Shining bright: Holiday tree lightings around the suburbs

A community tree lighting is a great way to kick off the holidays. Here’s where they are happening around the suburbs.

Friday, Nov. 21

Holiday Lights: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at Welton Plaza, 4343 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee. A festive holiday light display with firepits, s’mores, food trucks, craft stations and more. Special guests include Gurnee Park District’s Above the Barre Dance Team, Gurnee Mayor Tom Hood, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Donate nonperishable food items for the Warren Township Food Pantry. Free. gurneeparkdistrict.com.

Aurora Winter Lights Festival: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, on Downer Place, from Water Street to River Street, Aurora. At 6:30 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the illuminated parade featuring reindeer, elves and special guests. After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with the mayor, will light the city’s holiday tree. See a drone show along the banks of the Fox River. Afterward, on Stolp Avenue, between Downer Place and Galena Boulevard, there will be food vendors, roaming costumed characters and music at Millennium Plaza. Photos with Santa will be at Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum, 23 E. Downer Place. Free. aurora-il.org.

City of Chicago 112th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Chicago’s official Christmas Tree will be lit and remain illuminated through Sunday, Jan. 11. Free. choosechicago.com.

Round Lake Beach Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the Cultural and Civic Center, 2007 N. Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. Hot chocolate, cookies, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. Free. rlbciviccenter.com.

Saturday, Nov. 22

An Almost Winter Day: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at SEBA Park, 151 S. Water St., South Elgin. S’mores station, cookie decorating, balloon animals, craft station, snowball slingshot, letters to Santa, tree-decorating contest, ice sculptor and concessions. Pictures with Santa from 2-4:45 p.m.; bring a camera. Village tree lighting at 5 p.m. at Panton Mill Park. southelgin.com.

Light Up The Park: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers and ice-sculpting. Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens will arrive at 5:30 p.m. to illuminate the park with more than 80,000 holiday lights. Free. rosemont.com/thepark/event/light-up-the-park.

Wood Dale Tree Lighting: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at city hall, 404 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale. Tree-lighting ceremony at city hall, plus Santa, face painting, crafts, seasonal treats, and ice carving. Some events will take place outside, so dress for the weather. Bring a toy for Toys for Tots. Free. wooddale.com.

Woodridge Winterfest: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Kagann Plaza, 5 Plaza Drive, Woodridge. Tree lighting at 5 p.m., photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive music, kids’ crafts, food trucks, a holiday market with 25 vendors, Touch-a-Truck, and character visits. New this year, Holiday Trolley service to the plaza from Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park, 8301 S. Janes Ave. Winterfest Food Drive through Nov. 26 in collaboration with the West Suburban Community Pantry. Drop off donations at the event. Additional drop-off locations include the Woodridge Village Hall, 5 Plaza Drive; the Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Drive; and the Woodridge Police Department, 7215 Janes Ave. Free. woodridgeil.gov.

Palatine Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: 4:45-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Towne Square, Slade and Greeley streets, Palatine. Santa visits and pictures in the Towne Square gazebo, holiday music performed by the Palatine Children’s Chorus, and Santa will light the holiday tree. Free. palatine.il.us.

Hoffman Estates Friendship Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the village hall, 1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates. The mayor will be joined by Cub Scout Troop 297 to light the tree and kick off a festive fireworks display. After the fireworks, visits with Santa, entertainment by the Choral-Aires, and light refreshments inside the village hall. Nonperishable food and personal care item donations accepted for local food pantries. Free. hoffmanestates.org.

Sunday, Nov. 23

Holiday Magic and Tree Lighting Ceremony: 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at Green and Center streets, Bensenville. Santa arrives at 5 p.m., with the tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. Take photos with Santa from 5:15-8 p.m. Also, a petting zoo, pony rides, train rides, commemorative ornaments, hot cocoa, hot dogs, popcorn, and giveaway treats, while supplies last. bensenville.il.us.

