Holiday Happenings!

The holidays are already happening…from now all the through to the New Year! ‘Tis the season is now. Be sure to check out the following events in this year’s Holiday Happening section…

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NOVEMBER

• Lombard Christmas Mart – 11/5. Art and craft fair inside various downtown churches and other locations. 9AM-2PM. Downtown Lombard. lombardhistory.org
• A Holiday Happening Craft and Art Fair – 11/5-6. Over 175 booths. College of DuPage Athletic Arena, Glen Ellyn. craftproductionsinc.com
• Weed Ladies Floral Sales – DATES TBA. Featuring holiday-themed floral arrangements and accessories. Naper Settlement, Naperville. napersettlement.org/weedladies
• Naper Lights – 11/11-1/5. Holiday light display and synchronized music, winter wonder land at Water Street. Naperville. Downtownnaperville.com
• Festival of Lights – 11/12. 3-6PM. The Promenade Holiday tree lighting with Santa, trolley rides, crafts and more. Bolingbrook. shoppingpromenade.com
• Tree Trim at Brookfield Zoo – 11/12-13. Families and groups can sponsor a tree to decorate that will be on display. 10AM-4:30PM. Brookfield. Register at CZS.org/TreeTrim
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• Christmas Around the World – 11/16-1/2. The Museum of Science and Industry continues its beloved annual exhibit. Over 50 trees will be displayed. Msichicago.org
• Shades of Crimson Poinsettia Display & Sale – 11/17. Many varieties of poinsettias grown on site from cuttings will be available for sale. 11AM-4:30PM. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. cantigny.org
• Mistletoe Market – 11/17. Shop the cheery displays of local crafters and vendors offering one-of-a-kind items.  Food trucks on site. 11AM-7PM. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. cantigny.org
• Seussical Jr. Children’s Theatre of Elgin – 11/17-20. Immerse yourself in the world of Dr. Seuss at Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin. Cityofelgin.org
• Holiday Tree Lighting – 11/18. 6-7PM. Festive Christmas carols, hot chocolate and cookies, and Santa! DT Elmhurst. Exploreelmhurst.org
• Deck the Green – 11/18. Village Green at the Burr Ridge Village Center has pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  5-7PM.  Burr Ridge. burr-ridge.gov
• It’s Thanksgiving Downers Grove – 11/18. Enjoy snacks and crafts with some special characters at Lincoln Center, Register for time slots. 9:15-2:15PM dgparks.org
• Winter Lights – 11/18. Kick off the holiday season with a festive parade at 6PM along Downer Place, fireworks, and photos with Santa. Visit shops at a Winter Market featuring local artisans. 6-9 PM. Free. Aurora. auroradowntown.org
• Santa’s Rock ‘N’ Lights – Drive-through animated lights show 10/18 through Jan. 1. Lake County Fairgrounds. santasrocknlights.com/.
• Christkindlmarket Aurora – 11/18-12/24. 11AM-7PM. RiversEdge Park is home to this traditional market featuring international and local vendors. Aurora. Enjoyaurora.com
• Christkindlmarket Chicago – 11/18-12/24. Traditional holiday market offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events, and intercultural activities. Daley Plaza. Christkindlmarket.com
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• City of Chicago Christmas Tree – 11/19. Watch the lighting of Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree In-Person at Millennium Park 6PM. Chicago.gov
• Turkey Raffle – 11/19. Full cash bar, hot dogs, chili and prizes – all to help our veterans in need. American Legion Hall Post 75. Geneva. Genevachamber.com
• A Dicken’s of a Holiday Craft Show – 11/19. Find unique, handcrafted holiday gifts. FREE. 9AM-3PM. Darien Park District Community Center. Darienparks.com
• Amaze Light Festival – 11/19-1/8/23. All-encompassing outdoor storybook event takes guests through an enchanting experience of festive food, themed adventure and the ultimate light show. Odyssey Fun World, Tinley Park. Amazelightfestival.com
• Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival – 11/19-21. Tree lighting ceremony at 4PM on Friday at Centennial Plaza. Disney themed parade with floats, marching bands and performers on Saturday. The Magnificent Mile, Chicago. themagnificentmile.com
• Lincoln Park ZooLights – 11/19-1/1. A twinkling winter wonderland with ice sculptors and festive activities. Sensory-friendly visit times. 4:30-10PM. Chicago. Lpzoo.org
• Talkin’ Turkey: A Thanksgiving Celebration 11/19. –Learn about these interesting birds with stories, songs and crafts. 10-11AM. Register. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. Cantigny.org
• Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum – 11/19-1/7. View 50 acres of majestic trees glowingwith special effects and events along a wooded, one-mile path. Timed entry tickets. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. mortonarb.org.
