
Special Winter Events
Gingerbread House Creation
LOCATION: Baker Community Center, St. Charles
DATES: December 13, 2025, 9AM - 10AM OR 10:15AM - 11:15AM
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 & under must be accompanied by an adult.
FEE: $30/reservation
St. Charles
Sundaes with Santa
LOCATION: Primrose Farm, St. Charles
DATES: December 8, 2025 4:15PM - 5PM OR 5:30PM - 6:15PM
DETAILS: How does Santa stay jolly all year long? He indulges in his favorite foods - hot chocolate , milk & cookies, and ice cream! Build your own sundae with frosty, fun toppings from the North Pole. Make paper chains to count down to Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve and do the Freeze Dance with St. Nick himself. Santa will visit with families at their tables and make time for photos. He'll share a special gift before heading back to the North Pole. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
FEE: $18/person
St. Charles
Caroling with the Cows
LOCATION: Primrose Farm, St. Charles
DATES: December 5 from 5PM - 8PM & December 6, 2025 from 3PM - 6PM
DETAILS: Gather your family and friends to get into the holiday MOOOd! Celebrate the holiday season singing carols to the farm’s cows, sipping hot cocoa, eating delicious treats, exploring the farmyard and browsing the NEW winter maker’s market. Embrace music, history and farming with this one-of-a-kind experience. Dress for the weather. Ages 15 & under must be accompanied by a paying adult.
FEE: $10/person
St. Charles
Breakfast & Lunch with Santa
LOCATION: Village Squire, 480 Randall Road, South Elgin
DATE: November 22, 2025
DETAILS:
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, November 22, 2025 • 9-10:30am
Join us for Breakfast with Santa!! We will serve pancakes, eggs, bacon and a beverage. Plus crafts, coloring reindeer food, and of course a visit from Santa! Everyone will have individual time to visit with Santa and a photo op.
Parents: Please bring your own camera, pictures are not provided.
Lunch with Santa
Saturday, November 22, 2025 • 11am-12:30pm
Join us for Lunch with Santa. Bring down the family and hang out with the big guy himself. Meals are as follows: Kids: Cheeseburger or Chicken Fingers; Adults: Cheeseburger or Chicken Sandwich. All meals will include fries and a beverage. Don’t forget about the individual time every child will get with Santa and of course crafts, coloring and reindeer food.
Parents: Please bring your own camera, pictures are not provided.
FEE: Child $18 R/NR $28
Adults $24 R/NR $34
South Elgin
Big & Bright Trail of Lights
LOCATION: Sony Acres Farm, 29W310 North Avenue, West Chicago
DATES: November 22 thru December 30, 2024 from 5pm - 9pm
DETAILS: Immerse yourself in holiday magic at Sonny Acres Farm! From November 22 to December 30, enjoy the "Big & Bright Trail of Lights"—a breathtaking, mile-long trail illuminated by millions of holiday lights and festive displays.
Beginning November 29 and running through December 22, Photos with Santa are available on select times Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays by appointment—perfect for creating a professional holiday keepsake.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets for the Holiday Light Show and photos with Santa are sold separately!
On select dates, visit our free holiday market featuring unique gifts from over 20 local artisans. Fresh-cut Christmas trees and handmade wreaths are available throughout the season.
FEE: Prices starting at $12
West Chicago
Breakfast with Santa
LOCATION: Courtyard Banquets, Warrenville
DATE: December 6, 2025 from 8:30AM-10:30AM
DETAILS: Santa Claus is coming to town, and he's stopping by for a jolly breakfast and a merry morning of festive fun! We will enjoy a breakfast buffet at Courtyard Banquets, visit with Santa, crafts, musical entertainment, basket raffles and a letters to Santa station. Seating is limited, so be sure to make your reservations early! Children must be accompanied by an adult and everyone attending must register.
FEE: Ages 2 & Under are FREE
Ages 3-10 $19 R/NR $24
Ages 11+ $27 R/NR$32
Warrenville
Splashing with Santa
LOCATION: Vaughan Athletic Center, Aurora
DATE: December 13, 2025 from 9AM - 11AM
DETAILS: Splashing with Santa is guaranteed to be a one of a kind experience! Families will enjoy swimming and splashing in the Leisure Pool and watch as Santa makes his grand exit via the water slide! Santa’s elves will be on site helping children make holiday themed craft. Refreshments will be available.
