Wheeling Other Christmas Activities 2026

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 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 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,...

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...

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 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...

The Unconventional Holiday Bowl workshop guides participants in creating a living centerpiece with plants other than poinsettias and evergreens. Care instructions are provided.

A Holiday De-Stress Yoga Nidra session offers gentle movement, stretching, and yoga nidra meditation to release tension and foster balance.

A Nature-Inspired Ornaments Workshop teaches participants to craft holiday decorations using materials such as velvet, glitter, and paper. Attendees will make at least six ornaments and three gift tags.

Families can decorate a gingerbread house with provided frosting and candy. An award is given for 'Best House in Town'.

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.

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.

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.

A Gingerbread Workshop allows parents and children to decorate pre-assembled gingerbread houses with candy and gum drops. Light snacks and drinks are included. Bring a box to take the creation home.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Lace up your skates for a magical holiday experience at Centennial Ice Rinks! Join Santa Claus for a festive public skate session filled with holiday cheer, complete with cocoa and candy canes. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season...

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...

Celebrate the holiday season at Northfield's annual Holiday Fest! This family-friendly event features a magical park lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa Claus, and delightful holiday music performed by local school choirs. Children can write letters to Santa and enjoy...

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 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.

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...

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....

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.

Experience the warmth of community at the 29th annual Winnetka Holiday Sing. Families and friends gather at Village Green Park to share in the joy of singing favorite holiday carols. Bring your candles or flashlights for this heartwarming, short-and-sweet celebration.

Elevate your holiday gifting with this specialized Christmas gift-wrapping event. Attendees will learn expert techniques to transform presents into beautifully wrapped treasures. Discover creative solutions for all gift shapes and sizes, ensuring your holiday gifts make a memorable first impression.

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...

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.

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a visit to Santa's winter wonderland at Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Capture cherished memories with professional photos alongside Santa Claus. Special Pet Nights allow your furry companions to join in the festive...

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...