Portage Other Christmas Activities 2026

Celebrate the holidays in Chesterton with the Hometown Holiday Celebration! Kick off the day at the European Market, browse local shops, and then be captivated by the enchanting Twilight Parade. Cap off the evening with a special visit from Santa...

Experience the magic of Holly Days in Downtown Valparaiso! This beloved holiday tradition brings festive cheer with live entertainment, stunning holiday lights, and enchanting ice sculptures. Families can meet Santa, enjoy the Holiday Express Train, and explore Candy Cane Lane....

Get ready for a magical holiday experience at the Crown Point Santa Parade! Watch as Santa makes a spectacular arrival by helicopter, landing at Pointe Plaza before heading to the historic Lake County Courthouse. Families can greet Santa and enjoy...

Lace up your running shoes for the Santa Run & Walk 5K/2K, a festive event supporting local food pantries. Participants can choose between a timed 5K or a non-timed 2K run/walk. The first 300 registrants will receive finisher medals, and...

Get into the holiday spirit at the Schererville Old-Fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting! This cherished event marks the beginning of the festive season. Community members have the opportunity to sponsor a tree, which will be beautifully displayed around the Schererville Town...

Children can receive a letter from Santa Claus through the City of La Porte Park and Recreation Office's program.

All aboard for holiday cheer! Chicago's beloved Allstate CTA Holiday Train and Bus return, bringing festive magic to the city. Ride the dazzling train, adorned with thousands of lights and featuring Santa and his reindeer, or hop on the decorated...

Join the city of Chicago for the 113th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millennium Park. This beloved tradition kicks off the holiday season with the illumination of the city's official Christmas tree. The event features live entertainment, seasonal treats,...

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,...

Embark on a magical journey aboard the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum's Santa Train! This festive 60-minute excursion departs from North Judson, Indiana, winding through picturesque winter landscapes. Children will delight in meeting Santa Claus, posing for photos, and receiving a...

Gather at Millennium Park's Cloud Gate for a heartwarming Holiday Sing-Along. On select Fridays in December, Chicagoans and visitors are invited to join in a joyous celebration of diverse holiday traditions. Sing along to classic carols with provided songbooks, featuring...

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...

Experience the magic of the holidays with a special visit to Santa at 900 North Michigan Shops. This festive event features a beautifully decorated winter wonderland, complete with a towering Christmas tree and a charming vintage sleigh. Visitors can reserve...

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at West Chicago's annual Frosty Fest. This beloved community event features a magical tree lighting ceremony, opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a festive Elves Workshop for unique gift shopping. Enjoy...

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...

Lace up your running shoes for the Chicago Santa Hustle, a festive race event on December 5, 2026, at Soldier Field. Choose from a 5K, 10K, or a fun Kids Dash. Participants receive exclusive holiday-themed apparel and a commemorative finisher...

Wintrust Winter WonderFest transforms Navy Pier into an indoor holiday event with ice skating, rides, and the Centennial Wheel in a decorated setting.

Santa at 900 North Michigan Shops provides professional photos in a winter wonderland setting with a tree and digital displays. Each reservation includes a plush toy and digital photo.

Join the Michigan City community for the spectacular Festival of Lights Celebration. The event kicks off with a dazzling parade through the Uptown Arts District, followed by a lively chili cook-off and other festivities downtown. It's a perfect way to...

Embark on a whimsical journey aboard Santa's Candy Cane Express for a truly magical holiday experience. This festive event promises enchanting moments as you ride with Santa and his cheerful helpers, surrounded by dazzling holiday decorations. It's the perfect way...

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...

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...

Get ready for the dazzling Jean Eberle Parade of Lights! This beloved community event features a spectacular procession of illuminated floats and participants, bringing holiday cheer to Cedar Lake. Watch as the parade lights up the night, showcasing creative designs...

Join the community for a magical Winter Fest & Tree Lighting event. Enjoy festive carols, capture cherished memories with Santa Claus, and savor delightful seasonal treats. The highlight is the enchanting lighting of the Central Park Plaza Christmas tree, marking...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Santa's March & Tree Lighting! Join the festive parade as Santa makes his way through downtown, culminating at the Main Square Gazebo. The evening culminates with a heartwarming tree lighting ceremony at...

Discover a day of intergenerational cultural fun at the Chicago Cultural Center's Holiday Open House. This free event features a variety of activities for all ages, including live music and dance performances, hands-on art workshops, and engaging exhibitions. Explore the...

Join the festive spirit at Hamilton Park for a delightful holiday event featuring Santa Claus and his friends. This celebration promises an afternoon filled with joy, including toys, delicious desserts, engaging music, lively dance performances, and creative arts and crafts....

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...

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...

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.

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...

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a variety of Hanukkah events happening throughout Chicagoland in 2025. Families can enjoy hands-on activities like Menorah decorating and craft workshops, along with festive celebrations featuring games, music, and storytelling. These events offer a...

The Drake Hotel in Chicago transforms into a festive wonderland for the holidays, continuing a tradition of over 100 years. Guests can enjoy elegant afternoon teas, including the special 'Festival of Lights' tea, and festive dining options like Thanksgiving and...