• Lights of Love Memorial Tribute – 11/23. 5PM. Gather family and friends to honor and celebrate at Rialto Square Theater. Joliet. Lighways.org
• Tree Lighting Ceremony – 11/25. At the Main Street train station on Friday at 4:30PM. Downers Grove. Events.downers.us
• Festival of Lights – 11/25-12/26. 5-9PM. One of the largest, free drive-through holiday light displays in northern Illinois. Aurora. Enjoyaurora.com
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• Little Friends Holiday Parade of Lights – 11/25. Enjoy an evening of festivities, brightly lit floats and musical entertainment. Parade at 7PM. Visit with Santa after parade. Downtown Naperville. downtownnaperville.com
• Festival of Lights Parade – 11/25. Parade with Santa, lights, music, and pageantry. 7-9PM. Downtown Crystal Lake. downtowncl.org
• Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade – 11/25. Parade, fireworks, tree lighting and activities. 10AM- 7:30PM. Downtown Joliet. jolietccp.com
• Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic – 11/25-27, 30, 12/1-4, 12/7-11, 12/14-18, 12/26-31. 3-9PM. Chicagoland’s longest running lights festival with over One-Million LED Lights and much more. Advance tickets required. Brookfield. CZS.org/Events
• Holiday Homecoming – 11/25-26. Lighting of Lights on Friday. Music, holiday movies, sleigh rides, lighted parade on Saturday. St. Charles. stcholidayhomecoming.com
• Festival of Lights and Tree Sales – 11/25-12/30. Cosley Zoo is transformed with 20,000 twinkling lights, spectacular displays, a selection of Christmas trees for purchase, hot chocolate and gifts. 9AM-9PM daily. Wheaton. cosleyzoo.org
• Hometown Holidays Weekend – 11/25-27. Shop downtown Naperville with amazing holiday offers all over town. Naperville. Downtownnaperville.com
• Happy Holiday Railway Santa Trains – 11/25-27, 12/3-4, 12/10-11, and 12/17-18. All Aboard for the North Pole. Santa, hot chocolate and cookies on the train.  Illinois Railway Museum. Union, IL irm.org
• Light Up the Lake – 11/25-1/7. Navy Pier. Indoor experience with light sculpture displays, ice rink, kiddie train rides, Santa’s Village, and family friendly events. navypier.org
• Spring Valley Holiday Craft Fair – 11/26. The Nature Center becomes a festive holiday gift shop for 2 days with vendors and handcrafted items. 10AM-4PM.  Schaumburg. Parkfun.com
• Holly Days – 11/26. Support the small businesses of Elgin and enjoy the decorated store fronts, food, and special events Purchase your special refillable cup for the Holiday Cheers Beverage Crawl. Downtownelgin.com
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• Fox Valley Nutcracker – 11/26-27. Showcasing professional and local dancers. Tickets. Batavia Fine Arts Center, Batavia. foxvalleynutcracker.com
• Marmion Christmas Craft Show – 11/26-27. Over 200 crafters and vendors in a 48,000+ sq. ft. shopping center. Sat. 9AM-4PM, Sun. Aurora 10AM-2PM. Marmion.org
• Holiday Candy Making – 11/27. 11AM-3PM. Learn to make candy on a wood-burning stove in an historic farmhouse. All ages. Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago. Dupageforest.org
• Celebration of Lights Festival – 11/27. Enjoy hayrides, holiday craft activities, a community sing-a-long, ceremonial tree lighting and visits with Santa. FREE! 5-7PM. Batavia Riverwalk. Bataviaparks.org
• Forest Hike – 11/28. 8:30-10AM. Get up early to enjoy some healthy exercise on a 3 – 5-mile guided hike. West DuPage Woods. Dupageforest.org
• Drumming Circle – 11/28. 6:30-7:30PM. Celebrate Autumn’s arrival by drumming in the cool weather at Fullersburg. Bring your own drum or borrow ours. Ages 12+. Register. Fullersburg Woods Education Center, Oak Brook. Dupageforest.org
• Mistletoe Medley – 11/29. Fun and Festive Holiday Fundraiser with a luncheon and fashion show. 9AM-3PM. Drury Lane, Oak Brook. oakbrookchapterinfantwelfare.org

DECEMBER

• Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm – 12/1 and weekends in December. Take a magical ride on the Holiday Express train! Decorations, reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides. Blackberry Farm, Aurora. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org
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• One of a Kind Holiday Show – 12/1-4 Hundreds of talented artists, makers and designers will set up shop at The Mart. Chicago. oneofakindshowchicago.com
