Tree Lighting in Wilder Park
Visitors gather to countdown to the lighting of community trees surrounding the park and celebrate with activities both outdoors and inside Wilder Mansion. The event features visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, real reindeer, holiday carnival games, and festive live performances. Food trucks are also on site offering sweet treats, waffles, and coffee.
Thu, Dec 3, 2026 All ages
See more other Christmas activities near Elmhurst
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Free to attend. Sponsoring and decorating a community tree costs $100 for residents or $125 for nonresidents.
Hours
5:30-7:30 pm.
Neighborhood
Wilder Park
Food & Drink
Food trucks at the event include Smallcakes of Elmhurst, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, and Waffle Hero.
Parking
Wilder Park's south parking lot and the Alexander Lot at Elmhurst University will be open for parking.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Dress for the weather, because the event is outdoors and held rain or shine; if severe weather threatens, check the Rainout Line for updates.
- Park in Wilder Park's south lot or the Alexander Lot at Elmhurst University, since both are open for parking during the tree lighting.
- Head inside Wilder Mansion as well as around the park, because the holiday festivities are spread across both places.
- If you sponsor a community tree, finish decorating it by November 29 to enter the People's Choice Award for a chance at a free tree in 2027.
- Bring the kids to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and the real reindeer before everyone counts down to the lighting of the community trees.
Special Events & Promotions
- Community tree sponsorships for families, businesses and groups, sold separately on the Park District registration website
- People's Choice Award: trees finished by November 29 are entered for a chance to win a free tree in 2027
Links & Contact
Run by Elmhurst 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 contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do?
You can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, meet real reindeer, play holiday carnival games and watch festive performances. Festivities run in the park and inside Wilder Mansion, building up to the countdown to light the community trees.
What food is there?
Food trucks on site include Smallcakes of Elmhurst, Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck and Waffle Hero.
Where should I park?
Wilder Park's south parking lot and the Alexander Lot at Elmhurst University are both open for parking.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The event is outdoors and goes ahead rain or shine. If severe weather hits, check the Rainout Line, the Elmhurst Park District website and its Facebook page for updates.
How can my family or business decorate a tree?
Families, businesses and community groups can sponsor one of the community trees around Wilder Park by reserving it on the Park District registration website. You pick a tree number on the map and add the message you want on your tree sign.
Browse Christmas in Elmhurst
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.