Wilmette Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Wilmette and surrounding areas
Winter 2025 brings Wilmette festive celebrations across neighborhood hotspots with sparkling Christmas lights, Holiday lights and seasonal performances near the lakefront and downtown. Events like Skate with Santa and Illuminate the Orchard bring families together for timeless holiday fun. Enjoy community parades, holiday activities and charming markets that highlight Wilmette’s seasonal traditions and welcoming spirit.
Find the best Wilmette Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
27 eventsCommunity holiday stroll with tree lighting ceremony
Christmas Shows
17 eventsMariah Carey's "Christmas Time" concert tour
Christmas Lights
16 eventsChicago's largest indoor winter festival
Christmas Parties
12 eventsHigh-energy live music and NYE countdown party
Christmas Activities
28 eventsChicago's official Christmas tree lighting ceremony
Editor's Picks (6)
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Howl at the Moon New Year's Eve Celebration
(Chicago)
High-energy live music and NYE countdown party
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Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
(Chicago)
Chicago's largest indoor winter festival
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Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
(Glencoe)
Enchanting 1.3-mile illuminated trail with artistic light displays.
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'Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil
(Chicago)
Cirque du Soleil's holiday spectacle based on a classic poem.
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City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
(Chicago)
Chicago's official Christmas tree lighting ceremony
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ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd
(Chicago)
Millions of lights illuminating a beloved zoo setting.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Wilmette Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Wilmette
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Wilmette!
Wilmette Christmas FAQ
The Woman's Club Holiday Market and the Wilmette Holiday Happenings are among the largest annual Christmas events, drawing families and visitors for shopping, entertainment, and festive activities.
Wilmette is known for its community-focused traditions like the annual Holiday Market, Santa visits at local parks, and festive displays at Mallinckrodt Park.
Many residents enjoy the light displays along the streets near Mallinckrodt Park and in the central Wilmette neighborhoods, where homes are decorated with creative holiday lights.
The Woman's Club Holiday Market and other local events are great places to find Christmas markets and meet local makers. Community centers and clubhouses often host these events.
Free activities include viewing Christmas lights, attending holiday markets, and enjoying live performances during Wilmette Holiday Happenings. Many parks and community events are open to the public at no cost.
Families with kids enjoy the Holiday Market, Santa visits, breakfast with Santa at The Lawn, and the festive light displays at Mallinckrodt Park, all of which offer activities for children.