• Cup of Cheer – 12/1-2. Naperville Garden Club’s House Walk, Holiday Market & Tea. Tour 4 decorated homes and receive a commemorative teacup and saucer. 9AM-4PM napervillegardenclub.org
• Holiday Happenings in Tinley Park – 12/1-31. Month long events include carriage rides, ice carving demonstration, carousel rides, holiday activities, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus inside the train station and S’mores by a campfire. tinleypark.org
• Cocoa Crawl – 12/2. 5-9PM. Celebrate the winter season with toasty hot cocoa in a custom mg at several participating venue. Downtown Aurora. Aurora-il.org
• Blitz Craft Show – 12/2. Over 100 crafters/vendors selling jewelry, knitted items, holiday décor and more. Bartlett Community Center. Bartlett. Bartlettparks.org
• Hanover Park Tree Lighting Ceremony – 12/2. Santa, hot chocolate bar, live reindeer, horse and carriage rides on a lighted luminary path, arts/crafts, choirs and an indoor snowball fight. 5:30PM. hanoverparkillinois.org
• Holiday Walk and Festival of Windows – 12/2. 6-9PM. Window displays, open houses, horse-drawn carriages, the Clauses, and more. Forest Park. Exploreforestpark.com
• Winter Wonderland Frosty Fest – 12/2. DJ, Santa and Rudolph and friends, dancing, photos, games and treats! Registration required. 6-8PM. Tinley Park. tinleyparkdistrict.org
• Annual Hinsdale Christmas Walk – 12/2. Tree lighting, treats, ice carvers, Santa, carousel, trackless train and sing-a-longs. 5-8PM. Hinsdale. hinsdalechamber.com
• Christmas Walk – 12/2. Festivities include the arrival of Santa Lucia and Santa, the lighting of the tree, carolers. 6-9:30 PM. Downtown Geneva. genevachamber.com
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• Festival of Lights – 12/2. Sparkling display in Old Town Park and Old Town Bloomingdale, with carriage rides, crafts, refreshments, photos with Santa and story-time. Bloomingdale. villageofBloomingdale.org
• Wintersong 2022 – 12/2, 7:30PM and 12/3, 3PM. Enjoy the performance of The Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale and accompanying chamber orchestra as they celebrate the season with music and song. College Church. Wheaton. gewchorale.org
• Holiday Market and Parade – 12/2, 6-9PM; 12/3-4, 12-5PM. Tree lighting, Toyland Parade, Parade of Lights, children’s crafts, market. Tinley Park. tinleypark.org
• Holiday House Tour – 12/2-3. View decorated local homes for self-guided tours. 10AM-5PM. Genevachamber.com
• Holiday Lights Festival – 12/2-1/1. Drive through lights display. Festival dates 12/2-3, 5-8PM. Romeoville Village Hall and Police Station.  Romeoville.org
• Lemont’s Hometown Holiday – 12/3. The tree-lighting ceremony at 5PM. Kids crafts, caroling and more. Lighting Up Lemont, the Village’s light display throughout the downtown area all month long. Lemont. lemontdowntown.com
• Santa at the Gazebo – 12/3 and 12/10. 1-3PM. Stop by Millennium Plaza for a photo with Santa. Aurora. Aurora-il.org
• Westmont Holly Days– 12/3 – 12-31. Month-long festival in Downtown Westmont starts with the Frosty & Friends Parade, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, downtown business open houses, treats and more. Westmont. hollydaysfestival.com
• North Pole Holiday Spectacular – 12/3, 6:30-7:45PM; 12/4, 1-2:15PM and 3:30-4:45PM. Family event with a Holiday themed musical show, games, cookie decorating and Santa. Community Rec Center, Schaumburg. Parkfun.com
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• Nutcracker “All Jazzed Up” – 12/3,4,10, 11. 2PM and 7PM. A twist on the original classic includes ballet, jazz, tap and more. Bartlett Community Center, Bartlett. 630-540-4800
• Celebrate the Season Holiday Festival – 12/3. Santa Claus will be reading stories and taking photos, fun crafts and the whole park will be decorated for the holidays. 1-7PM. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. cantigny.org
• Tinley Toyland Parade – 12/3.  174th Street to Zabrocki Plaza. 11:45AM. Tinley Park. tinleypark.org
• Jingle Bell Jubilee – 12/3. See holiday lights, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, hear stories, listen to carolers, and more! Tree lighting  5:30PM. Lombard. lombardparks.com
