City of Des Plaines Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Visitors can watch live stage performances, admire holiday trees decorated by local students and community groups, and witness elected officials light the city tree for the season. Guests can greet Santa, the Grinch, Anna, and Elsa, drop off letters at Santa's mailbox, and observe a roasted chestnut demonstration by the History Center. Food is available from on-site food trucks, and attendees can contribute items to the donation mitten tree.
See more other Christmas activities near Des Plaines
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Hours
4-6:30 p.m.; tree decorating at 4 p.m.; food trucks 4-6:30 p.m.; live performances 4:30–6:15 p.m.; Santa arrives at 4:45 p.m.; tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
Food trucks sell food on site and accept cash and cards; food service ends at 6:30 p.m., and trucks may close their queue lines earlier.
Parking
Free parking is available in the Metropolitan Square Parking Garage (entrances off Lee St. and Miner St.) and the Municipal Complex Garage (behind City Hall).
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early for food trucks because the event is highly popular, wait times may be longer, and trucks can close queues before serving everyone.
- Bring cash or a card for food trucks; both payment types are accepted, and having a choice may make ordering easier.
- Use the Metropolitan Square Parking Garage off Lee or Miner streets, or the Municipal Complex Garage behind City Hall, for free parking.
- Bring new hats, gloves, mittens, or scarves for the mitten tree, or nonperishable food for the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Pantry.
- Dress warmly for the winter event in Metropolitan Square, where guests may spend time watching performances and the tree lighting outdoors.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free family photos are available at the Winter Fair, with digital photos optional to purchase.
- Trolley tours during the Winter Fair require advance registration.
- The Winter Fair market has expanded this year, adding vendors in the fourth-floor Forum space.
- The Canvas makerspace will hold an open house and offer a special giveaway during the Winter Fair.
Links & Contact
Run by Des Plaines Park District
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can visitors see and do at the ceremony?
There are decorated holiday trees, live stage performances, a roasted chestnut demonstration, and activities sponsored by local organizations.
Which characters can guests meet?
Santa, the Grinch, Anna, and Elsa make appearances, and guests can take photos with them.
Can children send a letter to Santa?
Yes. A mailbox is available for letters to the North Pole.
What food is available, and how can I pay?
Food trucks offer food for purchase and accept cash and card. Food service ends when the event ends, and truck queues may close earlier.
Where can I park?
Free parking is available in the Metropolitan Square Parking Garage, with entrances off Lee Street and Miner Street, and in the Municipal Complex Garage behind City Hall.
Browse Christmas in Des Plaines
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.