Wilmette Other Christmas Activities 2026

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 take to the ice for a holiday-themed public skating session. The event features sweet treats like cocoa and candy canes, along with a special appearance by St. Nick. Skaters can also participate in a community food drive supporting...

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...

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.

Participants build artisan gingerbread houses using handmade frosting and decorate them with an array of candies, cookies, and goodies. Guests can enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic beverages such as espresso, coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider, or a signature mocktail alongside light savory...

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.

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 glide along an outdoor ice skating course that winds through the park grounds. Skaters can bring their own gear or rent figure and hockey skates on site, with skate aids available for beginners. All participants must skate in the...

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...

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...

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...

Passengers take a festive journey aboard the Metra to Fox Lake alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus. Both characters remain on board for the entire two-hour trip to visit with each family. Guests can sing along with caroling while enjoying sweet...

Bring the family to meet and take photos with Santa himself. Visitors can create keepsake holiday card pictures while enjoying the festive sights, sounds, and spirit of the holiday season in Downtown Mount Prospect.

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.

Participants create a living holiday centerpiece with modern flair using multiple plants not typically seen in traditional festive arrangements. Set inside a reusable decorative bowl, the hands-on project offers an alternative to classic poinsettias and evergreens. Instructors also share composition...

Participants decorate their own holiday tree along the pathway in Hodges Park with family, friends, or coworkers. The Park District provides a fully LED-lit tree along with signage recognizing each participating group or organization. Once decorated, the trees create an...

Participants travel by coach bus to Shipshewana, Indiana, to explore the Ship Chic Holiday Craft Show and spend free time in the downtown area. The trip includes a homemade lunch at an Amish residence. Guests also experience Lights of Joy,...

Participants learn to create homemade botanical decorations using velvet, decoupage, glitter, hand-cut paper, and glue with botanical artist Kate Donley. The hands-on session covers crafting velvet acorns, shimmering glittery pinecones, and custom decoupage wood slices. Everyone leaves with at least...

Participants move and stretch with deep breathing to release tension and restore balance to the body. Afterwards, attendees settle into a restorative posture for yoga nidra, a deeply restful guided meditation that leads through stages of consciousness to integrate body,...

Guests attend a live seated holiday show featuring John Waters. The performance takes place inside the Avondale Music Hall with both general seated admission and VIP options available.

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...

Visitors take to the ice for public skating alongside Santa and his elves. All attending children receive complimentary candy canes to celebrate the season.

Hallways are transformed into a North Pole trail filled with festive activities for children. Along the path, kids make crafts, mix reindeer food, play games, and discover fun surprises. The visit finishes with an opportunity to meet Santa and take...

Children can join Santa at the pool as he relaxes before his big day. The event includes singing holiday songs, playing reindeer games, and sharing Christmas wishes with Santa. Attendees can also stay and enjoy open swim after the scheduled...

Step into Whoville for a themed holiday candy cane hunt filled with playful mischief. Children search the park for hidden candy canes of all shapes and sizes, which may move indoors in the event of bad weather. Participants should keep...

Teen bakers explore their creativity by icing, sprinkling, and designing their own holiday cookies using a variety of colorful toppings. Led by instructor Koala’s Kitchen, the festive workshop offers a sweet, hands-on seasonal activity.

Families work together to assemble and decorate their own gingerbread house using supplied icing and an assortment of sweet treats. After crafting their holiday creations, participants can head over to enjoy playtime in the Exploritorium.

Participants learn hands-on techniques for crafting a beautiful evergreen wreath. Everyone creates and takes home a completed winter decoration ready to display. All required materials are provided.

Sing along with the Uketones as they take the stage to perform seasonal favorites. Guests can also enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate during the performance.

Children discover what it is like at the North Pole workshop while creating reindeer food, a holiday ornament, a hand-crafted card, and special elf slime. The session wraps up with hot cocoa shared among new elf friends. Each participant is...

Families can wear their holiday pajamas for an interactive concert featuring festive Christmas favorites led by Miss Jennifer from Kitty Orca Music & Piano. Children use instruments, scarves, and jingle bells to bring the seasonal music to life. The event...

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...

Parents and children celebrate the season by decorating pre-assembled gingerbread houses with candy, licorice, and gum drops. Families can enjoy the fun of making a holiday mess without having to clean it up. Light snacks and drinks are provided during...

This annual family event celebrates the new year with a DJ, games, crafts, and entertainment. Visitors can gather together to celebrate with a festive balloon drop. Entry also includes admission to the Exploritorium.

Children explore international cultural customs and take part in activities without having to stay up late. Participants enjoy snacks inspired by global traditions and flavors. The celebration concludes with noisemakers, hats, beads, and a traditional balloon drop.

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...

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.

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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.

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.

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...