LOCATION:  Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Avenue, St. Charles

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DATE:  December 10th, 10am -2 pm 

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DETAILS:  The magic begins when you hop on the holiday bus with a hot cup of cocoa and arrive at the enchanted forest of the North Pole. Enjoy a winter wonderland of whimsical decorations and elf interactions including creation stations and the reading of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Take a selfie with Santa (elves on site to assist). Jingle your way over to Mrs. Claus’ sweet shop to indulge in a festive treat. Dress for the weather. All ages welcome. 

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FEE: $15 per person

LOCATION:   Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N Randall Rd, West Dundee

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DATE: December 2-3, 9 -10, and 16-17,  12-8pm

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DETAILS: It’s the most magical time of the year! Experience the zoo all dressed up in holiday lights! Enjoy holiday lights and decorations around our barns and animals, a bonfire, community tree sponsorships, and the Big Guy himself visit from 1-4 pm each day! Event activities are subject to change and are weather dependent.

Holiday Lights and Decorations

Caroling to the animals every Saturday at 6:00 pm

Santa Visits – 1:00-4:00 pm | Bonfire

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FEE: $5 per resident  & $5.50 per non-resident, Children ages 1 and under: FREE

Randall Oaks Zoo Members: FREE & United States Military with ID: FREE

LOCATION:  Jackson & Webster Streets, Downtown Naperville 

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DATE:  November 24th at 7pm

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DETAILS:

The Rotary Club of Naperville is hosting the 2023 Parade of Lights in partnership with the Downtown Naperville Alliance.

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The parade will travel through the heart of downtown Naperville on Friday, November 24th under the beautiful twinkling lights. Distinctly focused on delighting children of all ages, parade goers will enjoy an evening of brightly lit floats, local music performers, home-town parade units, and Santa Claus will appear.

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FEE:  FREE!

LOCATION:  Baker Community Center, St. Charles

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DATE:  December 2nd, 9 and 10:15am

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DETAILS: Goody gumdrops! Create the ultimate architectural masterpiece while listening to holiday tunes during this fun D-I-Y event. Using a made-from-scratch house frame, graham crackers, frosting and colorful candies, you and your child will be all smiles decorating and celebrating with this holiday tradition. Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. This activity will be held at Baker Community Center.

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FEE:    $30 per couple

LOCATION:   Geneva Train Station, 328 Crescent Pl, Geneva

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DATE:  December 2nd & 3rd, 9:30am – 12pm and 1:30pm – 4pm

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DETAILS:  All aboard the Polar Express Storytime Train! Travel to the North Pole to pick up Santa & his friends. Then travel back with us to Geneva and have lunch/dinner. After we eat, each child will have the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap, give him their wish list, and have a picture taken. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas and bring their holiday spirit! Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

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FEE:  Ages 1 - 17: $35(NR $42), Ages 18+ $40(NR $48), infants under 1 are free

LOCATION:  West Chicago Train Station, 508 W. Main Street, West Chicago

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DATE:  December 9th & 10th,  1:15pm & 5:15pm train

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DETAILS: 

Your journey to the North Pole is about to begin!

December 9th & 10th, riders will enjoy a journey to the “North Pole” aboard West Chicago’s own holiday train to pick up Santa. The ride will be filled with music, stories, snacks and surprises! Each day has a 1:15 train and a 5:15 train. 

Make sure you’re on the nice list, as Santa will jump on board to check his list twice and give each child a special gift.

Participants will meet at the West Chicago Train Station 508 W. Main Street in West Chicago. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Fee is per person. Every adult and child needs to be
pre-registered for this event; space is limited.

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FEE: $22 Resident/$26 Non-Resident

LOCATION:  Geneva Commons, 602 Commons Dr, Geneva

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DATE: November 24th,  6pm - 8pm

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DETAILS: Welcome the Holiday Season with Our Christmas Tree Lighting!It’s a holly-jolly Geneva Commons Christmas celebration! Join us for a merry evening of family fun. We’ll have holiday lights and festive selfie stations, free hot chocolate and candy canes, and the lighting of the Christmas tree.

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FEE: FREE

LOCATION:  Playhouse 38, 321 Stevens St., Geneva

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DATE: December 8 - 10th, various times 

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DETAILS:  Come watch the Playhouse 38 crew perform Disney's Frozen Jr. 

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FEE:  $10 in advance, $12 at door 

LOCATION:  First St. Plaza, St. Charles

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DATE:  November 24th,  5pm

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DETAILS:  Come celebrate the Lighting of the Lights Ceremony while kicking off the holiday season with the community! Even Santa will be there to meet and take pictures with everyone after the event!

