Things To Do This Weekend November 28-30, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 11/27/2025

As the crisp November air signals the arrival of the holiday season, Lake County is transforming into a glittering destination, inviting visitors to celebrate on their own terms. From dazzling light displays and unique artisan markets to visits with Santa and tree-lighting ceremonies, the season’s excitement stretches from the bustling centers of Gurnee and Waukegan to the charming main streets of Libertyville and Vernon Hills. Whether seeking a nostalgic small-town Christmas experience or a high-energy shopping spree, Lake County is ready to unwrap the best of the holidays.

Check out all the things to do this weekend in Lake County, November 28-30. And don't forget to explore, Holiday Your Way in Lake County. 

1. Kris Kringle Artist Market in Waukegan

Holiday cheer and hometown creativity take center stage as the Kris Kringle Artist and Artisan Market returns to the Waukegan Public Library. The event, hosted by the City of Waukegan and the library, transforms the downtown space into a cozy holiday marketplace filled with festive lights and live entertainment. Artisans and makers from across the region will showcase their handcrafted goods—ranging from art and jewelry to home décor and seasonal treats—offering shoppers the chance to discover one-of-a-kind gifts. Visitors can enjoy live holiday music throughout the evening, and Santa Claus will make an appearance. Warm, welcoming and brimming with festive energy, the Kris Kringle Artist and Artisan Market invites residents and visitors to celebrate the holidays. For more information, visit Events.WaukeganPL.org.

Saturday, Nov. 29; 4-8 p.m. Free admission. Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan.

2. Dickens Holiday Village and Kringle’s Christmas Village in Antioch

Antioch celebrates the holiday season with the return of two beloved traditions: Dickens Holiday Village and Kringle's Christmas Village. This year, the life-size Dickens scenes depicting Olde England have moved indoors to join Kringle's Christmas Village, offering a warm and cozy experience. These handcrafted figures, made by local volunteers, capture charming moments from the Dickens era. Additional scenes remain outdoors, creating a walkable blend of history and holiday nostalgia throughout downtown. Kringle's Christmas Village dazzles with its signature supersized shadowboxes. These whimsical, miniature displays feature animated figures, twinkling lights and playful scenes. Together, these villages transform downtown Antioch into a storybook destination perfect for shopping, dining and wandering through a world of handcrafted holiday imagination. For details, visit AntiochChamber.org.

Friday-Sunday, Nov. 28-30; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free admission. Located in the indoor showroom at the far end of Piggly Wiggly Plaza, Orchard St., in Antioch.

3. Richardson Christmas Tree Farm Opens for the Season

With the scent of fresh pine in the air, Richardson Christmas Tree Farm is gearing up for the holiday season. The sprawling farm will welcome those seeking their very own Christmas trees, with cut-your-own or pre-cut selections, festive treats and holiday shopping. The barn offers fresh-cut trees on the upper level, while visitors can find handmade gifts and ornaments on the lower level. A new heated annex provides seating and features a menu of hot cocoa, craft beer and more. Or enjoy a free wagon ride to choose from Canaan, Fraser and concolor firs, white pine and blue spruce trees. The Richardson family also continues its support of Trees for Troops, one of 11 official national collection sites. For $75, guests can purchase a tree to be delivered to service members at Naval Station Great Lakes in early December. Richardson Christmas Tree Farm offers a winter tradition steeped in nostalgia. Learn more at RichardsonAdventureFarm.org.

Friday-Sunday, Nov. 28-30; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Trees starting at $95. Richardson Tree Farm, 9407 Richardson Rd., Spring Grove.

4. Festival of Lights in Fox Lake

The village of Fox Lake will usher in the holiday season Saturday with its annual Festival of Lights Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, a beloved community tradition that blends small-town charm with glittering holiday spectacle. The event begins as the parade steps off from Grant Community High School, filling Rollins Road with twinkling floats on its way to Millennium Park. The celebration continues in Millennium Park, with the illumination of the village's holiday tree. The Grant Community High School Choir and the Merry Maskers perform seasonal favorites. Santa Claus makes a special appearance to greet families and launches a variety of festivities in Fox Lake. As a beloved fixture of the season, this gathering weaves together community and the holidays. Visit FoxLake.org for further details.

Saturday, Nov. 29; 5-7 p.m. Grant Community High School, 285 Grand Ave., Fox Lake.

5. Make Your Own Glass Ornaments and Icicles at Patterson Glass in Mundelein

Visitors looking to add a creative spark to their weekend will find it at Patterson Glassworks, where the studio’s annual Open House series continues with hands-on glassmaking sessions. This weekend’s focus is on ornaments and icicles, part of a seasonal lineup that includes flat, twisted and icicle designs or blown-glass versions. Participants can watch demonstrations, learn about the process and shape their own piece under expert guidance. The experience blends artistry, education and the simple joy of creating something by hand. For class information, visit PattersonGlass.com.

Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 29-30; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Twisted or icicles are $50 each; blown $75 each. Peter Patterson Glassworks, 888 Tower Rd., Suite E, Mundelein.

Click here to see more things to do this weekend November 28-30, 2025

It's almost time to celebrate the Holiday Your Way in Lake County! Mark your calendars and get ready for food, fun, shopping and adventure!