La Grange Art League Holly Market
Find one-of-a-kind treasures just in time for the holidays — and support creatives and artists while you shop!
Location: La Grange
Pictures with Santa at the Mall
Get your picture taken and visit with Santa Claus at North Riverside Park Mall! The mall is also offering holiday coupons now through Dec. 14.
Location: North Riverside
Mr. Twinky: A River Forest Story
Join OPRF Museum for a sweet visit from John McConachie, the grandson of James Dewar, who invented the Twinkie snack cake in 1931 at the Continental Baking Company in River Forest.
McConachie will be sharing stories from his family and his new book “Pops, Mr. Twinkie: Memoirs of My Mentor.”
Location: Oak Park
"It's a Wonderful Life" Screening
Enjoy this special interactive screening of the beloved classic Christmas film, where attendees can laugh, cheer, cry and even join in with some of the most memorable moments.
Location: La Grange
.png)
Westchester Winter Wonderland Walk
Enjoy two evenings filled with memories, magic and wonder! Enjoy Santa's arrival, the tree lighting, bonfires, s'mores, selfie stations, the Grinch, live reindeer, camel rides and more!
Location: Westchester
Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Holiday Magic
Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Holiday Magic is back with a brand new light display, now with more than 3.5 million lights. This spectacular interactive display transforms the zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stroll through themed areas featuring giant holiday displays, a maze, tunnels and animal-themed lights.
Location: Brookfield
Cozy On Up Art Market
Join the Oak Park Area Arts Council for a festive artisan market filled with creativity, community and handcrafted gifts. Come discover unique, one-of-a-kind pieces made by local artists—perfect for holiday shopping or treating yourself!
Location: Oak Park
Forest Park Holiday Walk
Experience the magic of the annual Forest Park Holiday Walk on Madison Street. Horse-drawn carriage rides, balloon twisting, face painting, Santa & Mrs. Claus, an ice sculpture photo op, merchant activities and more!
Location: Forest Park
.png)
Riverside Holiday Stroll
Join Riverside Parks & Recreation for the Holiday Stroll! Bundle up and take a magical walk through twinkling lights, joyful music, and embraces the holiday spirit! Enjoy festive decortications, carolers, hot cocoa, holiday tunes and cheerful surprises around every corner. It’s the perfect way to soak in the season with family, friends, and community cheer.
Location: Riverside
La Grange Park Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
The La Grange Park Tree Lighting Ceremony and the accompanying celebration includes performances, refreshments and other fun festivities. Bring the whole family to this free event!
Location: La Grange Park
First Fridays at R Titus Designs
The December First Fridays at R Titus Designs Studio features visiting artist Vicki McGrath, who will have her beautiful work on display for sale. Enjoy drinks, light appetizers, music and shopping.
Location: Oak Park
Krampusnacht Cocktail Party
Step into the shadowy side of the holiday season where folklore and fright collide in a chillingly festive celebration! While Santa rewards the nice, Krampus comes for the naughty, so beware as this legendary Christmas beast roams the night. Whether you’re a fan of the naughty elf himself or just looking for a unique way to celebrate the season, this cocktail party promises a night of thrills, chills and twisted holiday cheer!
Location: Oak Park
.png)
Holiday House Walk and Market
Tour four stunning Oak Park homes decorated to the nines for the holidays and check out the holiday market to do some shopping. This is a great way to kick off the holiday season.
Location: Oak Park
La Grange Holiday Walk
A beloved tradition, the La Grange Holiday Walk has it all, including Santa arriving by firetruck, the lighting of the tree at village hall, holiday choirs, and meet-and-greets. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the petting zoo, train rides, letters to Santa and open houses at local businesses!
Location: La Grange
Winterfest and Cookie Walk
This beloved holiday Oak Park event features so much festive fun, from holiday choirs singing carols to Santa visits, as well as delicious holiday cookies at local businesses and a free screening of "The Polar Express" at Lake Theatre.
Location: Oak Park
Holly Jolly Gingerbread Party
Celebrate the holidays at Brookfield Zoo Chicago with a delicious brunch and dessert buffet with a mimosa and bloody Mary bar and hot cocoa, as well as a visit from Santa, up-close experiences with some of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors, and of course, gingerbread decorating.
Location: Brookfield
Family Owl Prowl
Bundle up and strap on your favorite hiking boots as we set out in search of elusive owls. Along the way, discover just how many species of owl reside in Illinois and how to differentiate them. Learn how big they can get, what they look like and where you can find them. Afterward, warm up by a fire and enjoy some roasted marshmallows.
Location: Riverside
.png)
Brookfield Kris Kringle Market and Tree Lighting
Brookfield’s beloved holiday tradition is back—bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever with over 60+ specialty vendors, live entertainment, trolley rides, festive photo ops, a tree lighting, petting zoo, ice checkers, s'mores and deals at local businesses!
Location: Brookfield
Holiday Skate Show
Enjoy the talents of young skaters as they perform to music of the season in an event that is sure to lift your spirits and help you celebrate the special joys of the holidays.
Location: Franklin Park
Vintage Store Bus Tour
Whether you're a vintage enthusiast or a curious shopper seeking something extraordinary, join Explore Oak Park and Beyond and Talisman Incorporated on this tour of vintage and antique shops just due west of Chicago.
Location: Oak Park, Broadview, La Grange, La Grange Park and Forest Park
Three-Week Mosaic Making
Learn the techniques, tools and materials involved in creating mosaic art! Design a larger piece while learning essential skills like glass cutting, using proper adhesives and grouting. Experiment with color and texture to design your own unique mosaic. All materials, supplies and use of tools are provided. Experience some of the endless possibilities of this beautiful art form!
