The holidays are upon us! Here’s a day-by-day guide to holiday fun in communities all over Chicago’s western suburbs. If you’re looking to see a performance of “The Nutcracker,” check out our guide here, all about Breakfast with Santa opportunities here and events for children with special needs here. We’ll soon be posting more guides to great Christmas light displays, holiday theatrical performances and more, so stay tuned!
Daily or Weekly Events
AURORA LIGHTS The Holiday Festival of Lights takes place every year in Aurora’s Phillips Park and this year runs November 27 through November 27. This is an outdoor, drive-through light display, one of the largest in the Chicago area. It is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Aurora and the city of Aurora. Admission is free, but donations for charity are accepted at the end of the drive. The lights are on from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Starting Nov. 27, Cosley Zoo in Wheaton will light more than 20,000 lights every day at 3 p.m. and they’ll stay on until the zoo closes at 9 p.m. You can visit with the animals, purchase a cup of hot chocolate, and also purchase trees and wreaths. On the Saturdays of Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. you can also visit with Santa for a $5 per family donation. Admission to the zoo is free during the festival but donations are always appreciated.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT MOOSEHEART Every night starting November 27 until December 31 Mooseheart has an impressive drive-thru lighting display. It features more than 80 holiday characters, figures, mythical creatures, and architectural lighting over a two-mile course. The lights are on display nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The cost is $10 per car, 3D viewing glasses are available for $1 each. Proceeds benefit Mooseheart Child City & School. To enter the lights display, use the entrance on Route 31, just about two miles north of I-88. Santa will be available for visits December 11-13 and December 18-20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
HOLIDAY MAGIC AT BROOKFIELD ZOO The zoo stays open late and the festivities start at 4 p.m. with Chicagoland’s largest lights festival at Brookfield Zoo on Saturdays and Sundays in December, plus Dec. 28 through Dec. 31. During the Holiday Magic event the Wild Encounters exhibit will have free admission, but the parakeet aviary will be closed. There will a variety of lights and activities and even some opportunities for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on select days. For a more detailed list of events and dates, visit the czs.org website.
NAPER LIGHTS Every Thursday through Saturday, from Nov. 27 through Jan. 1, you can stroll the museum grounds at Naper Settlement from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for “Naper Lights.” The display features a number of large holiday themed figures, lighted trees, free hot chocolate on Fridays and Saturdays, and occasional holiday music. This event is free, but donations are appreciated. Find more info and suggested parking locations on the Naper Lights page.
Events Divided by Day
November 20
WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL The city of Aurora, in conjunction with Aurora Downtown, kicks off the holiday season with its annual Winter Lights Festival and Parade on Friday, Nov. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in downtown Aurora. There will be photo opportunities with Santa, real reindeer and costumed characters. A Winter Fireworks Extravaganza at 7:20 p.m. will be best viewed from Downer Place Bridge. Food will be for sale from area restaurants and food trucks. The Winter Lights Pop Up Shop will be open on Water Street Mall from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with 16 vendors. This event is free and open to the public. Find more info here.
November 21
WINTER WONDERLAND FESTIVAL The city of Yorkville is having a Holiday Celebration and Winter Wonderland Festival on Saturday, Nov. 21. The day will start at the Circle Center Grade School’s 3rd Annual Winter Wonderland Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Most activities and purchases require tickets. Later in the day, the city’s Holiday Celebration at Riverfront Park will include a Holiday Parade (starting at 5:30 p.m.) and Tree Lighting Ceremony, plus a fireworks show after the parade. Find more info and a detailed schedule here.
AN ALMOST WINTER DAY The town of South Elgin kicks off the holiday season with An Almost Winter Day at SEBA Park. Santa arrives at 3 p.m. to sing carols and take pictures with the children. A nostalgic trip to the Jon Duerr Forest Preserve and back, including a reading of the “Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg, will be offered at The Fox River Trolley Museum for $1 per person. South Elgin Parks and Recreation will also be offering free activities including a petting zoo, horse-drawn trolley rides, cookie decorating, s’mores making, and a bonfire. Find lots more info here.
November 27
HOLIDAY HOMECOMING The St. Charles Holiday Homecoming weekend begins Friday, Nov. 27, with a visit with Santa and the Lighting of the Lights on 1st Street Plaza at 5 p.m. There will be Merry Carols and an appearance by Santa as Mayor Ray Rogina flips the switch to turn on the lights. For more information visit downtownstcharles.org
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT At Geneva Commons from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. there will be free carriage rides leading up to a Christmas tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27. There will also be Santa visits and other festive fun near the Bell Tower.
