South Elgin Other Christmas Activities 2026

Families can meet Santa for photos, watch an ice sculptor, and enjoy demonstrations featuring Highland cows and Huskies of the Valley. Hands-on activities include making s'mores, decorating cookies, balloon animals, and a snowball slingshot. Attendees can also participate in a...

Spectators gather along Main Street to watch dazzling, creative holiday entries from local businesses and organizations. Outside the Municipal Building, an emcee announces each procession entry from a reviewing stand and shares descriptions. Visitors can also watch the festivities from...

Guests can enjoy children's train rides on the Elk Grove Express, holiday storytime, and live a cappella harmonies performed by The Canterbury Carollers. The celebration highlights the illumination of the Village Green with over 500,000 lights, accompanied by a fireworks...

Community members gather to flip the switch and illuminate downtown St. Charles with dazzling holiday lights. Guests can listen to festive carols performed by local high school choirs and enjoy complimentary treat samples. Attendees can also visit Santa's Cottage to...

Visitors can experience a holiday parade, a drone show, and the lighting of the Town Square. Activities throughout the event include train rides, visits and photo opportunities with Santa, free hot cocoa, and browsing vendors at the Kris Kringle Market....

Visitors can celebrate the holiday season with festive games, merry crafts, and encounters with Santa’s elves. The gathering features live music by the Palatine Children’s Chorus, complimentary hot chocolate and treats, and photo opportunities with Santa in the gazebo.

Visitors can take continuous train rides past holiday light displays, dash through the snow on a cozy winter sleigh ride, and explore the illuminated playground. Children can share their wish lists and pose for photos with Santa Claus and his...

Celebrate the start of the season with Santa and the lighting of the Village tree. Families can visit with Santa, interact with animals at the petting zoo, decorate cookies, and place a message on the Wish Tree. The evening also...

Old Town Algonquin transforms into a holiday celebration featuring a ceremonial tree lighting and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visitors can enjoy live music and dance performances across multiple stages while browsing handcrafted gifts and treats from artisan vendors...

Guests experience a spirited Christmas-themed cheer and dance competition complete with stages, theatrical lights, and video screens. Attendees can enjoy holiday music, take pictures with Santa, and join in indoor snowball fights. Participating teams take the stage to compete across...

Families board a train for a magical one-hour journey to the North Pole. Along the way, passengers experience the story of the Polar Express, sing Christmas carols, and enjoy milk and cookies. The trip also includes a visit from Santa...

Guests gather at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club for the Hoffman Estates Park District's annual winter celebration. The event features festive music, cozy treats, and activities suitable for all ages. Everything is set against a winter wonderland backdrop.

Visitors can celebrate the holiday season with lights, music, and community festivities. The seasonal event also includes a tree lighting.

Visitors tour four festive homes decorated for the holiday season in historic downtown Wheaton. Guests can begin at any featured home and visit the properties in any order. An event program is provided at the first home visited in exchange...

Visitors embark on a self-guided tour of five homes decorated for the season by local designers and green-scape experts using items from local shops. Guests drive to each home to gather ideas and inspiration for their own holiday decor. Admission...

Visitors can meet Santa to share their wish lists and take family photos in front of a decorated Christmas tree. Held as part of the Village’s Holiday Festival, the decorated open house also offers cookies, refreshments, and activities for all...

Board the train for a journey to the North Pole to pick up Santa and his friends before traveling back to Geneva for a meal. Following lunch or dinner, children have the opportunity to share their wish lists, sit on...

Step back into the holiday season as it was celebrated in 1880s Schaumburg. Visitors can enjoy traditional holiday treats, crafts for children, and marshmallows with warm beverages around a bonfire. Guests can also stop by Merkle Cabin for a visit...

Guests gather inside the airport hangar to enjoy a buffet meal accompanied by holiday music and crafts. As Santa approaches, the hangar doors open so attendees can watch his helicopter touch down. Afterward, Santa steps inside to meet children and...

Visitors attend the Winter Wonderland performance at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. The production is presented live on stage and broadcast through the venue's BFAC On Air platform. On-site attendees have access to concessions under the venue's orange limited food...

Guests explore the beautifully decorated rooms of the Colonel’s former home before it opens to the public for the evening. Led by the McCormick House Director and Horticulture Director, the intimate experience blends history, design, and holiday traditions. The visit...

Guests gather to watch Santa make an entrance by landing in a helicopter. The event features family entertainment including magic shows, balloon artists, and face painting. Children can also take part in crafts and receive free giveaways.

Guests gather for an annual holiday breakfast hosted at the country club. Attendees can meet Santa Claus in person and capture their own festive pictures during the visit.

Families take festive wagon rides through twinkling lights and warm up with cups of hot cocoa. Children can participate in cookie decorating and meet Santa to share their holiday wish lists. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras to capture memories...

Former Barrington High School choir director Nancie Tobison hosts this seasonal gathering alongside returning alumni and musical friends. Attendees listen to live performances of holiday classics and hear personal stories shared by the performers.

Children and family members of all ages can experience a visit with Santa inside his magical workshop. Only one family enters the workshop at a time to enjoy a brief conversation with Santa. Guests can capture the memory by bringing...

Huntley Cemetery partners with the Huntley American Legion Post 673 and The Rotary Club of Huntley to hold a National Remembrance Ceremony. The nationwide gathering honors local veterans in Huntley Cemetery and St. Mary Cemetery by placing a fresh wreath...

Participants enjoy private ice time featuring photo opportunities with Santa, holiday music, and hot chocolate. A skating trainer device is available to assist children who are new to the ice. Skate rental is provided for each registered participant.

