Joliet Other Christmas Activities 2026

The 28th Annual Tinley Park Parade of Lights invites families and friends to kick off the holiday season with a dazzling display of lights and music. This cherished community event features a joyful procession of illuminated floats, local businesses, non-profits,...

Step into the enchantment of Santa's Naperville Workshop for a truly magical holiday experience. This intimate event allows one family at a time to visit with Santa inside his festive workshop, creating a personal and memorable encounter. Families are encouraged...

The Yorkville Holiday Celebration Weekend is the ultimate kickoff to the holiday season, offering a festive array of family-friendly events. Experience the excitement of the Holiday Parade, the heartwarming Tree Lighting Ceremony, and joyful visits with Santa. Lace up for...

All aboard for the 18th Annual Christmas Express! This beloved family event offers a magical train ride from New Lenox to Tinley Park and back. Attendees can enjoy a special visit with Santa and his elves, a delicious meal, and...

Capture the magic of the holiday season with a visit to the Santa Photo Experience at Orland Square. This cherished tradition allows families to create lasting memories with professional photos alongside Santa Claus. Special 'Pet Photos with Santa' events offer...

Join the festive spirit of Tinley Park's Trim-A-Tree event! This cherished tradition invites community members, businesses, and schools to decorate holiday trees. These decorated trees will then be displayed throughout Harmony Square and along North Avenue, bringing holiday cheer to...

Westmont, Illinois, comes alive with the Holly Days Winter Festival, a month-long celebration of end-of-year festivities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of enchanting events, from the excitement of the Elf Olympics and Santa's Sleigh Visits to heartwarming community initiatives like...

Join the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce for their 60th annual Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting ceremony. This festive evening in downtown Hinsdale promises holiday cheer for all ages, featuring Santa's arrival, a magical tree lighting, delightful carousel rides, and enchanting...

Bundle up for a magical evening at Westwood Park for Winter Wonderland! This festive celebration officially kicks off the holiday season with dazzling lights, lively entertainment, and fun for the entire family. Step inside the Community Center for warm hot...

The McCormick House Director and Horticulture Director lead an intimate holiday tour of the Colonel's home, decorated for the season. The experience includes a beverage in the Freedom Hall bar before the Christmas at Cantigny Light Show.

Barnes & Noble Oakbrook Center hosts a storytime on November 28, 2026, featuring The Grinch. Attendees can hear 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas (According to Max)' read aloud and meet The Grinch for photos. The event includes admission and one...

Lace up your running shoes for the Rudolph Run 5K and Jingle Jog Family Fun Run! This festive event supports the Knights of Columbus in providing food and toys to local families. Participants can choose between a chip-timed 5K or...

Join the iconic Chicagoland Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade, the world's largest of its kind, dedicated to bringing holiday joy to children. This massive event encourages participants to donate a toy, with all proceeds and merchandise sales supporting parade expenses...

The Batavia Fine Arts Centre hosts Winter Wonderland on December 8th, with performances at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM.

Joliet is seeking the perfect Christmas tree to be the star of their new City Square. Residents can nominate their Norway Spruce or Fir trees, at least 30 feet tall and within 50 miles of downtown. If selected, the tree...

Experience the festive sounds of the Black Willow Brass Quintet at the Joliet North Pole Market. They will be performing a selection of holiday music, adding a special touch to your market visit. Discover unique gifts and enjoy the seasonal...

Join Santa Claus for a magical morning filled with delicious breakfast and delightful surprises. Children can enjoy a one-on-one visit with Santa, perfect for capturing memorable photos. Each registered child receives a special goodie bag to take home.

Join the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago in celebrating the Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. This annual observance honors a beloved saint, offering a moment for reflection and spiritual connection within the community.

All aboard for holiday cheer on the Holiday Express! This festive event offers a delightful train ride experience adorned with holiday spirit. Families can also get creative by decorating a wooden tree to be displayed along the streets, adding to...

Step into the holiday spirit with the West Englewood Wheaton Holiday House Walk. This event invites visitors to tour four beautifully decorated homes in historic downtown Wheaton, offering a charming glimpse into festive holiday decor. It's the perfect way to...

Get ready for the enchanting Tinley Toyland Parade, a delightful community event that brings holiday magic to life. This festive procession features imaginative floats and enthusiastic participants, all celebrating the whimsical 'Toyland' theme. It's a perfect opportunity for families to...

The Rotary Club of Naperville presents a magical evening with their annual Parade of Lights. This family-friendly event illuminates downtown Naperville with dazzling floats, local performers, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. It's a heartwarming celebration that supports local...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the South Chicago Heights Tree Lighting Ceremony. This cherished annual event, now in its 37th year, invites the community to gather as the Mayor and Village Board of Trustees illuminate the Christmas...

South Chicago Heights invites families to a magical 'Breakfast With Santa' event. This special occasion offers a catered breakfast, engaging entertainment, and a cherished gift for every child aged 11 and under. It's a wonderful opportunity for young ones to...

Get ready for a festive evening at the Jingle Bell Rock Family Dance! This event offers a lively atmosphere with a live DJ spinning holiday tunes, perfect for dancing the night away. Families can capture magical memories with a special...

Bring your furry best friend to The Morton Arboretum for special Dog Admission Days. Explore 16 miles of trails together, and on select 'Illumination' nights, even experience the magical holiday light display with your canine companion. 'Tails on the Trails'...

Get into the festive spirit at the Oak Forest Park District's Christmas Arts and Crafts Workshop. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to engage in creative holiday crafting, perfect for all ages. Discover new techniques and create unique holiday-themed items.

Step into the enchanting world of Whoville for a delightful holiday celebration. This whimsical event offers a morning packed with Grinchy games, creative crafts, and festive treats. Families can capture memorable moments with special photo opportunities alongside Mr. Grinch, Santa...

Experience the warmth of community at Hodgkins Holiday Happenings. This festive evening begins with the cherished annual tree lighting ceremony, illuminating the start of the holiday season. Following the lighting, enjoy a variety of engaging holiday activities designed for families...

All aboard for a magical Santa Express train ride departing from Wheaton Train Station! Families can enjoy a festive journey filled with holiday music and stories, while Santa himself makes his way through the train to greet each child and...

Experience the magic of the holiday season as Wheaton residents showcase their festive spirit in the Light Up Wheaton Decorating Contest. This event invites the community to transform their homes into dazzling displays of light and holiday cheer, creating a...

Join the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post #5220 for their annual Christmas Party! This festive event promises an afternoon of holiday cheer. Keep an eye out, as Santa and Mrs. Claus are rumored to make a special appearance, bringing extra magic to...

Discover a variety of holiday events happening in Orland Park, IL. From festive Christmas celebrations to New Year's Eve parties and Thanksgiving gatherings, there are activities for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season. Explore popular events and find something...

Experience the holiday magic in Glen Ellyn with the return of the 'Letters to Santa' mailbox, a charming way for children to send their wishes directly to the North Pole. Letters mailed by December 14th are guaranteed a response from...