LIGHTED HOLIDAY PARADE Downtown Wheaton will be having a tree lighting ceremony and festive parade starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27. For more information, visit downtownwheaton.com. As part of its “Dickens of a Christmas Celebration” all month in downtown Wheaton, there will be carriage rides and visits with Santa on select weekend days. Find more info here.
November 28
HOLIDAY HOMECOMING The St. Charles Holiday Homecoming continues on Saturday, Nov. 28, with a free showing of Elf at the Arcada at 10 a.m. Santa will be available for visits at Santa’s House at 1st Street Plaza from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and there will be free horse drawn sleigh rides downtown starting at 1 a.m. The event finishes with the Holiday Electric Parade at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street from Sixth Street to Fourth Avenue. For more information visit downtownstcharles.org
FIND THE GRINCH PARTY Every year downtown Naperville has a Grinches hidden around stores for patrons to find. This will start with a Find the Grinch kick off party at 2 p.m. at Anderson Bookshop on Saturday, Nov. 28. This event includes a chance to meet the Grinch himself. For more information, click here.
ELMHURST TREE LIGHTING The tree lighting at the Elmhurst City Centre Plaza will take place Saturday, Nov. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. See Santa arrive on a fire truck to light the tree. For more information, click here.
CHRISTMAS STROLL The Village of Elburn annual Christmas Stroll is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 28, from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be hayrides, free samples from local merchants, hot chocolate, s’mores, visits with Santa and a holiday light show. Find more info here and on the Christmas Stroll’s Facebook page.
November 29
CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS FESTIVAL Batavia is holding a Celebration of Lights Festival on Sunday, Nov. 29, at 5:30 p.m. There ill be hayrides, roasted chestnuts, Santa, a tree lighting ceremony, and more. For more information and a full schedule of events, please click here.
LITTLE FRIENDS HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS The Little Friends Holiday Parade of Lights will be in downtown Naperville on Sunday, Nov. 29, launching from Jackson Avenue. Local high school musicians will be playing music starting at 4 p.m. from the Main Stage at Main & Van Buren. The parade begins at 5 p.m. and afterwards Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to visit with kids at the main stage from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, click here.
OSWEGO TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY The village of Oswego will be having their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Oswego Village Hall from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29. There will be a tree lighting ceremony, music, treats, and a special guest.
December 4
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: FROZEN EXTRAVAGANZA Celebrate Elgin’s Home for the Holidays with games, refreshments, drawings, and entertainment at the Gail Borden Library main branch from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4. For more information, click here.
CHRISTMAS WALK Geneva’s annual Christmas walk begins Friday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. with the arrival of Santa Lucia – a Swedish symbol of the season – by horse-drawn carriage. Santa will help light the Great Tree on the Courthouse lawn at 6:30 p.m., then you can wander downtown to enjoy roasting chestnuts, strolling carolers, “live mannequins,” a living nativity, freshly-made candy canes and hot cider. (A House Tour, which is aimed at adults, takes place on Dec. 4 and 5.) You can find a detailed schedule of the events here.
CHRISTMAS WALK The village of Oswego hosts an annual Christmas Walk on Friday, Dec. 4, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m throughout the downtown area. There will be a silent, lighted fire truck parade, a visit with Santa, food vendors, rides on the Holiday Train and more. Find more info on the village’s website.
December 5
HOLIDAY IN THE GROVE There will be a Holiday festival in Sugar Grove on Saturday, Dec. 5, starting with a ceremonial tree lighting event at 7:45 a.m. There are a variety of events throughout the day with chances to meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus and there will also be a craft fair. For a full list of events, click here.
ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS This two day event at the Museums at Lisle Station Park has a variety of events like meeting Santa and live reindeer, crafts, hay rides, ice carving, a parade, and more. Saturday the events run from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and there will be a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. at Village Hall on Saturday, Dec. 5. For a full schedule of events, visit the Facebook event page.
HOLIDAY EXPRESS AT BLACKBERRY FARM From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. there will be a chance to ride the Holiday Express train on Saturday, Dec. 5. Blackberry Farm will be decorated for the season with twinkling lights and there will be the chance to enjoy stories, decorations, a reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is $5 a person and concessions will be available to purchase. When you arrive, you will be given a ticket for one specific time for a trip on the train. Unlike normal days at Blackberry Farm, you will only be able to ride the train once. Also, some of the normal attractions will be closed for the season, there will not be carousel or pony rides. For more information, click here.
