Pretty lights! Tree-lighting events, holiday celebrations across the suburbs

Algonquin Santa Comes to Algonquin Commons: 1 to 4 p.m. every weekend Dec. 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18. Santa will be on the Santa Express trolley. Hop aboard and visit with the jolly elf while you travel around the mall. Bring your camera. Elves will give out gift cards from 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 and 7 and 3 to 4 p.m. Dec. 11. shopatalgonquincommons.com.

Algonquin's Holiday Rock on the Fox: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Riverfront Park, 201 N. Harrison St. Annual tree lighting ceremony, visit with Santa and Friends, family activities and holiday music. Free admission. Toys for Tots donation bins available for new unwrapped toys. www.algonquin.org.

Antioch Holiday Parade and tree lighting: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at Antioch Village Hall, 874 Main St., Antioch. Lighting ceremony follows Christmas Parade in front of village hall. (847) 395-2160 or parks@antioch.il.gov.

Arlington Heights tree lighting: 4:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at North School Park, Eastman Street at Arlington Heights Road. Starts with dance performances by Vibe, Dickens Carolers from John Hersey High School and park district baton twirling. Tree lighting at 5 p.m., lighted holiday displays throughout the park, hot chocolate, cookies and caroling. Decorated Holiday Trolley provides rides to the Arlington Heights Historical Museum and Harmony Park. Free. www.ahpd.org.

Bartlett tree lighting: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in Bartlett Park, North and Oak avenues. Visit Santa at the Log Cabin from 5 to 6:30 p.m.; then move to holiday tree, to be lit at 7 p.m. www.village.bartlett.il.us.

Barrington "Snow Much Fun" and tree lighting: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Barrington Village Center, Lake-Cook Road and Hough Street. Santa visits, carriage rides, trolley, free cookies and cocoa, carolers, story times, a dance performance and more. www.enjoybarrington.com.

Batavia's Celebration of Lights: 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, at the Batavia Riverwalk, Houston Street and Island Avenue. Hayrides, free roasted chestnuts, holiday craft market inside city hall, as well as hot dogs and hot chocolate for sale. Community singalong at 5:15 p.m.; arrival of Santa and tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.; Santa Warming House at the Peg Bond Center at 5:45 p.m.; Story Hour from 6:15 to 7 p.m. in the Batavia Depot Museum. Christmas Tree Lane with 25 holiday trees decorated by local organizations and businesses. Hayrides for $1 or a nonperishable donation to the Batavia Food Pantry. Free admission and parking north of the Batavia Government Center. www.bataviaparks.org or (630) 879-5235.

Bloomingdale Festival of Lights: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Old Town Park, 111 3rd St. Bloomingdale Park Board President Buzz Puccio and Mayor Franco Coladipietro pull the giant switch to illuminate the park and the village's holiday tree in the adjacent piazza. bloomingdaleparks.org.

Carol Stream Tree Lighting: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Carol Stream Town Center, 500 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream. Santa, tree lighting, caroling, games, refreshments. Free. (630) 665-7050 or www.carolstream.org.

Cary Holiday Walk and Tree Lighting: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Jaycee Park, off Silver Lake Road in Cary. Lighting of the Jaycee Park Holiday Walk, including visits with Santa and his live reindeer and ice skating (weather permitting). Free. (847) 639-6100 or www.carypark.com.

Merry Cary Holiday Parade and Festival: Noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, in downtown Cary. Parade steps off at 1 p.m. at West Main Street. Sleigh rides, petting zoo, pony rides and entertainment. carygrovechamber.com.

Des Plaines Holiday on the Square: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in downtown Des Plaines in Metropolitan Square. Community holiday tree lighting with Santa, who arrives at 4:30 p.m. for pictures; tree is lit around 6:30 p.m. Free. www.desplaines.org.

Dundee Dickens in Dundee: Beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in downtown East and West Dundee. 29th annual winter festival featuring tree lighting, living windows, Spirit of Christmas parade, Santa, petting zoo, crafts, gingerbread village, Festival of Trees and more. Free admission. dickensindundee.org.

Elburn Christmas Stroll: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, through businesses in downtown Elburn. Join the 22nd annual event while celebrating Small Business Saturday and enjoying the tree lighting, hayrides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday themed giveaways, activities and entertainment. facebook.com/elburnchristmasstroll.

Elgin Downtown Window Wonderland: 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. 18th annual event holiday market, pictures with Santa, storytime with Mrs. Claus, Santa's live reindeer, carolers, Operation Gratitude Letter Writing and Letters to Santa, tree-lighting ceremony and more. www.downtownelgin.com or www.cityofelgin.org.