Guests can dress in their comfiest pajamas for an evening of festive fun. Activities include writing letters to Santa, making an ornament, and getting a photo taken with Santa. Visitors also enjoy pizza and watch a screening of the movie...

Dogs and their owners can visit to take a festive souvenir photo with Santa Claus. Each registered dog receives a stocking full of treats and participates in a craft activity to create a keepsake holiday gift. Additional fun and festive...

Families sip hot chocolate and enjoy fresh donuts provided by Naperville's DeEtta's Bakery. Children can listen to a holiday story told by Santa and take pictures with him.

Visitors celebrate the season with hands-on holiday fun, including decorating Christmas cookies, crafting festive projects, and writing letters to Santa. The event also features holiday-themed games and snacks for attendees.

Young children can enjoy a winter wonderland filled with festive movement games, reindeer games, and cheerful music activities. Participants also create simple gift-making crafts during the session. A nut-free snack is provided for all attendees.

Families gather to design and decorate festive gingerbread houses together. Each group is provided with an assembled house, frosting, and candy treats to customize their creation. Guests can get as creative as possible for a chance to win the title...

Participants gather to discuss the holiday cozy mystery novel The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter. The club features a meet-and-greet session where attendees make a bookmark, learn how to access the book, and enjoy appetizers and...

Teams take the stage under bright lights and screens to compete in a spirited cheer and dance championship. Attendees can listen to holiday music, snap photos with Santa, and join in indoor snowball fights. Winning teams and athletes are awarded...

Children and families can meet Santa Claus in the Chalet Garden. Visitors are invited to share their holiday wish lists and take their own photos. Booking an appointment helps manage lines and wait times during the visit.

Visitors can enjoy festive seasonal activities including hands-on crafts and cookie decorating. Guests can also meet with Santa and browse the Kris Kringle Market.

This sensory-friendly event allows families with all types of special needs to experience the tradition of visiting Santa in a comforting environment. Accommodations are provided to support the sensory, physical, and developmental needs of guests. The experience is hosted at...

Visitors can celebrate Chanukah with the Skokie Chabad at Westfield Old Orchard. The gathering features nightly menorah lightings set up near Bath and Body Works.

Visitors can bring their furry companions to meet Santa for a special holiday photo session. Professional photographers are on set at the Candy Cane Station next to Läderach to capture the moment. Families can pose together with their pets to...

Visitors can step inside a cozy, historic firehouse to hand-dip holiday candles, assemble festive garlands, and create a selection of vintage wintry crafts. Guests can also enjoy cups of hot chocolate and listen to a live performance by the Junior...

Children and families can bring their letters for Santa to a magical mailbox at the park gazebo. Visitors get to meet one of Santa's elves to make sure their letters are safely on their way to the North Pole. Guests...

Families gather for a cozy evening to decorate gingerbread houses using pre-packaged baskets filled with all the necessary decorating tools. The event features festive holiday music alongside a hot cocoa bar.

Grandparents and grandchildren gather for a festive holiday celebration centered around creativity and sweet treats. Participants decorate an assortment of holiday cookies using colorful frosting, sprinkles, and festive decorations. Everyone leaves with their custom holiday creations to take home.

Ring in the new year with a holiday-themed public ice skate. The event welcomes participants of all ages to take to the ice at Centennial Ice Rinks.

Downtown Geneva sparkles with holiday cheer during the annual Christmas Walk. This cherished event kicks off the festive season with the arrival of Santa Lucia and Santa Claus, the illumination of the Great Tree, and a magical atmosphere. Stroll through...

The Rotary Club of Naperville presents a magical evening with their annual Parade of Lights. This family-friendly event illuminates downtown Naperville with dazzling floats, local performers, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. It's a heartwarming celebration that supports local...

Join the community for the annual Addison Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, a beloved tradition that officially kicks off the holiday season. This festive evening features a variety of family-friendly activities, including enchanting train rides, opportunities to meet Santa Claus, and...

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.

Join the community for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Glendale Heights. This festive event features performances by local choral groups and culminates with the Mayor and a special guest, Santa Claus, illuminating the Civic Center Complex. Following the ceremony,...

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...

Experience the holiday magic in Glen Ellyn with the return of the 'Letters to Santa' mailbox, a charming way for children to send their wishes directly to the North Pole. Letters mailed by December 14th are guaranteed a response from...

Families and children can bring along a favorite stuffed animal to join Ted E. Bear on a short outdoor walk from the library lobby to Village Hall to catch a glimpse of St. Nick. Inside the library, visitors can enjoy...

Residents of Streamwood are invited to participate in the annual Home Holiday Decorating Contest. This event encourages homeowners to transform their properties into dazzling displays of festive cheer, creating a magical atmosphere for the community to enjoy. It's a wonderful...

All aboard for a magical Santa Express train ride departing from Wheaton Train Station! Families can enjoy a festive journey filled with holiday music and stories, while Santa himself makes his way through the train to greet each child and...

At Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, visitors can pick up an ornament for an animal resident and learn about their Christmas wish lists. Donations are encouraged to support the animals.

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a unique Flashlight Candy Cane Hike. This guided nighttime adventure takes participants along winter trails, illuminated by the glow of flashlights. It's a memorable way for families to embrace the festive spirit...

Embark on a whimsical North Pole Adventure, a festive event designed to bring holiday cheer to families. This experience promises a magical journey filled with enchanting decorations, engaging games, and creative crafts. It's the perfect opportunity to create lasting holiday...

Ring in the New Year early at this exciting Noon Year's Eve Celebration designed for kids aged 6-10. They can enjoy music, dancing, games, and creative activities, all leading up to a grand countdown to noon. It's a fantastic way...