The holiday season is here and there are many ways to celebrate locally! My children (Micah, Abigail, Noah and Elizabeth) will be home with us this season to take advantage of many of these events. Our communities offer several great opportunities to spend time gathered with family and friends while we usher in the season together. Whether you’re joining for the first time or continuing a well-loved family tradition, we’re confident there is something for everyone.
Here’s a list of a few of the most anticipated holiday happenings in our Chicagoland area…
Clarendon Hills
Beginning November 27, purchase your luminaries from the Infant Welfare Society at the Lions Club Pool Parking lot. “Lighting Up the Night” for over 60 years, the IWS Clarendon Hills chapter has sold luminaria to light the winding roads of the community and raise critical funds. Purchase luminaries through December 24, then light your candles at dusk on Christmas Eve! (Pro Tip: instead of sand, cut 2x4’s into bag length pieces, drill a hole in the middle and place your candle in!) This is a beautiful tradition that shines as a symbol of unity in our Clarendon Hills community.
The annual Clarendon Hills Holiday Walk will take place on Saturday December 5 from 4-8 p.m. in the downtown business district. Start your evening with local merchant shopping at 4 p.m., and save time to see Frozen characters beginning at 4:15 p.m. Anna and Elsa will be at Burlington Plaza from 4:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. At 5 p.m. make sure you head over to Village Hall for the beloved tree lighting ceremony. Following the tree lighting enjoy spending time in downtown Clarendon Hills with more shopping, visiting Santa and his elves, train rides on the Daisy Express and even a horse drawn carriage 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 60th Annual Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting will take place on Friday December 4 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 Hinsdale for the Holidays event on Saturday December 12 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hosted at Burlington Park, this free event features decorating gingerbread cookies, taking a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride, visiting with Santa and more! It’s the perfect way to enjoy the holiday season and make lasting memories in the heart of Hinsdale.
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. One of the highlights of the month is the Frosty & Friends Parade. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday December 5, the parade steps off and proceeds down Cass Ave. from Chicago Ave. to Quincy St. Additional entertainment includes visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, downtown business open houses, treats and more.
Other Holly Days highlights include:
Holly Days Giving Tree & Food Drive from November 3 to December 3 at the Westmont Community Center
North Pole Elf Olympics on December 3 at the Westmont Community Center
Snow Much Fun! on December 4 at Veterans Memorial Park
Santa’s train ride on December 20 at the Westmont train station
Santa sleigh visit offered December 7– 10
Breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph on December 19 at the Westmont Community Center
… 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 13 with a festive trolley ride, meeting Santa, crafts, bounce house and more. Time slots are available here from 1 – 3:40 p.m.
Lisle
Lights of Lisle is back this year, another fun family tradition! On Saturday December 5 visit downtown Lisle from 2:30–6:30 p.m. for the tree lighting ceremony, Santa Parade, food and beverages, music, festive activities 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. During the event families can also enjoy “Once Upon a Christmas”, including visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Train Depot, holiday crafts and workshops, activities, refreshments and more! The event will be held at the Museums at Lisle Station Park.
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 November 14 through January 2, 2027 so there is plenty of time to visit and appreciate the displays!