Things To Do This Weekend December 19-21, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 12/18/2025

This December, the Land of Lakes, Lake County, Illinois, transforms into a premier holiday destination, offering small-town charm and world-class entertainment. From the historic streets of Long Grove to the grand stage of the Genesee Theatre, families can find a festive escape that captures the true spirit of the season. Whether you are searching for Christmas events in Lake County or a nostalgic winter getaway near Chicago, this weekend offers a spectacular lineup of traditions to brighten your holidays. Discover the best local holiday activities, featuring dazzling light displays, live theater, and timeless celebrations for all ages.

Don't forget to check out Holiday Your Way in Lake County and find experiences and activities for the whole family.

Here are the things to do this weekend, December 19-21, 2025.

1. Dancenter North Presents: “The Magic of the Nutcracker” at Genesee Theatre

The Genesee Theatre will once again shimmer with holiday enchantment as Dancenter North presents "The Magic of the Nutcracker," celebrating its 37th year. Featuring more than 100 performers, the production blends professional artistry with local talent. Signature scenes such as the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," "Waltz of the Flowers" and the "March of the Nutcracker" highlight the choreography's grace and precision. For many families across the region, "The Magic of the Nutcracker" has become a cherished holiday outing. The Waukegan event offers audiences a chance to share in the timeless beauty of a production that continues to define the holidays in Lake County. For tickets, visit GeneseeTheatre.com. 

Friday, December 19; 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25.75. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.  

2. Quentin Road Christmas Presents: “The Real Story of Christmas” Pageant

The immersive Quentin Road Baptist Church Christmas Pageant invites audiences to experience the birth, life and resurrection of Jesus Christ through a shepherd's firsthand account—complete with the sights and sounds of the biblical era. Staged with more than 300 performers, live animals, flying angels and intricate lighting and set design, its scale rivals major theatrical productions. The event features original music and orchestration by Grammy Award-winning arranger David Clydesdale. The pageant invites families to encounter a truly special holiday experience. To book your tickets, visit QRChristmas.com. Tickets are going extremely fast and the Lake Zurich pageant has sold out in the last two years. The Saturday, December 20 matinee is sold out.  

Friday-Sunday, December 19-21; Fri.: 7:30 p.m., Sat.: 5 p.m. and Sun.: 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets: $5-$40. Quentin Road Baptist Church, 60 Quentin Rd., Lake Zurich.  

3. “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” at Improv Playhouse

Improv Playhouse invites audiences to step back in time as "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" brings Frank Capra's beloved classic to the stage with a nostalgic twist. Presented as a 1940s-style radio broadcast, the 75-minute production recreates the warmth, wit and heart of the original film through period microphones, vintage commercials and live Foley sound effects. Nine actors perform dozens of roles, shifting characters with the quick-turn charm of old-time radio. For families seeking a fresh yet nostalgic way to revisit a time-honored story, Improv Playhouse's radio-style staging offers a heartfelt way to celebrate the season. For showtimes and tickets, visit ImprovPlayhouse.com.  

Friday-Sunday, December 19-21; Fri.: 7:30 p.m., Sat.: 7 p.m. and Sun.: 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $17.85-$28.52 (plus tax). Improv Playhouse, 130 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. 

4. Santa Claus at Shiloh House and Home for the Holidays Lighted Christmas Trail in Zion

Holiday spirit takes center stage in Zion this weekend as the city lights up Shiloh Park and opens the doors of its treasured Shiloh House for two festive traditions. Shiloh Park transforms nightly into a shimmering winter wonderland with the Home for the Holidays Lighted Christmas Trail. The drive-thru event begins at the Port Shiloh Pool parking lot and winds through more than 50 themed displays illuminated by an estimated 100,000 lights. Just around the corner, the historic Shiloh House invites families to step inside the Victorian-era home for a warm and intimate visit with Santa. The Zion Historical Society decorates the home in classic holiday finery, creating a charming backdrop for photos. Together, the glowing Christmas trail and Santa's stop at Shiloh House capture the heart of Zion's holiday season. The Home for the Holidays trail runs on select days through January 2, while the Shiloh House event ends this weekend. For more information, visit ZionParkDistrict.com. 

Friday-Sunday, December 19-21. Free admission. Christmas Trail: 5-9 p.m. at Port Shiloh Pool, 1501 Shiloh Blvd., Zion. Santa Claus at Shiloh House: 3-5 p.m. at 1300 Shiloh Blvd., Zion. 

5. Vintage Holidays in Historic Downtown Long Grove

Historic Downtown Long Grove's Vintage Holidays celebration offers visitors a chance to experience the town's hallmark blend of small-town nostalgia, holiday music and family traditions. With twinkling lights, horse-drawn carriage rides and Santa strolling the streets, the event feels like a real-life Christmas movie. The season's final carriage rides clip-clop through the village, giving passengers a cozy, old-fashioned tour of Long Grove's historic district. Santa continues his holiday appearances throughout the weekend, welcoming families for visits. Shops and restaurants across downtown Long Grove round out the experience with seasonal treats, special merchandise and holiday promotions. With its lamp-lit streets, hand-crafted traditions and picture-perfect scenes, Long Grove's final Vintage Holidays weekend offers one more opportunity to step into a timeless holiday setting. For details, visit LongGrove.org. 

Saturday-Sunday, December 20-21; Sat. and Sun.: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove.  

For all other things to do this weekend, continue here.

This article was featured in the Daily Herald the week of December 16.