With Halloween almost here, the holiday season is upon us! From the leaves changing colors to the snow casting a frosty covering, it’s soon time to dress up and celebrate with family and friends. If you are looking for a western Chicago suburbs holiday events calendar to make new lifelong memories of the season, look no further! Check out our short list of favorite local holiday festivities that help make this the most wonderful time of the year so special, including:
- family fun for the kiddos,
- bar crawling adventures,
- holiday gift opportunities, and
- a holiday concert extravaganza!…
Friday, October 28th (6-8pm): Monster Bash
Howard Leisure Center, 6676 Howard St., Niles, IL
Grab the kiddos and stop by this Halloween-themed Monster Bash. Pre-Registration is required, and the fee of $20 for residents, $25 for non-residents includes a buffet dinner and a goodie bag for the kids. Wear your costumes to partake in games, decorating pumpkins, and a night of laughter and fun. Register at the Niles Park District website.
Friday, October 28th (6pm-10pm): Crawl-O-Ween
Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont, IL
Join in the Halloween festivities with an “8 bars in 4 hours” pub crawl. Check-in is at the white tent in front of Five Roses Pub and venture to the following locations: Kings, Bub City, Crust, Park Tavern, Adobe, Five Roses, Tiki Tiki, & Sugar Factory. Stop in to each bar and get your card punched as proof. Ticket prices are $10 before the event and $15 at the event, and include access to the pub crawl, two Zanies comedy club tickets, and drink specials at each location. Costumes are not mandatory, however, highly encouraged! Purchase your tickets here: Crawl-O-Ween.
Saturday, October 29th (9-11:30am): Halloween Parade & Party
From Oak Park (Main Street and Ottawa) to Grennan Heights, Niles, IL
Start the holiday season right in your best costume (ages 1 – 12, but adults are encouraged to join in the fun) in the Niles community Halloween Parade. The parade begins at Oak Park in Niles, and finishes at Grennan Heights where you’ll find a party with games, goodies, and plenty surprises in between. You MUST pre-register for this event. Residents pay $12 per child; non-residents, $15. No online registration; pick up registration form at Howard Leisure Center.
Saturday, November 12th (9am-4pm): Holiday Open House 
with Lurvey’s Unique Pop-Up Shop
Lurvey Home & Garden, 2550 E. Dempster St., Des Plaines, IL
Start working on Santa’s list at Lurvey’s 2nd annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop. Held in a covered open-air space, Lurvey’s surrounds its patrons with the sights and smells of evergreen and holiday cheer. They will feature the work of local artists, such as high-end crafts, fine art, handmade jewelry, and trending vintage. Lurvey’s will also provide a variety of designer tips and tricks throughout the day. Registration is free.
Sunday, November 27th (5pm): Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL
As the name implies, this show features acrobats and aerialists, plus comedic holiday cheer. Learn about this Cirque company here. The music will feature seasonal favorites. What a great way to top off Thanksgiving weekend, for the whole family! Tickets are $39.
Sunday, December 4th (2pm & 6pm): Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL
Come enjoy the classic Christmas play, The Nutcracker! Celebrating its 30th anniversary of the tour, Nutcracker! keeps the 1892 two-part ballet alive with all the sights and ballads associated with the holiday favorite. With two performances, one at 2pm and one at 6pm, you no longer need a vaccine card or a mask to enjoy the show in Rosemont Theatre. Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.
Sunday, December 11th (3pm): Ides of March Christmas Show
Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL
Chicago’s very own Ides of March will put their musical talents on display with a Christmas-themed show. Founded in Berwyn in 1964, Ides of March are known for their hit singles: “Vehicle” & “L.A. Goodbye”. Fronted by lead vocalist/guitarist Grammy-winning artist, Jim Peterik, Ides of March will help you rock into the holiday spirit! Get your tickets here.
Saturday, December 17th (8pm): Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL
For over 35 years, Grammy Award winner Chip Davis, has put on the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas show. With great reviews, the show combines classic Christmas songs with Chip’s groundbreaking compositions from the group’s Fresh Aire series. Using multimedia effects in a setting that is intimate, you be sure to get into the holiday spirit when viewing this show at the Rosemont Theatre. Purchase tickets here at Ticketmaster.
Thursday, December 22nd (7pm): Ronnie B Elvis Christmas Spectacular w/Jeff Rutter of the Cryan’ Shames and His Scramble Band
Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL
Spend a night out with the King! Ronnie B. Elvis takes you back in time with your favorite Elvis holiday gems. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Des Plaines Theatre.
Ornaments image by GoToVan under CC BY 2.0
Mannheim Steamroller holiday concert by Kyle Sorkness under CC BY 2.0
Halloween parade by Ed Yourdon under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
