Things to Do This Weekend November 29-December 1, 2024

By: Sam Ornig 11/25/2024

The holiday season is underway in Lake County, Illinois, and this weekend is packed with festive fun for everyone! Check out the brilliant light displays, shop for all your loved ones, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, harvest your Christmas tree and so much more. Immerse yourself in the vibrant holiday spirit celebrated throughout Lake County, Illinois.

Here are things to do this weekend November 29-December 1.

See how you can Holiday Your Way in Lake County and find more exciting events happening this season. 

1. Kris Kringle Artist Market in Waukegan

Join the Waukegan community in celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship of local makers at the Kris Kringle Artist Market, where talented artisans will showcase and sell their handcrafted goods. The market will also feature live music and an appearance by the man himself — Santa Claus! Get in the holiday spirit, support local artists and find one-of-a-kind gifts for all your friends and family at the Kris Kringle Market. This event is hosted by the City of Waukegan and the Waukegan Public Library. Find more information on the Waukegan Public Library’s website at waukeganpl.org.

Saturday, Nov. 30; 3-8 p.m. Free admission, goods available for purchase. Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan.

2. Light Up the Season! Vernon Hills' Tree, Menorah and Kwanzaa Lighting

Illuminate the holidays with the Village of Vernon Hills as they light the menorah, village tree and Kwanzaa lights for the season! Join in on the countdown with the rest of the community at the corners of Lakeview and Hawthorn Parkways. The village will ignite other festive lights throughout the town, so bundle your family to walk the radiant streets and see the displays! Santa Claus will make a special appearance to pass out refreshments. Visit vernonhills.org to learn more about this event.

Saturday, Nov. 30; 4:30 p.m. Free admission. Century Park, 1002 Lakeview Pkwy, Vernon Hills.

3. Dickens Holiday Village, Kringle’s Christmas Village and the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Antioch

Antioch kicks off the holiday season with a bang each year with three family-friendly events: Dickens Holiday Village, Kringle’s Christmas Village and the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. Immerse yourself in the traditional Olde English Christmas at the Dickens Holiday Village, featuring life-like figures representing the Dickens Era. At Kringle’s Christmas Village, view the dozens of super-sized shadow boxes depicting beautiful holiday scenes and check out the other holly jolly holiday decor throughout the indoor showroom. Browse through the festive Christmas trees decorated by community members for the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest and vote for your favorite! Take a break from Black Friday shopping and join the Antioch community for the annual Christmas Parade, featuring local organizations, musicians and Santa Claus! Afterwards, watch as the beautiful Christmas tree lights up the night and fills the community with holiday cheer. Each of these events are free and family-friendly. Learn more about Antioch’s holiday events at antiochchamber.org.

Nov. 29-Dec. 1; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free admission. Dickens Holiday Village and Kringle’s Christmas Village, 510 Orchard St., Antioch.

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting: Friday, Nov. 29; 6:30-9:30 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Antioch, 874 Main St., Antioch.

4. Small Business Saturday in MainStreet Libertyville

Small Business Saturday in MainStreet Libertyville is the perfect opportunity to purchase holiday gifts while supporting small, local businesses! Shop at MainStreet Libertyville’s retail stores, like The Joyful Gourmet. Stop for a coffee, a bite to eat or to grab a gift card for a loved one at the many cozy coffee shops and delectable restaurants, like Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar, O’Toole’s of Libertyville and Mickey Finn. From clothing to crystals, jewelry to home decor, gifts for pets and gifts for people, you’ll be able to finish your holiday shopping all in one day! Many businesses are offering specials for the weekend — stop by to see their discounts or find more information about MainStreet Libertyville’s businesses at mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Saturday, Nov. 30. Free admission. Main Street Libertyville, 158 E. Cook Ave., Libertyville.

5. Richardson Christmas Tree Farm in Spring Grove

Liven up your living room for the holidays with a freshly harvested Christmas tree from Richardson Tree Farm in Spring Grove! Richardson Christmas Tree Farm offers cut-your-own Christmas trees and pre-cut Fraser and Canaan firs beginning Friday, November 29. Bundle up your family for the time-honored tradition of trekking into the woods, choosing the perfect tree and harvesting it to deck with lights and ornaments in your home. Wagons are available to haul you and your tree to and from the fields, and Richardson staff will help you load your tree onto your car. After harvesting your tree, warm up with hot cocoa and fresh, homemade donuts as you shop for gifts in the barn. Beyond trees, Richardson’s sells garland, wreaths, delicious goodies like fudge and cookies, and a variety of seasonal decorations and gifts like ornaments, mittens and more! For more details and updates, visit RichardsonAdventureFarm.com/ChristmasTreeFarm.

Nov. 29-Dec. 22; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Trees starting at $49. Richardson Christmas Tree Farm, 9407 Richardson Rd., Spring Grove.

Check out more events happening this weekend!

Holiday Your Way in Lake County — find festive fun for the whole family!