Can't-Miss Holiday Events Near Oak Park In December
From cozy markets to spectacular light displays, there are countless ways for families and friends to enjoy the magic of the holiday season. We’ve gathered this list of December events for your holiday calendar; all are must-sees, whether you’re a visitor or call Oak Park and the near west suburbs home.
Bundle up, and grab your friends, family, and maybe a warm drink—this month’s lineup is all about creating festive memories.
BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO HOLIDAY MAGIC | WEEKENDS, NOVEMBER 21, 2025 – JANUARY 4, 2026
The elves at Brookfield Zoo Chicago in Brookfield use more than 3.5 million twinkling LED lights to create Holiday Magic with interactive light displays, including a giant maze and tunnels of light synchronized with holiday tunes, a stunning light orb, and a forest of more than 900 beautifully decorated trees that illuminate the night. Visit the Holiday Market for unique gifts and keepsakes, craft holiday cocktails, and festive treats, and enjoy a cozy visit with Santa, along with a professional photo session. Visit BrookfieldZoo.org/meet-santa to see Santa’s schedule.
Dates: November 21-23, 28-30, 2025; December 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 26-31, 2025; January 1-4, 2026
Time: 3:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL
WESTCHESTER WINTER WONDERLAND WALK | DECEMBER 3 and 4, 2025
Kick off the holidays with two evenings of magic and wonder! The annual Westchester Winter Wonderland Walk heralds Santa’s arrival with a tree lighting and a variety of family-friendly activities and events on December 3 and 4. The celebration includes visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, bedtime stories on a storybook trail, tree displays, entertainment, refreshments, and even the opportunity to meet real reindeer!
Dates: Wednesday, December 3, and Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: Community Park, 10201 Bond Street, Westchester, IL
COZY ON UP HOLIDAY ART MARKET | DECEMBER 4–14, 2025
Designed for one-stop holiday shopping, this market in the Oak Park Arts District features local artists and vendors with one-of-a-kind handmade pieces. Live music and entertainment add to the holiday magic and neighborhood spirit.
Dates: Thursday, December 4 and 11; Friday, December 5 and 12; Saturday, December 6 and 13; Sunday, December 7 and 14
Times: 4:00–8:00 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2:00–8:00 p.m. Saturdays; and noon–5:00 p.m. (Sundays)
Location: 217 Harrison Street, Oak Park, IL
FOREST PARK HOLIDAY WALK | DECEMBER 5, 2025
At the annual Holiday Walk in Forest Park, Madison Street will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring sparkling window displays, open houses at local merchants, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Don’t miss Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by fire engine at 6:00 p.m. to light the tree at Constitution Court! Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Forest Park Bank.
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: Madison Street, Forest Park, IL
RIVERSIDE HOLIDAY STROLL | DECEMBER 5, 2025
The Riverside community is celebrating five decades of holiday cheer with the 50th annual lighting of the village Christmas tree in Centennial Park. Local businesses invite neighbors and friends inside to warm up with crafts, snacks, and entertainment while families gather at the Riverside Public Library for kids’ crafts, a Christmas book sale, and the opportunity to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Also enjoy caroling and an art exhibit featuring works by District 96 students at Riverside Township Hall and a holiday artisan market at the train station.
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 5:30–9:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Riverside, Riverside, IL
LA GRANGE PARK TREE LIGHTING | DECEMBER 5, 2025
Join the La Grange Park community for that enchanting moment when the village tree is lit in Memorial Park. Come together with friends and neighbors for an evening filled with caroling, hot chocolate, and lots of holiday cheer at this free, family-friendly event.
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Memorial Park, 132 West Oak Avenue, La Grange Park, IL
KRAMPUSNACHT: A HOLIDAY HUNT | DECEMBER 5, 2025
Take a walk on the dark side in Oak Park this holiday season. While Santa rewards the nice, folklore says Krampus comes for the naughty—so beware when this legendary Christmas beast prowls the night. If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate, this cocktail party promises a night of thrills, chills, and twisted holiday cheer. Light appetizers and drink tickets are included with registration. Ages 21+ only.
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: Pleasant Home, 217 Home Avenue, Oak Park, IL
HOLIDAY HOUSE WALK & MARKET | DECEMBER 5 and 6, 2025
Gather inspiration and do some shopping at the Oak Park River Forest Holiday House Walk & Market. This annual event offers you a glimpse into four festively decorated historic homes in Oak Park and River Forest, along with a curated market featuring 22 local vendors offering unique gifts, gourmet food, and delicious holiday treats. All proceeds from the event benefit the OPRF Infant Welfare Society.
