A Little Time and a Keyboard: 12 Ways to Celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas in the Chicago Suburbs and Nearby

12 Ways to Celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas in the Chicago Suburbs and Nearby

Sunday, December 4, 2022

 

12 Ways to Celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas in the Chicago Suburbs and Nearby

Step Back in Time at These Warm and Jolly Holiday Events

There is just something so truly delightful and warm about reveling a bit in Christmas past. I love a good old fashioned Christmas experience. It just warms the heart! Plus, some of our local historic homes are just absolutely breathtaking in Christmas decor. I have put together a few of these experiences happening this year so you can enjoy a bit of the holiday spirit of yesteryear:

December 9-24 Christmas Victorian Cottage in Lombard will dazzle visitors with Victorian holiday decor. Tours will be given December 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at a variety of times. Tours are $5 pp for those ages 12+. Under 12 are free. Reserve tickets online.

December 10-11 Christmas in the Valley at the Heritage Farm and Merkle Cabin in Schaumburg is one of my favorite local holiday events. Enjoy a Victorian Christmas and visit the farmhouse as traditional German foods are made. There will be crafts, a bonfire, and more. Father Christmas will visit. The event runs 12PM-4PM. Admission is $3 pp or $12 per family.

December 10 Holiday Window Walk at The Grove in Glenview will dazzle families as they watch scenes of a Christmas of yesteryear through the windows of the Kennicott home. The windows lead up to a Santa scene. $14 per non resident, $12 per resident. Various times must register.

December 10 A Victorian Christmas at the Blodgett House in Downers Grove treats visitors to a beautifully decorated Victorian home. Also, enjoy a luminary walk, carolers, and a campfire. Free. The event runs 3PM-6PM.

December 10 Holiday at Grandma's House treats visitors to a holiday from years past in the 1854 Powers-Walker House in Ringwood 12PM-4PM. Visit as 19th century interpreters prepare the house for the holidays. The tree will be decorated with fresh and homemade trimmings. Free.

December 12-16 Holly Jolly Days at Naper Settlement in Naperville invites visitors to hear holiday stories from the blacksmith as he makes reindeer shoes. Listen to holiday stories in the Schoolhouse, take a Victorian holiday photo at the Pine Craig Mansion and more. The event runs 3PM-7PM each day and admission is $5 pp. Purchase tickets online.

December 15 Holiday Lights and Architecture Walking Tour given by the Evanston History Museum features architecture and holiday lights of the Dawes House and neighborhood. Light refreshments will be served as guests enjoy the holiday decor of the historic Dawes House. Tickets are $20-$40 and two time slots are available. Reserve online.

Ongoing through January 8, 2023 Victorian Christmas at the Clayson House in Palatine treats visitors to a Victorian Christmas display. Hours are Tuesday 9AM-4PM, Thursday 12PM-4PM and Sunday 1:30PM-4:30PM. Admission is free.

Ongoing - January 15 Historic Holiday at the Durkee Mansion in nearby Kenosha will certainly dazzle you. The 1861 mansion is just marvelous decorated to the hilt with Victorian holiday decor. Holiday Tours of Durkee Mansion are also available December 10, 17 and January 7 and 14 10AM-2PM as well as December 11 and 18 and January 8 and 15 1:30PM-4:30PM.

Ongoing - December 30 The Christmas Tree Show at the Lincoln-Tallman House of Janesville is definitely worth the drive. The 1857 mansion absolutely shines with the holiday decors and lights of community-decorated trees. Over 100 trees and holiday decorations adorn the mansion and its grounds. Tickets are $10 per person, $5 per child ages 5-10. Ages under 5 are free. A variety of times are available. Please reserve tickets online.

Ongoing - New Year's House Tours of the Dawes House in Evanston will delight not only with the history of the mansion but also the holiday decor! Afternoon tours are given on various dates during the season, so check the website and reserve a spot. Admission is $10 per person.

Ongoing - New Year's Dickens-Kringle Christmas Village in Antioch will treat you to a variety of Dickens scenes for the holidays. Additionally, visitors will enjoy Kringle's shadowboxes with holiday scenes. This year's exhibit also includes a Christmas tree decorating contest. The event is free and open daily 10AM-8PM at #510 Orchard St. in Antioch.

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