All Ticket Sales are final and nonrefundable. Children under 2 years old (1 or younger) are free. All other participants age 2 or older (including adults) must purchase a ticket to enter the event. Ages under 12 years old must have a companion of 16 years or older.
FEE: Early Bird $13 R/NR $15, Day of $15 R/NR $17
Aurora
Flashlight Candy Cane Hike
LOCATION: Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Dr, St. Charles
DATE: December 19, 2025, 4:30PM - 7:30PM
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. This activity will be held at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center.
FEE: $12/person ages 2+
St. Charles
Woodland Santa Holiday Workshop
LOCATION: Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Dr, St. Charles
DATE: December 7, 2025, 10AM - 11:30AM
DETAILS: Watch Santa arrive pulled by his dashing huskies, and then spend some time helping him get ready for his Big Day. Write a letter to Santa. Make an ornament. Have your picture taken with the Big Guy himself! Santa arrives at 10:15am. For ages 2+. This activity will be held at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center.
FEE: $12/person ages 2+
St. Charles
Christkindlmarket
LOCATION: RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora
DATES: November 21 - December 24, 2025
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.
HOURS:
Christkindlmarket Aurora is open Thursdays to Sundays*
Thursday: 11AM – 7PM
Friday through Saturday: 11AM – 9PM
Sunday: 11AM– 6PM
*See below for special hours
Special Opening Hours:
Thanksgiving (November 27): 11AM – 4PM
December 22-23: 11AM – 7PM
Christmas Eve (December 24): 11AM – 4PM
Aurora
Lightscape
LOCATION: Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 County Line Road, Glencoe
DATES: November 13 - January 4, 2026
DETAILS: Step into an enchanting 1.3-mile trail of twinkling lights and showstopping displays expertly curated anew each year. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and see the Chicago Botanic Garden glow beyond the expected.
FEE: Prices vary from advance, day of and member/non-member
2 & Under are FREE
Children 3-12 years $16-$23
Adults $29-$39
Glencoe
Christmas Walk
LOCATION: Downtown Geneva
DATE: December 5, 2025 at 6PM
DETAILS: Tis the season to be jolly… especially in downtown Geneva! Our annual Christmas festival will begin Friday, December 1st at 6 pm with the first candy cane of the season being presented to the mayor, the arrival of Santa Lucia who lights the Great Tree, and the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus. The evening’s events continue with roasted chestnuts, strolling carolers, a live nativity and special offerings from Geneva merchants.
FEE: FREE
Geneva
Dinner with The Grinch
LOCATION: Baker Community Center, St. Charles
DATES: December 16-17, 2025 at 6PM
DETAILS: Create magical memories with the WHO-liday’s most lovable villain. Smiles, mischief and laughter guaranteed! Decorate your very own miniature Christmas tree. Enjoy a delightful dinner of pizza, salad, grinch snacks and more. Bring your camera for Grinch selfies. Be warned: Your heart might just grow 3 sizes! All ages welcome.
FEE: $35 per person
St. Charles
Gingerbread Barn Raising at Winter Wonder Lights
LOCATION: Peck Farm, Geneva
DATES: December 18, 2025, 5PM - 7PM
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, and assorted candies 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. This event will take place at the Orientation Barn at Peck Farm Park.
FEE: $72 R/NR $92
Geneva
Holiday Movie Night: The Polar Express
LOCATION: Playhouse 38, Geneva
DATE: December 17, 2025, 6:30PM - 9PM
DETAILS: Join us for a special night of holiday magic as we watch The Polar Express on the big screen! Each child will also receive a Golden Ticket! Hot chocolate will be served, and additional snacks and non-alcoholic & alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
FEE: $15 per person
Geneva
Snow Stroll Down Peppermint Path
LOCATION: Lisle Community Park, Lisle
DATE: November 30 - December 31, 2025 from 5PM - 9PM
DETAILS: On Sunday, November 30, join us as we 'flip the switch' at 5pm and unveil the festive lights of Peppermint Path in Lisle Community Park! Enjoy hot chocolate as we celebrate the magic of the season amongst the sparkling holiday decorations along the path near Van Kampen Stage.
