December is packed with holiday cheer in our local towns - and you won’t want to miss the celebrations unfolding right nearby. With so much happening, we’ve taken the guesswork out of finding the best events. Consider this your one-stop guide to the season’s most festive happenings, all curated to help you enjoy the magic close to home.
Clarendon Hills
The annual Clarendon Hills Holiday Walk will take place on Saturday December 6 from 4-8 p.m. in the downtown business district. Start your evening with local merchant shopping at 4 p.m. and visiting with Elsa and Anna beginning at 4:15 p.m. Then head over to Village Hall for the beloved tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Following the tree lighting enjoy spending time in downtown Clarendon Hills with more shopping, visiting Santa and his elves, and even a horse drawn wagon ride for the whole family! This evening is one filled with lots of joy and holiday spirit, and is a special tradition that Clarendon Hills holds dear.
Hinsdale
Hinsdale’s Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting will take place on Friday December 5 from 5-7 p.m. This year families can enjoy visiting with Santa in his village, riding the holiday train and carousel, and shopping downtown amongst local businesses!
For even more holiday fun, Hinsdalean families and friends are invited to join the Winter Wonderland event on Sunday December 7 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hosted at Katherine Legge Memorial Park (KLM Park), this event features photos with Santa, music, holiday crafts and activities, and visits with your favorite Frozen characters. Goodies also include a hot chocolate bar, treat station, and more!
Hinsdale offers many ways to celebrate the holiday season, you can learn more about those opportunities here.
Westmont
Westmont’s annual Holly Days is back this year! A month-long celebration of fun for the whole family, Holly Days is hosted by a variety of Westmont organizations and public agencies. The highlight of the month is the Frosty & Friends Parade followed by a tree lighting ceremony and pictures with Santa. Beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday December 6, the Westmont High School Choir invites the entire community to join them at the train station plaza for a community Christmas carol sing-along. The parade then begins at 5 p.m. followed by the Tree Lighting immediately after.
Other Holly Days highlights include:
- Family ornament decorating on December 2 at the Westmont Public Library
- Santa’s train ride on December 21 at the Westmont train station
- Santa sleigh visit offered December 8 – 12
- Breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph on December 20 at the Administrative Building
… and more! The full listing of Holly Days festivities can be found here.
Oak Brook
Looking for that special gift this holiday season? Head over to Oakbrook Center for their expanded shopping hours! The area becomes a festive and magical place to visit, with opportunities to see and take photos with Santa.
Oak Brook Park District also hosts Holiday Express on Sunday December 14 with a festive trolley ride, meeting Santa, crafts, bounce house and more. Time slots are available here from 1 – 5 p.m.
Lisle
Lights of Lisle is back this year, another fun family tradition! On Saturday December 6 visit downtown Lisle from 3–7 p.m. for the tree lighting ceremony, Santa Parade, live ice carving and much more. The Santa Parade will kick off at 4:30 p.m., with the tree lighting occurring right after at 5 p.m. in front of Village Hall.
The Morton Arboretum will also have Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum again this year, an incredible display of lights, color, and music transforming the trees. Illumination runs through January 3, 2026 so there is plenty of time to visit and appreciate the displays!