West Chicago Other Christmas Activities 2026

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...

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...

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 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...

Join the Village of Carol Stream for their annual Holiday Tree Lighting Extravaganza, a beloved community tradition marking the start of the festive season. This event brings neighbors and friends together for an evening filled with seasonal entertainment, family-friendly activities,...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Join the Elmhurst Park District for a magical Tree Lighting ceremony in Wilder Park. This beloved event marks the start of the holiday season with a countdown to illuminate the community trees. Families can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, get...

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.

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

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.

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.

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...

Embark on a whimsical North Pole Adventure, a festive event designed to bring holiday cheer to families. This experience promises a magical journey filled with enchanting decorations, engaging games, and creative crafts. It's the perfect opportunity to create lasting holiday...

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...

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...

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...

Experience the magic of the holiday season as Glendale Heights residents transform their homes into dazzling displays of festive lights and decorations. This beloved contest brings the community together, offering a delightful visual spectacle for all to enjoy.

Join the community for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Glendale Heights. This festive event features performances by local choral groups and culminates with the Mayor and a special guest, Santa Claus, illuminating the Civic Center Complex. Following the ceremony,...

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...

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.

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...

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.

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...

Experience the magic of the holiday season in Elmhurst with the FREE Holly Trolley. This festive service runs on Saturdays, allowing you to easily hop on and off to shop, dine, and explore the charming town. Stay tuned for exciting...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Join Elmhurst University for a festive holiday celebration combining the President's Holiday Open House with the Annual Festival of Lessons & Carols. This special event offers a warm and inviting atmosphere to kick off the holiday season.

Step into a winter wonderland at the Holiday Flower Show, hosted at the beautiful Wilder Park Conservatory. This enchanting event transforms the conservatory into a breathtaking display of seasonal flowers and festive decorations, offering a magical experience for all who...

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.

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'...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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.