From November 30 – December 31, take a self-guided 'Snow Stroll' on the Peppermint Path, and capture magical moments at our various festive photo ops and lighted displays anytime between 5-9pm.
FEE: FREE
Lisle
Breakfast with Santa
LOCATION: PARC, Plainfield
DATE: December 6, 2025 9AM or 10:30AM timeslots
DETAILS: Santa is making a special stop at the Plainfield Park District to have breakfast with all the good children! Each participant receives a breakfast ticket, one-on-one visit with Santa, and a goodie bag! Don't forget your camera to capture your meeting with Santa! Each participant must be registered. Do NOT register children younger than 2 years old. Participants are also welcome to take photos inside the magical snow globe, presented by the Friends of the Plainfield Park District Foundation!
Each parent, child, and any additional guest must be registered. Do NOT register children younger than 2 years old.
FEE: $16 R/NR $20
Plainfield
Santa's Express
LOCATION: Fox River Trolley Museum, South Elgin
DATE: December 14, 2025, 4:20PM-5:20PM or 5:35PM-6:25PM
DETAILS:
All Aboard for Holiday Magic at the Fox River Trolley Museum! Celebrate the season with a nostalgic, joy-filled train ride that’s sure to warm hearts of all ages. Step into the magic aboard our beautifully decorated 1950s vintage elevated cars and travel along an authentic rail line from 1896. Before departure, enjoy a steaming cup of delicious hot chocolate. Santa Claus himself will make a merry appearance – greeting each family and snapping cheerful selfies.
• Transportation is NOT included.
• Please indicate who you will be sitting with. Once the train is seated, there will be no switching trains at the site.
• Everyone must have a ticket due to fire code.
• Boarding begins at the Jon Duerr Forest Preserve.
• No refunds once tickets are purchased.
• Seats are limited to the first 60 people.
• An adult must accompany the children on the train.
FEE: $38 R/NR $43
South Elgin
An Almost Winter Day
LOCATION: SEBA Park, 151 Water Street, South Elgin
DATE: November 22, 2025 from 2PM - 5PM
DETAILS: Join South Elgin Parks and Recreation for the 24th annual An Almost Winter Day. 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), Snowball slingshot, ice sculptor and tree decorating contest.
Pictures with Santa is 2PM - 4:45PM (bring your camera)
Village Tree Lighting is at 5PM at Panton Mill Park
Parking is available in the North lot, Panton Mill, County Park, and Willard School parking lot.
FEE: FREE
South Elgin
Oswego Holiday Express
LOCATION: 810 Prescott Lane, Oswego
DATES: December 12-14, 2025
2PM, 4PM & 6PM Time slots
DETAILS: Join us for a beloved holiday tradition! Dress in your coziest pajamas and warmest clothes, and embark on a magical journey to the top of the world. Mrs. Claus will welcome you, you’ll savor hot cocoa from the Village Grind, and you’ll have the chance to meet Santa! Registration is required for all participants, from Grandma to the baby. Holiday shuttles depart every 20 minutes during your registered session. Please note, there are no refunds for the event after December 1. Wheelchair-accessible shuttles are available only on Friday evenings.
FEE: 2PM Session: $20 R/ $30 NR
4 PM & 6PM Session: $25 R/ $35 NR
Oswego
Holiday Homecoming Electric Christmas Parade
LOCATION: Downtown St. Charles
DATE: November 2, 2025, 5:30PM
DETAILS: St. Charles Holiday Homecoming is one of the Midwest's most spectacular holiday events. Join us for a magical celebration that marks the beginning of the holiday season in St. Charles.
Be captivated by the Electric Christmas Parade on Main Street, between 6th Street and 4th Avenue. Enjoy the beautifully illuminated parade entries, the high school marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself!
FEE: FREE
St. Charels
Woodridge Winterfest
LOCATION: Kagann Plaza at the Village of Woodridge
DATE: November 22, 2025, 3PM - 7PM
DETAILS: Celebrate the Magic of the Season at Woodridge Winterfest! Join us for a festive evening as we light up our dazzling 20-foot Christmas tree and fill the night with holiday cheer. Create heartwarming memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus, shop unique gifts from 20+ talented vendors at the maker’s market, and savor tasty bites from food trucks. Enjoy festive music, a cozy children’s craft area, and meet beloved characters like Anna, Elsa, and Rudolph. With something for everyone, Winterfest is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Proudly hosted by the Village of Woodridge, Woodridge Park District, Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge Special Events Committee, and Woodridge Volunteer Corps. Don’t miss this magical community celebration!
