Family Friendly Festive Events, Tree Lighting Ceremonies, and Holiday Lights Displays in Lake County

Nov 26, 2024

For many, Thanksgiving marks the start of the official holiday season and the first of many family gatherings. Today, we’re sharing some fun holiday lights displays you can enjoy with your family starting this month and running through December and January. You’ll experience absolutely enchanting lights displays, twinkling winter wonderlands, cozy Christmas villages, tree lighting ceremonies, and much more. Some of the options on the list are walkable and others are drive-through, offering you flexibility and accessibility for all.

The Waukegan Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at the Jack Benny Plaza at Clayton and Genesee Streets starting at 5PM.

The Festival of Lights Holiday Market with a Mr and Mrs Claus Meet and Greet, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and holiday parade will be happening on Friday November 29th from 2PM to 7PM in Downtown Grayslake. Join in the fun with live music and entertainment, food vendors, crafts, games, and carriage rides for all to enjoy.

The Libertyville Tree Lighting and Downtown Holiday Walk will be happening on Friday November 29th from 6:30PM to 9PM starting at Cook Memorial Park at Milwaukee Avenue. Enjoy delightful festive music, caroling and songs, and more holiday themed entertainment. Plus, there’s rumors that Santa may make an appearance to help with the tree lighting! Downtown area merchants are also offering extended holiday shopping hours and special dining deals for the season.

The Fox Lake Festival of Lights will be coming to town at Millennium Park Fox Lake on Saturday November 30th from 3PM to 8PM. Enjoy the Kris Kringle Winter Market for some local holiday shopping at the Community Garden Green. Welcome the holiday season with a parade and subsequent tree lighting ceremony and official opening of Santa’s Cottage.

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will be arriving in Gurnee this year on December 3rd from 5PM to 7:30PM. For one night only, enjoy an evening of holiday magic and music as you’re serenaded by country music stars Tenille Towns and BRELAND, followed by a visit from Santa; tickets will go fast, so purchase today!

The Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden has been underway since November 15th and will run through January 5th. This year’s event is a 1.3 mile trail with all new installations for the season. Admission is by timed entry, but visitors can explore at their own pace and take in the sights at their leisure. For adults 21 and over, there are a series of special nights dedicated to “Cocktails Under the Lights” with handcrafted drinks and cocktails to sip and enjoy as you stroll.

The Time Warp Express Christmas Adventure is underway from November 22nd through December 30th at the Volo Museum. This unique experience allows you to become a part of the festive story as you enter a magical realm adventure to help find Santa! The event begins with a cozy cup of cocoa, cookies, and a meeting with Santa before he’s mysteriously whisked away. You’ll follow the clues through seasonal lights displays and a train ride or trolley on your way to find the big man himself and keep the spirit of Christmas alive and well!

Vintage Holidays in Historic Downtown Long Grove officially opened on November 22nd and will be running through December 24th in Long Grove. Stores will be staying open later for holiday shopping and special events. Festive lights and window displays will decorate the town and businesses. There will also be photo ops and stations around town, and maybe even a chance to meet Santa on special days!

Kringle’s Christmas Village is now open daily in Antioch and runs November 23rd through December 31st! Stroll through spirited seasonal displays and window decor and a vast indoor show room with holiday themed shadowboxes. This year the event has also added a special Dickens Village for a little Christmas Carol nostalgia. After you’ve explored all of the unique displays, you can help select your favorite holiday tree in the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest from special community-decorated trees. Best of all, the event is free to attend!

Snowland is officially underway at the Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee from November 25th through January 5th. This annual holiday celebration invites guests to get cozy in a winter wonderland lodge filled to the brim with family-friendly festivities. Enjoy seasonal arts and crafts, play games like Snowland Bingo, or enjoy a Snowland Scavenger Hunt. There’s even a holiday Frosty Fest Family Dance Party for all to attend. Plus, we couldn’t forget the chance to meet Santa himself, too!

The Annual Germann Family Holiday Lights Display Show opens December 1st through January 1st in Gurnee. This family home is turned into a festive lights display featuring musical synced lights displays, animated displays, and more. Plus, the Germann Family invites you to help them help the community by collecting food and donations for the Illinois Food Bank! Bring your family and friends for the merriment, and share a generous donation of food to spread some holiday cheer to those who need it most.

The Christmas Musical Light Shows are resuming festivities from December 1st through the 25th at the Antioch Bandshell in Antioch. There are two unique and festive displays synchronized to music you can catch on your car’s radio; the shows will alternate each day with one on even numbered dates and one on odd numbered dates so you can catch both at your leisure. Admission is free for all to enjoy!

The Christmas Luminary Hike event runs from December 13th through December 22nd at the Quentin Road Baptist Church of Lake Zurich. This spiritual hike through a luminary-lit forest trail will bring you right into the story of Bethlehem on the eve of Christmas while you meet townspeople, angels, and more and hear the religious story of Christmastime.