Top 10 Holiday Things To Do In Lake County 2025
By: Stephanie Wylie 11/28/2025
Lake County is transforming into a Winter Wonderland! Discover our curated selection of the top ten holiday activities, ensuring you seize every opportunity during this magical time. Lake County is your ultimate destination for seasonal joy, featuring everything from radiant holiday light installations and Santa appearances to selecting the perfect evergreen, tackling your gift list and wandering through delightful holiday villages. Soak up the wonder, establish new traditions and let the holiday happiness surround you.
Visit Lake County extends this invitation to "Holiday Your Way in Lake County!"
With a comprehensive lineup of family-friendly happenings, we present the ten best ways to experience the holidays throughout 2025. Whether your explorations take you through Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville, Vernon Hills and all of #LetsGoLakeCounty communities, engaging possibilities abound.
Here are the top 10 holiday things to do in Lake County in 2025.
The charming communities of the Land of Lakes beckon residents and visitors alike to dive into the holiday magic with Visit Lake County's "Holiday Your Way." This festive initiative blankets the entire county, unfolding daily throughout late December. Expect villages, cities and towns across the region to be alight with seasonal features: twinkling markets, dazzling tree-lighting spectacles, cherished moments with Santa, captivating holiday entertainment, picturesque main street walks and more. Your shopping desires are covered, from the quaint, distinctive shops in Libertyville and Waukegan to the major shopping destinations of Gurnee and Vernon Hills. Local restaurants are preparing comforting meals and warming drinks to enjoy fireside. Take in the time of year when families can craft traditions that fit their own style, whether that means peaceful strolls on quiet, snowy lanes or dynamic winter celebrations. Plan your holidays your way!
As the days shorten and the air chills, Lake County transforms into a sparkling tapestry of holiday light displays and festive cheer, offering an essential guide to winter wonder. The region's top illuminations range from the Lightscape trail at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the dazzling Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in Gurnee to immersive, time-traveling trolley adventures like the Time Warp Express at Volo Museum. Families can also find magic at Kringle's Christmas Village in Antioch or enjoy the warmth of Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois. Find a brilliant and unique way to celebrate the holiday season across every corner of the county.
Santa Claus is making dozens of stops throughout the Land of Lakes this season, offering countless opportunities to capture the perfect holiday photo and create festive memories. The calendar is packed with unique experiences, ranging from classic mall visits at Gurnee Mills and Hawthorn to themed Breakfast with Santa events. With appearances scheduled across nearly every Lake County community through Christmas Eve, families can embrace the holiday spirit and visit jolly St. Nick.
The classic family search for the perfect holiday centerpiece is officially underway and Lake County is ready to supply your ideal Christmas tree. Shoppers can cut their own tree for a nostalgic experience at farms like Richardson Farm or select a pre-cut champion at seasonal spots such as Kroll's Farm's Christmas Trees in Waukegan. Whether you seek the scent of fresh pine needles or the convenience of a high-quality artificial tree from retailers like TreeTime Christmas Creations, this guide covers every option for decking your home with festive spirit.
Lake County stages are shining bright this holiday season, offering a diverse array of festive theatrical and musical performances for all ages. Audiences can enjoy everything from rock 'n' roll with 'Million Dollar Quartet Christmas' at the Marriott Theatre and the heartwarming radio play rendition of 'It's a Wonderful Life' by Improv Playhouse, to traditional ballets like 'The Magic of the Nutcracker' at Libertyville High School. The Genesee Theatre hosts acclaimed artists like David Foster, Katharine McPhee and Lindsey Stirling, ensuring that every family finds the perfect show to celebrate the season's magic.
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!
- Vintage Holidays in Long Grove (Now-Dec.. 24) INFO»
- Time Warp Express Christmas Adventure at Volo Museum (Now-Dec. 28) INFO»
- Dickens Holiday Village in Antioch (Now-Jan. 1) INFO»
- Kringle's Christmas Village in Antioch (Now-Jan. 1) INFO»
- Festival of Lights and Holiday Market in Grayslake (Nov. 28) INFO»
- Chain O Lakes Chambers Mistletoe and Martinis Festive Christmas Market (Nov. 28) INFO»
- The Black Friday Market: Vintage and Makers Market in Round Lake (Nov. 28) INFO»
- Libertyville Tree Lighting and Downtown Holiday Walk (Nov. 28) INFO»
- Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Antioch (Nov. 28) INFO»
- Black Friday at Deer Park Town Center (Nov. 28) INFO»
- Lake Forest's 41st Annual Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration (Nov. 28) INFO»
- Small Business Saturday in Downtown Libertyville (Nov. 29) INFO»
- Holiday Sip and Shop at Hawthorn (Nov. 29) INFO»
