Top 10 Holiday Things To Do In Lake County 2024

By: Stephanie Wylie 11/27/2024

Celebrate the holiday season in Lake County! Step into a winter wonderland with our top ten festive activities to help you make the most of this special time of year. From dazzling holiday light displays and visits with Santa to finding the perfect Christmas tree, holiday shopping, and exploring charming holiday villages, Lake County has everything you need to capture the season's spirit. Immerse yourself in the magic, create lasting memories, and embrace the joy of the holidays.

Visit Lake County invites you to "Holiday Your Way in Lake County!"

With a variety of family-friendly events and activities, discover the top 10 ways to enjoy the holidays in 2024. Whether you're exploring Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville, Vernon Hills and all of #LetsGoLakeCounty communities, there’s something for everyone.

 Here are the top 10 holiday things to do in Lake County 2024.

1. Holiday Your Way in Lake County (Through December 18)

As the year comes to a close, Lake County transforms into a festive wonderland brimming with joy, wonder and unforgettable experiences, inviting visitors and residents to "Holiday Your Way." Stroll through dazzling light displays, explore lively holiday markets and soak up the charm of cozy towns. From tree-lighting ceremonies to festive breakfasts with Santa, create cherished memories for all ages. Find one-of-a-kind gifts at Libertyville and Waukegan’s local shops or visit Gurnee and Vernon Hills for an ultimate retail experience. Savor delicious meals at Lake County’s top-notch restaurants and enjoy holiday traditions, parades and winter festivals that unite communities in celebration. Let the magic of the season unfold in Lake County, where every moment sparkles. 

2. Lake County Illuminates the Night Through the Holiday Season (Through January 5)

Discover the holiday magic of Lake County in this guide to its most enchanting light displays. Featuring charming tree lighting ceremonies and dazzling drive-thru spectacles to immersive light installations at iconic venues, get ready to be captivated this holiday season. Explore festive experiences that brighten the season and create unforgettable memories.

3. Visit Santa in Lake County (Through December 24)

Santa Claus is making festive stops all around Lake County this holiday season! From parades and tree lightings to breakfasts and photo ops with Santa, there are countless ways to create speical holiday memories. Explore the holiday calendar to discover even more events, including visits with Mrs. Claus, reindeer encounters and unique markets.

4. Where to Get a Christmas Tree in Lake County (Through December 24)

Deck the halls with the perfect Christmas tree from one of Lake County's top tree providers! Whether you're looking for a fresh-cut fir, a cut-your-own adventure or a durable artificial tree, the area offers a variety of options to fit your holiday style. Start a cherished family tradition and bring home some festive spirit from one of these local spots.

5. Holiday Shows and Concerts in Lake County

Lake County offers a festive lineup of holiday shows and concerts for 2024, featuring timeless classics, dazzling performances and family-friendly entertainment. Highlights include "White Christmas" at Marriott Theatre, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in Gurnee and "The Nutcracker" at multiple venues. Whether you’re into musicals, live orchestras or electrifying New Year’s Eve events, Lake County has it all..

6. Holiday Festivals and Celebrations in Lake County (Through January 8)

As the weather cools down, the celebrations in Lake County heat up. It's the ideal time to bundle up and enjoy the crisp air with a steaming cup of cider or hot chocolate in hand. Discover an array of festivals, each offering its own distinct charm. Find your favorite holiday festival! 

