Can't-Miss Holiday Events Near Oak Park In November
From eclectic craft markets to dazzling light displays, there are countless ways for families and friends to make the most of the holiday season’s magic. We’ve put together the must-see November events for your holiday calendar, whether you’re a local or a visitor. Grab your coat, your friends, and maybe a warm drink—this month’s lineup is all about making festive memories.
Clay Ornaments Holiday Workshop
Riverside Arts Center | 32 East Quincy Street, Riverside, IL
Monday, November 10, 2025
Head to the Riverside Arts Center on Monday, November 10, at 7:00 p.m. to create unique handmade holiday ornaments. In this three-hour workshop, artist Shawn Vincent will guide you through the process of crafting wonderful keepsakes and fabulous gifts.
Winter Greens Market
Oak Park Conservatory | 615 Garfield Street, Oak Park, IL
Tuesdays through Sundays, November 14 to December 21, 2025
Deck your halls with a selection from Oak Park Conservatory’s Winter Greens Market. Tuesdays through Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., November 14 through December 21, browse an array of fresh balsam, fir, boxwood, winter berries, magnolia tips, spruce tops, and other natural items to add a festive touch to your home.
Drop by the Oak Park Conservatory on Saturday, November 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the Winter Greens Market Open House, featuring live demonstrations of crafting stunning holiday containers and wreaths. Grab some refreshments, soak up the festive vibes, and leave with inspiration—and maybe a wreath or two! No need to register; just bring plenty of holiday spirit and get ready to deck the halls!
Register for other special Winter Greens Market events, including a Winter Greens Porch Pot Workshop on Thursday, November 20, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 22, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.; a Winter Wreath Workshop on Thursday, December 4, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.; and a Holiday Plant Centerpiece Workshop, Thursday, December 11, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Light the Tree with Santa & Friends
North Riverside Park Mall | 7501 Cermak Road, North Riverside, IL
Friday, November 14, 2025
Enjoy holiday-themed activities, a dance party, and the tree lighting in North Riverside Park Mall’s North Court, along with carolers throughout the mall, on Friday, November 14, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Special guest Santa Claus will arrive at 5:30 p.m. by Entrance 1 along with North Riverside mayor Joseph Mengoni and the North Riverside Police and Fire Department. This free annual event is a great way for families to kick off the holiday season.
Holiday Movie Trivia Night
Park District of Forest Park | 7501 Harrison Street, Forest Park, IL
Friday, November 14, 2025
Think you're the GOAT when it comes to random facts about Elf, Home Alone, or Love Actually? How about naming all of Santa’s reindeer or every actor who appeared as the Grinch? Join the Chicago Trivia Guys from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a laughter-packed trivia competition at the Park District of Forest Park and show off your festive film knowledge.
Reindeer Run
Brookfield Zoo Chicago | 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Gather your fittest family and friends for some holiday fun at Brookfield Zoo Chicago on Saturday, November 15. The two-mile course runs entirely within the zoo and welcomes runners and walkers of all ages, including those with strollers. The run begins at 7:00 p.m., offering a unique view of the popular Holiday Magic light festival. Arrive early to check in, enjoy festive music, and fuel up with food and drinks, which are available from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Spots are limited, so register today and get ready to dash through the lights!
Imperial Oak Brewing Kris Kringle Market
Imperial Oak Brewing | 9596 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield, IL
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Enjoy Brookfield’s favorite craft beer while browsing the works of a carefully curated selection of local artists and makers inside Imperial Oak Brewing on Saturday, November 15, from noon to 5 p.m. All ages are welcome, you’ll find something for everyone on your gift list, and no one will mind if you pick up a little something for yourself too.
Holiday Arts & Gifts Bazaar
Studio 928 | 451 South Boulevard, Oak Park, IL
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Join Oak Park’s most joyful holiday market—a co-event with Style Society—where creativity, community, and handmade magic come together, at Studio 928’s annual Holiday Art & Gift Bazaar on Sunday, November 16, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Explore handcrafted gifts, original artwork, jewelry, ornaments, seasonal decor, and one-of-a-kind treasures created by talented local artists and artisans. Everyone is welcome to enjoy this afternoon of holiday cheer, music, treats, and hands-on art activities.
