Things To Do This Weekend December 5-7, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 12/03/2025

Lake County is brimming with festive cheer this weekend as communities roll out their signature holiday celebrations. From hometown parades to tree-lighting ceremonies and family-friendly markets, residents will find plenty of ways to embrace the season. Visitors can sip hot chocolate, meet Santa and explore winter traditions that highlight the county’s small-town charm. Whether you’re planning a cozy afternoon or an evening out, these events offer a spirited start to the holidays.

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

Here are the things to do this weekend December 5-7, 2025.

1. Santa Parade in Village of Libertyville

The Village of Libertyville is preparing to transform into a winter wonderland this weekend with the anticipated annual Santa Parade, a tradition that ushers in the holiday season. The parade will bring the holiday spirit directly to residents' doorsteps. Santa, his elves, and a lineup of village trucks will make their way along selected streets. Families are encouraged to bundle up with blankets, cookies and hot chocolate and find a spot along the route to wave hello as the festive caravan rolls by. The route begins at Oak Trail Drive and Concord Lane and head north on St. Mary’s Road. After heading east on Rockland Road the parade bobs and weaves through downtown Libertyville, neighborhoods and other various locations as the route ends near the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Winchester Road. A real-time Santa tracker will go live Saturday to help residents catch a glimpse of the big man as he passes. The parade offers children and adults alike a chance to share a moment of collective holiday joy and get a special wave from Santa before he returns to the North Pole.

Saturday, December 6; at 2 p.m. Free admission. Village of Libertyville, 118 W. Cook Ave., Libertyville.

2. Holly Jolly Holiday in Village of Wauconda

Wauconda will sparkle this weekend as the community gathers for the annual Holly Jolly Holiday, a free, family-friendly celebration. The community center will host a lively lineup of indoor fun for all ages. Activities include photos with Santa Claus, a local vendor market, trolley rides and hands-on kids' crafts. The celebration will move outdoors for the traditional tree lighting where carolers will gather by the decorated tree and Santa Claus will flip the switch on the illuminated arbor. The holiday walk offers a warm and welcoming way for families to kick off the festive season. To find more information about the dual Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce and Park District hosted event, visit WaucondaParks.com.

Saturday, December 6; 1-5 p.m. Free admission. Wauconda Park District Community Center, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda.

3. Winter Lighting Celebration and Winter Market in Village of Deerfield

The Village of Deerfield will sparkle with holiday cheer this weekend as its annual Winter Lighting Celebration and Winter Market return for two days of community festivities, seasonal flavors and small-town charm. Live ice sculpting fills the evening with winter artistry, while tractor wagon rides loop continuously under the glow of holiday lights. Performances by the Deerfield High School Choraliers and the spirited Frozen Robins bring classic carols to life before Mayor Daniel Shapiro officially lights the Village Hall. Visitors can warm up with complimentary treats courtesy of the Patty Turner Center. The celebration continues Saturday, Dec. 6, when the Winter Market transforms the Patty Turner Center into a bustling holiday bazaar. Children can step inside a giant outdoor snow globe, ride the Polar Express train or greet Santa and Mrs. Claus. With music, lights and classic holiday traditions, Deerfield’s weekend-long celebration sets a joyful tone for the season. For more details, visit Deerfield.il.us.

Friday-Saturday, December 5-6; Fri.: 5-8 p.m. and Sat.: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. Patty Turner Center, 375 Elm St., Deerfield.

4. Miracle on Main Street in Village of Lake Zurich

The holiday spirit will shine brightly in Lake Zurich this weekend as the community gathers for the annual Miracle on Main Street celebration in the heart of downtown. The evening promises to be a memorable occasion, highlighted by the official lighting of a majestic 30-foot tree that will stand tall throughout the holiday season. Adding to the excitement, the event recently earned a special distinction by winning the 2025 Chicagoland Christmas Traditions Tournament sponsored by Treetime Christmas Creations and WGN Radio. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus and his reindeer, offering a perfect holiday photo opportunity. The schedule also includes diverse entertainment, featuring the Lake Zurich High School's Bare Voices and Blue Notes Show Choir, the Peace Lutheran Bell Choir and performances by the Oak Creek, WI Academy of Performing Arts. Children can dive into hands-on fun with kids' crafts and enjoy traditional sleigh rides. Miracle on Main Street offers a warm and vibrant atmosphere for families. Visit LakeZurich.org for further details. 

Saturday, December 6; 3-6:30 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Lake Zurich, Rotary Park, 7 E. Main St., Lake Zurich.

5. Home for the Holidays 2025 at Genesee Theatre

The festive season will get a star-studded launch in Lake County this weekend as the Genesee Theatre hosts the Home for the Holidays concert. The evening will bring together four acclaimed, multi-genre artists for a night of Christmas classics blended with their biggest career hits. Headlining the event is two-time Grammy and two-time Oscar winner Peabo Bryson. Bryson will share the stage with two-time Grammy winner and actress Sheena Easton, “American Idol” winner and Grammy nominee Ruben Studdard and award-winning jazz trumpet player and singer Ilya Serov. Together, these powerhouse performers promise a festive, feel-good beginning to the holidays in the heart of Waukegan.

Friday, December 5; 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $56. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.

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