FEE: FREE
Woodridge
Breakfast with Santa
LOCATION: Shannon Hall, Batavia
DATES: December 13, 2025, 8:30AM - 9:30AM OR 10AM - 11AM
DETAILS: Celebrate the holiday season with a festive breakfast and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Santa will talk to each child and hand them a small gift. Please sign up each family member who plans to attend. Please know this event sells out FAST!
FEE: $16 per person
Batavia
Polar Express Storytime Train
LOCATION: Geneva Train Station
DATES: December 6-7, 2025, 9:30AM - 12PM & 1:30PM - 4PM
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!. Please note: this event is listed in the Fall brochure, which is out in late July. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
FEE:
Ages Newborn - 11 months are FREE
Ages 1-17 years: $40 R/ NR $47
Ages 18+ years: $45 R/NR $53
Geneva
Breakfast with Santa
LOCATION: Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street St. Charles
DATE: Decmber 15, 2024 from 10am-1pm
DETAILS: Experience the magic of the holiday season at The Arcada Theatre with our Breakfast with Santa Claus event. Guests will indulge in a delightful breakfast in Rock n Ravioli before entering the theatre for a memorable visit with Santa Claus. Enjoy festive music, capture special moments with beloved holiday characters, and share your wishes with Santa himself. Each child will receive a special gift, making this an unforgettable experience for families.
FEE: FREE for kids 2 & under, $30 children 2-11 years old & $40 for ages 12+
St. Charles
Santa's Naperville Workshop
LOCATION: 441 Aurora Avenue, Naperville
DATES: December 1-21, 2025, Mon-Fri 5PM - 8PM and weekends 12PM - 8PM.
DETAILS: Little ones and family members of all ages will enjoy a unique visit with Santa inside his magical workshop! Reservations are required; walk-ups will not be accommodated. One family at a time will be inside the workshop to experience a brief, conversation with Santa. Families are welcome to take their own photos and/or video as professional photos will not be provided. The line to visit with Santa will queue outdoors, so please dress for the weather!
FEE: will be on website on registration date, 10/21/25
Naperville
Santa's Hotline
LOCATION: phone call
DATE: Calls are made on December 10, 2025 from 6PM - 8PM
DETAILS: Make this holiday season even more special for your child with a personal phone call from Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus! Santa or Mrs. Claus will address each child by name, ask for gift ideas and have a magical and memorable conversation. Registration is free. Registration is per family. Please make your reservation early as limited spots are available!
FEE: will be on website on registration date, 10/21/25
Naperville
Journey to the North Pole
LOCATION: Eaton Preserve, Plainfield
DATES: December 12 & 13, 2025 from 5PM - 9PM
DETAILS: Bundle up for a wagon ride to the North Pole! Sing along to seasonal songs while sipping hot chocolate, and enjoy a visit with Santa and his Elf. Each child receives a snack and bell for the event.
FEE: $15 per person
Plainfield
Sugar Plum Tea
LOCATION: Prisco Community Center, Aurora
DATE: December 6, 2025 from 1PM - 3PM
DETAILS: Our Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Dress in your holiday best and enjoy an elegant tea party with delectable treats from the Land of Sweets, holiday music, and a mini Nutcracker performance from our dancers. After the show enjoy photo opportunities with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker dancers! Both child and adult need to register. Fee includes tea party and performance.
FEE: $20 R/NR $25
Aurora
The Great Gingerbread Bake-Off
LOCATION: Eola Community Center, Aurora
DATE: December 5, 2025 from 6PM - 7:30PM
DETAILS: Enjoy family bonding and some friendly competition during an extra sweet holiday activity. Families will have 90 minutes to “build” and decorate their best gingerbread house to present to our panel of judges for the chance to take home fun prizes. Registration includes families of up to 4. Gingerbread kits and all the fixings will be provided. Register by December 4 for discounted pricing! Day of registration will be $32. Adults must register for the event too.