 

FEE:  FREE!

LOCATION:  Downtown St. Charles, Main Street Route

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DATE: November 25th, 5:30pm

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DETAILS:  Come down to downtown St. Charles and see the beautifully decorated floats in the Electric Christmas Parade between 6th Street and 4th Avenue. There will also be live bands, and a special guest, Santa Claus! The three categories for this year's parade are: business, non-profit, and children.

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FEE: FREE!

LOCATION:  Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Dr., St. Charles

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DATE:  December 15th,  Time slots from 4pm - 6:45pm

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DETAILS:  Explore the woods and prairie on a winter’s eve. Take a hike along a candy cane decorated path as you solve a puzzle to receive a goody bag! Then head inside Hickory Knolls for warm beverages and a make & take craft.

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FEE:    $12 per person

LOCATION:  Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva

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DATE:  December 4th,  12:30pm - 2:30pm

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DETAILS:   Get your own gingerbread barn and start decorating! Enjoy hot cocoa and holiday music, while you and the family decorate your gingerbread barn to take home. Start a new holiday tradition! Registration includes your very own gingerbread barn, plus frosting, assorted candies and cookies for decorating!

One registration covers the whole family (up to six people per barn).

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

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FEE:    $72 R / $92 NR (for up to 6 people)

LOCATION: Durant House Museum, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean Street, St. Charles

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DATE:  December 2nd & 3rd, 2-7pm

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DETAILS:  Step back and time and enjoy the sights, tastes, and smells of the holidays in 19th-century Illinois. This is the only time of the year when the museum is open after dark and lit entirely by candlelight! Enjoy holiday music, the smell of fresh cut evergreens, the crackle of fire, and flicker of candlelight as you stroll through the historic Durant House Museum. Outside the house, warm yourself by a bonfire and enjoy hot cider and light snacks. Then, head over to Sholes School for a lesson and hands-on activities

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FEE:  $5/person for adults | $1/children 18 and under

LOCATION:  Batavia Riverwalk

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DATE:   November 26,  5pm - 7pm

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DETAILS:  Experience the magic of Batavia with your family and friends! Stroll Christmas Tree Lane, featuring 25 holiday trees decorated by local organizations and businesses, and enjoy all the festive bright lights and sounds of the holiday season. Festival activities include the Mayor's tree lighting ceremony, free hayrides with a food donation to the Batavia Food Pantry, a community sing-a-long, a performance by The Batavia Community Band, a story hour, holiday craft activities and a family photo opportunity with Santa! The Depot Museum also will be hosting a special exhibit celebrating Batavians' holiday traditions.

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FEE:  FREE!

LOCATION:  Illinois Railway Museum , 7000 Olson Road, Union

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DATES: Saturdays and Sundays, November 24th (Black Friday), 25th, 26th, December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, and 23rd. Trips take place at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm. (Rides at other times on all dates may be added later based on demand).

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DETAILS: Embark on a magical 40 minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus himself! Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family. See and visit with Santa Claus on the train. Treats and hot chocolate will be served. Gifts will be given to children on Santa’s “good list”! Holiday lights display at the boarding area including the biggest and brightest Christmas tree in McHenry County. Brand new for 2022: our indoor, heated Model Railroad Exhibit. See historic trains in the museum’s display barns 6, 7 and 9. Rides on historic Chicago streetcars included with your ticket. Free parking

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FEE: $25 per person

LOCATION:   POTTAWATOMIE COMMUNITY CENTER | 8 North Avenue, St. Charles 

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DATE:   November 20th- December 8th

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DETAILS:   Ho! Ho! Ho! Add to the excitement of Christmastime’s holiday magic with a letter from Santa Claus, all the way from his workshop at the North Pole. Letters will be mailed after December 12.

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FEE:  $5 per letter

LOCATION:  Blackberry Farm, 100 S Barnes Rd, Aurora

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DATE:  December 2, 9, 16,  Time slots from 1:30pm - 5:30pm

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DETAILS:  Join your favorite Frozen Sisters, Anna and Elsa, for a hot cocoa party complete with sing-a-long and photo opportunities. Each registered attendant is also invited to enjoy all Holiday Express has to offer, come early or stay after depending on your ticket time. You won’t want to miss the train, visit with Santa and all of the festive decorations! All attendees ages 1 and up (including adults) must purchase a ticket. All ticket sales are final.

