Where to find Santa in the suburbs

Whether you call him Santa Claus, Kriss Kringle, Saint Nick, Father Christmas - the mythical man with a bag full of treats is visiting the suburbs ahead of his big worldwide tour Dec. 24.

The following is a listing of where you can find him. You can also check the website, www.santainchicago.com. Found a sighting that's not on our list? Please share via the Daily Herald Facebook page.

DuPage

<h3 class="leadin">Ongoing

<h3 class="leadin">Santa at Fox Valley: Westfield Fox Valley, 195 Fox Valley Center, Aurora. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, until before Christmas. Santa is available to hear Christmas wishes and to pose for pictures. (630) 851-7200.

<h3 class="leadin">Adventure to Santa: Daily (except Thanksgiving) through Thursday, Dec. 24, the Village Green at Oakbrook Center, 22nd Street and Route 83, Oak Brook. Join Shrek and his friends on a magical, interactive adventure to find Santa at the North Pole. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, through Nov. 28; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday though Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29 to Dec. 11; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12-20; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 21-23; and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 24. Tickets required. www.oakbrookcenter.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Nov. 27

<h3 class="leadin">Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk: 5 to 9 p.m. in the downtown. This year's theme is “Home for the Holidays.” Santa arrives and lights the Christmas tree at 6 p.m. at Main Street and Crescent Boulevard. Santa then travels to Fire Station 1, Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, to greet children until 8:30 p.m. Awards given in a window decorating contest. Restaurants and stores are open late. Free. www.glenellynchamber.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Nov. 28

<h3 class="leadin">Celebrate the Season: 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, Roselle Public library, 40 S. Park St., Roselle. Features singer/entertainer Tom Malouf. Santa, the mayor and the Rose Queen light the holiday tree at 2 p.m. Free. www.roselle.lib.il.us.

<h3 class="leadin">Visits with Santa: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 and 19, Martin Memorial Plaza, Main and Front streets, Wheaton. www.downtownwheaton.com or (630) 682-0633.

<h3 class="leadin">Santa's Craft Corner: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Cost: $5 family, $3 printed photo with Santa. (630) 665-5534 or cosleyzoo.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Nov. 29

<h3 class="leadin">Naperville Parade of Lights: 5 p.m. from Jackson Avenue going east to Main Street, then north on Main Street to Van Buren, turning west in front of the Main Street Promenade, ending at Eagle Street. near Naper School. Prior to the parade, musical entertainment starting at 4 p.m. at the parade Main Stage, Main Street and Van Buren, and at 5:45 after the parade. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit with children at the Main Stage from 6 to 8 p.m. Free. www.downtownnaperville.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Dec. 1

<h3 class="leadin">Santa House: Tuesday, Dec. 1, through Wednesday, Dec. 23, Naperville Riverwalk, Jackson Avenue and Webster Street, Naperville. Hours: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 1-3, special needs; 5-8 p.m. Dec. 8, military and first responders; 5-8 p.m. Dec. 9, pet night. Hours for general public: noon to 6 p.m. weekends, Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20; 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11, 15-18 and 21-23. Free admission; $8 per photo or two for $15. www.napervilleparks.org.

<h3 class="leadin">A Night with Santa: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, Itasca Community Library, 500 W. Irving Park Road, Itasca. Santa arrives, music by the Peacock Middle School Choir and holiday crafts organized by community groups. Each family that attends receives an Itasca 125th anniversary commemorative ornament (while supplies last). Donations of new and unwrapped toys collected by the Itasca Police Department help local families in need. Collections also of winter wear for all ages, and food and nonperishable donations for the Itasca Food Pantry. Free. www.itascalibrary.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Dec. 2

<h3 class="leadin">Santa visits: 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2, 4 and 11 and 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 20, Bloomingdale Park District Museum, 108 S. Bloomingdale Road, Bloomingdale. www.bloomingparks.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Dec. 4

<h3 class="leadin">Candy Cane Hunt with Santa: 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, Iowa Community Center, 338 N. Iowa Ave., Villa Park. Kids can share their wish list and take a photo with Santa, then head outdoors where Santa leads the candy cane hunt. $5/$3 sibling. vprd.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Warrenville Holly Days: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, Warrenville Park District Recreation Center, 3S260 Warren Ave., Warrenville. Santa parade, lighting of the city tree, entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and hot chocolate. Free. warrenvilleparks.org or (630) 393-7279.