FEE: $24-$32 per person
Aurora
Santa Express
LOCATION: Museum at Lisle Station Park, Lisle
DATES: December 12, 2025 at 7PM or December 14, 2025 at 2PM or 4PM
DETAILS: Santa will travel from family to family to find out what they want for Christmas and to take photos. Stories will be read and carols will be sung. A treat and goodie bag will be handed out at check-in for the ride.
FEE: $24 Res / $32 NR for everyone ages 1+
Lisle
Elburn Christmas Stroll
LOCATION: IL Route 47, Elburn
DATE: December 7, 2024 from 4-7pm
DETAILS: Please join us on Dec. 7th, from 4-7 pm in Downtown Elburn, IL for the 30th Annual Elburn Chamber of Commerce Christmas Stroll! Santa will kick off the Stroll at 4 pm with the lighting of the Christmas Tree followed by holiday themed activities throughout the town! Enjoy the downtown lights, shops on Main Street, events at the Community Center and Library, the Kris Kringle Market at Obscurity Brewing and live reindeer at the Pound 4 Pound Fitness/Obscurity Mead Hall parking lot!
FEE: FREE
Elburn
Dickens in Dundee 2024
LOCATION: Dundee Depot Market and Visitor's Center, Dundee
DATES: December 6 from 5:30pm - 9pm and December 7, 2024 starting at 6:30pm
DETAILS:
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.
This year’s Dickens in Dundee will take place on Friday, December 6th from 5:30-9:00 pm, with a Holiday Lights Parade to follow on Saturday, December 7th at 6:30 pm.
𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐃𝐄:
𝟓:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌:
Dundee-Crown Chamber and Varsity Treble Choirs perform
𝟓:𝟒𝟓 𝐏𝐌:
Tree Lighting Ceremony by The Christmas Schooner Cast of the Dundee Township Park District Theater
Then.........Santa Arrives!!
𝟔-𝟖 𝐏𝐌:
Those Funny Little People Toy Making Elves
Living Windows (along River St. and Main St.)
𝟔-𝟗 𝐏𝐌:
* Visits with Santa (FREE apple cider and cookies will be served)
* The Frozen Robins Caroling Quartet
* The Frozen Fab Four (Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf)
* FREE Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
* LIVE Reindeer Display by Santa's Village
* Eastside Cafe will offer warm, adult beverages for purchase on site in the white tent. (FREE hot chocolate will be served as well)
𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆:
In addition to street parking, there are parking lots located:
- At 311 Barrington Ave (behind the building)
- At Main St/Rt 72 next to Dairy Queen/Dundee Music
- Behind Duke's BBQ/the Caboose - 112 Railroad St. (Use Hill Street Entrance)
- At the AT&T parking lot at the northwest corner of Jackson & Water Streets
HANDICAPPED/ACCESSIBLE Parking will be available in front of 220 N. River St. where marked with signage.
******************************************************************
𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 7
𝟔:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌 - Riverside Parade of Lights
Please join us for a magical night along the riverfront for our 3rd Annual Riverside Parade of Lights Presented by:
- The Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce
- The Village of Carpentersville
- The Village of East Dundee
- The Village of West Dundee
The 2024 Parade Marshall for the Riverside Parade of Lights is Joe Minoso from the hit TV show Chicago Fire!
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.)
𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗦: (These are approx. times based off of previous years)
6:30 PM - Kicks off in West Dundee
6:45 PM - Travels down the Main St. bridge in Carpentersville
7:00 PM - Approaches East Dundee
**** 𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 ****
𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗗𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗘:
In addition to street parking, there are parking lots located:
- At 311 Barrington Ave (behind the building)
- At Main St/Rt 72 next to Dairy Queen/Dundee Music
- Behind Duke's BBQ/the Caboose - 112 Railroad St.
- At the AT&T parking lot at the northwest corner of Jackson & Water Streets
𝐇𝐎𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐀 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓:
Hot cocoa will be offered by Eastside Cafe for purchase at $2 a cup (Cash only) at the BIG WHITE TENT at the corner of Water St. and Barrington Avenue.
Also, Donations will graciously be accepted for the D300 Food Pantry. Eastside Cafe will match all donations received.
FEE: FREE
East Dundee
Downtown Lockport Cookie Crawl
LOCATION: Commerce Public Parking Lot, 925 S. State Street, Lockport
DATE: December 7, 2024 from 11:30am - 3:30pm
DETAILS: Spend an afternoon strolling into businesses throughout downtown Lockport collecting holiday cookies and viewing holiday window murals. Ticket price includes Cookie Tote, 20+ cookies from participating businesses, business map & free mug at the Lockport Park District's Jingle Bell Jam (12/7, 4:30pm at Dellwood Park)!