Tree lighting: 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at St. Alphonsus, 1429 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago. Hosted by Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce. Tree lighting, holiday songs, doughnuts and hot chocolate, and meet Santa, Elsa and Olaf. Free. lakeviewroscoevillage.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Mount Prospect Holiday Tree Lighting and Christkindlmarket: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Busse Pocket Park, Emerson Street and Busse Avenue, Mount Prospect. Christkindlmarket from 4-7 p.m. inside the village hall, tree lighting at 5 p.m. Enjoy holiday tunes sung by the Prospect High School Madrigals, and cookies and hot chocolate provided by the Mount Prospect Lions Club. Emerson Street will be closed from the parking garage to Busse Avenue, and Busse will be closed from the parking lot entrance behind Central Continental Bakery to the intersection at Emerson Street. Free parking is available in the Emerson Street parking deck. Free. experiencemountprospect.org.

Friday, Nov. 28

Grayslake Festival of Lights & Holiday Market: 2-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, in downtown Grayslake. Holiday street market, Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer, crafts, parade at 4:30 p.m., carriage rides, food vendors, tree lighting and more. Photos with Santa at Heritage Center from 2-4 p.m. Arts Alliance Show from 4-7 p.m. at the village hall, and Heritage Center Giving Trees Display from noon to 6 p.m. Free. grayslakechamber.com.

Lake Forest 41st annual Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration: 3-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, in Market Square, 264 Market Square Court, Lake Forest. Holiday movie at Gorton Community Center at 1 p.m. Kids’ activities, food and beverages, carolers, Lake Forest Civic Orchestra, Lake Forest High School Festival Brass Ensemble, caroling by the Lake Forest High School Choristers, Lake Forest Dance Academy dancers, Santa Claus and more. Free. lfparksandrec.com.

Elk Grove Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at Charles J. Zettek Municipal Complex, 901 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. Refreshments, Storytime with the Board at 4 p.m., Elk Grove Express train rides, The Box Tops concert at 4:30 p.m., tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks at 5:30 p.m. and more. Free. elkgrove.org.

Woodstock Lighting of the Square: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, in historic Woodstock Square. Holiday carolers, kids’ activities, charitable opportunities and more. At 7 p.m., see the lighting of tens of thousands of twinkling lights illuminating park trees and Square buildings. Plus, the annual Opera House Christmas Tree Walk opens featuring dozens of trees decorated by area organizations. Santa arrives before the lighting ceremony to greet children and take photos. Free. woodstockil.gov.

Arlington Heights Tree Lighting: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at North School Park, Arlington Heights Road and Eastman Street, Arlington Heights. Holiday-inspired music, dance performances, hot cocoa and treats. Join the countdown to flip the switch to turn on over 80,000 lights. There will be a countdown at Harmony Park with live reindeer, ice carving and more. Trolleys with Dickensian characters loop between the two parks. Free. ahpd.org.

Downers Grove Tree-Lighting Ceremony: 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at the Main Street train station, 5001 Main St., Downers Grove. See Santa and listen to music from the Downers Grove High School District 99 marching band and the Downers Grove Choral Society. downtowndg.org.

Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk: 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, on Main Street and Crescent Avenue, Glen Ellyn. Gathering for the Holiday Walk begins at 5 p.m. on Main Street. Santa will emerge from the firehouse and start his march down Main Street to light the star on top of the tree at 6 p.m. Photos with Santa at the firehouse at 6:30 p.m. glenellynchamber.com/holiday.

Light The Lights: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, in Wyman Green, corner of Park and Vernon Avenue and other locations in downtown Glencoe. Light up the park, including the 6-foot, 3D light-up display of Glencoe’s ZIP code (60022); live music from Rosie and the Rivets (bring lawn chairs); photos with the characters of “Frozen” and Santa; trackless train rides; holiday shopping; and more. Activities at Tudor Court include live reindeer, kids carnival ride, and photos with Santa, a bar, and live music at Writers Theatre. Crafts and sensory room at Glencoe Public Library. Tunnel of lights connecting Park Avenue and Tudor Court. Food and beverage vendors with picnic tables and heaters located in the Village Court parking lot. Free. villageofglencoe.org.