<h3 class="leadin">Carol Stream tree-lighting: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, Carol Stream Town Center, 500 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream. Santa arrives for the tree-lighting, caroling, games, refreshments. (630) 665-7050 or www.carolstream.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Dec. 5

<h3 class="leadin">Cantigny holiday festival: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Includes Mistletoe Market, carolers, live reindeer display and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free with $2 parking; small fee for some activities. www.cantigny.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Christmas on the Farm: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. Say hello to an old-fashioned Santa and take your picture in a sleigh. Stop by a warming fire for caroling and hot apple cider. Free. (630) 876-5900.

<h3 class="leadin">Breakfast with Santa: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 5-6, 12-13. 19-20; Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 21-23, Ginkgo Restaurant in the Visitor Center at Morton Arboretum, 1400 Route 53, Lisle. Children have the opportunity to write letters to St. Nick while they wait for breakfast to be served. All children have a chance to visit with Santa and receive a candy cane and cookie. $35 for ages 3-12; $39 for adults. mortonarb.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Talons and Claus: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Willowbrook Wildlife Center, 525 Park Blvd., Willowbrook. Have your picture taken with Santa and his wildlife friends during a holiday open house. Free admission; $10 per photo. (630) 942-6200.

<h3 class="leadin">Holiday Train Ride: 1:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Villa Park train station, N. Ardmore Avenue and W. Terrace Street, Villa Park. Arrive at the train station by 12:30 p.m. Ride the train in your PJ's all the way to the North Pole (Elburn). Onboard activities highlighted by a visit from Santa. $15; free for ages kids younger than 1. vprd.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Breakfast with Santa: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Courtyard Banquets, 3S200 Route 59, Warrenville. Breakfast buffet. Each child receives a small gift bag. $12 adults, $8 children 3-10, $4 children 4 and under. warrenvilleparks.org or (630) 393-7279.

<h3 class="leadin">Blackberry Farm Holiday Express: 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays and 2 to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 4-6, 11-13 and 18-20, Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Special needs night only Dec. 4; advance purchase required. Visit a wonderland amid thousands of twinkling lights, festive holiday decorations and holiday music. Take a ride on the Holiday Express train and enjoy a hay wagon ride. Back in the historic pioneer village, enjoy crafts, a reindeer food bar, story readings of holiday classics at the one-room schoolhouse and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. $5 for ages 2 and older. To skip lines, pre-purchase tickets at seatyourself.biz/foxvalleyparkdistrict. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Frosty Fest: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, downtown West Chicago. Tree-lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn sleigh, live reindeer, crafts, live musical performances. westchicago.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Lights of Lisle Festival: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, downtown Lisle. Santa Parade kicks off at 4 p.m. Saturday at Ogden Avenue and Main Street and travels to downtown Lisle to end at the village hall, where official the tree-lighting is at 6 p.m. 2,500 luminaria line the streets and PrairieWalk Pond. Musical entertainment and refreshments at the village hall. Holiday Trolley offers free rides from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Free hayrides from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday between the village hall and Museums of Lisle Station Park, where Once Upon a Christmas is held. Free. villageoflight.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Once Upon a Christmas: 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Museums of Lisle Station Park, 921 School St., Lisle. 1800s-era holiday celebration complete with period costumes, demonstrations, children's crafts, music, brick oven baking, model train displays, hayrides, blacksmithing, Santa. Live reindeer visit Sunday. Free. villageoflight.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Lombard Jinglebell Jubilee: 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, downtown Lombard and Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave. Santa's arrival at Lilacia Park and tree-lighting at 5:30 p.m. Holiday performances, tours of Victorian Cottage Museum, singalong at Maple Street Chapel. www.lombarddowntown.org or lombardparks.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Roselle Lions Club Lunch with Santa: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Trinity Lutheran Family Life Center, 405 S. Rush St., Roselle. Santa arrives on the Roselle Fire Department fire truck. Kids of all ages are invited to enjoy lunch and have their picture taken with Santa. Admission: nonperishable food item for the Bloomingdale Township Food Pantry. mobysmom2k1@yahoo.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Wood Dale Tree-Lighting: 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec, 5, at Wood Dale City Hall, 404 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale. Celebrate a “Hawaiian Holiday” with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, performances by school groups and the Barefoot Hawaiians, holiday crafts, movie and refreshments. Tree-lighting and fireworks at 5:15 p.m. Free. www.wooddale.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Villa Park Joyful Traditions: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Ruggard Gazebo at Ardmore and Park, Villa Park. Tree-lighting, photos with Santa, tasting tent, build your own s'mores, strolling carolers, SnoManCave, World's Largest Stocking. Free. villaparkchamber.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Dec. 6

