The holiday season is here! Discover festive events to celebrate all across the area, from charming holiday markets to dazzling winter light displays. With so many ways to soak up the magic of this special time of year, here are a few of our top picks for this weekend.
Say Goodbye at the Santa Send Off
Get ready for a festive farewell at the Santa Send Off! Warm up with hot cocoa and pastries provided by Maggiano’s while meeting some of Santa’s favorite helpers and even Mrs. Claus herself. Kids will love the creative fun with coloring books, crayons, and thank-you notes for Santa. Add a touch of holiday magic with face painting and balloon twisting. Don’t miss the photo opportunities with your favorite holiday characters and an exciting Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt. For a special keepsake, purchase photos with Santa and get a Night Before Christmas book signed by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Celebrate the season with all of these activities and more!
Date: December 20
Time: 10am-Noon
Cost: Free
Location: Hawthorn, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills
More Info: visithawthorn.com
Team Up at the Ugly Sweater Curling Tournament
Put on your most festive ugly sweater and head to Side Lot for the first Ugly Sweater Curling Tournament. Team up with a buddy for a chance to win a cash prize in this fun and competitive event. Not only will there be prizes for the best curling team, but also for the most impressive ugly sweater attire! Don’t miss out on the excitement and the chance to show off your ugliest holiday sweater!
Date: December 20
Time: 7PM
Cost: $20
Location: The Side Lot, 110 Scolum Lake Rd, Wauconda
More Info: facebook.com
Get Cozy at the Holiday Sing-A-Long & Pajama Party
Join the fun at the 1st Annual Sing-A-Long & Pajama Party, where you can sing along to festive favorites like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Dreidel Dreidel,” and “Jingle Bells.” Remember to bring an unwrapped game to donate to Families Helping Families Chicagoland and spread some holiday cheer. Don’t forget to wear your coziest pajamas and to celebrate the season with music, goodwill, and festive fun.
Date: December 20-21
Time: Fri 6PM; Sat 11AM or 3PM
Cost: $20
Location: Citadel Theater, 300 S Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest
More Info: allevents.in
Help Fundraise at the Holiday Gift Wrapping Fundraiser
Get into the holiday spirit while supporting a good cause at the Holiday Gift Wrapping Fundraiser. This event offers a fun-filled day of ornament making, live art performances, and raffle prizes. Bring your gifts to be beautifully wrapped while the funds raised from the gift wrapping will go towards a meaningful cause. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create holiday crafts, enjoy live entertainment, and contribute to a wonderful cause.
Date: December 21
Time: 5PM-9PM
Cost: Free
Location: Dandelion Gallery & Studio, 109 S Genesee St, Waukegan
More Info: dandeliongallery.org
Enjoy the Holly Jolly Family Show
Experience the magic of the season at the Holly Jolly Family Show with the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra. This family-oriented program features popular holiday songs and a special reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by narrator Rebecca Prescott. Join in a holiday sing-along with the audience and orchestra, and enjoy Leroy Anderson’s beloved Sleigh Ride. The concert will close with a visit from Santa himself.
Date: December 22
Time: 1:30PM-2:30PM
Cost: $15+
Location: Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest
More Info: gortoncenter.org
