The drive-thru light display is in Centennial Park in Rock Falls.

Activities include North Pole Christmas Market, North Pole Park, horse-drawn carriage rides and more.

This free event from the Batavia Park District celebrates the magic of the season with festive and fun holiday activities, song and ceremony, culminating in Santa’s arrival.

The beloved Chris Kringle Market opens for the season Friday, Nov. 28 in downtown Ottawa.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 5 p.m., greeting children near the Santa Hut on Benton Street.

The Festival of Lights and Christmas tree sale kick off Friday, Nov. 28.

The tours run on select days through Dec. 15.

The parade steps off at 6 p.m. in downtown Ottawa.

The market will feature treasures and treats from more than 40 local artisans, makers and small businesses.

The annual holiday event kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5.

More than 40 small local businesses will be showcasing their treasures at Main Street Merchants.

The Artist Sunday Road Rally is a free self-guided tour of local art studios and locations that support local artists. Participating locations will have live demos, art exhibitions and more.

Celebrate the holidays with a family brunch at these locations in northern Illinois.

Celebrate 'Drinksgiving,' the night before Thanksgiving, at these favorite bars and taverns in northern Illinois.

Join the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra as it combines a holiday dinner with homemade dessert raffles to support the orchestra while celebrating the season with the community.

Downtown Sycamore came alive Friday night during Moonlight Magic where storefronts hosted local arts, theater and dance groups performing holiday themed programs.

Make plans to spend a day exploring the historic city of Galena during the holiday season.

The historic home and grounds in Wheaton will be awash in color for the next month and beyond as Christmas at Cantigny returns Friday

Princeton's Christmas Walk Weekend kicks off Friday, Nov. 21 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 23.

Yorkville's Holiday Celebration is set for Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 22.

Rhinestone Cowgirls will perform this biggest hits from female country music artists at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre Nov. 21.

The annual Hometown Holidays weekend kicks off Friday, Nov. 21 in Rock Falls.

The Rialto Square Theatre in downtown Joliet will host several amazing performances this week, including comedian Brad Williams and country artist Chris Young.

Christmas at Cantigny opens for the holiday season on Friday, Nov. 21.

The popular holiday series returns to downtown Joliet this year with live music, holiday movies, unique performances and more.

The annual Rock Falls Hometown Holidays Christmas Walk is set for 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21.

The event will be held at The Graceful Ordinary in downtown St. Charles.

The brilliant light and color show runs through Jan. 3.

Kelly Bertog replaces former events manager Julie Hoffman, who had resigned from the position. She had been the village’s events manager since February 2018.

This holiday festival features light shows with McCormick House tours, ice skating, holiday treats, and a new, magical twist to Sunday nights.

The Festival of Lights Parade is Friday, Nov. 28.

The Christkindlemarket opens Friday, Nov. 21 at RiverEdge Park in downtown Aurora.

The Joliet Symphony Orchestra’s “Fate & Destiny” concert on Nov. 22-23 features Berlioz, Brahms, and Beethoven, spotlighting soloists Rebekah Cope-Evers and Patricia White.

Mosaic Kitchen & Cocktails is now open on South Third Street in Geneva.

The weekend kicks off Friday, Nov. 21 at Tangled Roots Brewing Company.

The annual Christmas Tree Walk, opens Friday, Nov. 28, following the Lighting of the Square.

Kendall County communities are ready to help you get into the holiday spirit. Yorkville is first up this weekend with its holiday parade.

Fans of the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” are in for a double treat when the Morrison Music Theater Association performs the radio version at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Crossroads Community Church, 300 W. South St. in Morrison.

Home for the Holidays, the Rialto Square Theatre’s annual season of festive special events, kicks off Nov. 21 in downtown Joliet.

The Milwaukee County Zoo's brilliant holiday display, Wild Lights, returns Nov. 21.

Wander the zoo, marvel at the millions of lights and sip Elf-inspired cocktails at the Nov. 20 event.

Soul Studio opens in Batavia with mocktails, workshops, yoga, sound baths, live music and a space to be yourself.

This year’s expanded market features 39 art and artisan vendors, 19 Clay Lab members and makers and The Sisthars: “Fragments into Form” exhibition.

Tickets include Leinenkugel-inspired dinner and beverage tastings and a chance to win great prizes.

Downtown Wheaton is offering a variety of family-friendly events to celebrate the holidays this season.

Holiday events include the annual Reindeer Run, Holiday Sip & Stroll, Dinner with Santa and more!

Stroll along the downtown area’s Treat Trail and marvel at the decorated windows while sipping hot cocoa and seasonal treats.

810 Billiards & Bowling is expected to open in early 2026.

Get a sneak peak at Morton Arboretum's "Illumination: Tree Lights" holiday light show at IllumiBrew on Friday, Nov. 14.

The Model Train Fair & Farm Toy Show is Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Bureau County Fairgrounds.