<h3 class="leadin">Brunch with Santa: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. seatings Sunday, Dec. 6, at Le Jardin restaurant in the Visitors Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Pictures with Santa, a balloon artist and facepainting. $28 adults; $25 ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Prices include tax, but not gratuity. (630) 260-8260 or jchase@cantigny.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Lisle Santa Train: 9:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec, 6, Lisle Metra Station, 1000 Front St., Lisle. Join Santa and costumed characters for a holiday train ride to Chicago and back. $16. www.facebook.com/TheLislePolarExpressChristmasTrain.

<h3 class="leadin">Dec. 10

<h3 class="leadin">Rockin' Santa: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10; 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17; and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, Bloomingdale Park District Museum, 108 S. Bloomingdale Road, Bloomingdale. Santa sings and plays guitar. www.bloomingdaleparks.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Dec. 12

<h3 class="leadin">Breakfast with Santa: 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Glendale Lakes Golf Club, 1550 President St., Glendale Heights. All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. $5 adults for breakfast, $3 children's breakfast, $2 photo. www.glendaleheightsparksrecreationfacilities.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Breakfast with Santa: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, Clauss Recreation Center, 555 Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle. Includes games, crafts, giveaways. $5-$15. rparks.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Bowling with Santa: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 12, Pinstripes, 7 Oakbrook Center Drive, Oak Brook. Breakfast and unlimited bowling. Preregister. $20-$38. (630) 627-6100.

<h3 class="leadin">Breakfast With Santa: 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, First United Methodist Church, 643 E. Washington St., West Chicago. Pancakes, sausage and beverages served. Benefits Neighborhood Food Pantries. $3-$20; photos with Santa $5. (630) 231-3344.

<h3 class="leadin">Cookies with Mrs. Claus: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, Lisle Park District Recreation Center, 1825 Ohio St., Lisle. Kids ages 3-10. Reading of “'Twas the Night Before Christmas,” decorate and eat cookies, make holiday ornament, hot chocolate. $30 residents; $45 nonresidents. www.lisleparkdistrict.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Breakfast with Santa: 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, Community Rec Center, 120 E. Oak St., Addison. $8-$13. addisonparks.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Breakfast and Brunch with Santa: Saturday, Dec. 12, Bloomingdale Golf Club, 181 Glen Ellyn Road, Bloomingdale. Tickets available at the Bloomingdale Public Library, 101 Fairfield Way. www.mybpl.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Holiday photos: 1 to 3 p.m. at Fire Station 1, Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Glen Ellyn. Have your photo taken with Santa and his live reindeer. www.glenellyn.org/HolidaysinGE.

<h3 class="leadin">Winfield Polar Express: 2:45 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, Jon Duerr Forest Preserve, 35W003 Route 31, Elgin. $26 residents; $32 nonresidents. www.winfieldparkdistrict.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Santa's Brunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, White Pines Golf Club & Banquets, 500 W. Jefferson, Bensenville. Children visit and have photos taken with Santa, make holiday crafts and play games. Cost: $14.99 adults, $7.99 children ages 5-11, and $4.99 for ages 4 and younger. Prices do not include tax and service fee. Reservations required: (630) 766-0304, ext. 2.

<h3 class="leadin">Dec. 13

<h3 class="leadin">Warrenville Polar Express: 4:20 to 5:20 p.m. or 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, Jon Duerr Forest Preserve, 3SW003 Route 31, South Elgin. Train ride, reading of Polar Express book. hot chocolate and cookies, Santa. $20 residents, $25 nonresidents. warrenvilleparks.org or (630) 393-7279.

