Things To Do This Weekend November 21-23, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 11/19/2025

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived, and Lake County is transforming into a spectacular winter wonderland! Whether your ideal celebration is filled with the lively sparkle of a big holiday event or the quiet charm of a historic small-town Christmas, this weekend marks the official start of a magical season. Get ready to bundle up, grab a cup of cocoa, and start creating new memories as we highlight the best ways to celebrate the Holiday Your Way this weekend in the Land of Lakes. 

Here are the things to do this weekend November 21-23, 2025.

1. Holiday Your Way in Lake County

Land of lakes communities are inviting locals and visitors to celebrate the season with Visit Lake County’s "Holiday Your Way," a countywide celebration running daily through late December. Villages, cities and towns across the region will feature festive markets, tree-lighting ceremonies, Santa meet-and-greets, holiday shows, merry main street strolls and more. Shopping opportunities range from boutique districts in Libertyville and Waukegan to large retail hubs in Gurnee and Vernon Hills. Restaurants will offer classic comfort dishes and fireside cocktails. The initiative encourages visitors to create traditions that fit their style, whether they prefer quiet, snow-dusted streets or lively winter festivals. Visitors can find the full event schedule at VisitLakeCounty.org.

Friday-Sunday, November 21-23; Various locations in Lake County.

2. "Million Dollar Quartet" at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire

The holiday season gets a rockabilly jump-start as “Million Dollar Quartet” returns to the Marriott Theatre, bringing Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins back together for a musical celebration steeped in nostalgia and seasonal cheer. Set inside the legendary Sun Records studio, the Lincolnshire production imagines a festive reunion among the four icons whose sound helped shape American music. Christmas classics and chart-toppers that defined the original Million Dollar Quartet stack the performance, blending spirited holiday harmonies with the rowdy, irresistible energy of rock 'n' roll's earliest days. “Million Dollar Quartet” runs on select days through January 4. For showtimes and tickets, visit MarriottTheatre.com.

Friday-Sunday, November 21-23; Fri.: 7:30 p.m., Sat.: 4 and 8 p.m. and Sun.: 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $70. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. 

3. Vintage Holidays in Historic Downtown Long Grove

Historic downtown Long Grove once again transforms into a picture-perfect scene as Vintage Holidays returns on Nov. 21, offering visitors a nostalgic small-town Christmas experience filled with twinkling lights, horse-drawn carriage rides and old-fashioned charm. The festivities kick off with Light Up Long Grove on Friday, from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring late-night shopping, tractor-pulled wagon rides and a Bridge and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Santa Claus will make a special appearance, joining carolers, dancers, and families as the village officially kicks off the season. Long Grove captures the magic of a bygone holiday era—where lights glow warmer, treats taste sweeter and memories linger long after the snow has melted. The nostalgic event runs on select days through December 24. For schedules and details, visit LongGrove.org.

Friday-Sunday, November 21-23; Fri.: 5-8 p.m. Sat. and Sun.: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. Historic Downtown Long Grove, various locations, Long Grove. 

4. Santa Arrives at Gurnee Mills

The sound of sleigh bells and the smell of holiday cheer will fill Gurnee Mills as Santa Claus settles in for his annual residency, greeting families through Christmas Eve. Families can capture a cherished seasonal tradition by reserving a photo session with the jolly man. The experience offers a chance to create lifetime memories, whether you are stopping by during a holiday shopping spree or making a dedicated pilgrimage. The man in the big red suit will also host his Pet Photos with Santa (November 23) and a special visit with Caring Santa for youngsters to have a sensory-friendly experience. Best entrance to see old Kringle is Entry C/D near Macy’s and Kohl’s. To reserve a time slot, visit Simon.com/Mall/Gurnee-Mills. 

Friday-Sunday, November 21-23; Fri.: 2-7 p.m., Sat. and Sun.: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Photo packages start at $19.99. Gurnee Mills, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.

5. Village of Round Lake Beach Tree Lighting

The official holiday season jump-starts this weekend as the Village of Round Lake Beach hosts its annual Tree Lighting event, inviting the community to gather for an evening of music and treats. Don’t miss the grand entrance by the North Pole’s most famous couple, arriving in spectacular style with the help of the Round Lake Area Fire Department and the Round Lake Beach Police. The Civic Center will open its doors when the tree lights up, allowing attendees to move inside to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus personally. Guests can warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies while enjoying the sounds of the season, courtesy of an exceptional performance by the Round Lake High School choir. For more information, visit RLBCivicCenter.com.

Friday, November 21; 6 p.m. Free admission. Cultural and Civic Center of Round Lake Beach, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach.

Click here to see more things to do this weekend November 21-23, 2025.

Holiday Your Way in Lake County and see everything there is to do for the winter holidays!