Things To Do This Weekend December 23-25, 2022
By: Nick Borowitz 12/21/2022
Holidays in Lake County are full of visual experiences, jolly spirits, hearty libations and lighted displays that everyone wants to witness. Here are the things to do this weekend December 23-25, 2022.
There's still time to get last minute deals, sweets, treats and snacks in Lake County.
Find exciting experiences while the children are out of school with our winter break guide.
Take in the flavors of the wineries, breweries and distilleries as only the makers of the Lake County Libation Trail can concoct.
Here are the things to do this weekend December 23-25, 2022.
Things look bright for the holidays with an Old English twist in Antioch. When visiting downtown Antioch, see the Dickens Holiday and Kringle's Christmas Villages. Dicken’s Holiday Village features life-size wax mannequins that wear British Victorian-era clothing. The exhibition highlights characters and scenes from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Kringle’s Christmas Village features dozens of shadowboxes that display miniature holiday scenes. The Antioch holiday staple also showcases a shadowbox scene with a Dicken’s Holiday Village theme. The Christmas Tree Decorating is new this year. In this year’s edition of the free exhibit, various community members and organizations decorate unique arbors in the Christmas Tree decorating experience. Both displays are located in the Piggly Wiggly Plaza. After visiting the exhibits, shop the streets of downtown Antioch holiday for last-minute gifts, and stick around for a bite to eat. When the belly is full of festive fare, visit the Antioch Bandshell to watch the Christmas Musical Light Show. The dazzling, free-admission spectacle hosts two different shows; depending on if the visit falls on an even or odd numbered day, the show varies in theme and synchronization. The Christmas Light Show runs daily through December 25. Kringle’s Christmas and Dicken's Holiday Villages run through January 1.
Friday-Sunday, December 23-25; Christmas Light Show: December 23-25; 6-9 p.m. Admission: free. Antioch Bandshell, Skidmore Drive, Antioch. Kringle’s Christmas and Dicken’s Holiday Villages; December 23-25; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission: free. Piggly Wiggly Plaza, 510 Orchard St., Antioch.
Drive through over one mile of lighted displays, all synced up to holiday jingles at Santa’s Rock N Lights. The Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center drive-thru light show features nearly 1,000 feet of dancing lights. Take in the sights of illuminated reindeer, polar bears, emojis and dinosaurs. This year’s installment introduces a Pop Up Village which features larger-than-life displays, ample photo opportunities, axe throwing, face painting, photos with Kris Kringle and ornament making. The Grayslake event provides food trucks and free hot chocolate. The pop-up village runs through December 23. Attendees must purchase tickets early to secure their time slot at SantasRockNLights.com. Due to the popularity of this lighted extravaganza, tickets regularly sell out. Santa’s Rock N Lights runs through January 1.
Friday-Sunday, December 23-25; 5-9 p.m. Admission: $33-$35. Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake.
The Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest tells a coming-of-age story with a holiday twist for young audiences this weekend in “Junior Claus.” Everyone has tales of growing up and the tribulations of aging. But what happens when your dad is Father Christmas himself? The story’s protagnist is Santa and Mrs. Claus’ only child and he already has big expectations. Junior prefers everything that any average teenager does. But like any teenager, he couldn’t be more interested in taking over the family business. When there’s an unexpected drop in holiday cheer, circumstances dictate that Junior must take over the family business. A miserly elf wishing to exploit Santa’s absence for industrial profits, set out to impede Junior’s. Eccentric characters fill Junior Claus’ journey with laughs, cheery tunes and the true meaning of the holidays. Citadel Theatre’s Junior Claus runs on select dates through December 30.
Friday-Saturday, December 23-24; 10 a.m. and 1 pm. Admission: $22. Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest.
Celebrate the holiday season at Lake County’s oldest brewpub, Mickey Finn’s Brewery. The Lake County Libation Trail partner hosts its Eve of the Eve Party and features live music, delicious beverages, tasty fare and more. Cover band Winnie Cooper plays classic tunes from the 1990s and early 2000s. The party is free, but food and drinks are at regular prices. Before making your way to the holiday bonanza, support small businesses on Milwaukee Avenue to find last-minute holiday gifts at one of the many mom-and-pop shops like The Joyful Gourmet, Reclaimed Artisans Inc. and more.
Friday, December 23; 9:30 p.m.-midnight. Admission: free. Mickey Finn’s Brewery, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
Children have one last opportunity to visit Kris Kringle and take pictures with him at Santa’s House. The man in the red suit is at his Millenium Park abode in Fox Lake from 6-8 p.m. for one last meet and greet. The Christmas icon visit is a free admission event as visitors must snap their own image as photographers are not onsite. Fox Lake Santa House is open through December 23.
Friday, December 23; 6-8 p.m. Admission: free. Millennium Park, 6 Rollins Rd., Fox Lake.
Click here for more things to do this weekend December 23-25, 2022.
Click here for experiences to keep the kids occupied while they're on winter break.
Visit the Lake County Libation Trail to find your new favorite brewery, winery and distillery.
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