St. Charles Holiday Homecoming Weekend: 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, with the Lighting of the Lights ceremony at 5 p.m. on the First Street Plaza, St. Charles. Music and photos with Santa until 7 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 29, there’s a free showing of “Elf” at 10 a.m. at the Arcada Theatre; doors open at 9 a.m. The Electric Christmas Parade, with decorated parade floats, high school marching bands and special guest Santa Claus, steps off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday down Main Street, from Sixth Street to Fourth Avenue. Santa’s House is open from 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 29 to Dec. 21, on First Street Plaza. stcholidayhomecoming.com.

Schaumburg Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Visit with Santa, caroling, entertainment and refreshments. Free. prairiecenter.org.

Wheaton Christmas Parade and Nights of Lights opening: 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, in Adams Park, Main and Wesley streets in Wheaton. The sixth annual holiday light display returns with over 55,000 bulbs and an animated fountain. The Christmas Parade steps off at 6 p.m., traveling from Wheaton Avenue and Wesley Street to Cross Street, concluding with the annual Christmas tree lighting at 7 p.m. at the south pavilion. The holiday display continues from 4-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 4. Free. visitdowntownwheaton.org/events.

Antioch Tree Lighting and Parade: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, in downtown Antioch. The parade will travel from Park Avenue to Main Street to Orchard Street, ending at Sequoit Creek Park, 845 Main St., followed by the lighting of the village Christmas tree. Free. antioch.il.gov.

Libertyville Tree Lighting: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, in Cook Memorial Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., with the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Saturday, Nov. 29

Bloomingdale Kriss Kringle Market and tree-lighting ceremony: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Old Town Bloomingdale, 111 Third St., Bloomingdale. Local vendors selling food, crafts, gifts, pet items, holiday decor, wood crafts, accessories and more. Plus, Charles Dickens Carolers, kiddie train rides, face painting, games, food and drinks, Gingerbread Village display and Park District Museum holiday show. Drone light show and tree lighting at approximately 6 p.m. villageofbloomingdale.org.

Vernon Hills’ Holiday Light Celebration: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. See the lighting of the Village Tree, Menorah and Kwanzaa displays. Free. vernonhills.org.

Elgin Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at DuPage Court, Elgin. Holiday Cheers Beverage Crawl from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., photos with Santa from 10-11:30 a.m., Holiday Trolley from noon to 5 p.m., Santa's Workshop from 1-3 p.m., Storytime with Susie Claus from 2-4 p.m., and carolers from 3-5 p.m. Tree lighting at 5 p.m., when Mayor David Kaptain and Santa Claus will switch on the holiday lights. The tree will remain lit through Jan. 12. elginil.gov/2499/Winter-Holiday-Events.

Fox Lake Festival of Lights and Parade: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Millennium Park, 23 Rollins Road, Fox Lake. Parade is at 5 p.m. from Grant Community High School, 285 E. Grand Ave., to Millennium Park, followed by the tree lighting, and songs from the Grant Community High School Choir and the Merry Maskers costumed singers. Visits with Santa from 6-7 p.m. foxlake.org.

Prospect Heights Annual Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Gary Morava Center, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights. Join Mayor Pat Ludvigsen for the annual tree lighting and Santa visit, sponsored by the Garden Club and Lions Club. Christmas carols will be sung and refreshments will be on hand. Free. phparks.org/special-events.

Sunday, Nov. 30

Itasca Winter Wonderland Holiday Lighting and Market: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, along South Walnut Street, between West Grove Street and West Bloomingdale Road, Itasca. From 2-6 p.m., the Holiday Market will be offering handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. From 4-6 p.m., watch performances by the Holiday Dickens Carolers and the Inner Prestige Dance Team as Santa, Mrs. Claus and their Holiday Friends arrive. Plus, hot chocolate and cookies and photos with Santa. Thousands of twinkling lights and displays will illuminate the park nightly through Jan. 15. Free admission; donate a new, unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots or a nonperishable food item for Itasca Food Pantry. itascaparkdistrict.com.