• Once Upon a Christmas – 12/3. Purchase gifts in the Heritage Society Gift Shop. 4-7:30PM. The Museums at Lisle Station Park. Lisle, lisleparkdistrict.org
• Santa’s Workshop – 12/3. A holiday store just for kids at Wilder Mansion. Open to the public from 1-4PM. Elmhurst. Epd.org
• The St. Nick’s Mart – 12/3.  Come shop the wares of local crafters and small Villa Park businesses. 5-8PM. Villa Park Public Library, Villa Park. vppl.info
• Santa at the Gazebo –12/3 and 12/10 Free photo with Santa at the Gazebo on Stolp Ave. Millennium Plaza, Aurora. Auroradowntown.org
• Winterfest –12/3. 10AM – 3PM. Downtown Oak Park Winterfest activities and Cookie Walk. downtownoakpark.net
• Farmside Christmas – 12/4. Holiday fun with ice sculptors, reindeer, holiday crafts, and treats around the bonfire. Tree lighting at 4:30PM.  Register. Ages 3-17. Bensenville. Bvilleparks.org
• LaGrange Holiday Walk – 12/4. Kick off a month of Holiday magic and Holiday shopping. Downtown LaGrange. lgba.chambermaster.com
• Holiday Lights at Lilacia Park – 12/4-18. Enjoy light shows, tree decorations, a gingerbread house and more. 8PM. Lombard. lombardparks.com
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• Parade of Lights – 12/4. Viewing area 175th Street along Oak Park Avenue. 5PM. Tinley Park. tinleypark.org
• Storytime with the Grinch – 12/4. Visit with the Grinch and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. Story time and photo ops. Blackberry Farm, Aurora. Foxvalleyparkdistrict.org
• Woodland Santa Holiday Workshop – 12/4. Watch Santa pulled by his dashing huskies and help him get ready for his big day. Make a craft and have a picture taken with the Big Guy. Santa arrives at 10:45AM. St. Charles. Stparks.org
• Holiday Bedtime Stories – 12/6. Bring PJs, a stuffed toy and blanket for a night of Christmas songs, stories and cookies and milk with Mrs. Claus with a visit from Santa. 5:30-6:45PM and 7:15-8:30 PM. Barrington Park District. Register barringtonparkdistrict.org
• Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt – 12/9. 6-7PM. All ages. Bundle up, grab a flashlight and search for candy canes throughout the forest at Winston Woods Park. Bolingbrook. Bolingbrookparks.org
• Journey to the North Pole – 12/9. Bundle up for a wagon ride to the North Pole. Sing along with carols and hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. Register. Plainfield. Plfdparks.org
• Santa Paws – 12/10. 10AM-12PM. Bring your pooch for a photo with Santa. Clayson House Museum and Library, Palatine. Palatineparks.org
• Merry and Bright: A Victorian Christmas – 12/10. Victorian Christmas traditions, tour of the house and a luminary walk with Victorian-era carolers. Visit with Santa. Register. 3-7PM. Downers Grove Museum. Dgparks.org
• Holiday Spectacular – 12/10-11. Celebrate the holidays with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Elgin Master Chorale. Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin. Elginsymphony.org
• Holiday Market –Grayslake Antique and Flea Market – 12/10-11. For times, check zurkopromotions.com
• Nutcracker Performances – 12/10. 7-9:30PM. Performers will tell the story of the holiday classic. Prisco Community Center, Aurora. Foxvalleyparkdistrict.org
• Breakfast with Santa – 12/10. Come share a light breakfast with Santa with donuts, fruit, yogurt and coffee. Register. 8:30-11AM. Batavia. Bataviaparks.org
• Breakfast with Santa – 12/10. Plated breakfast, holiday crafts, music and fun! 9:30-11:30AM. Pre-register. Villa Olivia. bartlettparkdistrict.com
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• Christmas in the Valley – 12/11. 12-4PM. Experience the holiday season as it was in 1880s. Enjoy treats, crafts and beverages around a bonfire. Heritage Farm, Schaumburg. Parkfun.com
• Breakfast with Santa – 12/11. 8:30-11:30AM. The Howard Leisure Center hosts Santa for breakfast and pictures. Register early. Niles. Niles-parks.org
• Brunch with Buddy the Elf – 12/11. Join Buddy the Elf for a festive brunch and fun filled activities. 9-10:30AM. Deerfield Park District. Register deerfieldparks.org
• Iceland Santa Skate – 12/11. Enjoy a family skate with Santa and his elves to holiday music. 2:30–4PM. Iceland, Niles Park District. niles-parks.org.
