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.
Get Festive at Holiday Hoopla
Enjoy a fun-filled day with family and friends at Holiday Hoopla. Take photos with Santa, enjoy balloon art, and slide down the Gingerbread House Slide. Kids can get creative with holiday crafts and write letters to Santa while listening to the Hersey Carolers. And don’t miss out on Candy Cane Bingo or the Those Funny Little People Show.
Date: December 8
Time: 1PM-3PM
Cost: Free
Location: Community Recreation Center, 100 Community Boulevard, Wheeling
More Info: wheelingparkdistrict.com
Support Local at A Very Merry Holiday Market
Explore a festive market featuring a variety of small businesses and talented makers. Discover unique handcrafted gifts, artisanal treats, and one-of-a-kind treasures that are perfect for your holiday shopping. This market is an excellent opportunity to support local artisans while finding special items that you won’t see anywhere else.
Date: December 7
Time: 12PM-4PM
Cost: Free
Location: Sketchbook Brewing Co, 4901 Main St, Skokie
More Info: allevents.in
Warm Up at Cookie & Cocoa Crawl
Join the crawl and collect freshly baked cookies from local bakeries like The Chunky Scone, Max’s Deli and Mil Colibris Bakery & Café. Admire the decorations and visit local businesses as you stroll through the District. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, visit with Santa, and end the day by enjoying holiday tunes spun by HPHS DJ Dylan in Jens Jensen Park.
Date: December 7
Time: 11:30AM-1PM
Cost: $10
Location: Jens Jensen Park, 540 Roger Williams Ave, Highland Park
More Info: enjoyhighlandpark.com
Enjoy the Winter Tree Lighting Festival
Celebrate the season with live entertainment, kiddie train rides, and marvel at intricate ice carvings. Shop at Kris Kringle vendors, market stalls, and food vendors while kids craft letters to Santa. Don’t forget to visit Santa’s cottage for a magical experience, and gather for the exciting countdown to the Tree Lighting, followed by an amazing fireworks display.
Date: December 7
Time: 3PM-7PM
Cost: Free
Location: Courtland Commons, 400 E Courtland St, Mundelein
More Info: mundelein.org
Have Fun at Holiday Happenings
Start your day with a ‘Frozen’ character breakfast at Convito Café (advance reservations required). After, enjoy local shopping and dining promotions, and bring a receipt of $10 or more from a local business to get a free ticket to see Elf at The Wilmette Theatre. Also head to Village Green for hot chocolate, caroling, and the annual tree lighting. With other activities like a scavenger hunt, live performances and seeing the giant snow globe, this event is packed with activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Date: December 7
Time: 10AM-6PM
Cost: Free
Location: Various Locations
More Info: wilmette.gov