Batavia Celebration of Lights: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Batavia Riverwalk, 151 Island Ave., Batavia. Holiday crafts, a community sing-along, Batavia Community Band performance, ceremonial tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., a visit with Santa in Santa’s Warming House, story hour, visits with reindeer and Christmas Tree Lane with 25 trees. Free hayrides with a donation of food or $1 cash, which benefits the Batavia Food Pantry. Free. bataviaparks.org.

Monday, Dec. 1

Glendale Heights Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at the village hall, 300 Civic Center Plaza. Local choral groups will perform holiday music as the mayor and Santa Claus light up the park at 7:15 p.m. Free. glendaleheights.org.

Thursday, Dec. 4

Elmhurst Tree Lighting in Wilder Park: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Elmhurst Park District kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of the community trees surrounding the park. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, meet-and-greet with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, holiday carnival games, live reindeer, festive onstage performances. Inside the mansion, cookies, ornament craft and story time. Food trucks, including Sugar Mama’s Mini Donuts and Travelin’ Toms Mobile Coffee Truck. Wilder Park's south parking lot and the Alexander lot at Elmhurst University will be open for parking. epd.org/news/tree-lighting-wilder-park.

Rolling Meadows Holiday Celebration: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the city hall lobby and parking lot, 3600 Kirchoff Road. Tree lighting, Santa visit, Plum Grove Middle School choir and DJ Jules, free goodies and hot cocoa for kids, while supplies last. Free. cityrm.org.

Friday, Dec. 5

Dickens in Dundee: 3-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in East and West Dundee. In West Dundee, tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., Gingerbread House Making, Festival of Trees, holiday craft shows, A Christmas Carol: Scrooge's Reclamation, Santa’s Petting Zoo and Dundee Lions’ Christmas tree sales in Grafelman Park. New this year in East Dundee, Santa’s East Side Market from 3-9 p.m. Friday with 15 artisan vendors at the Depot, 319 N. River St. Tree-lighting ceremony and Santa arrives at 5:45 p.m. with “The Christmas Schooner” cast of the Dundee Township Park District Theater, Living Windows from 6-8 p.m., visits with Santa from 6-9 p.m. with free hot chocolate and cookies, “Those Funny Little People” Toy Making Elves, Frozen Robins Caroling Quartet, character appearances, free horse-drawn carriage rides and more. On Saturday, the Riverside Parade of Lights steps off at 6:30 p.m. at South Lincoln Avenue and North Sixth in West Dundee, then heads north to cross the Main Street bridge in Carpentersville, then south on Washington/Water Street to East Dundee, ending at Railroad Street around 7 p.m. dickensindundee.org or eastdundee.net.

Des Plaines Holiday Tree Lighting: 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Metropolitan Square, just north of Miner Street, Des Plaines. Students and community groups decorate holiday trees at 4 p.m. in the Square; food trucks, live performances on stage from 4:30 to 6:15 p.m.; Santa arrives in grand style at 4:45 p.m.; and tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 6, the fourth annual indoor artisan market featuring local makers from is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St. Free. desplainesil.gov.

Hometown Holiday: 5-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Visit with Santa while listening to holiday music. Plus, tree lighting, cocoa and a cookie treat, an inflatable gingerbread bounce house and more. Free. vhw.org/223/Hometown-Holiday.

Oswego Christmas Walk: 4:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, in downtown Oswego. Performances by local choirs, Santa’s reindeer, live ice sculpting, an inflatable sled hill, annual tree lighting and an emergency vehicle light parade. oswegoil.org.