Elk Grove Village tree lighting and concert: Friday, Nov. 25, at Town Center Village Green, 901 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. 4:30 p.m. concert by the Buckinghams to honor the village's 60th anniversary. 5:30 p.m. tree lighting with the Buckinghams and Mayor Craig Johnson. Fireworks will follow. Meet Santa and his elves. Hot chocolate, coffee and cookies will be available. www.elkgrove.org.

Fox Lake Holiday Illuminated Parade and Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Grant Community High School, 285 E. Grand Ave. Theme is Christmas Around the World. Floats go down Grand Avenue and Rollins Road to the Towne Center Plaza, followed by a 7 to 7:30 p.m. Santa Meet-and-Greet at the Santa House. Free.

Fox River Grove Tree-Lighting Ceremony: 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Algonquin Road School, 975 Algonquin Road. Features pictures with Santa, live music, cookies and activities. www.foxrivergrove-il.org.

Geneva Commons Christmas tree-lighting ceremony: 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25. Geneva Commons has free carriage rides from 3 to 6 p.m., Santa Claus will arrive at 5:30 p.m. to light the tree. Kids can visit with Santa until 7 p.m. The free event takes place near the Bell Tower. Visit shopgenevacommons.com.

Geneva Christmas Walk: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at State and Third streets, Geneva. Santa Lucia arrives with Santa to light the Great Tree on the courthouse lawn and to open the Gingerbread House. Live nativity, roasted chestnuts, strolling carolers, the first candy cane of the season, and holiday shopping. Free carriage rides on Dec. 3-4. (630) 232-6060 or www.genevachamber.com.

Glendale Heights Tree Lighting: 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, at Civic Center Complex, 300 Civic Center Plaza, Glendale Heights. Mayor lights the tree and choruses from Glendale Heights schools perform. Santa is the guest of honor. Afterward, refreshments in the Center for Senior Citizens. Free. glendaleheightsparksrecreationfacilities.com/.

Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, in downtown Glen Ellyn. Lifted by a fire department truck, Santa lights the tree at 6 p.m. at Main Street and Crescent Boulevard, then greets children at Fire Station 1, Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Holiday music and entertainment. Merchants open with refreshments and specials. Free. glenellynchamber.com.

Grayslake Tree-Lighting Festival and Holiday Market: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at Center and Seymour Avenue, Grayslake. Downtown Tree Lighting Festival with sleigh rides, refreshments and a visit with Santa at The Oasis, 151 Hawley St. Get a jump start on holiday shopping at the Holiday Market at the Grayslake Museum, 164 Hawley St. Sleigh rides 6 to 8 p.m. grayslakechamber.com/.

Hanover Park tree lighting: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, outside Hanover Park Village Hall, 2121 W. Lake St. www.hpil.org.

Hawthorn Woods tree lighting: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Hawthorn Woods Village Barn, 2 Lagoon Drive. Listen to the Stevenson High School Caroling Choir followed by the arrival of Santa Claus on a fire truck. In the Barn, hot cocoa and cookies, visit with Santa, complimentary crafts and ornament making. www.vhw.org or (847) 438-5500.

Highwood tree lighting: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, in front of city hall, 17 Highwood Ave. Features carriage rides, music and a visit from Santa. Visit celebratehighwood.com or call (847) 433-2100.

Huntley's A Very Merry Huntley: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3. Friday at the Municipal Complex with horse-drawn trolley rides, Kriss Kringle Market, tree-decorating contest and kids games from 3 to 8 p.m. and visit with Mrs. Claus from 4 to 6 p.m. On Saturday at First Congregational, 11628 E. Main St., indoor farmers market and craft fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., church choir's cookie walk from 9 a.m. to noon, free kids' crafts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visit with live reindeer 10 a.m. to noon, and free Handbell Choir concert at noon. On Saturday in Town Square, Merry Maskers strolling carolers, free hot chocolate and horse-drawn trolley rides from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Christmas Tree Decorating contest winners at 4:45 p.m., and Santa arrives on a fire truck at 5 p.m. for lighting of the Christmas tree. Photos with Santa in the gazebo. www.huntley.il.us.

Inverness Hometown Holiday: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at North Park, 300 N. Highland Road. Visits with Santa, cookies, refreshments. Free. (847) 934-8867 or invernessparkdistrict.com.

