Members of the Rock Falls Police Department were dispatched Monday, Dec. 22, to complete operation Santa Claus.

After a successful giveaway on Thanksgiving eve, Breaking Bread Catering & Deli will be giving out another 100 free loaves of bread ahead of Christmas.

The River Valley Wind Ensembles presented its annual Holiday Concert, preceded by Christmas carols, on Sunday at Olivet Nazarene University’s Larsen Fine Arts Center in Bourbonnais.

Through Jan. 5, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office will take part in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High. Get a DUI.” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.

For all of those years of giving and sharing, Troy School District 30-C recently honored Robyn Apgar with its “Troy High-Five Award.”

Santa will roll past the downtown Herscher grain bins once again for the 30th annual Christmas in Herscher celebration on Friday evening, Dec. 19.

Bishop McNamara pulled ahead to a 62-41 victory over Clifton Central in the Watseka Holiday Tournament championship on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.

Attendees and parade participants braved the cold for the Kankakee Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.

Dixon Police and Lee County sheriff's deputies took 48 kids through Walmart Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, on a shopping spree to ensure a happy holiday.

Evelyn Grace Kamer, a sophomore at Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox and member of student council, will portray St. Lucia – also known as the Queen of Light – at the festival.

The horse-drawn wagon rides and Santa & Mrs. Claus visits now will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday. Dec. 19, at Centennial Park in Rock Falls.

Pick up some Christmas treats and gifts in one place this Saturday at the Manteno Church of the Nazarene’s Vendor Fair & Cookie Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sponsored by Candlelight Inn, these festive rides will run from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 2025, with the last ride at 8:15 p.m. Please note that no vehicles will be allowed in the park that evening.

Runners braved the cold for the 35th annual Jingle Bell Run at Kankakee Community College on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation.

Candy canes, caroling and a Claus or two were just a few of the seasonal delights to be seen, heard and tasted at Geneva's Christmas Walk, which also featured the lighting of the Great Tree on at the Kane County courthouse lawn. The annual event was hosted by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce with support from the city.

Holiday cheer warmed the crowd in the cold weather during the 40th annual Bradley Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.

Barb City Manor, an independent retirement living community in DeKalb, hopes to spread a bit of cheer for a good cause this holiday season.

The Kane County Health Department is reminding residents that the holiday season – while joyful – can also bring added stress, financial pressure, grief, busy schedules and emotional strain.

About 80 children were able to shop for Christmas gifts at Walmart at no cost on Saturday thanks to the Joliet Police Department. 

New Hope Presbyterian Church in Coal City will again host its annual Blue Christmas service at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, the the church said in a news release.

The holiday season officially arrived in Kankakee when Santa Claus came to the city depot.

Despite frigid temperatures, the city of Kankakee welcomed Santa Claus and guests during the 19th annual Lion Wreathing and Tree Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.

Santa Claus is coming to Huntley – and will be among the first participants in a new holiday parade at Very Merry Huntley. And find a listing of other weekend Christmas events.

The Kankakee County Museum is officially aglow with the twinkle of Christmas lights for the 47th annual Gallery of Trees, themed "Blast from the Past." The experience kicks off Thursday, Dec. 4, and runs through December with the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Eager children and their families bundled up Friday to greet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in downtown Sycamore for the annual Walk with Santa and lighting of the tree on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn.

The city of Wheaton and Wheaton Park District will again present the annual Light Up Wheaton holiday decorating contest.

Limited edition 2025 Shorewood Holiday Market mugs will be available for purchase.

On Dec. 6 at VFW Post 4551, a community of volunteers will come together united by a shared mission to give sailors and veterans a meaningful holiday experience in Antioch.

The Kankakee County Museum held its 47th annual Gallery of Trees preview party on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. The gallery, themed "Blast from the Past," is now open through December from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

The cold weather has snuffed out the luminary light display and music that had been planned for Thursday evening in downtown Crystal Lake, but organizers hope Luminary Nights will be back Dec. 11 and 18.

Column: The Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual “Celebrate the Season” from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, in downtown Genoa, writes Krissy Johnson of the chamber.

Concerns regarding the forecasted cold temperatures on Thursday's evening, the tree lighting event at The Grove in Bourbonnais has been canceled.

A classical string quartet will perform holiday favorites – and thousands of candles will illuminate the concert in Joliet.

Santa Claus himself will visit DeKalb County this week in multiple places to ring in the most wonderful time of the year. On Thursday, DeKalb's annual Lights on Lincoln event will move indoors.

Westmont will kick off its holiday celebration Dec. 5 with Snow Much Fun

The area in and around Lockport City and Hall and the White Oak Library District Lockport Branch became a winter wonderland during the Christmas in the Square event on Saturday, Nov. 29.

The walk was set for Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, but was postponed due to the impending snowstorm, City Manager Darin DeHaan announced in a Facebook Post.

Blessing Bandits was founded by Katie Rabenda, a Joliet attorney who works for the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office.

St. Charles Holiday Homecoming kicked off Friday with the Lighting of the Lights and the arrival of Santa. And despite several inches of snow expected to fall Saturday, the second day of the festivities – the Electric Christmas Parade - was still a-go as of Friday afternoon. “Snow is coming — and so is the magic,“ the city said in a Facebook post. ”Snow is expected to start accumulating on Saturday, but don’t worry … The Electric Christmas Parade is STILL ON at 5:30 p.m.!"

The City of Joliet ushers in the holiday season with the Light Up the Holidays Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade in Downtown Joliet on Friday, Nov. 28.

Tree-lightings, parade and festival about this holiday season in the McHenry County area, starting right after Thanksgiving and through Christmas.

The public is invited to take in hand-crafted art, décor and gifts of all sorts at delightfully decked-out booths during the Chain O’ Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce’s Mistletoe & Martinis — A Festive Christmas Market.

The Village of Fox Lake invites residents, visitors, and community partners to celebrate one of the community’s most beloved traditions as the 2025 Festival of Lights returns Nov. 29.

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

Find all the “Wright” holiday gifts this Friday at Kankakee’s very own Frank Lloyd Wright home as the B. Harley Bradley House gift shop opens for its Shop Wright on Black Friday event from 8 a.m. to noon. Earn a sneak peek of the decorated house with a purchase.

The city of Rock Falls is excited to kick off the sixth annual holiday light display Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at Centennial Park.

Plainfield East High School band and choir students departed Sunday morning for Disney Word to perform in the Thanksgiving Day Parade and at EPCOT.

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

Starting at 5:30 pm Nov. 21, celebrate the joy of the season with holiday carolers, a craft station, s’mores, and special visits from none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Hawthorn Christmas Experience returns with festive family events, memorable photo moments, and a giving initiative designed to spread warmth throughout the community.