Addison Christmas Tree Lighting: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Village Green, 1 Friendship Plaza, Addison. Train and sleigh rides in the Village Green, holiday craft fair, Living Nativity at St. Paul, historical museum open house and visits with Santa in the gazebo. The Goodrich Caroling Group will perform. School groups will perform before the tree lighting at 8 p.m. Hot chocolate by the Kiwanis Club, popcorn by Knights of Columbus and other food vendors. Free. ithappensinaddison.com.

Hinsdale Christmas Walk: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, in the downtown Hinsdale business district. 59th annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony, meet-and-greet with Santa, traditional carousel and trackless train rides, and vendors with holiday treats and games. Free. hinsdalechamber.com/christmas-walk.

Hanover Park Tree Lighting Ceremony: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Ontarioville Plaza, 1931 Ontarioville Road, Hanover Park. An evening of carols, reindeer, mini train rides, hot cocoa and cookies, games, s’mores, face painting and photos with Santa. hpil.org.

Lincolnshire Lights: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Village Green Center, 100 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Tree-lighting celebration. The drone show returns. Free. lincolnshireil.gov.

Carol Stream Holiday Tree Lighting: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Carol Stream Town Center, 960 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream. Hosted by the village, Carol Stream Park District and the Carol Stream Public Library. Holiday crafts and activities for kids, performances by the West Chicago High School Choir and local student dance and pom groups, petting zoo, hot cocoa, cookies, seasonal snacks, a visit from Santa Claus and The Grinch, and the lighting of the village tree. New this year, a large LED screen truck will showcase the tree lighting countdown, Santa’s arrival, and live performances, allowing guests to enjoy the event from multiple viewing areas. Free. carolstream.org.

Geneva Christmas Walk: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Fourth and James streets, Geneva. The Great Tree and other holiday illumination will be lit on the courthouse lawn. Also, the first candy cane of the season, Santa Claus, carolers, a live Nativity, window displays, chestnuts roasted over open fires, Santa Lucia (the Swedish symbol of the season), holiday refreshments and more. genevachamber.com/events/christmas-walk.

Warrenville Holly Days: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Tracy Place and Warren Avenue, Warrenville. Santa’s arrival parade with the lighting of the city holiday tree, free horse-drawn carriage rides, fire pits, hot cocoa and cookies, visits with Santa and entertainment by local school groups. Merry Market featuring crafters, bakers and more at the city hall. Free. warrenvilleparks.org.

Saturday, Dec. 6

A Very Merry Huntley: Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Town Square, 11704 Coral St., Huntley. Running of the Elves 5K at 10 a.m., handbell concert at noon, followed by a cookie walk from 1-4 p.m. at First Congregational, Kriss Kringle Market from 2-7 p.m., trackless train rides, hot cocoa, cookies, live reindeer and voting for your favorite decorated tree from 3-6 p.m. Pasta dinner from 4-6 p.m. at the Legion Hall. Caroling in the Square at 4 p.m. New this year, a holiday parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 5 p.m., with the lighting of the square, visits with Santa in the gazebo at 5:15 p.m. and a holiday fireworks show. huntley.il.us.

Holly Jolly Holiday: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Wauconda Park District Community Center, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Indoor holiday activities from 1-5 p.m. New, a one-mile fun run/walk at 2 p.m. Outdoor holiday carolers by the decorated tree at 4:45 p.m. Outdoor tree lighting with Santa at 5 p.m. near the front entrance. Plus, pictures with Santa, local vendor market, trolley rides, crafts, entertainment, food and more. Free. waucondachamber.org.

It’s a Wonderful Life in Lake Bluff!: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown Lake Bluff. Lake Bluff Public Library winter open house from 2-4 p.m.; Holiday Artisan & Craft Market from 2-5 p.m. on Scranton Avenue, adjacent to the Village Green; holiday music from 4-5 p.m.; Lighting of the Orbs at 5 p.m. on Lake Bluff Village Green and more. Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast with Santa from 7 a.m. to noon at Grace United Methodist Church; registration required at LakeBluffParks.org. Most events are free. lflbchamber.com.