Lake Forest Tree-Lighting Ceremony: 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at Market Square, 1 Market Square. The 33rd annual Lake Forest tree-lighting ceremony offers activities for the whole family. Free. www.cityoflakeforest.com.

Lake in the Hills Festival of Trees and Holiday Market: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at the Lake in the Hills Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate. Help Santa ring in the season with the Festival of Trees. Join him for a snack, activities and a photo opportunity. Stop by the Holiday Market to shop from various vendors, specialty items, artists and crafters. www.lith.org.

Lake Villa Christmas Parade and tree lighting: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Lehmann Park, 89 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa. Music, refreshments and entertainment. llvchamber.com.

Lake Zurich Miracle on Main Street: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Rotary Park, 7 E. Main St. Includes an opportunity to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and their reindeer. Entertainment from Lake Zurich High School's Bare Voices, a DJ and the Academy of Performing Arts. New this year is children's crafts, sleigh rides, adult beverages and food vendors. Also, cookies, hot cocoa and hot cider. Bring nonperishable food donations for St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. Preceded by Candy Cane Hunt at 4 p.m. in Lions Park.

Libertyville tree lighting and Holiday Walk: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave. www.libertyville.com/calendar.aspx or (847) 362-2430.

Lindenhurst Park District tree lighting and Santa: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Lindenhurst Park District, 2200 E. Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst. lindenhurstparks.org.

Lights of Lisle Festival: 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec 4. Saturday: Santa Parade, free trolley rides, holiday entertainment, lighting at dusk of thousands of luminaria, tree lighting at 6 p.m. at village hall, followed by refreshments, caroling and music by the Lisle Community Band. Both days: Once Upon a Christmas at the Museums at Lisle Station Park, 921 School St., with carolers, crafts and games, visits from Santa and a few reindeer, blacksmithing and ice carving demonstrations, model trains, hot chocolate and brick-oven baking. Free. (630) 271-4100, www.villageoflisle.org, www.lisleparkdistrict.org.

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum: 5 to 9:30 p.m. through Monday, Jan. 2, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. $18 to $22, $12 to $14 for kids. mortonarb.org/illumination or (630) 725-2066.

Lombard Jinglebell Jubilee: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in downtown Lombard. Tree lighting and Santa's arrival, hot cocoa, cookies, photo opportunities from 6 to 8 p.m. in Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave. Candlelight tours of Victorian Cottage from 6 to 8 p.m. Singalong from 7 to 9 p.m. at Maple Street Chapel. Glenbard East Madrigal Singers and Sorella Singers perform from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Helen Plum Library. facebook.com/jinglebelljubilee.

Mooseheart Holiday Lights: 5 to 9 p.m. daily Nov. 25 through Dec. 31, off Route 31 just south of Batavia. About 80 displays on a 1.8-mile route. $10 for cars, $25 for a bus. Santa Visits from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9-11 and 16-18 at the field house. Hot cocoa, cookies, crafts and more for free while you wait. www.mooseheart.org or (630) 906-3601.

Mundelein Tree Lighting Ceremony: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Kracklauer Park, Seymour Avenue. Official kickoff of the holiday season with the annual tree lighting ceremony and fireworks. Free. Visit www.mundelein.org.

Naperville Parade of Lights: 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, on Jackson Avenue at Mill Street and ends at Main and Van Buren Avenue. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive. After the parade, they will visit with children in the Santa House on the Riverwalk. Free. www.littlefriendsinc.org.


Naper Lights: 5 to 9 p.m. through Saturday, Dec. 24, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. Stroll Naper Settlement grounds for a holiday celebration. Free. (630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.org.

Prospect Heights tree lighting: 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Prospect Heights City Hall, 8 N. Elmhurst Road. www.prospect-heights.il.us.

Rolling Meadows tree lighting: 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in front of McDonald's on Kirchoff Road. Music and more. Free. www.ci.rolling-meadows.il.us.

Roselle's Celebrate the Season: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Roselle Public Library, 40 S. Park St. Musical entertainment. Santa appears with the Rose Queen. Free. roselle.lib.il.us/.

Rosemont Frozemont: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25. Mayor Brad Stephens introduces a performance by the Chicago Skates figure skating synchronized team on the ice skating rink at MB Financial Park before illuminating a display of more than 80,000 holiday lights. Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice carving, entertainment and free horse-drawn sleigh rides around the park beginning at 11 a.m. The rink will offer free skating (skate rental is $8) daily through Jan. 2 and Sundays through Feb. 29. Details and hours are at MBParkatRosemont.com.