Be the first to see artist Kevin Traynor's festive artwork take over downtown Lockport's storefront windows! View all the storefront window murals as you stroll along the Cookie Walk!
Bring your Cookie Walk punch card to the Lockport Park District's Jingle Bell Jam to receive a *free* holiday mug sponsored by All American Recycling! Kick off the holiday season at the Jingle Bell Jam featuring music from American Pie at Dellwood Park (199 E. Woods Dr.) from 4:30-6:00pm!
FEE: Tickets go on sale Nov. 2
Lockport
Donuts with Santa
LOCATION: ARRCC Community Hall & Kitchen, Naperville
DATE: December 6, 2025, 9AM - 10AM OR 10:45AM - 11:45AM
DETAILS: Santa has a secret - he loves donuts! While sipping hot chocolate, parents and children enjoy delicious donuts provided by Naperville's own DeEtta's Bakery, participate in a holiday story told by Santa and take pictures with the man in red. Please bring your own camera. Infants (under one) are welcome free of charge. Everyone must register including adults and infants.
FEE: $13 (Res)/ $19 (NR)
Naperville
Downtown Frankfort Hot Chocolate Crawl
LOCATION: Downtown Frankfort
DATE: November 14, 2024 from 5pm - 8pm
DETAILS: Purchase your ticket for the 2024 Hot Chocolate Walk at shopdowntownfrankfort.com. Your ticket includes a commemorative mug and gift bag, and access to each participating business that will be providing a sip or snack!
You do need a ticket to attend this event. Tickets are limited, nonrefundable and nontransferable. This event will be hosted rain or shine, presented by the Downtown Frankfort Business Alliance.
FEE: $20/person
Frankfort
Holly Jolly Days
LOCATION: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster, Naperville
DATES: December 6-8, 13-15, & 19-20, 2024
Fridays: 3pm - 7pm
Saturays & Sundays: 1pm - 6pm
DETAILS:
Celebrate the wonder and joy of the holiday season with holiday crafts, stories, and more! Learn how reindeer shoes are made with a special story-time and demonstration by the blacksmith at the forge. Create your own holiday crafts to take home in the Meeting House. Listen to holiday stories in the museum’s one-room Schoolhouse. And end your visit with a special family photo at our Victorian Christmas photo stop at the Paw Paw Post Office. Don't forget to send a letter to Santa while you're there for an extra touch of holiday magic! New this year, several of our historic buildings will be lit for the holiday season.
Please note: All children must be accompanied by an adult. All adults must be accompanying a child. Santa will not be at Naper Settlement for this event. No food or beverages will be for sale.
FEE: $6 per person and children under 4 are FREE
Naperville
Storytime with the Grinch
LOCATION: Blackberry Farm, Aurora
DATES: December 7, 14, & 21, 2025 at 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM, 4:30PM & 5:30PM
DETAILS:
Celebrate the wonder and joy of the holiday season with holiday crafts, stories, and more! Learn how reindeer shoes are made with a special story-time and demonstration by the blacksmith at the forge. Create your own holiday crafts to take home in the Meeting House. Listen to holiday stories in the museum’s one-room Schoolhouse. And end your visit with a special family photo at our Victorian Christmas photo stop at the Paw Paw Post Office. Don't forget to send a letter to Santa while you're there for an extra touch of holiday magic! New this year, several of our historic buildings will be lit for the holiday season.
Please note: All children must be accompanied by an adult. All adults must be accompanying a child. Santa will not be at Naper Settlement for this event. No food or beverages will be for sale.
FEE: $15 per person
Aurora
Holiday Fun with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who
LOCATION: Vaughan Athletic Center, Aurora
DATES: December 20, 2025 from 10AM - 11:30AM
DETAILS: Join the Grinch and Cindy Lou for cocoa & cookies, crafts, and Whoville Bingo! Fun for the whole family at the Vaughan Center. All ages welcome. All attendees must purchase a ticket. and all children must be accompanied by and adult during the event. Children under 2 are free. All ticket sales are final.
FEE: $19 per person
Aurora