• Libertyville Tree Lighting and Downtown Holiday Walk (Nov. 29) INFO»
• Lake Forest's 40th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Nov. 29) INFO»
• Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Antioch (Nov. 29) INFO»
• Festival of Lights & Holiday Market (Nov. 29) INFO»
• 2024 Goose Island Bourbon County Release Party at Beer Bazaar (Nov. 29) INFO»
• Black Friday Bash at Hawthorn (Nov. 29) INFO»
• Village of Round Lake Beach Tree Lighting (Nov. 29) INFO»
• Grayslake Arts Alliance Holiday Fine Arts Show & Sale (Nov. 29) INFO»
• Fox Lake Festival of Lights (Nov. 30) INFO»
• Kris Kringle Market in Waukegan (Nov. 30) INFO»
• Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Jack Benny Plaza in Waukegan (Nov. 30) INFO» 
• Village of Volo 20th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting (Nov. 30) INFO»
• Light Up the Season! Vernon Hills Tree, Menorah and Kwanzaa Lighting (Nov. 30) INFO»
• Lake Villa Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting (Nov. 30) INFO»
• Lake Forest Coco Crawl (Nov. 30) INFO»
• Festival of Arts and Crafts at Lake County Fairgrounds and Events Center (Nov. 29-Dec. 1) INFO»
• Handmade Holiday Faire at Mickey Finn's Brewery (Dec. 1) INFO»
• Holiday Shop Sip and Soiree at Hawthorn (Dec. 3) INFO»
• Holiday Lights - Gurnee Park District (Dec. 5) INFO»
• Village of Round Lake Beach Presents Supper with Santa and Craft Fair (Dec. 5) INFO»
• First Friday on MainStreet Libertyville (Dec. 6) INFO»
• Lincolnshire Lights (Dec. 6) INFO»
• Deerfield Winter Celebration (Dec. 6) INFO»
• Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in Gurnee (Dec. 7) INFO»
• Dickens of a Holiday in Libertyville (Dec. 7) INFO»
• Miracle on Main Street in Lake Zurich (Dec. 7) INFO»
• Victorian Tea in Libertyville (Dec. 7) INFO»
• Winterfest in Mundelein (Dec. 7) INFO»
• Cookie and Cocoa Crawl in The Ravinia District of Highland Park (Dec. 7) INFO»
• Annual Holiday Craft Fair at American Legion 771 in Gurnee (Dec. 7) INFO»
• Deerfield Holiday Winter Market (Dec. 7) INFO»
• Holly Jolly Holiday in Wauconda (Dec. 7) INFO»
• Annual Winter Tree Lighting Festival at Courtland Commons in Mundelein (Dec. 7) INFO»
• Beach Park Christmas Craft Show (Dec. 7) INFO»
• Whistle-Stop Wonderland in Lake Forest (Dec. 7) INFO»
• GLMV Chamber Annual Holiday Mixer Jingle and Mingle at Tangled Roots (Dec. 11) INFO»
• Girls Night Out: Elves and Ugly Sweater in Downtown Antioch (Dec. 11) INFO»
• Christmas Tree Lighting at Zion Park District (Dec. 13) INFO»
• Hot Cocoa Stroll at Hawthorn Row (Dec. 14) INFO»
• Happy Holliday Craft Fair in Winthrop Harbor (Dec. 14) INFO»
• Artic Express in Grayslake (Dec. 14-15) INFO»
• Grayslake Antique and Flea Market at Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center (Dec. 14-15)  INFO»
• Children's Party at Fox Lake (Dec. 15)  INFO»
• North Pold Express Train with the Village of Anitoch (Dec. 3-19) INFO»
• Jingle N' Jive Hoiday Fest and Market at Steps Performing Arts Center (Dec. 20) INFO»
• Citadel's Inaugural Holiday Sing-a-Long & Pajama Party (Dec. 20-21) INFO»
• ArtWauk in Waukegan (Dec. 21) INFO»
• Vintage Holidays in Historic Downtown Long Grove (Now-Dec. 24) INFO»
• Radiance New Years Eve Featuring Rezz, Svdden Death and more at Lake County Fairgrounds and Events Center (Dec. 30-31) INFO»
• Rockin' New Year's Eve with Nat Zegree and the Oh Boys at Marriott Theatre (Dec. 31)  INFO»

7. Dicken's Holiday Village & Kringle's Christmas Village in Antioch (Through January 1)

Experience the charm of the holiday season in downtown Antioch with Dickens Holiday Village and Kringle's Christmas Village. Stroll through life-size displays featuring wax figures dressed in Victorian attire, depicting beloved scenes from "A Christmas Carol." Kringle's Christmas Village captivates with intricate shadowboxes showcasing festive miniature scenes, including nods to Dickens’ timeless tale. Don’t miss the new Christmas Tree Decorating exhibit, where local creativity shines through beautifully adorned trees. Antioch’s villages offer a magical blend of history, artistry and holiday spirit for all to enjoy.

8. Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in Gurnee (December 7)

Kick off the holiday season in Gurnee with the arrival of the spectacular CPKC Holiday Train on Saturday, December 7! This free, family-friendly event runs from 4-6 p.m., with the dazzling train expected, followed by a festive concert featuring The Lone Bellow and Tiera Kennedy. Adorned with hundreds of thousands of LED lights, the nearly 1,000-foot-long train transforms Depot Road into a winter wonderland. Enjoy live music, free photos with Santa and holiday fun like the Patch 22 Petting Zoo and complimentary treats. Don’t forget to bring non-perishable food donations to support the Northern Illinois Food Bank and help spread holiday cheer to those in need!