Zoo After Dark: Holiday Sip & Stroll
Brookfield Zoo Chicago | 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Cheers to a truly wild evening at Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Sip & Stroll on November 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy bright lights, holiday cheer, warm drinks, and seasonal cocktails while you explore the zoo’s stunning holiday display. Buddy the Elf will be the special guest at the adults-only event, which will also feature a dance party hosted by DJ Nurotic.
Holiday Magic
Brookfield Zoo Chicago | 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL
November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026
Brookfield Zoo Chicago marks over 40 years of Holiday Magic with more than 3.5 million lights in a brand-new interactive light display that illuminates the night and transforms the zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland. Bring the whole family and stroll through themed holiday displays, including animal lights, a new giant light-up maze, and twinkling tunnels to experience all the magic that makes this event a beloved holiday tradition.
Note: A special sensory-friendly Holiday Magic event will take place on Thursday, December 4, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., to make the experience enjoyable for guests of all ages and sensory needs. During this modified night, lights will be dimmed, music will be played at a softer volume, and visual effects will be reduced to create a calmer, more comfortable environment.
Dance Along Nutcracker
Pleasant Home | 217 Home Avenue, Oak Park, IL
Saturday, November 22, 2025
From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, enjoy vignettes from The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky’s beloved two-act ballet, amid the 19th-century architecture and holiday decorations of Pleasant Home. Children will be invited to learn parts of the ballet. Reserving tickets in advance is recommended.
Saturday with Santa on Harrison
Oak Park Arts District | Oak Park, IL
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Harrison Street, in the Oak Park Arts District, will host a candy cane walk, face painting, crafts, local art vendors, food and drink specials, a toy drive, letters to Santa, and the Toddlin’ Around Town Scavenger Hunt from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22. Little ones can also get photos with the big man himself.
Higgins Glass Holiday Open House & Sale
Higgins Glass Studio | 33 E Quincy St Ste A, Riverside, IL
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Step into the historic Higgins Glass studio for its annual Holiday Open House and Sale, where the kilns have been firing away in preparation for the season. Browse an array of handcrafted glass art, ornaments, and giftable pieces — all designed and created on-site. The event takes place during regular store hours, making it easy to stop in and shop.
Mabuhay Christmas Market at MORA Oak Park
MORA Oak Park | 201 Harrison Ave, Oak Park, IL
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Celebrate the season Filipino-style at the Mabuhay Christmas Market at MORA Oak Park. From 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., browse artisanal gifts, sample decadent desserts, and experience a traditional Kamayan feast from local makers and food pop-ups. Shop small, eat well, and soak up the festive vibe — all under one roof.
Shop Small & Tree Lighting
Hemingway District | Oak Park, IL
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Enjoy a variety of festive activities and holiday gift shopping on Saturday, November 29, from 11:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. in Oak Park’s Hemingway District. And be sure to stay for the tree lighting in Scoville Square at 4:30 p.m.
2025 Hometown Holiday La Grange
Downtown La Grange | La Grange, IL
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Local businesses in La Grange will hold a flash sale with special offers and deep discounts on Small Business Saturday, making it the perfect opportunity to kick off—or wrap up—your holiday gift-buying. Support local La Grange businesses by shopping small!
Celebrate the Holiday Season in Oak Park & Beyond
Oak Park and the near west suburbs are a collection of communities located as little as 10 miles from downtown Chicago. A quick trip by car or train, this area is known for architecture and history, but the longer you visit, the more it reveals. Throughout the year, these communities are packed with family-friendly fun, global cuisine, unique shopping, stunning art, and much more; during the holiday season, they truly shine.
Discover all the experiences in Oak Park and Chicago’s near west suburbs at oakparkandbeyond.org.