<h3 class="leadin">Dec. 18

<h3 class="leadin">Supper with Santa: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, Itasca Recreation Center, 350 E. Irving Park Road, Itasca. Music, crafts, reading of “'Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Each child receives a holiday gift. $10 per child, $5 per adult. itascaparkdistrict.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Dec. 19

<h3 class="leadin">Jingle Bell Jamboree: 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Storytime with Mrs. Claus, decorate and nibble on cookies in her bakery, holiday craft workshop, Rudolph's Reindeer Food Station, Candy Land photo both, snow painting, write a letter to Santa, live holiday music by the Chicago Sinfonietta's Project Inclusion Ensemble and the Alena Quintet from Metea Valley High School. $7 for ages 13 and older; $5 for youth. napersettlement.org or (630) 420-6010.

<h3 class="leadin">Polar Express: 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. and 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, West Chicago train station, 508 W. Main St., West Chicago. Tickets: $16 and $20. Info: we-goparks.org.

Cook

<h3 class="leadin">Arlington Heights: Festival of the Wreaths, 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Following the tree-lighting ceremony, walk over to the museum and vote for your favorite wreath for the People's Choice Award. Free.

<h3 class="leadin">Barrington: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, throughout downtown Barrington at the Barrington Holiday Celebration. Events and Santa visits at the Foundry Shopping Center (including a petting zoo), Ice House Mall (including a parade at noon and Santa at 12:30 p.m.), The Shops on Lageschulte (including huskies with pictures with sled dogs from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Santa making a stop at 3 p.m. on his way to tree-lighting) and the Barrington Village Center (free carriage rides, cocoa and cookies from 1 to 5 p.m.). The Holiday Trolley runs 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tree lighting at 5 p.m., then Santa will visit with children until 6:30 p.m. www.enjoybarrington.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Bartlett: Tree lighting is from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4, in Bartlett Park at Oak and North avenues. From 5-6:30 p.m., residents are invited to visit Santa at his log cabin (bring your camera) At 7 p.m., the holiday tree will be lit.

<h3 class="leadin">Des Plaines: Holiday on the Square, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, Metropolitan Square, Metropolitan Way and Market Street. Children decorate holiday trees starting at 4 p.m., Santa arrives at 4:30 p.m. Entertainment featuring Artistry in Motion, the Salvation Army Band, Maine West Band and Maine West Choraliers begins at 5 p.m. The tree-lighting is at 6:30 p.m. Hot chocolate, cookies, popcorn, chestnuts. Theme is “Season of Sharing;” donations taken for the Self-Help Food Pantry. desplaines.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Elk Grove: Breakfast with Santa with 9 and 10:30 a.m. seatings, Saturday, Dec. 5, Al Hattendorf Center, 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. Souvenir picture and a small gift. Advance registration only. (847) 437-9494 or elkgroveparks.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Hanover Park: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, outside of village hall, 2121 Lake St. Entertainment, refreshments and Santa comes to light up the village. www.hpil.org/Our-Community/Village-Events. aspx.

<h3 class="leadin">Hoffman Estates: Breakfast With Santa, 9 a.m. To noon, Saturday, Dec. 12 at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club. 1400 Poplar Creek Dr, Hoffman Estates, $18.95 adults, $9.95 ages 5-12, under 4 free. To make a reservation, .(847) 781-3655. Afterward, Winter Fest, a free event with crafts, activities and more, is also at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club.

<h3 class="leadin">Palatine: Holly Days: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, Knupper Nursery & Landscape, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Santa and his reindeer; characters from the “Nutcracker” ballet. Bring your camera. Free. knuppernursery.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Mount Prospect: Teddy Bear Walk, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 5, Mount Prospect Public Library, 10. S. Emerson St. Bring a favorite teddy to the library for stories and songs. Ted E. Bear leads the march to the village hall to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus, escorted by the Mount Prospect Fire Department. (847) 253-5675; mppl.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Palatine: Kid Pictures with Santa, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, Knupper Nursery & Landscape, 1801 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Free. (847) 359-1080.

<h3 class="leadin">Prospect Heights: Christmas tree Lighting, 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, Prospect Heights city hall, 8 N. Elmhurst Road. At 5 p.m. we will serve cookies and roast marshmallows along with lighting the tree as we welcome Santa Claus. Free.

<h3 class="leadin">Rosemont: Holiday Fest, 5:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 27, MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Place. Ice skating, free horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice carving and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The ice rink officially opens for the season at 11 a.m. rosemont.com/mbfinancialpark.