9. Lake County Holiday Shopping

Find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list while holiday shopping in Lake County! From unique boutiques and artisan markets to sprawling malls and charming downtowns, there’s no shortage of options. Discover one-of-a-kind treasures, enjoy festive decorations and support local businesses along the way. Make your holiday shopping experience merry and bright in Lake County!

Long Grove Confectionery Retail Store 114 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove

Long Grove Confectionery Co. Factory Store 333 Lexington Dr., Buffalo Grove

Long Grove Confectionery Nut and Candy House 581 Bonner Rd., Wauconda

The Joyful Gourmet 542 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville

Broken Bridge Treats 220 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove

RISE Dispensaries 1325 Armour Blvd., Mundelein

McMahon Gallery 321 S. Ridge Rd., Lake Forest

Skipper Bud’s 1000 IL Route 173, Antioch

Reclaimed Artisans Inc. 302 Peterson Rd., Libertyville

Signature Popcorn 318 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove

Peter Patterson Glassworks 888 Tower Rd., Suite E, Mundelein

Lambs Farm Shop and Sugar Maple Country Store at Lambs Farm 14245 W. Rockland Rd., Libertyville

Ma and Pa's Candy 424 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove

Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery 169 Archer Ave., Mundelein

Extreme Flight Simulation 1350 Tri-State Pkwy., STE 128 Gurnee

Lovin Oven Cakery 455 Lake St., Antioch

Sock Monkey Museum 210 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove

Tony Cannoli Specialty Pastries 460 Lake St., Mundelein

Treetime Christmas Creations 22102 Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington

Uniquely Sweet 888. E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake

The Irish Boutique 224 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove

Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery 169 Archer Ave., Mundelein

Click here for a list of Black-owned Businesses

Mom and Pop Shopping Destinations

• Downtown Antioch
• Village of Deerfield
• Village of Fox Lake
• Downtown Grayslake
• Village of Gurnee
• Downtown Highland Park
• Downtown Lake Zurich
• Village of Libertyville
• Village of Lincolnshire
• Historic Downtown Long Grove
• Downtown Mundelein
• Village of Vernon Hills
• Downtown Waukegan
• City of Zion

Malls in Lake County

• Deer Park Town Center
• Gurnee Mills
• The Hawthorn in Vernon Hills

Visit the Lake County Libation Trail To Wind Down from the Shopping Bonanza or Gift a Howler, Growler or Six Pack to Someone Special. 

For Beer Lovers

• Black Lung Brewing Company, Round Lake Beach and Fox Lake
• Bosacki’s Brewery, Mundelein
• Broken Tee Brewing Co. , Highland Park
• Buffalo Creek Brewing, Long Grove
• Half Day Brewing Company, Lincolnshire
• Harbor Brewing Company, Winthrop Harbor and Lake Villa
• Mickey Finn’s Brewery, Libertyville
• Nightshade and Pandemonium Brewing Company, Waukegan
• 9th Hour Brewing Company, Lake Villa
• Phase Three Brewing Company, Lake Zurich
• Pips Meadery, Gurnee
• Ravinia Brewing Company, Highland Park
• Roaring Table Brewery, Lake Zurich
• Tighthead Brewery, Mundelein
• Tonality Brewing Co. , Mundelein
• Wild Onion Brewery, Lake Barrington
• Wright's Brew & Bistro, Lincolnshire

For Vino Aficionados

• Glunz Family Winery and Cellars, Grayslake
• Lynfred Winery, Wheeling and Highland Park
• Valentino Vineyards, Long Grove
• Vigneto del Bino, Antioch

For Cocktail Fans

• Copper Fiddle Distillery, Lake Zurich
• North Shore Distillery, Green Oaks
• 28 Mile Distilling Company, Highwood

10. Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois (Through January 6)

Experience the magic of Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, where the grand lobby transforms into a winter wonderland with daily flurries and twinkling lights. Through the New Year, enjoy festive fun with visits from Santa, holiday-themed crafts, storytime and cheerful decorations. Immerse yourself in the warmth of heated indoor pools and the excitement of an 84-degree water park, perfect for a cozy winter escape. Snowland activities are included with your overnight stay, making it an unforgettable holiday getaway. Create lasting memories with your family in this Northwoods-inspired seasonal retreat!

• Twas’ the Night Before Snowland
• Snowland Scavenger Hunt
• Snowland Competition Games
• Yoga Tails
• Frosty Fest Family Dance Party
• Snowland Bingo
• Trivia Games
• Craft Kit to Go

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Holiday Your Way in Lake County this season.

Click here for holiday activities happening around Lake County.