- Festival of Lights Parade in Fox Lake (Nov. 29) INFO»
- Chris Kringle Market at Volo Museum (Nov. 29) INFO»
- Holiday Light Celebration in Vernon Hills (Nov. 29) INFO»
- Go Waukegan Winter Hot Chocolate Walk (Nov. 29) INFO»
- Village of Volo's 21st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting (Nov. 29) INFO»
- Kris Kringle Artist Market in Waukegan (Nov. 29) INFO»
- Jingle on Genesee Celebration in Waukegan (Nov. 29) INFO»
- Festival of Arts and Crafts at Lake County Fairgrounds (Nov. 28-30) INFO»
- Handmade Holiday Faire at Mickey Finn's Brewery (Nov. 30) INFO»
- Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in North Chicago (Dec. 2) INFO»
- Holiday Shopping Night Out in Grayslake (Dec. 4) INFO»
- Village of Round Lake Beach Presents Supper with Santa and Craft Fair (Dec. 4) INFO»
- Lincolnshire Lights (Dec. 5) INFO»
- Park District of Highland Park's Winter Wonderland (Dec. 5) INFO»
- Winter Lighting Celebration and Winter Market in Deerfield (Dec. 5-6) INFO»
- Santa Parade in Libertyville (Dec. 6) INFO»
- Cookie and Cocoa Crawl in The Ravinia District of Highland Park (Dec. 6) INFO»
- Annual Holiday Craft Fair ALA 711 in Gurnee (Dec. 6) INFO»
- Holly Jolly Holiday in Wauconda (Dec. 6) INFO»
- Elf Invasion Pub Crawl in Downtown Highwood (Dec. 6) INFO»
- Miracle on Main Street in Lake Zurich (Dec. 6) INFO»
- Winter Tree Lighting Festival in Mundelein (Dec. 6) INFO»
- Holiday Craft-a-Palooza and Holiday Market at Elawa Farm (Dec. 6) INFO»
- Operation Outpour's Christmas Market and Bake Sale in Winthrop Harbor (Dec. 6) INFO»
- Handmade for the Holidays Craft Fair at Gurnee Mills (Dec. 5-7) INFO»
- Elawa Farm's Holiday Market (Dec. 5-7) INFO»
- Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in Gurnee (Dec. 9) INFO»
- GLMV Chamber Annual Holiday Mixer in Vernon Hills (Dec. 11) INFO»
- Holiday Kick-Off Party at Perfect Brewing Supply in Libertyville (Dec. 12) INFO»
- Christmas Tree Lighting in Zion (Dec. 12) INFO»
- Merry and Bright Holiday Express in Lake Zurich (Dec. 12) INFO»
- Hot Cocoa Stroll at Hawthorn Row (Dec. 13) INFO»
- Dickens of a Holiday in Libertyville (Dec. 13) INFO»
- Victorian Tea in Libertyville (Tickets Required) (Dec. 13) INFO»
- Kris Kringle Market in Mundelein (Dec. 13) INFO»
- Artctic Express in Grayslake (Dec. 13-14) INFO»
- Menorah Lighting Event at Gurnee Mills (Dec. 16) INFO»
- HolidayWauk in Waukegan (Dec. 20) INFO»
- American Place Casino Holiday Market in Waukegan (Dec. 20) INFO»
- Santa's Winter Wonderland Market at The Ten Hotel (Dec. 20) INFO»
- Holiday Adventures in Waukegan (Dec. 22-30) INFO»
- Merry and Bright: Breezewald at Night in Lake Zurich (Dec. 1-Jan. 4) INFO»
The holiday season officially opens in downtown Antioch with the return of two signature festive attractions, Kringle's Christmas Village and the Dickens Holiday Village, running daily through New Year's Day. Both experiences are free to the public and offer unique views of Christmas cheer, including dozens of oversized, illuminated shadowboxes and meticulously handcrafted Dickens characters.
The renowned CPKC Holiday Train will make a highly anticipated stop in Gurnee, bringing a brightly illuminated, multi-car display to Viking Park. This free, annual community event features live musical performances by artists including American Authors and Pynk Beard, as well as an appearance by Santa Claus. The Holiday Train serves a charitable purpose, encouraging attendees to donate food and funds to local food banks. The festive atmosphere and dazzling light display make this one of Gurnee's can't-miss holiday traditions.
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
Malls in Lake County
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
- The Beer Bazaar, Grayslake
- 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
- Perfect Brewing Supply, Libertyville
- Nightshade and Pandemonium Brewing Company, Waukegan
- 9th Hour Brewing Company, Lake Villa
- Phase Three Brewing Company, Lake Zurich
- Roaring Table Brewery, Lake Zurich
- Steep Ravine Brewing Company, Highland Park
- Tangled Roots Craft Beer and Kitchen, Vernon Hills
- Tighthead Brewery, Mundelein
- Wild Onion Brewery, Lake Barrington
- Wright's Brew & Bistro, Lincolnshire
For Vino Aficionados
For Cocktail Fans
Snowland, Great Wolf Lodge Illinois's annual holiday celebration, is an immersive winter wonderland filled with special seasonal events, winter activities, crafts, visits with Santa Claus and more. Don’t miss Great Wolf Lodge in the winter: Book your family’s winter vacation today and enjoy memories to last a lifetime.
- Frosty Fest Family Dance Party
- Snowland Bingo
- Snowland Competition Games
- Snowland Scavenger Hunt
- Snowland Trivia
- Snowland Arts & Crafts
- 'Twas the Night Before Snowland Yoga Tails
Holiday Your Way in Lake County this season.
Click here for holiday activities happening around Lake County.
WINTER OUTDOOR GUIDE
ROAD TRIPS
Volo Museum
Family-Friendly Dining
Breakfast/Brunch
Lakeside Dining
MainStreet Libertyville
Historic Downtown Long Grove
Downtown Highland Park
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois
Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Hyatt Deerfield
Visitors Guide
Special Offers
Accommodations
Weddings
Group Tours
Military Reunions
Community Partners
Partner Directory
Become a Partner