<h3 class="leadin">Rolling Meadows: Breakfast or Lunch with Santa, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. seatings, Saturday, Dec. 5, Community Center, 3705 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows. Breakfast is pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice and coffee; lunch is pizza, salad, vegetables, juice and coffee. Cameras encouraged. Registration deadline Nov. 20. $6-$12; free for kids under 2. www.rmparks.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Schaumburg: Tree lighting: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Visits with Santa, caroling, entertainment and refreshments. Free. (847) 923-3605, (847) 895-3600 or email rebenvenuti@villageofschaumburg.com.


<h3 class="leadin">

Schaumburg: Santa's Flight from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Dec. 6 at Schaumburg Regional Airport. Participants will wait for Santa to arrive by helicopter in the hangar at the airport and enjoy a buffet breakfast provided by Pilot Pete's. As Santa approaches, the hangar doors will open so everyone can see him land. Santa will then disembark from the helicopter and talk with guests. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly.(847) 490-7020.

<h3 class="leadin">Schaumburg: Santa visits your house, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 8 and 9. Santa will visit your house, within the Schaumburg Park District borders, with a special surprise for the whole family. Once registered, Santa's elves will call with the approximate time of his arrival. Preregistration is required. Cost is $25. (847) 490-7020.

<h3 class="leadin">Schaumburg: Santa at Woodfield, various hours through Dec. 24. Free. To skip the lines visit simon.noerrsanta.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Streamwood Breakfast with Santa: 9:30-11:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Hoosier Grove Farmstead Barn. Preregistration required, $14 residents/$21 nonresidents, under 2 free. www.spdcares.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Wheeling: Lollipop Lane, Dec. 5-13, at the Wheeling Historical Society, 251 N. Wolf Road. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 2-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday cookies and a special annual ornament available for purchase. Santa Express will provide a train ride around the museum on the opening day, Dec. 5 and closing day, Dec. 13. www.wheelinghistoricalsociety.com

Fox Valley

<h3 class="leadin">Algonquin: Santa Comes to Algonquin Commons, 1-4 p.m. every weekend, Nov. 27-Dec. 20. 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. Visit shopatalgonquincommons.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Algonquin: Holiday Rock on the Fox, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Riverfront Park, 201 N. Harrison St., Algonquin. Tree-lighting ceremony, visit with Santa and Friends, family activities, and holiday music. Free. Toys for Tots donation bins available for new unwrapped toys. www.algonquin.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Cary: Holiday Walk and Tree Lighting, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Jaycee Park, off Silver Lake Road in Cary. Lighting of the Jaycee Park Holiday Walk, including visit with Santa and his live reindeer and enjoy ice skating (weather permitting), and light refreshments. Free. (847) 639-6100 or www.carypark.com.

<h3 class="leadin">East Dundee, West Dundee: Dickens in Dundee, 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, beginning in downtown East and West Dundee. winter festival featuring living windows, parade, Santa, petting zoo, crafts, gingerbread village, carriage rides and more. Free. dickensindundee.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Elgin: Window Wonderland, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in downtown Elgin. Annual event pictures with Santa, Santa's live reindeer, carolers, free City Skate, roasted chestnuts, more. Tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. in Civic Center Plaza. www.downtownelgin.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Fox River Grove: Tree-Lighting Ceremony: 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Algonquin Road School, 975 Algonquin Road, Fox River Grove. Featuring pictures with Santa, live music, cookies, and activities. www.foxrivergrove-il.org. 


<h3 class="leadin">Gilberts: Tree-lighting ceremony: 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at Town Square Park, Center Drive and Rollyn Anderson Lane in Gilberts. Santa arrives in town on a fire truck and visits each subdivision in the village. www.villageofgilberts.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Hampshire: Santa Comes to Hampshire, Noon-1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, Hampshire Middle School, 560 S. State St. Before Hampshire Area Chamber of Commerce's craft show from 1 to 4 p.m. It will include free photos with Santa, a craft show, live entertainment, kids games and crafts, interactive train display and petting zoo. Visit www.hampshirechamber.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Huntley: A Very Merry Huntley, Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5, in downtown Huntley. 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, with horse-drawn trolley rides; Kriss Kringle Market; kids' crafts; pictures with Santa, Friends of the Library Book Sale; entertainment; and more. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, with indoor farmers market, Cookie Walk, live reindeer and cell choir performance in the morning followed at 4 p.m. with hot chocolate, live Nativity, lighting of Town Square and a visit by Santa. www.huntley.il.us.

