Week of Events
Homer For The Holidays
We Warmly Welcome You to Our Holiday Season Festivities! We're inviting you to be part of this magical experience! Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making this celebration even more special. Let's build a vibrant community and make this holiday season unforgettable for all. Homer For the Holidays + Tree Lighting Ceremony! Celebrate the...
Holiday Walk
Discover holiday magic in La Grange as we deck the halls and light up the season with festive activities and memorable experiences for everyone in the family. Marvel at magnificent light displays and take your holiday pictures with our Selfies with Elfies photo boards, vintage sleigh or walk-through illumination near Village Hall. Be here for...
Budding Botanists
Budding Botanists
Watch out as you explore the Conservatory โ you may run into a Budding Botanists! on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am to 3:00pm, Nature Educators will provide activities for kids of all ages at our Budding Botanists station. These programs are drop in and no preregistration is required. You can stop by and interact with...
Sundays with Santa
Sundays with Santa
Families visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.
Santa’s House
Santa’s House
Don't miss your chance to take your picture with the one and only Santa Claus and give him your list! Visitors can meet the North Pole's most famous resident for FREE at Santa's House. Santa's House will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm from November 30th - December 22nd. Visitors can...
Complimentary Visits with Santa
Complimentary Visits with Santa
Visit Santa in his gingerbread house at the corner of Main Street and Curtiss Street. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.
Christmas in the Commons
Christmas in the Commons
The Village of New Lenox is continuing its Christmas in the Commons tradition with another year of lights and holiday festivities in the Village Commons. Christmas in the Commons will be taking place on the dates listed below, so be sure to mark your calendars! Events are free with no admission ticket required. Saturday, November...
Celebration of Lights
Celebration of Lights
Bring your family to enjoy the festive bright lights and sounds of the holiday season! Sing along to holiday tunes, welcome Santa and pay him a visit, watch the Christmas tree lighting, stroll Christmas Tree Lane, see reindeer, take a hay ride, enjoy favorite holiday tales read aloud and make a holiday craft. Schedule of...
Pet Photos with Santa
Pet Photos with Santa
Bring your pets to pose with Santa! Your pets are part of the family too, so don't miss this fun opportunity for them to see Santa too! Sunday, November 24th from 6:30PM - 8PM Sunday, December 1st from 7:30PM - 9PM Pet Photos will be located at The Ice Palace. Photos will be taken and...
GrownUp and Me Storytime
GrownUp and Me Storytime
Join us for GrownUp & Me Story Timeโenjoy engaging stories, songs, and fun activities led by Miss Kathy! There are designated play areas for kids and opportunities to connect with other families. Complimentary coffee and tea will be available for adults. Feel free to bring snacks for your little ones. Fall Sessions: Kick-off! Mon, Sept...
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Village of Glendale Heights invites all residents to participate in the Tree Lighting Ceremony, held at 6:00pm on the Monday following Thanksgiving. Holiday decor and lights will decorate the Civic Center Campus. Enjoy the sounds of the holidays through the performance of Glendale Heights' choral groups and share the holiday spirit as the Mayor...
$1 Movie Mondays
$1 Movie Mondays
Enjoy the classics of modern cinema on the magnificent two-story screen at Paramount Theatreโฆfor the incredibly low price of just $1 per ticket! Buy tickets at the door. Cash only ($20 bills or less). Concessions available for purchase. Credit/debit cards accepted at concessions. Movies and showtimes are subject to change. Please check back here for...
Museum of Contemporary Art Free Day
Museum of Contemporary Art Free Day
Illinois residents receive free admission on Tuesdays. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Wildlife Connections
Wildlife Connections
Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds from the residents of Misericordia โ Heart of Mercy.
Night Dives: Illinois Resident Free Evenings
Night Dives: Illinois Resident Free Evenings
Our Illinois Resident Free Days include access to all open animal and permanent exhibit and seasonal Stingray Touch. Take a deeper look at our current available exhibits here. We offer several reservation options for Free Days. For those who prefer to plan ahead, online ticket reservations are available with a $5 convenience fee per order....
Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
Free Wednesdays are the perfect opportunity for you to explore our general admission exhibitions with your family or a group of science-loving friends. Adventure through the wilderness on a desert safari, explore ancient civilizations, and come face-to-face with prehistoric creaturesโ all in one place. The Field Museum has so much to explore, youโll need more...
