13 Ways to Celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas in the Chicago Suburbs
Old fashioned Christmas celebrations thoughout the Chicago suburbs offer charming peeks into yesteryear. Period holiday events add special experiences to the holiday season and bring back our own warm memories while learning a bit of history.
Here are 13 of my favorite Chicago area Old Fashioned Christmas events for 2025:
November 28 - December 28 Christmas in Woodstock features a collection of nostalgic holiday activities including horse drawn carriage rides, a gingerbread house walk, Christmas tree walk, Christmas parade and The Nutcracker Ballet performances and a White Christmas Sing-a-Long at the Opera House. See schedule and info about ticketed events.
December 1 - December 29 House Tour: Winter Holidays in the 1890s, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, learn about holiday traditions in the 1890s, $5 pp suggested donation, see website for times.
December 4 - December 28 Thursdays - Sundays (Closed Christmas Day) The Christmas Tree Show inside Janesville's Lincoln-Tallman House is definitely worth the drive. Marvel at the gorgeous 1857 mansion adorned with holiday decor and over 100 trees decorated by the community. Tickets are $15 per person, ($18 at the door) free for children ages 15 and under. Please reserve tickets online. Tours are self-guided.
December 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21 (1PM-6PM each day) Holly Jolly Days at Naper Settlement in Naperville invites visitors to learning how a blacksmith makes reindeer shoes, listen to holiday stories in a one-room schoolhouse. $6 pp, purchase tickets online. Santa will not be making a visit during this event.
December 6 Once Upon a Christmas at the Museums at Lisle Station Park in Lisle 3PM-7PM along with a Santa Parade and the village tree lighting will certainly infuse Lisle with holiday sparkle. Enjoy a special holiday workshop in the blacksmith shop, making a Santa craft in Beaubien Tavern, sipping hot chocolate or cider and more. Purchase handcrafted gifts. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit. Free.
December 7 through January 1, 2026 Victorian Christmas at the Clayson House in Palatine begins with an Open House December 7 with holiday cheer, punch, and cookies 1PM-4PM. Hours are Tuesday 9AM-4PM, Thursday 12PM-4PM and Sunday 1:00PM-4:00PM. Each year features a new theme. Admission is free.
December 7 Christmas in the Valley at the Heritage Farm and Merkle Cabin in Schaumburg invites revelers to a real 1880s Christmas complete with the aromas of holiday baking in the farmhouse. I love that families can visit with Father Christmas by the fire in a cabin! Crafts, Victorian decorations, period Christmas activities, s'mores and more round out special holiday adventure. The event runs 12PM-4PM. Admission is $3 pp or $12 per family.
December 10-23 Victorian Christmas Cottage in Lombard welcomes guests to revel in Victorian holiday splendor. Tours will be given by a docent in costume on various times during the season.. Tours are $5 pp for those ages 12+. Under 12 are free. Reserve times and tickets online.
December 12 Candlelight Tours at the Kennicott House, The Grove, Glenview. Tour the 1856 home by candlight and see how families prepared for the holidays during that period. Tickets are $12-$14 and can be reserved online.
December 13 Merry and Bright: A Victorian Christmas at Downers Grove's Blodgett House will be adorned in Victorian holiday finery. Visitors will enjoy a luminary walk, carols, a campfire, and more. Free. The event runs 3PM-6PM.
December 13 Holiday at Grandma's House welcomes visitors to Christmas past inside Ringwood's 1854 Powers-Walker House from 12PM-4PM. Enjoy a fresh tree decorated with natural trimmings and learn how homes prepared for winter and the holidays from costumed interpreters. Free.
Ongoing - New Year's Dickens-Kringle Christmas Village in Antioch will treat you to a variety of Dickens scenes for the holidays.Also, explore Kringle's shadowboxes with holiday scenes. The event is free and open daily 10AM-8PM at #510 Orchard St. in Antioch. Tours are available.
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