Local Holiday Events in the Chicago Suburbs
The Chicago suburbs truly come alive during the holiday season, offering a warm, festive atmosphere perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to soak in the magic of the holidays. From charming downtown celebrations to sparkling light displays and cozy community traditions, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the spirit!
Christkindlmarket Aurora – RiverEdge Park - Aurora
Now through December 24th, Christkindlmarket Aurora brings the charm of a traditional German Christmas village to RiverEdge Park! This festive open-air market features dozens of local and international vendors offering handcrafted ornaments, holiday décor, wooden toys, and unique gifts, along with authentic European foods like bratwurst, schnitzel, roasted nuts, baked pretzels, gingerbread, strudel, and potato pancakes. Visitors can enjoy seasonal drinks – including the market’s signature mulled wine (Glühwein) served in the annual collectible mug – all while strolling through beautifully decorated booths illuminated with lights and holiday music. With photo opportunities, family activities, cultural performances, and more, the Aurora location offers all the magic of the iconic Chicago market but with easier parking, more space, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
To take a sneak peak, check out our TikTok
Christkindlmarket Aurora
Brighten up your holidays and enjoy a cherished tradition with a visit to the Christkindlmarket at RiverEdge Park in Aurora...
Oswego Christmas Walk – Downtown Oswego
Join john greene Realtor at the Oswego Christmas Walk, a festive Downtown Oswego celebration happening Friday, December 5, 2025, from 4:30 to 8:30 PM. This free, community-wide kickoff to the holiday season features a tree-lighting ceremony, performances by local choirs, dazzling ice-sculpting demonstrations, and a crowd-favorite inflatable sled hill. Families can enjoy hands-on games and crafts, meet Santa and his reindeer, and take in the excitement of the emergency-vehicle light parade as it rolls through downtown. With local shops and small businesses staying open late, it’s the perfect evening to browse for gifts, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak in the warm, hometown holiday spirit.
Oswego Christmas Walk – Downtown Oswego
The Village of Oswego Christmas Walk kicks off the holiday season in downtown Oswego from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5 - rain or shine...
Downtown Plainfield Holiday Artisan Market – Downtown Plainfield
The Downtown Plainfield Holiday Artisan Market, held on December 6 from 11AM to 4PM at Sanctuary Events, offers a warm and inviting holiday shopping experience featuring talented local artisans and makers. Visitors can browse a curated selection of handcrafted goods – including ornaments, jewelry, home décor, candles, seasonal treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts – perfect for holiday giving or personal keepsakes. The event also includes delicious food and drinks, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere enhanced by holiday music and a beautifully decorated venue. It’s a great way to support small businesses, enjoy seasonal flavors, and soak in the spirit of the holidays right in the heart of Downtown Plainfield.
Downtown Plainfield Holiday Artisan Market – Downtown Plainfield
Don't miss the Holiday Artisan Market at Sanctuary Plainfield from 11am to 4pm THIS SUNDAY!
Merry & Bright: A Victorian Christmas at the Downers Grove Museum
On December 13th from 3 – 6PM, this event offers a charming journey back in time to experience the holiday traditions of the Victorian era. This festive event immerses visitors in the sights, sounds, and smells of a classic 19th-century Christmas, featuring period-appropriate decorations, music, and storytelling that bring history to life. Guests can explore the beautifully preserved museum, adorned with authentic holiday décor reminiscent of the Victorian age, and enjoy seasonal treats that capture the spirit of the season. Children and families will be delighted by a special visit from Santa Claus, who is dressed in traditional Victorian attire, creating a magical and nostalgic experience for all ages. This event provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the holidays while learning about the rich heritage and customs that shaped modern Christmas celebrations, making it a warm, educational, and festive outing for the whole family!
Merry and Bright: A Victorian Christmas at the Downers Grove Museum
Tour the beautifully decorated Blodgett houses, visit with Santa, stroll a glowing luminary walk, admire holiday trees, and...
Christmas at Cantigny – Wheaton
Christmas at Cantigny in Wheaton is a beloved holiday tradition that transforms the park into a festive winter wonderland all December long, filled with dazzling light displays, seasonal decorations, and family-friendly activities. This year, on December 7th and 14th only, visitors can enjoy A Wicked Popular Christmas Light Show, featuring special displays inspired by the hit musical Wicked, with glowing pink and green lights that dance to music from Wicked and The Wizard of Oz. Wicked ticket holders can also meet both the good and wicked witches for photos and holiday cheer. Strolling through the sparkling grounds, guests will experience a mix of classic holiday magic and theatrical wonder, with illuminated gardens, pathways, and iconic Cantigny landmarks, along with live entertainment, holiday music, Santa visits, and warm refreshments. Christmas at Cantigny blends tradition and innovation, creating an unforgettable holiday experience for visitors of all ages.
