Christmas Bingo: It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy Night!
Madison Street Theater invites you to a performance of the hit holiday comedy "CHRISTMAS BINGO: IT’S A HO-HO-HOLY NIGHT." Written by Vicki Quade, "CHRISTMAS BINGO" brings together two of the best things about being Catholic: Christmas and Bingo.
Location: Oak Park
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Holiday Magic
This holiday season, get ready to visit Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival featuring over two million twinkling LED lights at Brookfield Zoo Chicago!
Location: Brookfield
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Winter Wonderland Walk
The Westchester Winter Wonderland Walk is a great way to kick off the holiday season! There will be a tree lighting, camel rides, a storybook trail, hot cocoa and a DJ with special guests Santa, Mrs. Claus and their reindeer.
Location: Westchester
A Frosty Affair
Come together for a day filled with local shopping, entertainment and festive fun that will get everyone in the holiday spirit. Here’s what attendees can look forward to:
complimentary gift wrapping, photos with Santa, live entertainment and local vendors.
Location: Oak Park
Wonder Works Winter Wonderland
Wonder Works has transformed into a Winter Wonderland with special guests the Winter Princess and Ursa the Wonder Polar Bear. Enjoy winter-themed story time and a variety of stations and play materials celebrating the magic of snow and winter, including a human-sized snow globe, indoor snowball parachute play, insta-snow sensory play, a snowflake scavenger hunt and a winter-themed craft.
Location: Oak Park
Holiday Walk
At the Forest Park Holiday Walk, you'll enjoy live window displays, merchant open houses, horse-drawn carriage rides, balloon twisting Santa and Mrs. Claus, an ice sculpture photo op and more!
Location: Forest Park
Riverside Holiday Stroll
Mark your calendars for the Riverside Holiday Stroll! This cherished annual event, a Riverside tradition for nearly 50 years, officially kicks off the holiday season in style. From 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., join us in downtown Riverside for an evening of festive activities and community fun.
Location: Riverside
La Grange Park Tree Lighting
Head to La Grange Park's annual tree lighting ceremony Dec. 6 at 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Park. Enjoy live performances, hot chocolate, caroling, festivities and other holiday cheer. Bring the whole family to this fun and free event!
Location: La Grange Park
Holiday House Walk & Market
Grab some friends and family for the kick-off holiday event of the year! Join us December 6 & 7 for a glimpse into six amazing homes in Oak Park and River Forest, each festively decorated by the homeowners. Get creative ideas for your own decor and tablescapes and view arrangements by local florists. Check out an amazing market to begin the season and get a jumpstart on holiday shopping.
Location: Oak Park, River Forest
Home for the Holidays
Head to Oak Park for this free tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, all decked out in holiday finery.
Location: Oak Park
Hometown Holidays
La Grange celebrates the holidays with heart-warming traditions and festive excitement to support our local businesses. Enjoy festive lights, holiday sales, a sing-along, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday trolley ride and more fun!
Location: La Grange
Kris Kringle Market
The 2nd Annual Kris Kringle Market in Brookfield is shaping up to be a festive extravaganza that promises to outshine its inaugural year. Browse the wares of over 70 vendors, showcasing unique gifts and crafts, while elf helpers assist in penning wishes to Santa. Take pictures at one of many photo backdrops, visit the petting zoo and so much more!
Location: Brookfield
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Winterfest Cookie Walk
Head to downtown Oak Park for Winterfest, where you'll feel in the holiday spirit! Featuring a cookie walk, choir performance, jazz trio performance and a free screening of "Elf" at Lake Theatre.
Location: Oak Park
The Nutcracker
Follow Clara through the magical world of dance in Chicagoland’s longest running annual production of "The Nutcracker." Artistic Director Donna Vittorio’s rendition of Tchaikovsky’s" The Nutcracker" is a perfect holiday tradition the whole family will enjoy.
Location: River Forest
Maywood Christmas Tree Lighting
Bring the entire family for this fun and free tree lighting ceremony in Maywood. The festive afternoon includes holiday treats, activities and special guests Irving Middle School "Showstoppers", Stairway of the Stars, Flames Cheerleaders, Proviso East Marching Band Dancing Divas and, of course, Santa Claus!
Location: Maywood
Breakfast with Santa
Santa is coming to town early this year and can’t wait to spend his morning with you! Celebrate the holidays with your children by treating them to breakfast with Santa. After your delicious meal, take your picture with Santa and receive a special treat! Space is limited - register early! Note: All participants must register, adults included.
Location: Franklin Park
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Holiday Open House
Join the La Grange Historical Society for some old-fashioned cheer at its holiday open house! The Vial House will be beautifully adorned for Christmas with decor through the decades. Enjoy music, refreshments and children's activities. Be sure to buy a raffle ticket for a beautiful Christmas arrangement donated by the La Grange Garden Club. Invite your family and friends to enjoy a magical holiday afternoon at the Vial House.
Location: La Grange
Dinner with Santa
Enjoy a delicious holiday buffet at Brookfield Zoo Chicago featuring all your favorite festive treats, then get ready for the highlight of the night: seeing Santa Claus! As you explore the zoo's illuminated grounds, immerse yourself in the holiday magic and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Location: Brookfield
Holiday Sips and Sweets Tour
The La Grange Historical Society invites you for an evening of hors d’ oeuvres, holiday drinks and scrumptious desserts in four historic homes in La Grange. This is a glimpse into how families share their traditions and festive holiday decoration, so let's celebrate together! Space is limited so secure your reservations now!
Location: La Grange
"Holiday Promise" Symphony Concert
Enjoy selections from Tchaikovsky, Beethoven and Copland played by the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest at its "Holiday Promise" concert! Get there early for a free pre-concert conversation at 3 p.m.
Location: River Forest
Soup & Bread West
Soup & Bread West is a community event and dinner raising money occurring every third Tuesday of each month at Robert's Westside.
Location: Forest Park
Bowling with Santa
Robert's Westside is going bowling with Santa! You’re encouraged to wear your best Santa suit or holiday outfit and join in on an afternoon filled with holiday cheer!
Location: Forest Park
Kids New Year's Eve Bash
Come along with your little one and enjoy a festive New Year's Eve bash at the indoor playground at Stevenson Community Center! Kids will enjoy crafts, dancing, a balloon drop and an apple juice toast, along with play time on the climbable indoor playground equipment.
Location: Oak Park
Noon Year's Eve Skate Party
For those who can't stay up until midnight, the Park District of Oak Park is hosting a "Noon Year’s Eve” skating party at Ridgeland Common skating rink! Enjoy a will be a countdown to noon, as well as fun games and activities both on and off the ice in celebration of 2025.
Location: Oak Park
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Wonder Works Noon Year's Eve
Dress your festive best and join Wonder Works for the last playdate of 2024! Enjoy a balloon drop, themed crafts, costumed characters, full museum access and a fun photobooth.
Location: Oak Park