• Candy Cane Hunt – 12/10. Bags will be provided for the goodies you find. A visitor from North Pole, too. Check for times. Community Park Bandshell, Lisle. Register. lisleparkdistrict.org
• Pre-K Outdoor Play – 12/15. 1-2PM. Engage your little ones in outdoor adventure, stories, songs, movement, and games. Ages 2-4 with adult. Register. Fullersburg Woods. Dupageforest.org
• Flashlight Candy Cane Hike – 12/16. Explore the woods and prairie to solve a puzzle and receive a goody bag. Head to Hickory Knolls for warm beverages and a craft. St. Charles. Stparks.org
• Pizza with Santa – 12/16. Pizza, soda, craft, games, bounce house. Children of all ages with an adult. Register by 12/10. 6-7PM. Darien. Darienparks.com
• Family Holiday Party – 12/17. Families will make pinatas and papel picados inspired by Hispanic customs. 2PM visit from Santa. Cookies and cocoa in the McCormick House. 1-4PM. Elmhurst. Elmhurstartmuseum.org
• Parkie’s Reindeer Games – 12/17. Swimming in a pool with melted snowmen and pics with Parkie. Arts, crafts and games. Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park. 9-11:30AM. Bolingbrookparks.org
• Breakfast with Santa – 12/17-18. Enjoy Breakfast Buffet, Photo with Santa, Crafts and Activities. White Pines Golf Club, Bensenville. 10AM – 1PM. Register whitepinesgolf.com
• Breakfast with Santa – 12/17-18.  Addison Community Recreation Center. Register. 9:30-11:30AM. Addison. Addisonparks.org
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• Breakfast with Santa – 12/18. 8:30AM. Starved Rock Lodge. Breakfast followed by a magic show and a treat. Utica, IL starvedrocklodge.com
• Family Holiday Concert – 12/18. Enjoy a fresh take on the Nutcracker Suite with fun Christmas movie songs peppered in. All ages. 2:00 and 4:00 PM. Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville. dupagesymphony.org
• Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt – 12/19. Ages 1-14 years. Bundle up, grab a flashlight and search for a dozen candy canes, some with a special note to exchange for a prize. All will leave with a small goody bad. 6-6:30PM. Itasca. Itascaparkdistrict.com
• Winter Solstice Sunrise Hike – 12/21. 6:45-7:45AM. A hike atop Mount Hoy early in the morning to experience the solstice sunrise and learn about wildlife. Ages 12+. Register. Blackwell. Dupageforest.org
• New Year’s Beach Ball Drop Pool Party –12/30-31. 6-8PM and 11AM-1PM.  Ring in the new year with a beach ball drop countdown. Waterslides, splash zone, music and more. Vaughan Athletic Center, Aurora. Foxvalleyparkdistrict.org
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• Concert Radiance NYE Concert – 12/30-31. 8PM. See web page for list of performers. Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake. radiancemke.com
• Noon Year’s Eve Ball – 12/31. Noon Year’s Eve toast, DJ and dancing, snacks a craft and a family photo. Registration required. 10:30AM-12:30PM. Barringtonparkdistrict.org
• Happy Noon Year – 12/31. Kids will enjoy games, music, balloon drop and sparkling grape-juice toast. 11AM-12:15PM. Pre-registration is required. Community Rec Center. Wheeling. wheelingparkdistrict.com
• Bubble Bash – 12/31. Explore hands-on exhibits, and count down with confetti, bubbles, and more. DuPage Children’s Museum. Naperville. dupagechildrens.org