TALON AND CLAUS The Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn will be hosting a “Talons and Claus” open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can have your picture taken with Santa and his wildlife friends for $10 a photo. There will also be a variety of other free activities and animals to see. For more information visit dupageforest.org or call 630-942-6200
A HOLIDAY STROLL Shops in downtown Wheaton will be having complimentary holiday treats throughout the day on Saturday, Dec. 5 — from roasting chestnuts, cider tastings, eggnog, peppermints, Christmas cookies and other holiday treats. Complimentary carriage rides, carolers and other special activities will be featured throughout the day! This will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., for more information visit downtownwheaton.com
A.D.O.P.T. PET SHELTER’S HOLIDAY COOKIE WALK The A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter in Naperville will be holding a cookie walk on Saturday, Dec. 5, with all sales benefiting the cats and dogs of the shelter. While you are there you can have a tour, hang out with the animals, and enjoy a hot beverage. For more information visit the Facebook event page.
CANTIGNY HOLIDAY FESTIVAL Families and children of all ages are invited to Cantigny Park for the “Celebrate the Season” holiday festival on Saturday, Dec. 5., from 4 to 7 p.m. The park will be decorated for the holidays, and an assortment of activities and offerings are planned to kick off the season in style. There will be sleigh rides, live reindeer, carolers, a holiday craft, face painting, story time with Mrs. Claus, and Santa. This is a free event but there will be a $5 parking fee and there may be additional fees for some events. For more information, visit cantigny.org
CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM There will be a Victorian Christmas celebration inside the farmhouse at Kline Creek Farm from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be an old fashioned Santa and a chance to take your picture in a sleigh. Stop by a warming fire for caroling and hot apple cider. This event is free, for more information call 630-876-5900.
WINDOW WONDERLAND Downtown Elgin will be celebrating with its annual Window Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 5, from noon to 5 p.m. The theme is “Twelve Days of Christmas” and there will be 12 “passport stops,” plus decorated store front windows, roasting of chestnuts, decorating cookies and holiday music. Plus, you can stop by Elgin Police Department Open House, write Holiday Letters to Soldiers, relax on the carriage ride and more, leading up to the tree lighting ceremony. Tickets are being sold for some events. You’ll find more info here.
FROSTY FEST As part of its “Frosty Fest” celebration, West Chicago’s downtown feature a procession down Main Street, a grand tree lighting, horse-drawn trolley, live reindeer, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will also be musical performances, holiday crafts and more. Find more info here.
December 6
ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS This two-day event at the Museums at Lisle Station Park has a variety of events like meeting Santa and live reindeer, crafts, hay rides, ice carving, a parade, and more. Sunday, Dec. 6, the events run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a full schedule of events, visit the Facebook event page.
HOLIDAYS IN MANY LANDS The Holidays in Many Lands Open House is back this year after almost 20 years. There will be food, music, crafts, games, and drawings. For a small fee, crafts can be made in the MakerSpace. There will be musical guests and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. This is an all-ages event at will be taking place at the Santori Library in Aurora from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6.
HOLIDAY EXPRESS AT BLACKBERRY FARM From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, there will be a chance to ride the Holiday Express train. Blackberry Farm will be decorated for the season with twinkling lights and there will be the chance to enjoy stories, decorations, a reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is $5 a person and concessions will be available to purchase. When you arrive, you will be given a ticket for one specific time for a trip on the train. Unlike normal days at Blackberry Farm, you will only be able to ride the train once. Also, some of the normal attractions will be closed for the season, there will not be carousel or pony rides. For more information, click here.
NORTH AURORA’S EVERGREEN HOLIDAYS North Aurora is holding this annual, free event on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Riverfront Park just west of village hall. There will be 30 decorated trees from local sponsors, children’s activities, hot chocolate, treats, and more. For more information email NOARDA at info@noarda.org or visit the Facebook event page.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE The Messenger Public Library in North Aurora is holding an annual holiday open house on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a treasure hunt in the stacks from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., strolling festive singers from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Santa visits from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be other events as well such as bingo for grownups, refreshments, balloon artist, a holiday craft, plinko, and the chance to sign up for the North Aurora Mother’s Club Giving Tree. This is a free event, call 630-896-0240 with any questions.
MONTGOMERY TREE LIGHTING: Montgomery’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. in front of Village Hall. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in fire trucks with sirens blazing. There will be musical performances inside Village Hall, plus free hot cocoa and cookies. Find more info here.
December 11
HOLIDAY EXPRESS AT BLACKBERRY FARM From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, there will be a chance to ride the Holiday Express train. Blackberry Farm will be decorated for the season with twinkling lights and there will be the chance to enjoy stories, decorations, a reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is $5 a person and concessions will be available to purchase. When you arrive, you will be given a ticket for one specific time for a trip on the train. Unlike normal days at Blackberry Farm, you will only be able to ride the train once. Also, some of the normal attractions will be closed for the season, there will not be carousel or pony rides. For more information, click here.