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FEE: $15 per participant

LOCATION:  Downtown Geneva , Third Street and James Street

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DATE:  December 1st,  6pm - 8pm

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DETAILS: Our annual Christmas Walk begins Christmas in Geneva with the arrival of Carolers, Santa Lucia and Santa Claus. The courthouse lawn becomes illuminated with lights, our Great Tree and we wish for HOPE for the season. Among the twinkling lights and fresh greenery lined streets you will find downtown Geneva to be a holiday destination overflowing with comfort and charm. Christmas Walk begins at 6 pm. Santa will arrive and the tree will be lit between 6-6:30 pm.

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FEE:  FREE 

 LOCATION:  Various locations throughout Geneva

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DATE:  December 1st,  10am - 8pm; & December 2nd, 10am - 5pm

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DETAILS:  Enjoy five lovely, exquisite Geneva homes decorated in holiday splendor by local decorators. These homes will open to visitors for self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1st and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2nd.

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FEE:   $38/ticket

LOCATION:  Downer Place, from Water Street to River Street, Aurora

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DATE: November 17th,  6pm; Parade steps-off at 6:30pm

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DETAILS:  As the City of Aurora's official kick-off to the holiday season, this free family-friendly event will be filled with merry-making moments and a sleigh full of fun for the entire family. Stepping off at 6:30 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will usher in the holiday season with an illuminated parade filled with reindeer, elves, special guests and other holiday favorites! Following the Parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with Mayor Irvin and the newly-crowned Little Mr. and Miss Aurora, will lead the crowd in a countdown to flip the magic switch and illuminate the City's holiday tree! After the tree lighting, the downtown Aurora sky will be brightened by a grand fireworks display along the banks of the Fox River

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FEE: FREE!

LOCATION:  Main Street, Elburn

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DATE: December 2nd from 4pm - 7pm

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DETAILS: Join us on Dec. 2nd, from 4-7pm in Downtown Elburn, IL for the 29th Annual Elburn Chamber Christmas Stroll! Enjoy the start of the holiday season with holiday themed activities, the 50/50 Raffle, and much more! Enjoy the downtown lights, shops on Main Street, events at the Community Center and Library, and the Kris Kringle Market at Obscurity Brewing!

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FEE: FREE!

LOCATION:   Downtown Aurora

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DATE:   December 1st from 5 to 9 p.m.

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DETAILS:  Drink hot cocoa! It's time for Aurora Downtown's Cocoa Crawl on Friday, Dec 21st from 5 to 9 p.m. The event is part of First Fridays. To enjoy hot cocoa samples at participating businesses, guests will need a mug and button. Want to Cocoa Crawl with us? We hope so! Just make sure you get a mug and a button before they are sold out. They sell out every year. We only sell a limited amount to keep the event amazing and the cocoa flowing! This year, we listened to your feedback. We are selling an exclusive red TO-GO mug with a lid. The button will act as your ticket to the Cocoa Crawl. Have a mug from a previous Aurora Downtown Cocoa Crawl? Just purchase a button and use your old mug. Ages 12 and under do not need a button.

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FEE:  Purchase a mug and a button to participate. Attendees receive samples of hot chocolate at participating venues.

LOCATION:  ARC Center, West Chicago

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DATE:  December 15th, 6 - 7pm​

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DETAILS:   Did you know that next to cookies and milk, Santa’s favorite food to eat is PIZZA! Santa’s joining us for a pizza party & we want you to be there! This drop in event includes pizza, crafts and a visit with the jolly guy himself, Santa. Both adults and children must be registered.

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FEE:  $10R/$12NR Pre-registration / $12R/$14NR At the Door

LOCATION:   Santa's Village Azoosment Park, 601 Dundee Ave, East Dundee

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DATE:   November 24th - December 25th,   5pm - 9pm (select nights are open until 10pm)

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DETAILS:   Begin your holiday season with a one-of-a-kind, drive-thru experience at Santa’s Village. Santa’s helpers have been busy transforming our park into a festive winter wonderland. Enjoy over 2 million lights synchronized to holiday music, dazzling displays, live animals, and Santa, himself, as you drive through our park, all from the comfort of your car. Socially safe and set up for any weather. At the end of your drive-thru experience, you’ll be able to purchase funnel cakes and hot chocolate while taking in the breathtaking view of our park.

