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Christmas is celebrated on December 25 and is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends, and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. Christmas Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.
Friday, Nov. 29, 12-7pm
Downtown Grayslake
Photos with Santa are 2-4pm, & 5:30-6:30pm, Parade at 4:30pm followed by Tree Lighting. Holiday shopping, Giving Trees Display, Kids craft, Art Alliance Show, and Carriage Rides.
Tree Lighting
Friday, Nov. 29, 6:00pm
Meet at the RLB Cultural and Civic Center and greet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy cookies and live music by the Round Lake High School choir.
Supper with Santa and Craft Fair
Thursday, Dec. 5, 4-8pm
Enjoy a delicious dinner, and visit with Santa, his LIVE reindeer, elves, and special friends! General admission, all ages $6.00.
Friday, Dec. 6, 5:30pm
100 Village Green, Lincolnshire
Enjoy music from the local junior and high school students, a community sing-along, and a visit from Santa followed by a drone show.
Saturday, Dec. 7, 3:00-7:00pm
Courtland Commons, Mundelein
The Winter Tree Lighting Festival opens with Santa’s Cottage at 2 pm. Musical entertainment, featuring school choirs and local musicians, opens at 3 pm. Other activities include Kiddy Train Rides, Ice Sculpting, Disney Princesses, story-time, letters to Santa, a Kris Kringle Market, kids’ games, kids’ crafts, food vendors, hot chocolate and treats provided by the Mundelein Park and Recreation District, the Mayor’s Seasonal Message, the Mundelein Queens, Lighting of the Village Holiday Tree and Fireworks at 6:30pm.
Saturdays in December
Dec. 7: 2-5pm & 6:30-8pm
Dec. 14: 12-3pm
Dec. 21: 12-3pm
Located at Plaza Circle in front of Mundelein Village Hall, bring the kids to meet Santa Claus for free.
Sunday, Dec. 8, 4:00pm
James Lumber Center, Grayslake
Tickets are $8 general admission, $7 for seniors, student and military.
Hanukkah (Chanukah) is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. Also spelled Hanukkah (or variations of that spelling), the Hebrew word is actually pronounced with a guttural, “kh” sound, kha-nu-kah, not tcha-new-kah. This year the holiday runs from December 25 to January 2.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 5:00pm
Kick off Chanukah with a pizza party, sufganiyot, live music, crafts and more. Wear your pajamas. $18 per family. www.jccchicago.org. Lake County JCC: 23280 N. Old McHenry Rd. Lake Zurich
Sunday, Dec. 15, 10:30am
Bring your family’s menorah for the Menorah Show and Tell, enjoy a Hanukkah service led by Rabbi Adam Chalom and sing songs with the guitarist. Students will make their own menorah and candles. Registration required. $10/person https://apps.juf.org/Calendar/
Created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community and culture. The annual celebration runs from December 26 to January 1. The ideas and concepts of Kwanzaa are expressed in the Swahili language, one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa. The seven principles which form its core were drawn from communitarian values found throughout the African continent.
These principles are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Kwanzaa gets its name from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza” and is rooted in first fruit celebrations which are found in cultures throughout Africa both in ancient and modern times.
Thursday, Dec. 5, 7:00-8:00pm
Lake Villa District Library
Join storyteller Velma Gladney as she shares stories inspired by the seven principles of Kwanzaa. All are welcome!
Kwanzaa Celebration
Thursday, Dec. 26, 1:00-3:00pm
9301 South Stony Island Ave. Chicago
Storytelling, crafts, music, singing, face painting and a visit from the BCM Kwanzaa King. Pick up a buy one, get one free Museum Pass here at the Help Desk!
Now through Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, 4:30-9:30pm
Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound. Go to mortonarb.org for tickets and event information.
Now through January 5, 2025
Friday-Sunday, 4:30-11:00pm
Tickets required. The Library Museum Pass does not count for entry during Lightscape.
4968 Prairie Oak Rd. Gurnee
The family collects food donations for the Northern Illinois Food Bank in return for their display.
237 Mark Ln. Lake Zurich
5:00-10:00pm
Drive up to the house, tune your radio to 88.7FM and enjoy the light show set to music.
Dec. 1-25, 4:00-9:00pm
Free shows at the Downtown Antioch Bandshell, Skidmore Drive. Antioch.