<h3 class="leadin">Lake in the Hills: Festival of Trees and Santa Ride In, 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the Lake in the Hills village hall, 600 Harvest Gate. When Santa arrives via fire truck, help him ring in the season by lighting the Festival of Trees. Join him for a snack, activities and a photo opportunity. www.lith.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Mooseheart: Holiday Lights, 5 to 9 p.m. beginning Nov. 27 until Dec. 31, along the Mooseheart campus, off Route 31, just south of Batavia. The sixth annual event is one of the largest shows in the Chicago area, including about 80 displays on a 1.8-mile route through the campus, weekend visits from Santa; $10 a car, cash only. All proceeds benefit the Mooseheart children. Visit Santa from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 11-13, 18-20, at end of tour. www.mooseheart.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Pingree Grove: Tree-lighting celebration, 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Centennial Park, Reinking Road. Santa at 4:45 p.m.; photos with Santa, outdoor movie, miniature train rides, crafts, music, food, drinks, a holiday food drive and a North Pole mailbox to mail letters to Santa. www.villageofpingreegrove.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Sleepy Hollow: Holiday in the Hollow: 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 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.

<h3 class="leadin">South Elgin: An Almost Winter Day, 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at County Park, 225 S. Water St. in South Elgin. Santa at 3 p.m. for carols and photos with children. Concessions will sold by the South Elgin Police, South Elgin and Countryside Fire, and the FUNdation, with the proceeds benefiting local nonprofit organizations. Enjoy a reading of “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg with Fox Valley Trolley Museum. Petting zoo, horse-drawn sleigh rides, cookie decorating, children's activity area, s'mores, pony rides, a bonfire. At 5 p.m., Santa will light the tree at the Footprints in Time Plaza. Free admission; some activities have small fee. www.southelgin.com.

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West Dundee: Santa's Arrival, 10 a.m. Santa arrived Nov. 14 at Spring Hill Mall, 1072 Spring Hill Ring Road, West Dundee. He stays through Dec. 24. Daily hours vary. Call Jessica Lubarski at (847) 428-1509 or (847) 428-2200, or visit springhillmall.com.

Tri-Cities

<h3 class="leadin">Aurora: Santa is at Westfield Fox Valley Mall, 195 Fox Valley Center, Aurora, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Christmas Eve. (630) 851-7200.

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Batavia: Batavia's Celebration of Lights: 5:30-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, Batavia Riverwalk, Houston Street and Island Avenue. Community singalong at 5:45 p.m.; roasted chestnuts and tree lighting at 6 p.m.; photo with Santa at the Peg Bond Center at 6:15 p.m.; Story Hour 6:15-7 p.m. in the Batavia Depot Museum. Hayrides for $1 or a nonperishable donation to the Batavia Food Pantry. Free admission and free parking north of the Batavia Government Center. www.bataviaparks.org or (630) 879-5235.

<h3 class="leadin">Batavia: Christmas Open House, 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, The Holmstad, 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia. The Holmstad retirement community will transform into a holiday storybook and will include a Nativity scene with live animals; Mr. and Mrs. Claus with their favorite elf; ongoing trolley rides to view the life-size holiday yard art; and lots of seasonal treats, holiday music and festivities for children. Free. Reservations not required. Call (877) 226-7310 or visit www.TheHolmstad.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Elburn: Christmas Stroll, 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, through businesses in downtown Elburn. Features arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Town and Country Library, hayrides, s'mores, free samples from merchants, and a tree-burning safety demonstration by Elburn and Countryside Fire District. Light show with a 12-foot tree, 10 mini trees, a talking Santa, and an FM transmitter which will play Christmas music that synchronizes with the lights. facebook.com/elburnchristmasstroll.

<h3 class="leadin">Geneva: Geneva Commons will kick off the holiday season Friday, Nov. 27, with its annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. There will be free horse-drawn carriage rides from 3 to 6 p.m., and Santa Claus will arrive at 5:30 p.m. to light the giant tree. Kids can visit Santa and receive a free holiday gift until 7 p.m. The event, which takes place near the Bell Tower, is free and open to the public. Visit shopgenevacommons.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Geneva Christmas Walk: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, 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. 5-6. (630) 232-6060 or www.genevachamber.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Geneva: Pancake Breakfast with Santa: 7:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Geneva High School cafeteria, 416 McKinley Ave. Geneva Lions Club's fourth annual breakfast featuring pancakes, sausage, juice, milk, and Arcedium Coffee. There will be live holiday music, free craft activities, and free photos with Santa. Tickets are $6 in advance or $7 at the door. Children, age 3 and younger, are free. Purchase your tickets at State Street Jewelers, 230 W. State St. in Geneva, or online at genevalionsclub.org.