Dates: Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6, 2025
Times: vary
Location: IWS Children’s Clinic, 28 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL
GERMAN HOLIDAY MARKET AND TREE LIGHTING | DECEMBER 5 AND 6, 2025
This festive two-day event in Brookfield begins with a Friday night fish fry featuring plenty of German beer, snacks, and musical entertainment. Then spend Saturday enjoying hayrides, a storybook walk, and kids’ crafts. Visit the big tent for entertainment, food, desserts, beverages, and vendors selling holiday gifts.
Dates: Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6, 2025
Times: 5:00–9:00 p.m. Friday and 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Saturday
Location: Brookfield City Hall, 2000 North Calhoun Road, Brookfield, IL
LA GRANGE HOLIDAY WALK | DECEMBER 6, 2025
Kick things off with the 5:30 p.m. tree lighting at Village Hall, then welcome Santa as he arrives by fire truck and stay for a cheerful all-village sing-along. Families can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos at Village Hall, then stroll through Downtown La Grange and the West End to enjoy local business’ open houses, stunning ice sculptures, and trolley rides. Kids will have a great time with free train rides, a petting zoo, and other activities designed to spread holiday cheer.
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Location: Village Hall, 53 LaGrange Road, La Grange, IL
WINTERFEST & COOKIE WALK | DECEMBER 6, 2025
This unique Oak Park event includes a Cookie Walk, where local businesses hand out cookies, chocolates, and sweet surprises to participants who have pre-purchased a 2025 Cookie Walk tin. Winterfest entertainment includes choral performances, winter tales from storytellers at the Book Loft, and a free showing of The Polar Express at Lake Theatre. Be on the lookout for Santa, who will be wandering around town making his list and checking it twice! Register in advance to purchase your tin.
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m–3:00 p.m. (the Cookie Walk begins at 11:00 a.m.)
Location: Lake Street and Marion Street, Oak Park, IL
VINTAGE STORE BUS TOUR | DECEMBER 7, 2025
Hop on a bus and explore timeless style, hidden treasures, and sustainable fashion at some of the best vintage shops in Oak Park and beyond. The tour starts at Manuche in Oak Park and takes you to Forest Park, Broadview, the La Grange Park Antique Mall, and Jackson Square Antique Mall in La Grange.
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at Manuche, 146 Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park Avenue
PARK DISTRICT HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING | DECEMBER 9, 2025
Join friends and neighbors at the Park District of La Grange’s tree lighting. This annual holiday event features entertainment, hot cocoa, and cookies, plus special visitors from the North Pole.
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Location: Waiola Park, 500 South Waiola Avenue, La Grange, IL
ART & WINE WALK | DECEMBER 13, 2025
Enjoy some sipping and shopping in the Oak Park Arts District at the Second Annual Art & Wine Walk. Support artists and local businesses and treat yourself to a fun afternoon out with outstanding wines, magnificent art, delicious small bites, and great holiday shopping.
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 3:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Oak Park Arts District, Oak Park, IL
HOLIDAY HAPPENING | DECEMBER 14, 2025
Take a deep breath and relax while the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest presents a live performance featuring Ravel’s Valses nobles et sentimentales, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and Bizet’s L'Arlésienne: Suites I + II, plus a lively holiday sing-along, at the Concordia University Chapel.
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. (free pre-concert conversation at 3:00 p.m.)
Location: Concordia University Chapel, 7400 Augusta Street, River Forest, IL
MELROSE PARK CHRISTMAS LIGHTS PARADE | DECEMBER 17, 2025
The annual Village of Melrose Park Christmas Lights Parade with Santa begins at the Melrose Park Civic Center and travels through the village, spreading holiday cheer and the spirit of the season. Enjoy the sparkling lights, cheerful music, and of course, a visit from Santa Claus.
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Melrose Park Civic Center, 1000 25th Avenue, Melrose Park, IL
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS | DECEMBER 20, 2025
Catch the holiday spirit with free horse-drawn carriage rides and a visit with Santa! Enjoy a Cocoa Walk in Downtown Oak Park with free cups of hot cocoa from Crepas Culichi, Kribi Coffee, Vigo Coffee, and Wise Cup.
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: Lake Street and Marion Street, Oak Park, IL
THE PROCRASTINATOR'S HOLIDAY SHOP and SIP | DECEMBER 21, 2025
It’s never too late to find the perfect gift! Studio 928 and Style Society host an artful afternoon of community, creativity, and last-minute holiday cheer in the heart of Oak Park’s creative corridor. Browse handcraft gifts, from fine chocolates to artisan silver from local vendors, while relishing food, drinks, and live music.
Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Time: 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Art Studio 928, 451 South Boulevard, Oak Park, IL