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art Museum Free Day
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art Museum Free Day
Wednesdays are Free Admission Days sponsored by RBC Wealth Management. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
DuSable Museum of African American History Free Days
DuSable Museum of African American History Free Days
DuSable Museum of African-American history is free to Illinois residents to visit on Wednesdays. We also give free admission to military and to first responders. That means Police, Fire, EMTโs. With valid ID. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Wild Wednesdays
Wild Wednesdays
Wild Wednesdays are back for the season at Garfield Park Conservatory! Join Family Programs staff outdoors in Play and Grow Garden for free, drop-in activities, such as fort building, bug hunts, chalk drawing, and more! Find us every Wednesday evening from 4:00-7:30 pm. Just head outside through our Desert House doors and follow the giant...
Adler Planetarium Illinois Resident Free Days
Adler Planetarium Illinois Resident Free Days
The Adler is excited to announce that we will be free for Illinois residents (with proof of residency) every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm (our new Wednesday hours.) Stop by after work or school, or for date night and enjoy everything the Adler has to offer at night, for free as part of our Illinois...
Winter Fest
Winter Fest
Celebrate the holidays with friends and family at the Village of North Riverside Tree Lighting Celebration. Enjoy holiday music, winter activities, refreshments, lights and Santa Claus! Tree Lighting at 6:30 pm Sharp! For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.
Winterfest
Winterfest
Join us for a festive evening as we kick off the holiday season at the Village of North Riverside Tree Lighting Celebration! This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages and promises a magical night filled with: Holiday Music: Enjoy joyful tunes that capture the spirit of the season. Winter Activities: Engage in fun activities...
Winter Wonderland Walk
Winter Wonderland Walk
Two evenings filled with memories, magic, and wonder. Take a stroll and enjoy the crisp seasonal air, twinkling lights, special guests, refreshments and much, much more. Cameras, strollers and wagons welcome. Tis is an all-weather, rain, snow or shine event so please dress accordingly For information on more events like this, check out our...
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Illinois Resident Donation Day
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Illinois Resident Donation Day
We are pleased to offer weekly Donation Daysโevery Thursday the museum is openโfor Illinois residents. Illinois residents can enjoy free admission during these Donation Days, or support us with a $10 suggested household donation at the time of admission. Illinois residents can reserve their Donation Day tickets online or in person. For information on...
Story Time with NPL
Story Time with NPL
Join the Naperville Public Library (NPL) for one of their spectacular Story Times at DCM. These interactive Story Times often feature puppets, songs, movement, and more! First Thursday Each Month (*unless noted otherwise) Thursday, October 3 | 11:00 Thursday, November 7 | 11:00 Thursday, December 5 | 11:00 Thursday, January 9 | 11:00
Tree Lighting in Wilder Park
Tree Lighting in Wilder Park
Join Elmhurst Park District to kick off the holiday season in Wilder Park! We'll count down to the lighting of the community trees that surround the park and enjoy holiday festivities. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Holiday Walks and Tree Lighting Ceremonies.
Winter Wonderland Walk
Winter Wonderland Walk
Two evenings filled with memories, magic, and wonder. Take a stroll and enjoy the crisp seasonal air, twinkling lights, special guests, refreshments and much, much more. Cameras, strollers and wagons welcome. Tis is an all-weather, rain, snow or shine event so please dress accordingly For information on more events like this, check out our...
Scales-N-Tales Storytime
Scales-N-Tales Storytime
Start your Friday morning off at the library with a fun storytime all about animals. A new animal each week! Some bilingual Spanish.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join us for live entertainment, a special appearance by Santa, and admire the trees decorated by local community groups. Donโt forget to drop off your letter to the North Pole at our mailbox! This yearโs theme is โHoliday Magic" and celebrates the wonder and joy of Des Plaines' community. The mitten tree will be available...
Hinsdale Christmas Walk
Hinsdale Christmas Walk
The Christmas Walk isa time-honored family tradition and kickoff to the holiday season. Watch Santa's arrival to town, visit Santa in his Workshop, take rides on the trackless train and carousel, and visit the shops of Hinsdale as well as vendors along Washington for fun holiday treats and giveaways. For information on more events...
First Fridays
First Fridays
First Fridays is a night of art, fun, music, dance, and community at local businesses and venues in downtown Aurora on the first Friday evening of the month. First Fridays in Downtown Aurora invites the community to enjoy art, music, food, theater, and more on the first Friday of the month. First Friday venues have...