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FEE:   $35 per vehicle advanced purchase ( season pass holders $25)

LOCATION:  Downtown Naperville, throughout the Water Street District and along the Riverwalk

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DATE:  Daily November 25, 2023 - January 1, 2024

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DETAILS: Naper Lights, a holiday light display, will be creating a Winter Wonderland at Water Street. The display, a gift to the community organized by Naperville Sunrise Rotary, features several giant holiday lights displays, decorated light poles, and trees synchronized to holiday music, The event is free to the public and donations to Naperville Sunrise Rotary are welcomed. Visit Santa on Friday and Saturday evenings. Take your Christmas card family photo!

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FEE: FREE!

LOCATION:  360 N. Broadway, Aurora

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DATE:  

November 17  – December 24

Thursday: 11 am – 7 pm

Friday through Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm

Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm

 

 

Special Opening Hours: 

Thanksgiving (November 23): 11 am – 4 pm

December 18 through December 20: 11 am – 7 pm

Christmas Eve (December 24): 11 am – 4 pm

RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505

 

DETAILS: The Christkindlmarket Chicago is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind outside of Europe, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events & intercultural activities.

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FEE: Items for purchase

LOCATION:  Blackberry Farm, 100 S Barnes Rd, Aurora

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DATE: December 3, 10, 17th,  Time slots from 1:30pm - 5:30pm

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DETAILS:  Visit with the Grinch and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. There will be story time and photo opportunities. Each registered attendant is also invited to enjoy all Holiday Express has to offer, come early or stay after depending on your ticket time, Holiday Express runs 2-7pm. You won’t want to miss the train, visit with Santa and all of the festive decorations! Everyone ages 1 and up need to purchase a ticket. Time slots occur each hour starting at 1:30pm.

 

FEE: $15 per participant

LOCATION:  Fox Valley Winery, 59 Main St, Oswego

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DATE:  December 4, 6 and 12th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

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DETAILS: Take a gingerbread break this holiday season. Leave the kids at home for this adult only evening of candy coated creative exterior decorating. Each registration includes a “holiday spirit” from the Fox Valley Winery and nibbles while you work. Fee is per person and includes a gingerbread house and decorations. Registration deadline is Wednesday, November 29th

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FEE: $29 resident, $39 non-resident

LOCATION:  1800 Short Street, Lisle ( Parking lot of Lisle Senior High School)

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DATE:  December 9th, 9 -10:30am 

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DETAILS:   Children ages 10 & under, join us for our annual Candy Cane Hunt! Candy canes will be scattered on the high school football field, along the little tree grove, around the Van Kampen Stage, as well as up on the big sled hill. You can decide where you would like to hunt based on your child's ability level. Most candy canes will be out in the open for easy finding and picking up, but for those looking for a challenge, Santa's helpers will hide candy canes in trickier and higher places! Be sure to dress for the weather. We'll be there rain, snow, or shine!

• Check-in begins at 9am and will be available until 10:30am. Please have your ticket (on your registration receipt) ready for easy check-in.

• Hunt will be self-led and self-paced. There will be plenty of candy canes for the duration of the event.

• Santa will be making a visit to hear all your Christmas wishes.

• Enjoy delicious hot cocoa with marshmallows after the hunt.

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FEE:  Ages 10 & Under Residient $6, Non-Resident $9, pelase register by Sunday, December 3rd 

LOCATION:  Cantigny Park,  ​1s151 Winfield Road, Wheaton

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DATE:  December 1 - 3, 5, 7 - 10, 12 -16, 4 pm - 11pm

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DETAILS:  Cantigny's biggest holiday event ever! Visitors will experience specially designed light installations throughout the gardens and grounds. In addition, the newly renovated McCormick House, lavishly decorated for Christmas, will be open to the public for the first time since 2019. A temporary skating rink will stay open all winter. Watch for exciting “pop up” attractions and activities during the festival such as a visit from Santa and choral performances. Seasonal food and beverage options offered daily.

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FEE:  $15

LOCATION:  Main Street, Oswego

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DATE:  December 1st, 4:30pm - 8:30pm

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DETAILS: The Oswego Christmas Walk, an annual downtown tradition, returns along Main Street in downtown Oswego to kick off the 2022 holiday season with festive food, games, and songs of the season. Visit with Santa!

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FEE: FREE!

LOCATION:  Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Rd, St. Charles

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DATE:  December 9th, 1 - 4pm

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DETAILS: Get into the holiday spirit old-fashioned-style down on the farm. Greet the year-round animal residents and learn about winter chores. String popcorn and trim the tree. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and a warm outside fire. Advance registration required. This activity will be held at Primrose Farm.

