This weekend is definitely one to get your holiday spirit on! There are so many great events -- here are my picks:
Ongoing:
- November 17-January 1 Illumination at Morton Arboretum, interactive light experience in the trees, special events on certain days, see schedule, closed Mondays except December 31, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas, see website for ticketing details -- I recommend reserving tickets in advance!
- November 30-December 2 Christkindlmarket, Naper Lights and Ronco and Popeil Exhibit -- details: https://www.alittletimeandakeyboard.com/2018/11/christkindlmarket-naperville.html
- November 30-December 9 Mod and Merry at the Farnsworth House, Plano, Tues-Sun, tours at 10AM, 12PM and 2PM, picture yourself arriving at Christmas 60 years ago as one of Dr. Farnsworth's holiday guests
- November 22-January 6 Wonderland Express, Chicago Botanic Garden, see ticketing info and more on website, see landmarks in miniature with holiday glory!
- November 29-December 31 Rock'n Lights starts! Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake, drive through light show of nearly 1000 elements, November 29-December 31; 4:45PM-11PM, currently $16 weekday ticket, $19 weekend, see website for more info and ticket price changes
Saturday, December 1:
- December 1-2 Holiday Market, Chicago Botanic, 10AM-5PM, $25 parking per car, shop local vendors for roasted nuts, herbs, candles and more
- December 1 Farmhouse Museum Tours: Christmas Memories, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, 10AM-3PM, tours on the hour, blacksmithing demo at 1:30, free
- December 1-2 Gnome Globes and Gnome Hunt, Morton Arboretum, 11AM-2PM, Children's Garden, hunt for gnomes in the Children's Garden (hunt is free with admission), then create a globe to bring home, globes are $7 pp for members, $10 for non, must purchase ticket in visitor's center, limited number, admission is separate, weather permitting
- December 1 Barrington Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony, 10AM-5PM, village wide and there will be a free trolley to take you from spot to spot
- December 1 Libertyville's Dicken's of a Holiday, 10AM-3PM, Santa and Mrs. Claus, MainStreet Photographer, donations for food pantry welcome, children's holiday shop at Petranek's Pharmacy, free
- December 1 Kenosha HarborHoliday, Kenosha, 10AM-5PM, enjoy a Winter HarborMarket, an International Holiday Fair at the Kenosha Public Museum, Victorian Christmas at the Civil War Museum, storytellers on the Electric Streetcars and more! **(Going on rain or shine except horse drawn carriages.)**
- December 1-2 Christmas in the Valley, Spring Valley Nature Center, Schaumburg, 12PM-4PM, old fashioned Christmas fun, crafts and activities, roasting marshmallows, visiting St. Nick and more, free
- December 1 Celebrate the Holiday Season Holiday Festival, Cantigny, Wheaton, 1PM-7PM, also includes Mistletoe Market, live music, horse drawn carriages, Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, food trucks and more, small fees for some activities, $5 per car parking
- December 1 Magic Show at Norton's U.S.A., Barrington, 1:30PM-3PM, enjoy a free magic show as part of Barrington's holiday celebration, Santa will arrive at the store at 3:30PM, there will be a trolley to take you to other celebrations (**Going on rain or shine. Will move indoors for rain.**)
- December 1 Santa Visits at Wildbird Shack, Mount Prospect, 2PM-4PM, free
- December 1 Elgin Winter Wonderland, Downtown Elgin, 2PM-6PM, tree lighting, kid friendly activities, winter market in Elgin Art Space Lofts, sleigh rides, Santa, food trucks and more, free admission
- December 1-2 Holiday Traditions Event Weekend, Ellwood House Museum, DeKalb, 1PM-5PM, Santa, live music, tour guides throughout historic mansion, $10 per adult, $5 ages 6-17, under 6 free, last ticket sold 30 minutes before end
- December 1-2 Once Upon a Christmas, Museum at Lisle Station Park, different each day so see website, Santa, reindeer, blacksmithing, ice carving and more, free
- December 1 Farmhouse Tour: Living by Lamplight, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, 4PM-4:40PM, learn about how the farm functioned by lamplight and the challenges and benefits of living by the light of the sun and kerosene lamps, free
- December 1 Hometown Block Party, Elmhurst City Centre, 4:00PM-8:00PM, live music, Santa, free kiddie train, wine and warm drinks available for purchase
- December 1 43rd Annual Electric Parade, Lake Geneva, 5PM-8PM
- December 1 Holiday Lights Lilacia Park, Lombard, December 1-January 2, check for special events like train rides, etc., lighting ceremony is Dec 1 5:30PM, Dec 2 and Dec 7-23 6PM-8PM, Santa visits on weekends (Fri, Sat, Sun); lights will be on through January 2
Sunday, December 2:
- December 2 Farmhouse Museum Tours:Christmas Memories, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, 10AM-3PM, tours on the hour, free
- December 2 Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival, Main St in Cary, 12PM-3:30PM, parade, carolers, Santa, cookie decorating, carriage rides and more, free
- December 2 What's on the Menu, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook, 3 PM, join the nature center at feeding time and learn about is inhabitants and their habits, free
- December 2 Farmhouse Tour: Living by Lamplight, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, 4PM-4:40PM, learn about how the farm functioned by lamplight and the challenges and benefits of living by the light of the sun and kerosene lamps, free
For more options, check my Impressive Holiday Lights in the Chicago Suburbs post.
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