Explore a dazzling array of experiences as you stroll through a ½-mile, fully ADA- and stroller-accessible path. Along the way, music-orchestrated light shows, festive decorations, and a towering 28-foot Christmas tree will enchant you.
Purchase your tickets HERE
Christmas at Cantigny – Wheaton
Explore a dazzling array of experiences as you stroll through music-orchestrated light shows, festive decorations, and a towering 28-foot Christmas tree will enchant you...
Illumination at the Morton Arboretum – Lisle, IL
Illumination at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL, is a stunning holiday tradition that transforms the arboretum into a sparkling wonderland of lights and music. Guests can stroll along winding paths illuminated with millions of twinkling lights, creating a magical outdoor experience amid the arboretum’s beautiful natural scenery. Seasonal music accompanies the displays, enhancing the festive atmosphere, while creative light sculptures and themed installations provide perfect photo opportunities. Families, couples, and visitors of all ages can enjoy the combination of nature, art, and holiday cheer in a serene and enchanting setting. Whether pausing to admire the intricate displays or wandering through glowing gardens and forested trails, Illumination offers a memorable way to celebrate the season surrounded by the beauty of the Morton Arboretum.
Illumination at the Morton Arboretum
Bring family and friends to see Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum and be amazed by how light, color, and music transforms a magnificent landscape of trees...
Festival of Lights & Tree Sale at Cosley Zoo – Wheaton, IL
Now through December 30, 9AM – 9PM, The Festival of Lights & Tree Sale at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton, IL, is a festive holiday event that combines the magic of seasonal lights with a fun, family-friendly experience. Guests can wander through the zoo grounds adorned with colorful, sparkling light displays that illuminate animal habitats, pathways, and iconic zoo landmarks, creating a magical evening stroll. In addition to enjoying the dazzling lights, visitors can browse a wide selection of fresh, locally sourced Christmas trees for sale, making it a convenient and festive way to pick out the perfect tree for the season. Families will also enjoy seasonal activities, photo opportunities with holiday-themed décor, and the chance to learn about the animals in a cheerful, holiday-inspired setting. With something for all ages, the Festival of Lights & Tree Sale offers a memorable way to celebrate the holidays while supporting the local zoo and community. Hot Chocolate is available weekdays 3-9PM and weekends 9AM-9PM. All proceeds from this event benefit Cosley Zoo. Admission is free during the festival!
Festival of Lights & Tree Sale at Cosley Zoo
Cosley Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, an amazing selection of Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery, hot chocolate and...
Naper Lights – Downtown Naperville
Naper Lights transforms Downtown Naperville all December long into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through the beautifully lit Riverwalk and downtown streets as dazzling light displays, synchronized music, and festive decorations create an unforgettable holiday atmosphere. Families can enjoy interactive features, colorful animated installations, and plenty of photo-worthy moments throughout the display. With nearby shops, restaurants, and seasonal activities adding to the charm, Naper Lights offers a joyful, family-friendly experience perfect for anyone looking to soak in the holiday spirit in the heart of Naperville.
Naper Lights – Downtown Naperville
Experience the winter season’s magic as Light Up The Lake returns to Navy Pier! Stroll through the free dazzling outdoor lights and race down the new exhilarating ice slide...
Aurora Festival of Lights – Aurora, Phillips Park
The Aurora Festival of Lights at Phillips Park offers a magical, family-friendly holiday experience all from the comfort of your car. Visitors can drive along a carefully designed route throughout December, featuring dazzling light displays, festive holiday scenes, and colorful animations that bring the season to life. Perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy the holidays in a cozy and safe way, this event allows guests to stay warm while immersing themselves in the magic of twinkling lights. Seasonal music accompanies the displays, creating a festive soundtrack for your drive, and the experience is ideal for creating lasting holiday memories without leaving the car. It’s a convenient and enchanting way to celebrate the season, rain or shine, and a perfect holiday outing for all ages.
Aurora Festival of Lights – Phillips Park
Experience the winter season’s magic as Light Up The Lake returns to Navy Pier! Stroll through the free dazzling outdoor lights and race down the new exhilarating ice slide...
Oswego Holiday Market
You won’t want to miss the Oswego Holiday Market on December 6th from 9AM – 12PM at Little White School Museum. Great for holiday shopping, seasonal foods and local vendors. Be sure to check out favorites like Holy Pierogi!, Scentimental Candle, Cutie Bread, a food truck, and more!
Oswego Holiday Market
Experience the winter season’s magic as at the Oswego Holiday Market...
The Chicago suburbs offer endless ways to celebrate the season, from light displays to festive markets and community traditions. We hope you enjoy exploring these local holiday events and making lasting memories with the ones you love!
Navigate the holiday market with confidence!
Whether buying or selling, we're here to make the process smoother for you.