Happy holidays to you and yours! There’s no better way to celebrate the holiday season than by getting out and creating memories with friends and family. Take a trip back in time on a wagon ride or to the Baroque era, or to a holiday fantasy land. Don’t miss a light show from the comfort of your automobile! These northern Chicago suburbs holiday events will bring on the holiday cheer! Don’t miss out… most of these events need advance registration and time slots are limited. Enjoy!
November 5th-20th (Saturdays & Sundays): Wagner Farm Wagon Rides
1510 Wagner Rd., Glenview, IL
Have you been to Glenview Park District’s unique gem, Historic Wagner Farm? On the weekends in November, the farm offers group deals (up to 10 individuals) to take a wagon ride and have a unique experience, depending on the day. Program times vary daily each weekend, but on Saturdays, from 2:45-4pm, you can stay warm with s’mores at the bonfire. On Sundays, the farm provides two different sessions: 9:30am you will be able to interact with chickens; and 10:45am you can meet a horse. Preregistration is required and dates book up quickly.
November 18th-January 1st (6-10pm): Shine Lightshow
Northbrook Court Mall, 1515 Lake Cook Rd., Northbrook, IL
What would holidays in the Chicago suburbs be without lights illuminating town after town? If you love a good light display, checkout the north shore’s largest drive through light show, “Shine Lightshow” located at Northbrook Court Mall. See over one million lights synchronized to holiday music favorites on your car radio. Back for a third season, “Shine Lightshow” is a reservation-only event. Tickets are $32.99 and $42.99 on weekends and holidays.
Saturday, November 19th (10am-5pm) & Sunday, November 20th (10am-4pm): Women’s Club of Evanston Holiday Bazaar
1702 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL
For over 20 years, the Women’s Club of Evanston have hosted Holiday Bazaar, a holiday art and gift show that displays the work of over 50 vendors. The Bazaar sets up a perfect workshop to load up Santa’s sleigh for Christmas, featuring:
- glass
- ceramics
- pottery
- home goods
- pet paper
- jewelry
- fashion
This event is free with no pre-registration required, however, accepting donations that will go to local charities.
Saturday, November 26th (8am-8pm): Small Business Scavenger Hunt
Downtown Winnetka and Northfield., 950 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL
Participate in Small Business Saturday with a scavenger hunt! The Village and Park District of Winnetka’s fun and creative way to support local small businesses is geared towards explorers and detectives of all ages. Get out and experience what Winnetka’s small businesses have to offer. Find as many clues as you can, and be entered into a drawing for a variety of prizes from local area businesses. Admission is free of charge. Register here.
Saturday, November 26th (9-11am or 1-3:45): North Pole Express
Glenview Metra Station, 1116 Depot St., Glenview, IL
Come grant your child’s Christmas dream by taking a ride on the North Pole Express! Glenview’s Metra Station will provide two different timeslots in which you can ride from Glenview to Fox Lake (aka “The North Pole”) and back. On this magical journey to the “North Pole”, all passengers can work on crafts or activity books and enjoy drinks and snacks while being read “The Polar Express”. When arriving at Fox Lake, Santa will jump on the train and take time to talk with each child who wishes to personally ask for their Christmas gifts. Pre-Registration is required, with free admission for children under the age of 1. Tickets for Glenview residents are $20 and nonresidents $25. Register here.
Saturday, November 26th (4-6pm): Holiday in the Park & Parade
Jackman Park, 1930 Prairie St., Glenview, IL
Holiday Open House & Tree Tour Map
Glenview’s annual Holiday in the Park & Parade will get you in the Christmas spirit! The parade starts off at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and goes along Glenview Road, finishing at Jackman Park where all kinds of holiday festivities await. There get holiday treats, hayrides and/or a train ride, listen to carolers, and meet Santa Claus. Admission is free!
Thursday, December 8th (5-8pm): Holiday Open House & Tree Tour
Shops along the Main Dempster Mile (MDM), Evanston, IL
Get your holiday shopping done in style by visiting stores along Evanston’s Main Dempster Mile. Vote on your favorite holiday trees, decorated by local businesses and families, illuminating at 5pm. Carolers will spread their jolly cheer on Dempster St. from 5-5:45 pm, and 6:00-6:45pm on Main St. Holiday alcoholic beverages will also be sold at various locations, while hot chocolate is free of charge. Use the Holiday Map of the decorated trees and participating businesses, or locate the participating stores by their glow-in-the-dark balloon bouquets.
Saturday, December 17th (2pm): Music of the Baroque – Holiday Brass and Choral
Saints Faith Hope and Charity Catholic Church, 191 Linden St., Winnetka, IL
The 17th century Baroque era was an artistic movement inspired by the Catholic church. Developing in Rome, it was response to the style Mannerism that dominated the late Italian Renaissance. The Baroque movement was part of the Counter Reformation, an attempt to bring back traditional spirituality into society. The Baroque style quickly spread throughout Europe and eventually worldwide, leaving powerful impressions still seen today. Enter Music of the Baroque, a well-respected classical group started in the early 1980s. Traveling throughout a variety of beautiful Chicago venues, The group will put their talents on display performing some of the era’s most memorable and beautiful sounds along with more recent holiday favorites. Ticket prices range from $40-$105.
Stay warm and have a blast this holiday season! Also check out our western Chicago suburbs holiday events calendar for 2022.