<h3 class="leadin">North Aurora: Holiday Open House, 1:30-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, Messenger Public Library, 113 Oak Street, North Aurora. Enjoy music, a visit with Santa, a treasure hunt in the stacks and conversation with the library board of trustees, staff, family and friends. Bring camera for a photo with Santa. (630) 896-0240.

<h3 class="leadin">St. Charles: St. Charles Holiday Homecoming/Electric Christmas Parade: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27-28, Main Street, St. Charles. Lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at First Street Plaza. Electric Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, on Main Street, from Sixth Street to Fourth Avenue. Free holiday movie, “Elf,” at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 28. Horse-drawn sleigh rides and visits with Santa from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Free. www.downtownstcharles.org.

<h3 class="leadin">St. Charles: Santa's Elf Academy-Sing-Along with Santa, Nov. 28-Dec. 20, Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Interactive musical presentation for children and families at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sundays. $11, $9 for 16 and younger. (630) 587-8521 or SteelBeamTheatre.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Sugar Grove: Holiday in the Grove: 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in Sugar Grove. 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. with Pictures with Santa, children's activities, and cake walk from 8 a.m. to noon. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at John Shields Elementary, 85 S. Main St., holiday craft/vendor show, raffles, children's crafts, Holiday Café serving a light lunch and an appearance from Mrs. Claus to decorate home baked cookies with children. Other activities at Sugar Grove United Methodist Church and Sugar Grove Library. www.holidayinthegrove.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Woodland Santa's Holiday Workshop: 10-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles. Santa arrives pulled by his huskies, write a letter to Santa, make an ornament, pictures. $10-$15. Must register at stcnature.org.

Lake County

<h3 class="leadin">Antioch: Holiday Parade and lighting, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, Antioch village hall, 874 Main St., Antioch. Lighting ceremony will take place immediately following the Christmas Parade in front of village hall, with the Antioch Community High School Chorus caroling and a visit from Santa. The Antioch Fire Department will hand out free cookies and hot chocolate. Homemade and store-bought ornaments for the community Christmas tree will be accepted at village hall Monday, Nov. 23. (847) 395-2160 or parks@antioch.il.gov.

<h3 class="leadin">Antioch: Breakfast with Santa, 8, 9:30, and 11 a.m., on Saturdays, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 at Antioch Golf Club (40150 N. Route 59). Pre-sale tickets are $12 per person or $15 at the door. Includes tickets to the Antioch Chamber of Commerce's Frozen Village. To register, visit antioch.il.gov, call (847) 395-2160 or stop in to the Antioch Parks and Recreation, 806 Holbek, Antioch.

<h3 class="leadin">Fox Lake: Parade and tree lighting, 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, Millennium Park, Grand and Rollins, Fox Lake. Parade steps off at 5 p.m. from Grant Community High School down Grand Avenue ending at Town Center Plaza on Rollins Road. A party will follow at 6:30 with caroling, hot chocolate, and the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Santa will greet children at his house in Millennium Park until 7:30 p.m. Free. Call (847) 587-2151 or visit www.foxlake.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Grayslake: Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market, 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, Center and Whitney, Grayslake. Sleigh rides, refreshments, visit with Santa at The Oasis, 151 Hawley St. Holiday Market at the Grayslake Museum, 164 Hawley St. Sleigh rides between 6-8 p.m. Visit business.grayslakechamber.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Gurnee: Santa Claus at Gurnee Mills at varying times through Dec. 24. On the final day he'll be there 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free to visit, but photo packages will be available for purchase. Santa entertains visitors by Gurnee Mills' food court. The best way to reach Santa is through entrances D or E. The mall is at the intersection of I-94 and Grand Avenue (Route 132) in Gurnee.

<h3 class="leadin">Gurnee: Holiday Shopping Event: 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, The Inlaws/Primo, 720 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Free entry, raffle tickets, prizes, 15 vendors, and Santa for the kids. Free.