Snow Much Fun
Snow Much Fun
Whether there is snow or no snow, you are bound to have a fun time celebrating the frosty spirit of winter Enjoy some holiday cheer when you take selfies in Santaโs sleigh. Have fun in the Gingerbread bounce house. Take a mule-drawn wagon ride around the park. Stroll along the pathway and be enchanted by...
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland
HOLIDAY FUN! Visit Santa Claus! Free family event with inflatables, holiday-themed crafts, family bingo, free hot dogs* and sleigh rides! *While supplies last. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.
Holiday Tree Lighting
Holiday Tree Lighting
5 to 8 p.m. - Ride through downtown Bartlett in a horse-drawn wagon. Enjoy cookies, cocoa, the DJ spinning holiday music and the warmth from the fire pits. Grab a bite from the food trucks. See live reindeer and some Disney characters. 5 p.m. - Santa arrives with Mrs. Claus and his elves. The Bartlett...
Holiday Tree Lighting
Holiday Tree Lighting
Each December, residents and visitors gather at the Ross Ferraro Town Center to light up the holiday tree with Santa. The Village is grateful for its partnership with the Carol Stream Park District and the Carol Stream Fire Protection District to help make this community event possible. Stay tuned for more information! For information...
Holly Days
Holly Days
Located at the corner of Tracy Place and Warren Avenue Santaโs Arrival Parade Mayor Brummel Lighting the City Holiday Tree Horse Drawn Carriage Rides Hot Chocolate & Cookies Visit with Santa Entertainment Provided by Local School Groups NEW! Merry Market featuring Warrenville crafters, bakers, and more. Check www.warrenville.il.us for more information. Location: City Hall ...
Christmas Walk
Christmas Walk
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 North Pole post office for the season. Among the twinkling lights and fresh greenery lined streets you will find downtown Geneva to be a holiday destination...
Tree Lighting
Tree Lighting
The Villageโs annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, December 6 at 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Park. The celebration will include performances, refreshments, and other festivities. Residents are invited to bring the whole family to this free event and enjoy hot chocolate, caroling, and lots of holiday cheer. For information on more...
Movies in the Corner
Movies in the Corner
All ages. Enjoy a family-friendly movie in the Poet Tree Corner on the second floor. October 25: Hotel Transylvania, animated, 91 minutes, PG November 8: Wreck-it Ralph, 2012, animated, 108 minutes, PG November 22: Moana, 2016, animated, 103 minutes, PG December 6: Madagascar, 2005, animated, 86 minutes, PG December 20: Ice Age, 2002, animated, 81...
Pancake Breakfast With Santa
Pancake Breakfast With Santa
Live Music - Free Photos with Santa. Free crafts table for the kids. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Place to Eat with Santa.
Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with Santa
The Willowbrook/Burr Ridge Kiwanis Club presents Pancake Breakfast with Santa. All you can eat pancakes with toppings, sausage, milk, coffee, OJ. Picture opportunity with Santa, Children's crafts, Rudolph's Reindeer Games and Activities, Holiday DJ. $7 per person at the door. No registration required. For information on more events like this, check out our...
Childrenโs Christmas Party
Childrenโs Christmas Party
City of Countryside's Annual Children's Christmas Party. Tickets may be picked up at City Hall Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm starting November 11th. Don't forget your camera to take photos with Santa. Light refreshments will be served. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa....
Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with Santa
Full breakfast buffet, free to Hodgkins residents. $7 for non-residents. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Place to Eat with Santa.
Santas Craft Corner
Santas Craft Corner
Visit Santa at the zoo! While you are there, make a craft or two and tour the zoo before you go. Admission includes crafts, refreshments and, of course, a visit with the man in red himself. Be sure to bring your camera to capture those holiday memories. Santaโs Craft Corner is held in the Kiebler...
Julmarknad
Julmarknad
The Museum's holiday market will be back the first full weekend in December. You can browse through a wide variety of products from our wonderful vendors to find gifts for loved ones or to treat yourself. There will be performances and visits from Tomten. Enjoy delicious Swedish treats as well. You won't want to miss...
Mark Anderson Cartooning
Mark Anderson Cartooning
A funny feast just in time for Thanksgiving! Students will draw their favorite foods in hilarious situations! Turkey-zilla! Stuffed stuffing! And mashed potatoes... IN SPAAAACE! Students will gobble this drawing class up. (Please note, class is not edible.) Registration required.
