Wilmette Other Christmas Activities 2026

Experience a unique holiday event with filmmaker John Waters at Avondale Music Hall. This special Christmas show promises his signature blend of humor and unconventional holiday cheer, offering a one-of-a-kind festive experience.

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...

Teens aged 10-18 can decorate holiday cookies using various toppings and icing.

Volunteer carolers will perform festive songs at a scheduled location through the 'Book Our Holiday Carolers' service.

The Santa Express train ride takes passengers to Fox Lake, where Santa and Mrs. Claus visit each family, accompanied by caroling and sweet treats.

Adults over 60 can take a day trip to Shipshewana, Indiana, including the Ship Chic Holiday Craft Show, lunch at an Amish home, downtown exploration, and the 'Lights of Joy' drive-through light show.

Families can assemble and decorate a gingerbread house using a kit, icing, and sweet treats, followed by playtime at the Exploritorium.

An evergreen wreath-making workshop teaches participants to craft a wreath for holiday decorating. All materials are included. The workshop is for adults seeking to personalize their holiday decor.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Celebrate the New Year with the 'Itty Bitty New Year' event at the Oakton Community Center. This family-friendly celebration features a DJ, games, crafts, and entertainment, culminating in an exciting balloon drop at noon. Exploritorium admission is included, making it...

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.

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...

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.

Join the community in Downtown Evanston for their cherished annual Holiday Tree Lighting event. This festive celebration at Fountain Square features live music from local choirs, a special tree lighting ceremony with the Mayor, and a visit from Santa and...

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...

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,...

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...

Unleash creativity at Glazed Expressions by decorating a unique menorah, perfect for a cherished Hanukkah keepsake. This engaging event is designed for children of all ages to enjoy, with delightful snacks and drinks provided to enhance the festive experience.

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....

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...