Roselle Winterfest: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Petal Porch & Petal Plaza on Prospect Street in Roselle. Live performances, holiday market, food trucks, kids’ activities and more. Grinch Dance Party at 3:30 p.m. Visit the Roselle Public Library District to vote for the best gingerbread house. Holiday tree lighting with Santa at 5 p.m. Food trucks (Tievoli Pizza Truck, Travelin’ Tom’s and Kona Ice) on Prospect Street. Roselle Penguin Parade with five new penguins displayed around downtown Roselle after Thanksgiving. Free. roselle.il.us/425/Roselle-Winterfest.

Barrington’s Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown Barrington. Free hot chocolate, ice-carving demonstrations, family activities, visit with Santa at Barrington’s White House and more. Performance by the BHS Madrigals at 4:30 p.m. and tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Free. barrington-il.gov.

Lights of Lisle: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown Lisle. Mr. and Mrs. Claus greets visitors to the Museums at Lisle Station Park. Food and beverage vendors, live ice carving and the annual tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. at the village hall. Sing along with the St. Joan Choir at 3 p.m. at Burlington Avenue and Main Street. Luminaria will be displayed throughout downtown starting at 3 p.m. Santa Parade steps off at 4:30 p.m. from Spencer and School streets, heads west to Main Street, south on Main, then east on Burlington Avenue to the village hall parking lot at Burlington and Center avenues. Free. villageoflisle.org.

Mundelein Winter Tree Lighting Festival: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Courtland Commons, 400 E. Courtland St., Mundelein. Opens with Santa’s Cottage at 2 p.m. Music, featuring school choirs and local musicians, starts at 3 p.m. Activities include Kiddy Train Rides, ice sculpting, Disney Princesses, story time, letters to Santa, a Kriss Kringle Market, games, crafts, food vendors, hot chocolate and treats, the Mayor’s Seasonal Message, the Mundelein Queens, lighting of the village Holiday Tree, fireworks and a second session of Santa’s Cottage, following the fireworks. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

Algonquin Miracle on Main: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, on Main Street in Old Town Algonquin. Live holiday performances, Old Town holiday displays, live ice sculpting, live reindeer, trackless train rides, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids’ activities and the annual tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. Opening at 3 p.m., Merry Market with over 20 artisan vendors featuring handmade goods, seasonal gifts, and festive treats, on Main Street between Washington and Madison streets. Free. algonquin.org.

Elburn Christmas Stroll: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown Elburn. Elburn Chamber’s 31st annual event with holiday-themed activities, Kriss Kringle Market at Obscurity Brewing, crafts, live reindeer, balloon artist, treats and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the fire truck for the tree lighting at 4 p.m., and Santa and Mrs. Claus at the library from 5:15-7 p.m. Kaneland High jazz band performs at 4:30 p.m. and Madrigals at 6 p.m. elburn.com/christmas-stroll/.

Holiday in the Hollow: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in Sabatino Park, 1 Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. Music by Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, Circle-of-Cheer Christmas trees, Santa visits, and lighting of the trees and flagpole. One lucky person will help Santa flip the “Santa Switch” to light all seven trees and the flagpole. Free. sleepyhollowil.org.

Jingle Bell Jubilee: 2-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in Lombard. Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. at Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave. From 2-6 p.m. at Helen Plum Library, a photo booth and Holiday Lights glasses (while supplies last), a scavenger hunt from 2-4:30 p.m., and Eastwind Vocal Ensemble from Glenbard East at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. From 4:30-5:30 p.m., sing Christmas carols at First United Methodist Church. At Maple Street Chapel, enjoy Josiah Reade Ringers, First Church’s handbell choir from 4:30-5 pm. and then Kilty Pleasure for the annual sing-along until 7 p.m. Glenbard East Honors Orchestra Concerts at 6 and 6:30 p.m., as well as hot cocoa and crafts in the Lombard Bible Church gym. Cookie Walk from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Calvary Church. Artist painting portraits onto keepsake ornaments, Candy Cane Lane along Park Avenue, and more. Free trolley running from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Lombard Fire Department will be at the park district’s office, 227 W. Parkside Ave., collecting toys for the toy drive benefiting Teen Parent Connection and Toy Express. lombardparks.com/jubilee.