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FEE: $8, Ages 3+

LOCATION:  The Depot, 319 N. River Street, West Dundee

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DATE: December 1st from 6 - 9pm

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DETAILS:  This year’s Dickens in Dundee will take place on Friday, December 1st from 6-9 pm, with a Riverside parade of lights to follow at 6:30 pm on Saturday, December 2nd. All of East Dundee's activities will take place near The Depot located at 319 N. River Street and the surrounding downtown area. (See parade location information below).

Dickens in Dundee was formed in 1988. It began as a small community gathering, with caroling and the search for Tiny Tim’s crutch in local stores. With the support of local businesses, this event has grown significantly and attracts people from all over the Dundee area. The Village of East Dundee hosts a variety of activities during Dickens in Dundee such as Living Windows, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Visits with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, live reindeer display and more!  

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FEE: FREE!

LOCATION:  South Point, 810 Preston Lane, Oswego

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DATE:  December 8, 4:30pm - 7:30pm, December 9 and 10, 2pm - 7:30pm

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DETAILS:  The tradition returns this holiday season! Oswego Holiday Express will leave the Santa Station (South Point, 810 Preston Lane, Oswego) for the North Pole the weekend of December 8-10. All aboard to kiddos, young and old! Put on your pajamas, don your warmest apparel, and head to the top of the world on a magical journey. Mrs. Claus will greet you, you’ll enjoy hot cocoa from the Village Grind and meet Santa! Each participant, from Grandma to the baby, must be registered. Trains depart every 20 minutes throughout your registered session. Refunds accepted until December 5. Non-resident registration begins November 1. Wheelchair-accessible trains will only be available on Friday evening.

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FEE:  $25 for resident, $35 for non-resident

LOCATION:  SEBA Park, 151 S Water St, South Elgin, IL

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DATE: November 18th,  2pm - 5pm

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DETAILS:  Enjoy an outdoor family event at South Elgin's SEBA Park, 151 Water Street, Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 2-5pm. Make s'mores, decorate cookies, enjoy craft projects, get a balloon animal, drop-off a letter to Santa (and get a reply from the North Pole). The afternoon includes Asphalt Curling, an ice sculptor, bonfire, a tree decorating contest and giant sling shot fun. Plus...Santa arrives at 2pm and will stay until 4:45 for pictures (bring your camera). At 5pm, the event shifts to Panton Mill Park across the street for the Village Tree lighting. Also, this year, featuring fireworks rescheduled from the End of Summer Music Fling. And it's free* to the community! *note: concessions available at affordable prices

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FEE: FREE!

LOCATION:  2200 N River Street,  Montgomery

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DATE: December 3,  4:30pm - 7pm

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DETAILS: 

The Village of Montgomery and the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Tree Lighting in front of the Village Hall on the first Sunday in December. The event features Santa Claus's prompt arrival at 5P by the Montgomery-Countryside Fire District fire engine, musical performances by area school children and local singers, strolling carolers, free hot chocolate and cookies, kids giveaways, and a coloring contest sponsored by local River Street businesses. Participants should dress for the weather as most activities are outdoors. 

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In addition to lighting the tree outside Village Hall, the Festival of Trees kicks off which includes trees decorated by residents, families, businesses, and organizations both indoors at Village Hall and outdoors along River Street (between Webster & Mill). 

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All are invited. Bring the family to meet Santa, he arrives promptly at 5P and will be onsite until 7P for visits and pictures. Area residents are invited to bring the whole family to meet Santa, have cookies and cocoa and vote for their favorite tree. For those unable to attend the Sunday event, the Festival of Trees will stay during the month of December. Indoor trees will be available for viewing during business hours at Village Hall 8A-4:30P Monday through Friday.

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FEE: FREE!

LOCATION: The Museums at Lisle Station Park,  921 School Street, Lisle

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DATE: December 2nd, 3pm - 7pm

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DETAILS:

• Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Depot

• Enjoy hot chocolate and hot apple cider

• Create a holiday craft and write letters to Santa in the Beaubien Tavern

• Enjoy a holiday workshop in the Blacksmith Shop

• Purchase holiday gifts, including wares crafted by the blacksmiths and the annual collectible ornaments, at the Lisle Heritage Society Gift Shop

This Event Takes Place In Conjunction With

 4:30pm  |  Santa Parade: Watch as Santa, the Village of Lisle's Mayor & Trustees, and local community organizations parktake in a parade through downtown Lisle
5:00pm  |  Tree Lighting Ceremony: The parade will be followed by a tree lighting ceremony at Village Hall
All Day  |  Merry on Main: Join downtown businesses on Main Street for holiday fun including holiday-themed activities such as games, decorated windows, store & restaurant specials, giveaways & drawings, holiday treats and more

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FEE: FREE!

