Machesney Park Other Christmas Activities 2026

Join the community for the Light Up The Parks Holiday Parade, a festive celebration kicking off the holiday season. The event features a spectacular fireworks display, two Christmas tree lightings, and a lively parade with creative floats. Families can bring...

Get ready for the 3rd Annual Christmas Cookie Gymnastics Classic, a festive competition for USAG and AAU athletes. Hosted by Flipology Athletics and 360 Sports Events, this unique meet offers custom medals, team banners, and exciting gifts. Athletes of all...

Get into the holiday spirit at the Janesville Jolly Jingle! This three-day event transforms downtown Janesville with a spectacular tree lighting, dazzling fireworks, and a vibrant lighted parade. Enjoy a variety of family activities, explore local shops, and savor delicious...

Santa's Workshop in Janesville offers a glimpse into how Santa and his elves prepare for the holidays. The event brings the spirit of the North Pole to the town.

Santa Claus will make an appearance at the Janesville Gazebo for the holiday season. Children can meet Santa and take photos.

Janesville will host a New Year's Eve Celebration to welcome the upcoming year. Details on specific activities are anticipated.

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...

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...

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...

Experience the charm of Elkhorn's 45th Annual Christmas Card Town Parade on December 5th, 2026. This beloved downtown event kicks off at 1:30 PM, welcoming Santa Claus to town. Families and local groups create festive floats, bringing holiday cheer to...

Join the Elkhorn community as they usher in the holiday season with their Annual Tree Lighting event. Experience the magic as Santa Claus arrives by horse-drawn carriage to light up the town's Christmas tree. Local youth choirs will fill the...

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...

Janesville's Christmas in the Village event turns the town into a holiday spectacle. The celebration offers a unique atmosphere and community spirit.

The Treasury hosts a holiday open house with Santa Claus from 2 PM to 4 PM. Festive music and decorations will be present, with holiday beverages available for purchase.

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...

All aboard the Polar Express Storytime Train for a magical journey to the North Pole! Families are invited to wear their pajamas and embrace the holiday spirit as they travel to meet Santa and his friends. After the trip, enjoy...

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 festive spirit of Geneva by touring five beautifully decorated homes. Local designers and green-scape experts showcase inspiring holiday decor, highlighting items available at local shops. This self-guided tour offers a delightful glimpse into festive home transformations.

Downtown Geneva sparkles with holiday cheer during the annual Christmas Walk. This cherished event kicks off the festive season with the arrival of Santa Lucia and Santa Claus, the illumination of the Great Tree, and a magical atmosphere. Stroll through...

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.

Capture the magic of the holiday season with a special photo opportunity with Santa Claus. This event provides a festive backdrop for creating cherished memories and getting that perfect picture with Santa. It's an ideal way to add a touch...

Janesville's Jolly Jingle transforms downtown Janesville into a winter wonderland from December 5-7, 2025. This beloved annual event offers a festive weekend packed with activities for all ages, including ice skating, a dazzling lighted parade, and a spectacular tree lighting...

Holidazzle transformed Downtown Beloit into a festive wonderland, with businesses illuminating the streets for a dazzling evening of celebration. This award-winning event brought a special holiday sparkle to the heart of the city.

Belvidere's Hometown Christmas Celebration brings the community together on the first Friday of December for a festive kickoff to the holiday season. This cherished event in Downtown Belvidere offers a variety of activities for the whole family, creating a magical...

Step into a magical holiday experience at Santa's Workshop, located within CherryVale Mall. Visitors can write letters to Santa, capture cherished annual photos with the man in red, and drop off their wishes in his special mailbox. Reservations are encouraged...

Step into a winter wonderland at the Janesville Holiday Tree Show. This enchanting event showcases a delightful collection of creatively decorated holiday trees, each offering a unique festive spectacle. It's a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit...

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...

Brodhead's annual Fire & Ice Festival ignites the Christmas holiday with a magical blend of warmth and wonder. Witness breathtaking ice sculptures carved live, and feel the heat from 'Fire on the Square' offering hot dogs and s'mores. Experience the...

Experience the enchanting 'Holiday Charm' in Mt. Morris, where the village comes alive with festive cheer. Miles of twinkling lights illuminate the campus and bandshell, creating a magical atmosphere. Discover delightful drive-by light displays throughout town, and don't miss the...

Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown DeKalb with a charming collection of free events. Visitors can enjoy the festive 'Lights on Lincoln' display, meet Santa Claus in his special house for photos, and participate in the 'Adventures with Elfie' scavenger...

Experience the magic of the holiday season on the slopes with Santa Claus at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Join him for a special skiing session and enjoy festive fun during this unique Christmas event.

Discover a delightful display of edible artistry at the Grand Geneva Gingerbread House Competition. Area residents showcase their handcrafted gingerbread masterpieces from November 23 through December 31, 2025. Wander through the Brissago Foyer to admire these festive creations and vote...

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 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 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...

Join the St. Charles community for the magical Holiday Homecoming Lighting of the Lights Ceremony, marking the official start of the holiday season. This spectacular event features a stunning display of holiday lights, festive music, and a special visit from...

St. Charles transforms into a winter wonderland for the Holiday Homecoming, culminating in the spectacular Electric Christmas Parade. This beloved Midwest event kicks off the holiday season with dazzling lights, festive floats, and the joyous presence of Santa Claus. Explore...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

At Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, visitors can pick up an ornament for an animal resident and learn about their Christmas wish lists. Donations are encouraged to support the animals.