December 12
ELMHURST HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN From 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a free showing of Elf, free elf hats, and Santa in the City Center Plaza in Elmhurst. For more information, click here.
HOLIDAY EXPRESS AT BLACKBERRY FARM From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, there will be a chance to ride the Holiday Express train. Blackberry Farm will be decorated for the season with twinkling lights and there will be the chance to enjoy stories, decorations, a reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is $5 a person and concessions will be available to purchase. When you arrive, you will be given a ticket for one specific time for a trip on the train. Unlike normal days at Blackberry Farm, you will only be able to ride the train once. Also, some of the normal attractions will be closed for the season, there will not be carousel or pony rides. For more information, click here.
FROSTY FEST On Saturday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Town Centre Wheaton will be transformed into a winter wonderland with activities for the whole family including live reindeer, train rides, pony rides, face painting, Santa, and more. For more information, click here.
CANDLE LIGHT EVENT Visitors can experience the annual Candle Light Event at the Durant House Museum from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for kids. There will be volunteers dressed in period costumes who will explain about 19th century holiday traditions, from cooking to music. Guided tours of the home will be offered as well.
TRIM THE KITCHEN OF PRIMROSE FARM Help Primrose Farm decorate the Summer Kitchen while you learn about 1930s holiday traditions, help string popcorn, decorate pine cones, and craft paper ornaments. Use the wood stove to bake holiday cookies and enjoy hot cocoa. Also help in decorating the Primrose sleigh and take a ride. This event is $25 a family for residents and $37.50 for non residents. For more information call 630-513-6200.
THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS The West Towns Chorus will present their annual Christmas program, “The Heart of Christmas” at the Tivoli Theatre. The chorus features The West Towns Chorus along with Benet Madrigals, Downers Grove North Chamber Singers, musicians, various other signing groups, David Rhodes on the Tivoli’s Wurlitzer Pipe Organ and much, much more! There will be performances on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $11.50 for children. For full pricing and more information, click here.
December 13
THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS The West Towns Chorus will present their annual Christmas program, “The Heart of Christmas” at the Tivoli Theatre. The chorus features The West Towns Chorus along with Benet Madrigals, Downers Grove North Chamber Singers, musicians, various other signing groups, David Rhodes on the Tivoli’s Wurlitzer Pipe Organ and much, much more! There will be performances on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $11.50 for children. For full pricing and more information, click here.
HOLIDAY EXPRESS AT BLACKBERRY FARM From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13, there will be a chance to ride the Holiday Express train. Blackberry Farm will be decorated for the season with twinkling lights and there will be the chance to enjoy stories, decorations, a reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is $5 a person and concessions will be available to purchase. When you arrive, you will be given a ticket for one specific time for a trip on the train. Unlike normal days at Blackberry Farm, you will only be able to ride the train once. Also, some of the normal attractions will be closed for the season, there will not be carousel or pony rides. For more information, click here.
CANDLE LIGHT EVENT Visitors can experience the annual Candle Light Event at the Durant House Museum from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for kids. There will be volunteers dressed in period costumes who will explain about 19th century holiday traditions, from cooking to music. Guided tours of the home will be offered as well.
December 18
HOLIDAY EXPRESS AT BLACKBERRY FARM From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, there will be a chance to ride the Holiday Express train. Blackberry Farm will be decorated for the season with twinkling lights and there will be the chance to enjoy stories, decorations, a reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is $5 a person and concessions will be available to purchase. When you arrive, you will be given a ticket for one specific time for a trip on the train. Unlike normal days at Blackberry Farm, you will only be able to ride the train once. Also, some of the normal attractions will be closed for the season, there will not be carousel or pony rides. For more information, click here.
December 19
HOLIDAY EXPRESS AT BLACKBERRY FARM From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, there will be a chance to ride the Holiday Express train. Blackberry Farm will be decorated for the season with twinkling lights and there will be the chance to enjoy stories, decorations, a reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is $5 a person and concessions will be available to purchase. When you arrive, you will be given a ticket for one specific time for a trip on the train. Unlike normal days at Blackberry Farm, you will only be able to ride the train once. Also, some of the normal attractions will be closed for the season, there will not be carousel or pony rides. For more information, click here.
December 20
HOLIDAY EXPRESS AT BLACKBERRY FARM From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20, there will be a chance to ride the Holiday Express train. Blackberry Farm will be decorated for the season with twinkling lights and there will be the chance to enjoy stories, decorations, a reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is $5 a person and concessions will be available to purchase. When you arrive, you will be given a ticket for one specific time for a trip on the train. Unlike normal days at Blackberry Farm, you will only be able to ride the train once. Also, some of the normal attractions will be closed for the season, there will not be carousel or pony rides. For more information, click here.
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