LOCATION:  Downtown East Dundee​

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DATE:  December 2nd, 6:30pm

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DETAILS:

Please join us for a magical night along the riverfront for our 2nd Annual Riverside Parade of Lights!

Watch all of the holiday magic come alive as the parade kicks off in West Dundee on S. Lincoln Ave. (just south of N. 6th St.), travel north to, and across, the Main St. bridge in Carpentersville, then south on Washington/Water St. to East Dundee (ending at Railroad St.)

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FEE:  FREE!

LOCATION:  Lisle Senior Center, 1925 Ohio Street, Lisle 

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DATE:  December 9th, 11am - 12:30pm

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DETAILS:   Come and join Mrs. Claus and her elves for a wonderful time...

• Reading 'T'was the Night Before Christmas'

• Decorating and eating cookies

• Creating winter themed crafts

• Singing Christmas songs

• Playing Christmas games

 

Don't forget to bring your wish list and Mrs. Claus will deliver it to Santa!

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FEE:  Resident $45 and Non-Resident $68, ages 3-6 and must register by December 1st

LOCATION:  Festival Park, Elgin

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DATE:  November 25th at 5pm

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DETAILS: Residents and visitors gather at Festival Park's Splash Pad (132 S. Grove Avenue) to view the annual tree lighting ceremony where Mayor Kaptain, members of City Council, and Santa turn on the holiday tree lights. The 2023 Tree Lighting Ceremony is set to occur on November 25th at 5:00p.m.

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FEE:  FREE!

LOCATION:  Club Arcada, 105 E. Main Street, St. Charles

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DATE:  December 16, 1 - 3pm

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DETAILS:   Celebrate the holiday season by joining Belle, Cinderella, and Snow White for a traditional High Tea at The Club Arcada. Each table will be set with a traditional tea set and a variety of flavorful teas and ingredients accompanied by a communal grazing table loaded with finger sandwiches, desserts, fruits, candies, treats and more! Take a princess lesson, listen to a story, dance, and take photos during this fun filled afternoon!

Seasonal specials, cocktails and mocktails will be available to purchase as well!

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FEE:  $25

LOCATION:  105 Galena Street, West Chicago

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DATE:  December 2, 4 - 7pm

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DETAILS:   Join the City of West Chicago in its historic downtown area for West Chicago's annual winter festival, Frosty Fest. Each year the event kicks off with the Frosty Fest Procession followed by the City’s official Tree Lighting Ceremony followed by a number of fun activities for all ages to enjoy. If you’re looking for a fun event to greet the holiday season while enjoying that first cup of hot chocolate with family and friends then make sure to visit West Chicago this holiday season.

More details to come!

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FEE:  FREE

LOCATION:  222 E. 9th Street, Lockport 

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DATE:  November 25, festivities start at 1pm & Tree Lighting at 4:30pm

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DETAILS:  

Kick off the holiday season with us on Saturday, November 25th as Lockport’s Central Square transforms into a Holiday Winter Wonderland!  Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, The Grinch, Buddy the Elf, and live reindeer.

Enjoy street food from Avocado Theory, Beanie’s Candy, Creamery, Mr. Salty, Ninja Girl Coffee, Springview Sweets and Villa Nova Pizza.  Stay warm skating on the artificial Ice Rink, Snowball Fight field and Giant Snow Globe.

Be awed with an ice sculpture demonstration beginning at 1pm and entertained at the band shell with acts throughout the day- Dicken’s Carolers, Story time with the White Oak Library and WINGS Dance Studio.

Plus- Balloon Artists, kids craft, Santa letter station, stilt walker, *new* lighted structures and….. the City Christmas Tree lighting at 4:30pm!

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FEE:  FREE

LOCATION:  Brookfield Zoo, Discovery Center, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield

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DATE:  December 3, 11am - 2pm

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DETAILS:    Presented by the Women's Board, the Holly Jolly Gingerbread Party brings families together at Brookfield Zoo to decorate gingerbread houses, visit with Santa, take photos with a Zoo Animal Ambassador, and enjoy a delicious brunch. Proceeds from this family-friendly fundraiser help support Brookfield Zoo!

This event will be held at the Discovery Center. 

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FEE:  $150 - $250