Location: Riverside
La Grange Holiday Tree Lighting
Join the Park District of La Grange in kicking off the holiday season with an old-fashioned Tree Lighting at Waiola Park featuring holiday entertainment and special visitors from the North Pole. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies as you and your family enjoy the wonderful tree decorations. Gather your family, friends or a group and purchase a holiday tree to decorate.
Location: La Grange
Making Upcycled Holiday Cloches
Add a touch of handmade charm to your holiday décor! In this creative workshop, you’ll design a mini decorative cloche using upcycled materials — think repurposed sauces, plates, vintage trinkets, natural finds and festive touches. Learn simple crafting techniques to transform everyday items into whimsical winter scenes or elegant holiday displays. All materials are provided, but participants are free to bring small personal items or keepsakes to incorporate into their design.
Location: Oak Park
Who brought the Humbug?
Kick off the holiday season with Rhythm Street Movement's "Who Brought the Humbug?"— a high-energy, family-friendly spectacle. This interactive show combines tap dance, beatboxing and festive storytelling, transforming an ugly sweater party into a joyous celebration. Expect laughter, audience participation and a fresh take on holiday traditions.
Location: River Forest
Midnight Madness at La Grange Park Antique Mall
La Grange Park Antique Mall's Midnight Madness shopping event is back! Enjoy taking your time and having some fun with the mall "elves." Wear your pajamas or an ugly sweater and get a prize! Snacks, sales, surprises and shenanigans await!
Location: La Grange Park
Art and Wine Walk
It’s time for a little sippin’ and shoppin’ in the Oak Park Arts District! The Art and Wine Walk is the perfect way to treat yourself to some wonderful wines, magnificent art, delicious hors d’oeuvres and great holiday shopping. Ticket sales include a wine glass, complimentary tastings throughout the participating locations, a wine tote, box of water and a bottle of wine to be picked up later at Anfora Wine Merchants!
Location: Oak Park
.png)
Photos with the Grinch
Join the Forest Park Chamber for FREE photos with the Grinch! The Grinch is feeling extra generous this year, so you might even snag a local gift card! Enjoy games, giveaways and plenty of holiday fun.
Location: Forest Park
Free "A Christmas Story" Screening
Enjoy "A Christmas Story," the classic Christmas comedy, on the big screen for free at the beautiful Lake Theatre in Oak Park!
Location: Oak Park
Winter Wonderland Photos with Santa
Bring your kids to get their picture taken with Santa and enjoy holiday activities! Your professional digital photo with Santa will then be delivered electronically. Light refreshments will also be available for your enjoyment during your visit!
Location: Riverside
Story Time with the Grinch
Families are invited to cozy up as the Grinch makes a special appearance for story time. Participants will have time for photos and a chance to interact with the Grinch. Bring your Whoville spirit!
Location: Riverside
Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest's Holiday Concert and Sing-Along
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the holidays played by the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest featuring the Nutcracker Suite and an audience sing-along! Come early for the pre-concert conversation.
Location: River Forest
Imperial Oak Brewing Christmas Spectacular with Anthony Bruno
Listen to Anthony Bruno, the “Viceroy of Vibrato," swing with holiday charm in his Christmas Spectacular at Imperial Oak Brewing in Brookfield. Let Anthony and his amazing band put you in the Christmas spirit with renditions of yuletide classics that will have you singing and swinging the night away.
Location: Brookfield
Melrose Park Christmas Lights Parade with Santa
Grab your chairs and blankets and head to Melrose Park for the village's annual Christmas Lights Parade featuring Santa Claus! This beloved holiday event perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
Location: Melrose Park
A Dickens Carol: A Live Staged Reading with Oak Park Festival Theatre
Attend the world premiere of a brand-new holiday tradition: “A Dickens Carol!" This sure-to-be a classic reimagines the story of Ebenezer Scrooge from the point of view of his creator Charles Dickens in a live staged reading in beautiful, historic Pleasant Home.
Location: Oak Park
.png)
Dinner with Santa
Join Brookfield Zoo Chicago in celebrating the spirit of the season with a special dinner with Santa! Enjoy a delicious holiday buffet featuring all your favorite festive treats, then get ready for the highlight of the night: getting to see Santa Claus! Explore the zoo's illuminated grounds, immerse yourself in the holiday magic and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Location: Brookfield
.png)
Home for the Holidays
Get into the holiday spirit with free horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit with Santa, hot cocoa and more at Downtown Oak Park's Home for the Holidays!
Location: Oak Park
.png)
Breakfast with Santa
Have breakfast and hot chocolate with Santa in La Grange! Each child will have an opportunity to see Santa and share their list with him. You must pre-register and space is limited so don’t delay. Registration deadline is Dec. 15.
Location: La Grange
The Procrastinator's Holiday Shop & Sip
A cozy holiday social and a curated local market, the Procrastinator's Holiday Shop & Sip is a great opportunity to browse wares and gifts, including fine chocolates, artisan silver, cigars, candles and more made by hand-selected vendors and makers. Enjoy food, drinks and live music while shopping.
Location: Oak Park
A Very Grinchy Movie and Craft Day
Join in on a wintery celebration filled with hands-on crafts, a sweet snowman marshmallow treat and a cozy watch party of "The Grinch." Keep your eyes peeled because the Grinch himself will be sneaking in for a special surprise appearance!
Location: Riverside
Wonder Works Noon Year's Eve
Wonder Work's family-friendly New Year’s celebration includes a balloon drop, full access to the museum, a new year’s art project, encounters with costumed characters, 2026 swag to take home and a fun photo booth to capture the special day as a family, all long before bed time!
Location: Oak Park