Jingle Bell Jubilee at Victorian Cottage: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Victorian Cottage Historic House Museum, 23 W. Maple St., Lombard. Gingerbread Way holiday market features glow items, candles, warm drinks, cotton candy and more. See the Gingerbread House Contest entries and vote for your favorite. Face painting and kids’ crafts at the Carriage House. Take a tour of the Victorian Cottage with costumed interpreters and the Canterbury Carolers. Free tickets available at 4 p.m. at the Carriage House, with tours starting at 5:45 p.m. Lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. lombardhistory.org.

Downtown Evanston Holiday Light Celebration: 4:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Evanston’s Fountain Square, corner of Davis Street, Orrington and Sherman avenues, Evanston. Annual tree lighting event with the mayor, the city clerk, Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. Entertainment from the Evanston Children’s Choir at 4:30 p.m. and the Northwestern Community Singers at 5:10 p.m. Tree lighting at 5 p.m. Free. downtownevanston.org/treelighting.

Merry & Bright, Lighting the Tree: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Bartlett Park, Oak and North avenues, Bartlett. Cookies, cocoa, horse-drawn wagon rides, a DJ spinning holiday music, food trucks and more. Santa arrives at 5 p.m. and Laser Light Show at 7 p.m. Free. bartlettil.gov.

Wayne Tree Lighting: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Historic Depot building, off Army Trail Road, Wayne. Free. villageofwayne.org.

West Chicago Frosty Fest: 4:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown West Chicago. Tree-lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Fox Community Center, 306 Main St. Do holiday shopping or crafts at Fox Community Center and Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. Fa La La La Lane at American Legion, 123 Main St., with D33 Ballet Folklorico at 5 p.m., Gary Elementary Choir at 5:30 p.m., Leman Mariachi at 6 p.m., and West Chicago High School A Capella at 6:30 p.m. Along Main Street, window decorating contest, horse-drawn trolley rides, The Chicago Carolers from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Elves — Funny Little People at 5:30 p.m., ice sculpture carving, curling Rink, Frosty Fest ice sculpture, alpacas and reindeer, electric train, and more. The North Pole at Republic Bank, 101 Main St., with visits with Mr. & Mrs. Claus begin after the tree lighting ceremony. Food vendors near a heated tent. Free. westchicago.org/frosty-fest/.

Making Spirits Bright: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Riverfront Park, 25 E. State St., North Aurora. Holiday Lights Parade at 5 p.m., with the park lighting around 5:15 p.m. and Santa visits from 5:30-7 p.m. Find all the hidden penguins and get a prize from 5:15-7 p.m. Also, live reindeer, Santa’s Workshop Craft Corner and Holiday Food Drive for the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry. Lights will remain up through the new year. northaurora.org.

Island Lake Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the village hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave., Island Lake. Spaghetti dinner with Santa and lighting of the village tree. villageofislandlake.com.

Sunday, Dec. 7

Montgomery Tree Lighting & Visit with Santa: 4:30-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Montgomery Village Hall, 200 N. River St., Montgomery. Hosted by the village and the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. Santa Claus arrives at about 5 p.m. by the Montgomery & Countryside Fire District fire engine, musical performances by schoolchildren and local singers, strolling carolers, free hot chocolate and cookies, kids’ giveaways, and crafts. Festival of Trees on display through Dec. 27. montgomeryil.org.

Friday, Dec. 12

Hampshire’s annual Jingle Fest Parade: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in downtown Hampshire. Staging at 6 p.m. The tree lighting will happen at the start of the parade. hampshireil.org/santaparade.