Grab your mittens and dust off that festive sweater because it's beginning to look like Christmas! Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone in a flurry of turkey and pumpkin pie, it's time to officially kick off the most wonderful time of the year. The western suburbs are twinkling with holiday lights, and the air is filled with the scent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies. What better way to start the Christmas season than by bundling up and heading out to one of the many enchanting holiday strolls in the area? It's time to jingle through the streets and let the holiday spirit begin (if you haven't already).
Friday, December 1st and Saturday, December 2nd
Varying times
In Oak Park and River Forest, excitement is building as the 25th Anniversary of the Holiday Housewalk & Market approaches. On December 1 and 2, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the festive spirit as they embark on a tour of six beautifully adorned homes, each showcasing the magic of the holiday season.
What's more, this year's event reintroduces the beloved Artisan Vendor Market, featuring a diverse array of over 15 vendors, ensuring attendees can kick-start their holiday shopping with one-of-a-kind gift options. The 2023 Holiday Housewalk & Market promises to be a cherished tradition for residents and visitors alike, offering a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season in style.
Click here to learn more and buy tickets.
Saturday, December 16th
Events from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Families and friends are invited to experience the enchanting event "Home for the Holidays" in downtown Oak Park on December 16, 2023. Located at Lake Street & Marion Street, this festive gathering promises a day filled with heartwarming activities. Visitors can delight in free sleigh rides, cozy visits with Santa, savor hot cocoa to ward off the winter chill and revel in the melodious tunes of musical entertainment.
The day begins with a complimentary screening of "The Polar Express" at the iconic Lake Theater. This heartwarming event is open to all, making it a perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate the holiday spirit. With "Home for the Holidays," the joy of the season truly comes alive in downtown Oak Park.
Here is the most recent schedule of events:
9 AM: Free showing of The Polar Express at Lake Theater
12 PM – 3 PM: Try different flavors of hot cocoa during the free Hot Chocolate Walk!
11 AM – 3 PM: Visit with Santa
11 AM – 3 PM: Enjoy live music throughout the district!
Click here to learn more.
Saturday, December 2nd
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Brookfield Holiday Celebration is the epitome of festive family fun, offering a delightful hop-on and hop-off trolley experience that takes you on a magical journey to seven distinct holiday stops. This enchanting adventure is designed to bring holiday cheer to all ages, with each stop offering its own unique attractions, from captivating shows to warm cups of cocoa and delightful face-painting sessions.
As you explore these festive stops, the holiday spirit builds, culminating in the grand finale near Santa himself and the eagerly awaited tree lighting ceremony. It's a heartwarming experience that captures the essence of the holiday season and creates cherished memories for families in Brookfield and beyond.
Click here to learn more.
Saturday, December 2nd
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The inaugural Brookfield Kris Kringle Market is set to debut as an exciting addition to the Brookfield Holiday Walk. This festive event, on Saturday, December 2nd, promises to be a highlight of the holiday season. With over 30 vendors showcasing their wares, including 12 young and aspiring entrepreneurs, the market offers a diverse range of unique and locally crafted gifts.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit with live music, a petting zoo, and numerous photo opportunities for the entire family. Children can enjoy engaging in various activities tailored just for them. The Brookfield Kris Kringle Market is a delightful way to kickstart holiday shopping and an opportunity to show support for local vendors and artisans.
Click here to learn more.
Saturday, December 2nd
Festivities at 5 p.m. | Tree lighting at 6 p.m.
The Brookfield Tree Lighting Ceremony, a cherished holiday tradition, will take place at the heart of the 8 Corners business district, at the corner of Broadway & Washington. Festivities kick off at 5 pm with the enchanting voices of the RBHS choir and S.E. Gross choir filling the air with melodies, setting the tone for the evening. The event's highlight is Santa's grand arrival aboard a fire truck at 5:45 pm, creating excitement and anticipation in the crowd.
As the clock nears 6 pm, the countdown will commence, leading to the magical moment when the town's tree is illuminated, casting a warm and inviting glow over Brookfield. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is a beautiful way for the community to come together and usher in the holiday season.
Click here to learn more.
Friday, December 1st
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Forest Park Holiday Walk on Madison Street is a cherished annual tradition filled with enchanting festivities for the whole family. As you stroll along the festively adorned street, you'll be captivated by live window displays and the warm glow of merchant open houses. The magic continues with horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting, and balloon twisting, delighting visitors of all ages.
Santa and Mrs. Claus make a special appearance, spreading holiday cheer, while an ice sculpture photo op offers a perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories. This delightful event embodies the spirit of the season and brings the community together in the heart of Forest Park, making it a must-attend celebration for everyone.
Click here to find out more.
Thursday, December 7th
6:30 p.m.
