Dickens of a Holiday brings festive cheer back to downtown Libertyville

Events include Victorian Tea, Children's Holiday Shoppe and Santa in Cook Park

Step back in time and experience the charm of the season at Dickens of a Holiday, celebrating 35 festive years in downtown Libertyville.

This beloved MainStreet Libertyville tradition returns on Saturday, Dec. 13, bringing together the sights, sounds, and spirit of an old-fashioned holiday celebration.

For more than three decades, Dickens of a Holiday has been the heart of Libertyville’s holiday season; a day when the historic downtown transforms into a festive wonderland filled with community spirit, laughter and cheer. It’s the perfect way to make lasting memories with family and friends while supporting the small businesses that make the town so special.

Here’s what to look forward to:

• Photos with Santa, 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. in Cook Park: Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for a photo in his sleigh. Monetary donations and nonperishable food items for Libertyville Township Food Pantry are appreciated.

• Children’s Holiday Shoppe, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Libertyville Civic Center: Children can experience the joy of giving by shopping for gifts for their loved ones with a little help from Santa’s elves. Children ages 4-10 may shop for up to six gifts.

• Victorian Tea, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at United Methodist Church Libertyville: Escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping tea and indulging in scones, pastries and finger sandwiches, all served by hostesses in elegant Victorian attire. Tickets are $55 per person and can be purchased online at mainstreetlibertyville.org or by calling (847) 680-0336. Seats sell quickly, so make your reservations early.

MainStreet Libertyville thanks the 2025 event sponsors, Grand Appliance; Lazzaretto Construction Company, Libertyville Civic Center, Medline Industries; and Sunset Foods.

Dickens of a Holiday isn’t just an event, it’s a reflection of what makes Libertyville so special. Celebrate 35 years of joy, nostalgia and togetherness in downtown Libertyville.

Free covered parking is available in the Church Street and Lake Street garages. Or hop on the train; the Metra station stops right in the heart of downtown Libertyville. For more information, visit mainstreetlibertyville.org, or call (847) 680-0336.