8 Local Events to Celebrate the Start of the Holiday Season
November marks the transition from the vibrant energy of fall to the joy of the holiday winter season — a time for reflection and thankfulness. As the holidays approach, the community spirit and festive cheer comes alive in our local neighborhoods, offering a variety of delightful events and activities for all ages. From tree lighting ceremonies to Holiday markets, there is truly something for everyone this November!
The Morton Arboretum – Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum – November 23rd - Dec 23rd (Wednesday – Sunday)
For 12 years running, The Morton Arboretum hosts Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum – which transforms the tree-filled landscape into a luminous wonderland with twinkly Christmas lights as far as the eye can see. Every year, they make the experience even better. Open Wednesdays – Sundays November 23rd - December 23rd, enjoy a curated playlist of music synchronized to 17 breathtaking light displays. The walking trail will also feature a concession tent offering hot chocolate, snacks, and s’mores kits to enjoy by the warming bonfires. A unique temperature-sensitive, color-changing ceramic mug will be available for purchase. Additionally, guests can savor a hot meal at the Ginkgo Restaurant, which overlooks the laser light finale on Meadow Lake. You can purchase tickets HERE.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Celebrate the holidays and marvel at how light transforms a magnificent landscape at Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum...
Naperville Noon Lions 27th Turkey Trot 5K Run – November 28th
Join the Naperville Noon Lions at 8:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning at Naperville Central High School for the 27th Annual Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot 5K. The Naperville Noon Lions Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization that raises funds to assist children and seniors in Naperville who need hearing and vision care but are unable to afford it. Additionally, these proceeds benefit local organizations, including those that support veterans and combat hunger and homelessness. If you are unable to attend this year, please consider donating HERE.
Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot
Run with us and Celebrate the Start of Naperville’s Holiday Tradition! Join us, 8:00 a.m. Thanksgiving Morning at Naperville Central Highschool...
Downers Grove Express 5K Run/Walk – November 28th
Join The Grove Express Foundation and participate in this Thanksgiving Day tradition and race through the heart of downtown Downers Grove. Gather your friends, family, and fellow runners to kickstart your Thanksgiving celebrations while supporting a meaningful cause. The direct donations and proceeds from the Grove Express 5K will uphold the mission to invest in education, youth programs and scholarships. For more information, click HERE.
Downers Grove Express 5K Run/Walk
The Grove Express 5K starts at Main and Grove Streets in downtown Downers Grove and winds its way through the heart of the Village...
Downtown Naperville Holiday Parade of Lights – November 29th
The Rotary Club of Naperville is hosting the 2024 Parade of Lights in Downtown Naperville! The parade will travel through the heart of downtown Naperville on Friday, November 29th under the beautiful twinkling lights. This parade will bring joy to children of all ages, attendees of the parade will be treated to an enchanting evening featuring brightly illuminated floats, local musical acts, hometown parade participants, and a special appearance by Santa Claus! The parade will start at 7pm and is set to start near Centennial Beach. Floats will make their way down Jackson before heading north on Webster and then west down Van Buren and Eagle. You won’t want to miss this magnificent event! You can also make a donation to the Rotary Club HERE.
Downtown Naperville Holiday Parade of Lights
The parade will travel through the heart of downtown Naperville on Friday, November 29th under the beautiful twinkling lights...
Downers Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 29th
Bring your family and friends to Main Street Train Station to kick off the holiday season with a Tree Lighting Ceremony! Santa will be joining in on the fun, and there will be live music from the District 99 marching band and the Downers Grove Choral Society.
Downers Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join friends, family and neighbors at the Main Street Train Station to kick-off the holiday...
Downtown Wheaton Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 29th
The Downtown Wheaton Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony, held on November 29th, is a delightful celebration that marks the beginning of the festive season in the heart of downtown Wheaton. This charming event invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy a magical evening filled with holiday cheer, featuring twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and festive music. The parade serves as a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate traditions, and create lasting memories as they welcome the holiday season. Stick around to celebrate the tree lighting immediately after the parade!
Downtown Wheaton Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
The tradition continues; join us for the annual Wheaton Christmas Parade for a magical evening of lights...
Downtown Plainfield Holiday Artisan Market – November 30th
Check out the Downtown Plainfield Holiday Artisan Market on Saturday, November 30th from 10am – 4pm! Celebrate the season with an array of local delights! Shop over 30 local crafters and vendors, offering unique handmade goods and one-of-a-kind treasures. Savor warm holiday foods that capture the essence of the season and enjoy a drink from their full bar as you stroll through the market. Bring your friends and family for a day of shopping, delicious food, and community spirit in the heart of Downtown Plainfield!
Downtown Plainfield Holiday Artisan Market
Celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 30th at the Holiday Artisan Market at Sanctuary Events! Discover the perfect holiday gifts from 30 local vendors and crafters...
Brookfield Zoo – Holiday Magic – November 22-24, 29-30
If you are up for the drive, Brookfield Zoo has a festive experience waiting for you! At Brookfield Zoo, step into a wonderland of Holiday Magic, where giant illuminated animals come to life! Enjoy an enchanting tunnel show, see Santa Clause, and view captivating walkthrough displays! You’ll see over 900 beautifully decorated trees that illuminate the night, each decorated by local community groups and organizations. Take a leisurely stroll through their new immersive displays – Candy Cane Lane, where you can drop off letters to Santa and Sparkling Coast, adorned with wintery blue moving light patterns and magical underwater light statues. You won’t want to miss this truly magical festive experience, and the kids are sure to love it! To purchase NORTH GATE tickets, click HERE. To purchase SOUTH GATE tickets, click HERE.
Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic
This holiday season, get ready to visit Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival featuring over two million twinkling LED lights...
So bundle up, gather your loved ones, and make your way to one of the many unforgettable festive events this November!
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