The 2026 McHenry Music Festival will combine country, southern rock and metal acts - possibly for the last time

Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake will host "Jingle Belles" live comedy, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Classical Blast! performances this weekend.

Families can meet Santa's reindeer and get photos with the magical animals at the Christmas Town event, which runs through Dec. 23 on select dates.

Enjoy brunch with Santa, holiday parties, Christmas Day brunch, New Year's Eve celebration and much more at this classic Lake Geneva resort.

The Holiday Spectacular Concert is set for Friday, Dec. 12.

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.

Leave the cooking and clean up to someone else on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

Visit these spectacular light shows and displays this Christmas season.

Check out holiday themed bars at locations around the suburbs, including Oak Brook, Naperville, St. Charles, South Elgin and more.

Volo Museum is celebrating its 65th anniversary by giving away a 1960 Buick LeSabre featured in a movie starring actors Jimmy Stewart and Bette Davis.

Huntley made the season bright Saturday with A Very Merry Huntley, featuring live reindeer, a big Santa arrival, Kris Kringle market, the Lighting of the Square, fireworks and, for the first time this year, a parade.

The Greggory is centered around live-fire cooking in an open-show kitchen with a menu that includes dishes such as bone-in prime rib, Slagel Farms rotisserie chicken and Mediterranean sea bass.

This hilarious evening of stand-up comedy will feature Ana Belaval, Andrea Darlas and Joanna Clark on Thursday, Dec. 11 at Raue Center for the Arts in downtown Crystal Lake.

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.

Port Barrington's Arctic Winter Bar features live music, heated barn and seasonal craft cocktails through Feb. 1.

The holiday season is getting a spirited new twist with the debut of Captain Santa’s Pop-Up Bar, opening Dec. 4 at Pier 91 in Port Barrington, located at 99 Kazimour Drive in Port Barrington.

Holiday events include a Very Merry Huntley, Home for the Holidays at the McHenry County Historical Society & Museum and Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival.

The free performances will include holiday hits with the joyful harmonies of the Andrews Sisters.

Check out the shows and live performances at venues like the Rialto Square Theatre, Woodstock Opera House, Raue Center for the Arts, Egyptian Theatre and more!

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

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

"A Carpenters Christmas" features classics like “Merry Christmas Darling,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and more holiday favorites from The Carpenters’ two iconic Christmas albums.

The event, which starts with caroling at 6:30 p.m. and the Messiah at 7 p.m., is both a community celebration of the start of the holiday season and a fundraiser for local charities.

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

Woodstock's annual Lighting of the Square is set for Friday, Nov. 28.

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

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

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.

Celebrate the holidays with friends and family at these favorite bars and taverns in northern Illinois.

Check out these theaters across northern Illinois that are bringing holiday classics like "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol" to life this season.

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.

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, Nov. 27 in 2025. Make your dinner reservations now and leave the cooking and clean up to someone else!

'It's a Wonderful Christmas Carol' runs on select dates through Nov. 30 at the Woodstock Opera House.

Here are the winners for the best coffee shops in the Best of the Fox, Best of the Illinois Valley, DeKalb County's Finest and Sauk Valley Favorites contest.

“A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol” will run Nov. 21–Dec. 7 at Raue Center for the Arts in downtown Crystal Lake.

Woodstock native Daniel Rausch will perform with The 4 C Notes at the Opera House on Saturday, Dec. 6.

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.

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

Huntley will open its retail incubator, Shops on Main, on Saturday with 10 small retailers selling everything from clothing to candy to kitchen gadgets and pastries.

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.

The Frostmoon Faire is Saturday, Nov. 15 at The Dole in Crystal Lake. The McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes Holiday Market runs on Saturdays through Dec. 6.

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.

The historic Dole mansion will host the first Indoor Winter Market for the season on Sunday, Nov. 9.