Things To Do This Weekend December 26-28, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 12/23/2025

The holiday magic does not end on Christmas morning, as Lake County transforms into a winter playground for families looking to keep the festive spirit alive through the final days of the year. From water parks to vintage villages, there's something for everyone. These five local outings ensure the spirit of the season remains bright for those looking to squeeze every bit of magic out of the winter months.

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 26-28, 2025.

1. Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Village of Gurnee

While the temperatures drop outside, the atmosphere inside Great Wolf Lodge Illinois remains a balmy 84 degrees as the family resort welcomes back its annual holiday event, Snowland. The immersive Gurnee holiday event features special seasonal activities, crafts and festive entertainment, all included with a family's stay. Families can join the Frosty Fest Family Dance Party for classic holiday tunes or participate in friendly Snowland Competition Games featuring activities such as a ring toss and beanbag toss. Other offerings include the Snowland Scavenger Hunt, Bingo, Arts and Crafts and more. Top off your overnight adventure stay with exhilarating slides in the water park and other splashing activities, mini-golf, bowling, rock climbing and so much more. Snowland, running daily through January 4, is a memorable winter vacation for families looking to add a festive twist to their water park adventure. For the schedule of events, visit GreatWolf.com/Snowland.  

Friday-Sunday, December 26-28; Admission: Starting at $149.99 per night. Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee. 

2. “Million Dollar Quartet” at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire

The holidays hit a high note at the Marriott Theatre this season as "Million Dollar Quartet" returns with a brand-new seasonal twist, inviting audiences to spend Christmas at the legendary Memphis, TN Sun Records Studio. The Lincolnshire production reunites four of America's most iconic performers—Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. Seasonal favorites blend with the chart-topping hits, offering audiences everything from foot-stomping anthems to heartfelt holiday harmonies. While the music is the heartbeat of the show, the production also explores the spirit of Christmas through stories of the past, present and future. This musical promises a feel-good experience that lights up the stage like a vintage marquee on Christmas Eve. The Lincolnshire Marriott Resort show runs on select days through January 4. For tickets, visit MariottTheatre.com.  

Friday-Sunday, Dec. 26-28; Fri.: 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sat.: 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sun.: 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $69.88. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.  

3. Grayslake Giving Trees at Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum

One of Lake County’s most cherished holiday traditions has returned to the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum. The village’s staple unveils its annual Grayslake Giving Trees exhibit, transforming the gallery into a forest of creativity and festive cheer. The showcase brings together local nonprofits, each decorating a themed tree to represent their mission—or this year's playful prompt, "Movies." The result is a cinematic wonderland where ornaments, garland and handcrafted décor nod to everything from holiday classics to blockbuster favorites. Visitors can admire the displays or cast a vote for their favorite tree, with each $1 ticket doubling as a donation that directly supports the participating organizations. The nonprofit with the most votes keeps the full proceeds from its tree, while the remaining groups share contributions with the Grayslake Historical Society. The Grayslake Giving Trees display offers a joyful holiday outing that reflects the village's enduring spirit of creativity, collaboration and giving. For details, visit GrayslakeVillageCenter.com. 

Friday-Saturday, December 26-27; noon-7 p.m. Free admission. Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake.  

4. Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Gardens

The Chicago Botanic Garden is once again aglow with the return of Lightscape, a dazzling 1.3-mile illuminated trail that transforms the grounds into a breathtaking display of light, art and sound. This year's reimagined experience invites guests to bundle up, sip hot chocolate and stroll through an array of new installations from international artists. With its mix of whimsy, artistry and wonder, Lightscape continues to be one of the state’s most beloved holiday traditions, illuminating the season for visitors of all ages. This lit exhibit runs on select days through January 4. For ticket and further information, visit ChicagoBotanic.org. 

Friday-Sunday, December 26-28; 4:30-10 p.m. Admission: $16-$29 per ticket (parking not included). Children ages two and under are free. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe. 

5. Dickens' Holiday Village and Kringle's Christmas Village in Antioch

For decades, the charm of Charles Dickens' Victorian London has sprung to life in Antioch for the holiday season. The Dickens Holiday Village features scores of hand-crafted figures that bring classic Dickens characters and scenes to life. Running alongside the exhibit, is the Kringle Christmas Village. This second display dazzles with its signature supersized shadowboxes showcasing whimsical and miniature scenes and featuring animated figures, twinkling lights and playful scene. A few outdoor scenes will still dot the sidewalks to guide visitors inside. The transformation into an indoor exhibit ensures that families can take their time admiring the elaborate scenes—from Tiny Tim to Ebenezer Scrooge—while sipping warm drinks and escaping the cold. The Dickens Holiday and Kringle’s Christmas Villages invite residents and visitors to step into a timeless storybook setting. Both “towns” run daily through January 1. For more details, continue to AntiochChamber.org.  

Friday-Sunday, December 26-28; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free admission. Antioch Shopping Center/Piggly Wiggly Plaza, 510 Orchard St., Antioch. 

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

This article was featured in the Daily Herald the week of December 22.