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Hawthorn Woods: Tree lighting, 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, 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. Stay warm inside the Barn with hot cocoa and cookies while making an ornament. Children can visit with Santa. Visit www.vhw.org or call (847) 438-5500.

<h3 class="leadin">Lake Villa: Lighted Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, Lehmann Park, 89 Cedar Ave, Lake Villa. See antique cars, floats, bands and more in the parade. Afterward, the tree-lighting ceremony takes place in Lehmann Park. Santa will be on hand at the train station. Visit llvchamber.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Lake Zurich: Holiday Vendor Fair, 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, LA Fitness, 825 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Free entry, raffle tickets, prizes, 25 vendors to shop from, and Santa for the kids. Free.

<h3 class="leadin">Libertyville: Tree lighting and Holiday Walk, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Entertainment includes Santa who will show up at 7 p.m. to light the tree and take pictures with the kids. Free. Visit www.libertyville.com/calendar.aspx; call (847) 362-2430.

<h3 class="leadin">Lindenhurst: Tree Lighting & Santa Visit, 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Lindenhurst Park District, 2200 E. Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst. See Santa light the Holiday Tree then come inside for free cookies and juice. Visit www.lindenhurstparks.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Mundelein: Santa's Cottage: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 5, 12, and 19, village hall Plaza, Park and Seymour, Mundelein. Free. For information contact Mundelein Community Connection, at (847) 970-9235. Visit www.mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Round Lake: Tree lighting, 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, Round Lake village hall, 422 N. Cedar Lake Road, Round Lake. Visit with Santa and mingle with village officials and staff. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served. The Village School Choir will perform holiday favorites. Call (847) 546-5400 or visit www.eroundlake.com.

<h3 class="leadin">Round Lake Beach: Santa, tree-lighting ceremony, 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 27 at Round Lake Beach Village hall. Santa to arrive on a fire truck at around 6:15 p.m. Tree-lighting at 6:30 p.m. (847) 201-9032 or email rlbeachcenter@rlbeach.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Round Lake Beach: Santa and his Live Reindeer, 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. Craft fair, photos with Santa and his reindeer, free kids crafts, raffles and more. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for ages 12 and younger and seniors. Bring a new toy or a nonperishable food item and receive $1 off. Call (847) 201-9032 Visit www.rlchamber.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Round Lake Beach: Spaghetti Supper with Santa, 4 -8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3 at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center. Sponsored by the Round Lake Area Chamer of Commerce. $40. Complete registration form and fax to (847) 546-2254 or email: info@rlchamber.org with your credit card information or return it with payment to the Round Lake Area Chamber of Commerce; 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073. For information, call (847) 546-2002, email info@rlchamber.org or visit www.rlchamber.org.

<h3 class="leadin">Round Lake Heights: Tree lighting, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, village hall, 619 W. Pontiac Court, Round Lake Heights. Tree lighting with cookies and cocoa, as well as a visit from Santa Claus.

<h3 class="leadin">Wauconda: Tree lighting, 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Wauconda Park District, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Santa will arrive on a fire truck to light the tree and kick off a fireworks show. Come inside to enjoy crafts, games and stories. Goody bags available while supplies last and light refreshments will be served. No registration required. Free. Visit waucondaparks.org or (847) 526-3610.

<h3 class="leadin">Vernon Hills: Tree and menorah lighting ceremony: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, Vernon Hills Golf Course, 291 Evergreen Drive, Vernon Hills. Help Mayor Roger Byrne flip the switch to the holiday tree, with hot chocolate, cookies, and cider. With the assistance of the Countryside Fire District, Santa will attend. Visit www.vernonhills.org or call (847) 367-3700.

<h3 class="leadin">Vernon Hills: Santa is at Westfield Hawthorn from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Mondays-Friday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays, during regular mall hours. The shopping center is at 122 Hawthorn Center.

<h3 class="leadin">Wildwood: ExtraCare Holiday Craft Fair: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, Wildwood Presbyterian Church, 18630 Old Gages Lake Road, Wildwood. Over 60 craft tables, with a bake sale and Boy Scout Troop 672 Pancake Breakfast, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a raffle. Proceeds benefit ExtraCare, a not-for-profit Adult Day care program for individuals and families who are affected by memory impairment of a loved one. Visit www.extracare.us or call (847) 543-0922.