makers in Wheaton?

Local makers and Christmas markets can be found at community centers, seasonal craft fairs, and neighborhood markets throughout Wheaton and nearby areas, especially during November and December.

What are the best free or budget-friendly holiday activities in Wheaton?

Viewing neighborhood light displays during the Light Up Wheaton contest and visiting public holiday decorations downtown are great free or low-cost ways to enjoy the season in Wheaton.

What are good picks for families with kids in Wheaton?

Families will enjoy Christmas at Cantigny’s walk-through light show with interactive elements, plus local markets offering crafts and visits with Santa, making for memorable holiday outings.

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