Get ready for a magical evening in Hillside, IL, as Santa Claus arrives at the Hillside Village Hall and Courtyard on Thursday, December 7th, at 6:30 PM. The town is buzzing with excitement as families gather to witness the annual Tree Lighting event. With the flip of a switch, the magnificent tree will illuminate the night, filling the air with holiday cheer and creating a festive atmosphere for all to enjoy. Don't miss this heartwarming tradition that brings the community together and marks the official start of the holiday season in Hillside.
Saturday, December 2nd
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Join the Maywood community for a spectacular Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, where the magic of the season comes to life. This year's event features a captivating performance by the Irving Middle School "Showstoppers" and the Proviso East Marching Band and Cheerleaders, adding a vibrant rhythm to the festivities. There’s also whispers that Santa Claus and his friends will make a special appearance! Be sure to indulge in delicious holiday treats and partake in the fun-filled activities that make this event a cherished tradition in Maywood, ushering in the holiday spirit with joy.
Saturday, December 2nd
4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
La Grange, IL, is set to kick off the holiday season with a magical celebration on Saturday, December 2nd. At 5 pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus are welcomed to the town with an all-village song that fills the air with joyous melodies. Santa's arrival to the Village Hall adds extra excitement, leading to the traditional lighting of the Village tree, a moment that truly lights up the night. After the tree lighting ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus graciously greet visitors, offering the perfect opportunity for cherished photos at Village Hall.
The event extends beyond the main attractions, with retailer open houses and enchanting ice sculptures adorning the Downtown and West End areas, beckoning visitors to explore local businesses' unique products and services during the holiday season. For the little ones, there are children's activities, including a kiddie train ride and a petting zoo, providing free entertainment for the youngest guests. The Lagrange Holiday Walk promises to be a heartwarming start to the holidays, uniting the community in the spirit of togetherness and celebration.
Click here to find out more.
Friday, December 1st
Festivities starting at 5:30
La Grange Park is gearing up for its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 2nd, starting at 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Park. This heartwarming celebration is open to all residents and their families, offering a perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit. The event promises a festive atmosphere with caroling led by the Park Singers, lively tunes by the S.E. Gross Holiday Band, and a touching presentation of the flags by Cub Scouts. The highlight of the evening will be the countdown to the tree lighting, a moment of pure magic that illuminates the park with holiday radiance. Hot chocolate, live music, and a generous dose of holiday cheer await all who attend, making the La Grange Park Tree Lighting a cherished community tradition not to be missed.
Click here to find out more.
Wednesday, December 6th
Tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
Embrace the holiday spirit with friends and family at North Riverside's Winterfest, the Village's annual Tree Lighting Celebration. This heartwarming event offers a festive evening filled with holiday music, delightful refreshments, and the enchanting glow of lights. The evening highlight arrives promptly at 6:30 pm, as the Village's tree is illuminated, casting a warm and inviting glow over the gathering. And, of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself. Winterfest in North Riverside promises a joyful and magical start to the holiday season, perfect for creating cherished memories with loved ones.
Click here to find out more.
Friday, December 1st
5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Get ready to embrace the holiday magic as the Riverside Chamber of Commerce invites you to the Annual Holiday Stroll on Friday, December 1st. This cherished tradition invites you to take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, where you'll be enchanted by the beautiful lights and festive decorations that adorn the streets. The highlight of the evening is the eagerly awaited tree lighting ceremony, featuring a special appearance by Santa Claus, set to take place at 5:30 p.m. right in front of the iconic water tower. Along the way, you'll discover a delightful array of celebrations and vendors, adding to the festive atmosphere and offering plenty of opportunities for holiday cheer. The Riverside Holiday Stroll is the perfect way to kickstart the holiday season and immerse yourself in the warmth and wonder of this special time of year.
Click here to find out more.
Wednesday, December 6th and Thursday, December 7th
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mark your calendar for two enchanting evenings of holiday joy at the Winter Wonderland Walk in Westchester, IL! On December 6th and 7th, from 6 pm to 8 pm, the event promises to be a delightful experience filled with cherished memories, magical moments, and wondrous surprises. Santa Claus and the mischievous Grinch will be on hand to spread holiday cheer while the aroma of hot chocolate and cookies fills the air. With captivating entertainment and more surprises in store, this Winter Wonderland Walk is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Click here to find out more.
Friday, December 8th
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Join in the festive fun at Claus & Paws in Westchester, IL, on Friday, December 8th, from 6 pm to 8 pm. This heartwarming event welcomes your furry, four-legged friends to have their photos taken with none other than Santa Claus himself. It's a wonderful opportunity to capture adorable moments with your pets and create lasting holiday memories. As a reminder, all pets must be securely leashed at all times, ensuring a safe and joyful experience for everyone involved. Claus & Paws is a delightful occasion to celebrate the holiday season with your furry family members.
Click here to find out more.