Santa

Whether he’s waving goodbye to Joliet children sending him off to the North Pole, collecting Christmas letters from Oglesby youth in the Illinois Valley, running a 5K in Crystal Lake, or visiting swimmers at the Dixon YMCA, it seems Santa is everywhere. Where does he come from?

With Christmas upon us, who doesn’t love a good dose of holiday nostalgia? Looking back at more than a century of holiday history in McHenry County, we share some old front pages and some vintage photographs – the latter courtesy of our local historical societies – that remind us how much has changed, and how much hasn’t: children gathered around trees, light displays in the town square, playing in the snow, the warmth of friends and family. We hope you enjoy looking back on these historic images from around McHenry County. Merry Christmas!

Santa Claus took timeout from his busy schedule Wednesday to visit Lincoln Junior High School in La Salle and serve as the crossing guard for the day and spread holiday cheer to the students .

Photos from a 2023 evening with Santa Claus at First Christian Church

Mercyhealth Development Foundation has announced it will host a Visit with Santa event from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 19 at Mercyhealth Hospital and Physician Clinic-Crystal Lake, 875 S. Route 31 in the main lobby.

“A Winter Wonderland Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus" will take place from 8-11:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at the Joliet Central Student Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street in Joliet.

Santa Claus, the larger than life gift giver and spreader of holiday cheer, is coming to several DeKalb County communities this week to help children and their families prepare for the holiday season.

Cold weather doesn't deter holidayl event

Polo Christmas Festival organizers say there was a “great turnout” for the fourth annual event, despite the chilly weather.

It’s officially the holidays in DeKalb County, and as families gather gifts and plans for December, seasonal events abound, starting tonight as Santa Claus will make his way into downtown DeKalb for the lighting of the tree.

For the third year in a row, the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry will host Joliet’s annual Santa Fun Run & Walk. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. Dec. 3, at the intersection of Chicago and Van Buren streets in downtown Joliet.

Hugs were plentiful in Forreston when Santa Claus stopped by to visit

Santa made an early trip around Peru on Tuesday, but instead of his usual stable of reindeer, he was escorted by members of the Peru police and fire departments.

Families on the Fox and Vintage 53 in St. Charles present HO HO HO and Wine TO GO, described as a safe and socially distanced event featuring a visit with Santa.

Santa is still coming to Geneva in 2020. He’s just not going to be in his house.

Even a pandemic can’t keep Santa Claus from visiting Geneva Commons this year