Round Lake tree lighting: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Round Lake Village Hall, 422 N. Cedar Lake Road. Santa, cookies, hot chocolate, music, hayrides. (847) 546-5400 or www.eroundlake.com.

Round Lake Heights tree lighting: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Arrowhead Park Shelter. Hot chocolate and cookies; bring a canned good for the holiday food drive. villageofroundlakeheights.org.

Pingree Grove tree-lighting celebration: 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Pingree Grove Police Station, 1 Police Plaza. Santa will make his appearance at 4:45 p.m.; photos with Santa, outdoor movie, miniature train rides, crafts, music, food, drinks, silent auction and a North Pole mailbox to mail letters to Santa. www.villageofpingreegrove.org.

St. Charles Holiday Homecoming/Electric Christmas Parade: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25-26, on Main Street. Lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday at First Street Plaza. Electric Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m. Saturday on Main Street from Sixth Street to Fourth Avenue. Free holiday movie at 10 a.m. Saturday. Horse-drawn sleigh rides and visits with Santa starting at 1 p.m. Saturday. Free. downtownstcharles.org/.

Schaumburg tree lighting: 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at the Schaumburg Municipal Center, 101 Schaumburg Court. Santa arrives via fire truck to light the tree with Village President Al Larson and stays to pose for pictures. Face painting, temporary tattoos, refreshments, music and more. Free. schaumburgjaycees.org.

Sleepy Hollow's Holiday in the Hollow: 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Sabatino Park, Sleepy Hollow. Visit with Santa, tree lighting, carols, hot cocoa with Sleepy Hollow Service Club. Bring a nonperishable food item or monetary donation for FISH Food Pantry. www.sleepyhollowil.org.

Streamwood Luminaria and tree lighting: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at the Veterans Memorial near Village Hall, 301 W. Irving Park Road. Volunteers, civic organizations and families line Park Boulevard, the Veteran's Memorial and Village Hall and elsewhere around town with luminaria. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, then the annual holiday tree lighting will take place. www.streamwood.org.

Sugar Grove's Holiday in the Grove: 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Sugar Grove Community House, 151 Main St. Ceremonial tree lighting at 7:45 a.m. Breakfast with Santa serving times at 8, 9, and 10 a.m. Pictures with Santa, children's activities and cake walk from 8 a.m. to noon. Holiday craft/vendor show, raffles, children's crafts, Holiday Café from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at John Shields Elementary, 85 S. Main St., with an appearance from Mrs. Claus to decorate cookies with children from 1 to 3 p.m. Mrs. Santa Sweet Shoppe from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sugar Grove United Methodist Church. www.holidayinthegrove.org.

Vernon Hills tree and menorah lighting: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Vernon Hills Golf Course, 291 Evergreen Drive, Vernon Hills. Mayor Roger Byrne flips the switch; with hot chocolate, cookies, cider and Santa. vernonhills.org or (847) 367-3700.

Warrenville Holly Days: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Warren Avenue and Tracy Place. Santa parade, tree lighting, entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and hot chocolate. Free. warrenvilleparks.org or (630) 393-7279.

Wauconda tree lighting: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Wauconda Park District, 600 N. Main St. Santa will arrive on a fire truck to light the tree and kick off a fireworks show. Then come inside to enjoy crafts, games and stories. Goody bags while supplies last and light refreshments. Free. waucondaparks.org or (847) 526-3610.

Waukegan tree lighting: Dusk in Jack Benny Plaza as part of Small Business Saturday, which runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pictures with Santa and holiday movie shorts beginning at 2 p.m. at the Genesee Theatre and Santa vs. Krampus at Three Brothers Theatre.

West Chicago Frosty Fest: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in downtown West Chicago. Downtown is transformed into an old-fashioned vignette with tree lighting, horse-drawn sleigh rides, live reindeer, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free. westchicago.org or (630) 293-2200.

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, through Friday, Dec. 30, at 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Twinkling light displays, Christmas tree sales, hot chocolate and holiday gifts. Open from 9 a.m. to noon Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Free admission. cosleyzoo.org or (630) 665-5534.

Lights on Jahns: Nov. 27 to Jan. 4 at 1935 Jahns Ave., Wheaton. Thousands of LED lights dance to music. Hours: 6 to11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Free. (630) 551-5259 or lightsonjahns.com/.

Wheaton Holiday Parade and tree-lighting: Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at Martin Memorial Plaza, Front and Main streets. Parade at 6 p.m. on Wheaton Avenue and Front Street. Free. downtownwheaton.com or (630) 682-0633.