Santa and Mrs. Claus at the W Tent
Santa and Mrs. Claus at the W Tent
Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Downtown Wheaton this holiday season, and they want to see you! This is the perfect time to take a picture with Santa and even check if you made the nice list this year. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places...
Budding Botanists
Budding Botanists
Watch out as you explore the Conservatory โ you may run into a Budding Botanists! on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am to 3:00pm, Nature Educators will provide activities for kids of all ages at our Budding Botanists station. These programs are drop in and no preregistration is required. You can stop by and interact with...
Santa’s Workshop at Wilder Mansion
Santa’s Workshop at Wilder Mansion
A holiday store just for kids! Join Elmhurst Park District at Wilder Mansion (211 S Prospect Avenue) for Santa's Workshop - a special place just for children where they can purchase inexpensive holiday gifts for those they love. Items are kid-priced and kid-friendly.
Complimentary Visits with Santa
Complimentary Visits with Santa
Visit Santa in his gingerbread house at the corner of Main Street and Curtiss Street. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.
Santa at the Museum
Santa at the Museum
Santa comes to visit in December at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum. Take a photo with Santa Claus! Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 from 1 pm - 3 pm. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.
Santa’s House
Santa’s House
Don't miss your chance to take your picture with the one and only Santa Claus and give him your list! Visitors can meet the North Pole's most famous resident for FREE at Santa's House. Santa's House will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm from November 30th - December 22nd. Visitors can...
Farmside Christmas
Farmside Christmas
Sponsored by Grand Subaru, visit Fischer Farm to enjoy the holiday lights and decorations while walking the grounds of the historic 1836 farm. Visit December 7 for unique crafts, campfires, music, pictures with Santa, a visit with Mrs. Claus and a trip around the farm led by beautiful horses. For information on more events...
Once Upon a Christmas
Once Upon a Christmas
This Free Event Features 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 at the Lisle Heritage Society...
Joyful Traditions
Joyful Traditions
Join us for our annual holiday celebration! Come enjoy fellowship and holiday cheer at the Ruggard Gazebo. Stroll along the Prairie Path and check out the community's decorated Christmas Trees. Get a picture taken with Santa and other costumed characters. Take a pony ride and visit the petting zoo. Grab a snack or dinner from...
Christmas in the Commons
Christmas in the Commons
The Village of New Lenox is continuing its Christmas in the Commons tradition with another year of lights and holiday festivities in the Village Commons. Christmas in the Commons will be taking place on the dates listed below, so be sure to mark your calendars! Events are free with no admission ticket required. Saturday, November...
Lights of Lisle
Lights of Lisle
Create some lasting memories by celebrating the season in Lisle! Visit downtown Lisle on December 7, 2024 to join in holiday tradition and share the merriment! Mr. and Mrs. Claus will greet visitors to the Museums at Lisle Station Park, there will be a Santa Parade, holiday crafts, hot chocolate, the annual Merry on Main...
Frosty Fest
Frosty Fest
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 Cityโs official Tree Lighting Ceremony followed by a number of fun activities for all ages to enjoy. If youโre looking for a fun event to greet the holiday...
Holly Days
Holly Days
Bring your family, friends and neighbors to help ring in the holiday season at the one and only Holly Days Winter Festival! We officially kick off the month-long festival on Saturday, December 7 with our Opening Ceremonies in Downtown Westmont. The Frosty & Friends Parade will step off at 5PM and proceed down Cass Ave....
Making Spirits Bright
Making Spirits Bright
A holly jolly holiday season is upon us and weโre kicking it off with the annual Making Spirits Bright event! Please join us on Saturday, December 7 at North Aurora Riverfront Park for a festival full of holiday and community spirit! The event begins with a Holiday Vehicle Parade and this year you can be...
We do our best to provide comprehensive, accurate and useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from press releases, websites, signs around town and word of mouth. However, details change and people make mistakes, so please confirm the details before you go. Kidlist is not responsible for any problems that occur while participating in activities listed on this site.
Submit an Event
Click on the button above to submit an event to the Kidlist calendar. We welcome everyone to submit events, given that they are family-friendly, free and/or drop-in, and are local for families in the west and northwest suburbs of Chicago. All submitted events are reviewed by the Kidlist team.