The event begins each year with the tree lighting, and features free photos with Santa at Santa’s Village, horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, the Dixon Municipal Band and more.

Enjoy a number of holiday performances in Elgin, Schaumburg and St. Charles this holiday season.

This comedy revue roasts everything from classic holiday movies to family gatherings to office parties with seasonal songs and more.

Twins Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, the sons of music legend Ricky Nelson and grandsons of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, will bring their show "Christmas with the Nelsons" to St. Charles Dec. 9.

This exhilarating concert experience marries rock favorites from iconic bands such as Metallica, Pink Floyd and Evanescence with beloved traditional carols, popular classical pieces and holiday standards.

Timber Lake Playhouse is excited to share a major update to its 2026 summer lineup: The hit musical "Les Misérables" will return to the TLP stage June 12–28, 2026.

Isaak will perform at the downtown Joliet theatre on Friday, Dec. 12.

The world-renowned pianist and composer returns to the stage with a heartwarming concert experience that celebrates the season through music, storytelling and holiday cheer.

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

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

Comedian Lee Hardin will headline the Dec. 4 show at Mad Water Saloon.

Downtown Crystal Lake kicks off its holiday events season of “Hallmark-like vibes and small town charm” Friday with its annual nighttime parade and the return of a beloved popcorn shack.

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

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

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.

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

Hear hits like "Hotel California," "Take it Easy," "Life in the Fast Lane" and many more Eagles hits at the Nov. 29 concert.

With wood-fired gourmet pizzas, sharable Italian-style tapas plates, and plentiful pastas, Fire + Wine looks to bring an upscale-casual atmosphere to St. Charles. The restaurant is expected to open in January.

Classic holiday family gatherings, office parties, movies, and Mariah Carey on infinite repeat will be severely lampooned in this fast-paced, interactive comedy revue.

The characters will perform songs from the unforgettable musical score of legendary composer Vince Guaraldi at the Dec. 8 show.

Pinot Noir is the perfect compliment to your Thanksgiving Day feast.

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

The restaurant serves customers the Gaucho tradition of churrasco at its South Third Street location.

The St. Charles Business Alliance has identified multiple “fraudulent online event pages” containing incorrect information about the upcoming St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade and Holiday Homecoming.

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

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

This festive spin on the Tony-nominated hit brings together four legendary voices – Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley – for a one-of-a-kind holiday jam session at Sun Records.

"Exes of Christmas Past" was filmed mostly in Woodstock, with some scenes shot in Lake County. The film is making its streaming debut.

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

In the third installment of the Christmas at Pemberley trilogy, two friends forge their own way in a Christmas season tale filled with music, ambition and sisterhood.

Audiences will notice some real magic inside Stage 212 now that the La Salle theater has undergone major improvements. And what better way to showcase the overhaul than with a little on-stage magic?

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.

The Hair Band Experience is Friday, Nov. 14, while Clash of the Tribute Bands: Journey vs. Foreigner is Friday, Jan. 16.

LaBelle, who has been called the “Godmother of Soul,” will perform hit songs like “Lady Marmalade,” “On My Own” and more from her six decades in the music industry.

Performances of “Hansel and Gretel” will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Downers Grove.

Marissa Kirch was a barista at the former All Chocolate Kitchen in Geneva. Now she owns it and has renamed it Coffee, Cones & Cabernet after the All Chocolate proprietors retired.

The band members in Liverpool Legends were hand-picked by George Harrison's sister Louise to carry on the legacy of the Beatles.

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

Iniga Pizzeria will open in DeKalb Nov. 15 and features signature wood-fired pizza. The restaurant relocated from Ottawa.

Check out this list of national chains and locally-owned restaurants offering specials to service members on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Fans will sing and dance along to chart-topping hits, including “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” “Love Story” and many more.

The Holiday Trolley Adventure will feature free carousel rides, a Christmas courtyard and a concert from the Rock-aFire Explosion animatronic band.

Explore the fine wines of Italian winery Tenuta Luce as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Frosty on First will run from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, immediately following the Run Run Rudolph 5K

The Dixon Historic Theatre welcomes Dishwalla on Nov. 29, and Texas Flood on Nov. 9.

Classical Arts Entertainment presents “Swan Lake” Ballet at the Rialto Square Theatre in downtown Joliet on Sunday, Nov. 16.

Black will bring his Back On The Blacktop Tour to the Rialto Square Theatre in downtown Joliet on Thursday, Nov. 13.

British guitarist Steve Hackett celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Genesis album “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway."

More than 30 downtown businesses will be open late, decked out for the holidays, and ready to kick off the festive shopping season.