Crystal Lake Other Christmas Activities 2026

McHenry County College presents 'The Christmas Star,' exploring astronomical explanations for the Star of Bethlehem. The show includes a live segment on the night sky and solar system tours, followed by a feature film on the dome theatre, suitable for...

Huntley transforms into a winter wonderland for 'A Very Merry Huntley' on December 5, 2026. The day kicks off with a 5K run, followed by a bustling Kris Kringle Market, charming train rides, and live reindeer. The evening culminates with...

Get ready for a spirited holiday celebration at the Christmas Classic Chicago South! This two-day national championship event in Schaumburg, IL, brings together teams for exciting competition. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with holiday music, and don't miss the...

Join the Hoffman Estates Park District for their annual Winterfest, a free community celebration packed with family fun. This magical day features festive music, cozy treats, and exciting activities, all set in a charming winter wonderland. It's the perfect opportunity...

All aboard for a magical 1-hour train ride to the 'North Pole'! Families can immerse themselves in the story of 'The Polar Express', sing Christmas carols, savor milk and cookies, and meet Santa Claus. This popular event is known to...

Join the Huntley community in a solemn remembrance of local heroes at the Huntley Cemetery's Wreaths Across America event. This national ceremony honors veterans with the placement of fresh wreaths on their graves. The event also highlights the cemetery's historical...

Experience a Holly Jolly Holiday family event in Wauconda, transforming the Community Center into a winter wonderland. Enjoy indoor activities like crafts and a gingerbread house contest, browse a local vendor market, and take photos with Santa. The festivities culminate...

Experience the magic of Mundelein's Winter Tree Lighting Festival, a beloved community event merging tradition and festive fun. Visitors can enjoy live music, kiddy train rides, ice sculpting, and meet beloved Disney Princesses. Santa's Cottage will be open for visits,...

Join the Village of Arlington Heights and the Park District for the annual Tree Lighting ceremony. Experience the festive atmosphere as two parks are illuminated, marking the start of the holiday season. Enjoy a unique trolley ride with historical characters...

Step into a festive wonderland at the Woodstock Opera House for their annual Christmas Tree Walk. This year's 'A Patriotic Holiday' theme celebrates America's 250th anniversary with uniquely decorated trees from local organizations. It's a free, cherished tradition offering a...

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...

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...

Journey back to 1880s Schaumburg for a heartwarming 'Christmas in the Valley' event. Visitors can savor traditional holiday treats, participate in children's crafts, and gather around a bonfire for warm beverages and roasted marshmallows. Father Christmas himself will be making...

Step into a magical holiday experience at Santa's Cottage, a cherished tradition in Mundelein. This unique, cozy house offers children a personal and memorable one-on-one visit with Santa Claus, away from the hustle of malls. Built with community spirit and...

Embark on a magical journey with Santa Claus on the Happy Holiday Railway! This enchanting 40-minute train ride winds through the winter countryside, offering festive treats, hot chocolate, and an animated light show. Children on Santa's 'good list' will receive...

A local therapist leads "Calm for the Holidays: Managing Stress in a Busy Season." This workshop offers strategies for managing stress and setting boundaries during winter.

Barrington's White House hosts a Holiday Open House as part of the Village's Holiday Festival. Visitors can take family photos, share wish lists with Santa, and enjoy cookies and refreshments.

Former Barrington High School Choir Director Nancie Tobison and alumni present 'Home for the Holidays'. The program features holiday classics and personal stories.

The Village of Palatine's Annual Tree Lighting celebration includes family games, holiday crafts, and a meeting with Santa's elves. Live music from the Palatine Children's Chorus, free hot chocolate, and a 5:00 PM tree lighting with the Mayor and Santa...

Families can decorate a gingerbread house with provided frosting and candy. An award is given for 'Best House in Town'.

Santa Paws offers dogs the chance to meet Santa Claus and have their photo taken. Registered dogs receive a souvenir photo, a stocking of treats, and a craft activity.

Santa's Workshop provides activities including cookie decorating, letter writing to Santa, and holiday crafts. The event also has themed games and snacks.

