Palatine Other Christmas Activities 2026

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...

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.

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'.

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.

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...

Join Elk Grove Village for their annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony on Friday, November 27th. Festivities begin at 4 PM with complimentary cookies, hot chocolate, and hot cider. Enjoy storytime with the Village Board, a magical ride on the Elk...

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 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...

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,...

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...

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...

Capture the magic of the holiday season with a special Santa Photo Shoot in Downtown Mount Prospect. This festive event offers families the perfect opportunity to create cherished memories and capture timeless photos with Santa Claus himself. It's an ideal...

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...

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.

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.

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.

Santa and his elves host an ice skating event at the Oakton Sports Complex for all ages. Children receive complimentary candy canes.

Maine Park's Santa Trail is a journey to the North Pole where children can create reindeer food, play games, and craft holiday items. A visit with Santa Claus is included.

The Grinch Candy Cane Hunt invites children aged 3-10 to search for candy canes in the park. The Grinch may swap some candy canes for surprises.

An Elf in Training Workshop teaches participants about reindeer care, ornament and card creation, and making elf slime. The workshop includes hot cocoa and an Official Elf Certificate.

Jammies and Jingles is a holiday pajama party and sing-along for families. Children from birth to 3rd grade can sing Christmas songs with live music and interactive instruments.

Children can send letters to Santa Claus via a mailbox at Maine Park Leisure Center. Santa will reply to all letters that include a full name and address.

'You've Been Grinched!' allows residents to arrange a surprise candy cane hunt in their front yard. Assistants will hide candy canes and leave a sign.

Santa Claus will lead a swim session at the Centennial Fitness Center Pool. Activities include swimming, carols, and reindeer games. Parents must be in the water with non-swimming children. Open swim follows.

The Uketones lead a holiday sing-along of popular songs for seniors. Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate are provided.

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.

Holiday Tree Trimming at Hodges Park allows families and organizations to purchase and decorate pre-lit LED trees. The event concludes with a light-turning-on ceremony at Winterfest.

Children aged 3-10 can explore global New Year's Eve customs at an event featuring international snacks and a balloon drop. The celebration occurs during the daytime.

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a special 'Breakfast with Santa' event. This cherished tradition offers families a chance to enjoy a delicious breakfast while meeting the jolly man himself. Children can share their holiday wishes and capture...

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...

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.

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 City of Des Plaines for their annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, a cherished tradition that officially ushers in the festive season. This heartwarming event brings the community together to witness the magical illumination of the city's holiday tree,...

Join the community for the annual Addison Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, a beloved tradition that officially kicks off the holiday season. This festive evening features a variety of family-friendly activities, including enchanting train rides, opportunities to meet Santa Claus, and...

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...

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.

Step back in time this holiday season at the Mount Prospect Historical Society's Holiday Family Fun event. Visitors can tour the beautifully decorated 1906 house and museum, enjoy a warm cup of cocoa, and create festive crafts to take home....

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 enchantment of Bensenville's annual Holiday Magic and Tree Lighting Ceremony. This festive event brings the community together in Downtown Bensenville for an evening filled with holiday cheer. Visitors can meet Santa Claus, enjoy a delightful holiday car parade,...

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...

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.

Experience the magic of winter at Parkway Bank Park's 'Skating in the Park'! Glide across a climate-controlled NHL-sized ice rink set against a festive backdrop. This popular seasonal activity offers a perfect opportunity for family fun and outdoor enjoyment. Special...

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...

Create lasting holiday memories at this signature gingerbread house decorating class. Children design and adorn their own gingerbread house with endless supplies, guided by experienced instructors. It's a delightful, hands-on experience perfect for family bonding and festive fun.

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.

Get ready for a magical holiday kickoff as Santa Claus makes a spectacular arrival by helicopter at Stratford Crossing. This unique event promises an unforgettable start to the festive season, bringing a touch of wonder and excitement for the whole...

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...

Discover a festive array of holiday events happening in Glenview, Illinois, and the greater Chicago area. From thrilling Halloween costume parties with prize opportunities to iconic Christmas bar crawls like the 'TBOX | Chicago's 29th Annual 12 Bars of Xmas/Santa...

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...