Pizza & PJs with Santa includes writing letters to Santa, crafting an ornament, a photo with Santa, pizza, and a screening of 'Home Alone.' Attendees are encouraged to wear pajamas.

Santa's Flight to Schaumburg at Schaumburg Regional Airport includes a buffet, music, crafts, and a meet-and-greet with Santa after his helicopter arrival.

Wagon Rides, Cocoa & Cookies with Santa includes wagon rides through lights, cocoa, cookie decorating, and a meeting with Santa Claus.

The Jingle Bell Workshop is for 3-5 year olds and includes movement games, gift-making, reindeer games, music, and a nut-free snack.

Get into the holiday spirit early with Holiday Singo, a unique event that blends the fun of bingo with the joy of holiday music. Sing along to your favorite festive tunes and test your knowledge in a lively and entertaining...

Get ready for the "Miracle on Main" event, a cherished holiday tradition in Algonquin, Illinois. This festive gathering promises a heartwarming experience for all, celebrating the magic of the season. It's the perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit and...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the annual Woodstock Christmas Parade. This cherished tradition features dazzling floats and decorated vehicles, bringing festive spirit to life. Following the parade, join in for a special meet-and-greet with Santa, complete with...

Join Hawthorn Mall for a magical Santa's Arrival event on Friday, November 21, 2025. Santa will make a grand entrance with a festive parade, kicking off the holiday season. The celebration includes activities like face painting, balloon twisting, crafts, and...

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.

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...

Experience a delightful morning with Santa Claus at this special breakfast event. Enjoy a delicious meal and festive holiday cheer. The Hoffman Estates Park District offers a variety of programs and activities throughout the year, making it a hub for...

Get ready for the return of Woodstock's cherished 'Legend of the Pickle' Holiday Scavenger Hunt! This beloved tradition invites participants of all ages to follow a trail of clues, uncover hidden pickles, and immerse themselves in festive fun. It's a...

Get ready for a magical evening at the Festival of Lights! The celebration kicks off with a vibrant parade, followed by the enchanting Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy festive songs and meet Santa Claus himself to usher in the holiday...

Residents of Streamwood are invited to participate in the annual Home Holiday Decorating Contest. This event encourages homeowners to transform their properties into dazzling displays of festive cheer, creating a magical atmosphere for the community to enjoy. It's a wonderful...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a delightful breakfast alongside Santa Claus at Maggiano's Schaumburg. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for families to create cherished memories, enjoy a delicious meal, and capture special moments with Santa.

Unleash your creativity this holiday season at the Plant & Sip: Holiday Wreath Make & Take event. Participants will craft their own unique holiday wreath, perfect for adding a festive touch to their homes. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while sipping...

Get ready for a delightful holiday experience with Jolly Jingles, a Santa Sing-Along Celebration. This event promises a heartwarming gathering where families can come together to share in the joy of the season through music and festive cheer. It's a...

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.

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...

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...

Celebrate the holiday season with a variety of festive events hosted by the Round Lake Area Park District. Families can get creative at The Great Gingerbread Build, enjoying holiday music and hot cocoa while decorating their own gingerbread house. For...

Children can send their holiday wishes directly to Santa Claus through a special mailbox located at the Community Recreation Center. Those who include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with their letter are guaranteed to receive a reply from Santa before Christmas...

Winterville at the Park promises a delightful community celebration, bringing festive cheer and winter activities to Carpentersville. This event is a wonderful opportunity for residents to gather and enjoy the holiday spirit together in a welcoming park setting.

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a unique Flashlight Candy Cane Hike. This guided nighttime adventure takes participants along winter trails, illuminated by the glow of flashlights. It's a memorable way for families to embrace the festive spirit...

Bring the little ones to Jolly Stop for an evening of holiday cheer! Children aged 2-12 can enjoy cookies, cocoa, and a festive craft. They can also write a letter to Santa and drop it in his mailbox, and sing...

Ring in the New Year early at this exciting Noon Year's Eve Celebration designed for kids aged 6-10. They can enjoy music, dancing, games, and creative activities, all leading up to a grand countdown to noon. It's a fantastic way...

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...