Record Roundup: Details on native tree lightings and 50 different alternatives for native vacation enjoyable

Holiday enjoyable is not proper across the nook. It’s right here.

The North Shore packs the vacation season with all types of occasions, all the pieces from Santa breakfasts to tree lightings to campfires and extra. For among the occasions, you higher act now to order your spot; for others, simply circle the date and present up.

All the main points you want for a lot of of these occasions are beneath, however we certainly didn’t checklist all the pieces. If you may have one other occasion you assume we should add to this checklist, please e-mail [email protected].

Lightscape
When: 4:30 p.m.-close choose dates through Jan. 4
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
Details: An after-dark, illuminated path by way of the gardens that features festive sounds coming from the timber. New this 12 months are Jingle Jam Family Nights in addition to 21+ nights. Advance tickets begin at $26 for grownup members, $29 for nonmembers, and $14 for youngsters over 3 years previous. Kids 2 and youthful are free.

Letters to Santa
When: Thru Dec. 15
Where: Northfield Community Center, 401 Wagner Road, Northfield
Details: Drop off your letters within the particular mailbox on the neighborhood heart. Include your return deal with.

Reindeer Visit
When: Thru mid-December
Where: Chalet Nursery, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette
Details: Donner and Blitzen return to Chalet for the vacation season. Come see them throughout enterprise hours. Special joyful hours (scorching chocolate, music, cookies, wine and beer) from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 11. Click here for extra info.

Santa’s Mailbox Wilmette
When: Thru Dec. 7
Where: Mallinckrodt Park Gazebo, 1041 Ridge Road, Wilmette
Details: Children are urged to deliver their letter to Santa to the particular mailbox that delivers straight to the North Pole. Include a return envelope so Santa can write again.

Santa’s Mailbox Winnetka
When: Nov. 26-Dec. 18
Where: Winnetka Park District, 540 Hibbard Road
Details: This magical mailbox will be certain that your letter will get to Santa Claus, however be sure to embody a return envelope for a message from the large man.

Turkey Day Skate
When: 10:30 a.m.-noon Nov. 27
Where: Winnetka Ice Arena, 490 Hibbard Road
Details: Prepare for Thanksgiving dinner with a particular skate day. Admission is $2 per skate. Skate rental is $4.

Light the Lights Festival
When: 5-7 p.m. Nov. 28
Where: Downtown Glencoe, Wyman Green
Details: Gather to benefit from the lightscape — together with the 6-foot, lighted 60022 show — and family-friendly actions (trackless practice rides, meet with characters from “Frozen,” reside music, scorching chocolate, igloo photobooth, mild tunnel, extra) all through downtown Glencoe, together with Tudor Court the place there shall be reside reindeer and a carnival experience. Santa shall be at Writers Theatre. A sensory room shall be accessible on the Glencoe Public Library. The lighting ceremony shall be at 5 p.m. Click here for extra info.

Game of Gnomes
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 27
Where: Wilmette
Details: Search Wilmette storefronts for gnome stickers. Write the names on a game card and drop the finished card at Yellow Bird Stationery and Gifts, 1199 Wilmette Ave., for an opportunity to win a Shop Wilmette reward card.

Santa at Chalet
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 28-30, Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14
Where: Chalet Nursery, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette
Details: Mr. and Mrs. Clause will spend the day at Chalet. Stop by to have your picture taken and share your wishlist. Walk-ins are welcome, however appointments (offered out) take precedence. Join the waitlist.

Breakfast with Santa
When: Nov. 29, 30; Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21
Where: Pit and Tap, 1168 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette
Details: Santa will go to the vacation pop-up Deck the Halls at Pit and Tap for 4 straight Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets (purchase online) include a traditional American breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, mini pancakes, orange juice and occasional.

Gingerbread Birdhouses
When: 10-11 a.m. Dec. 3
Where: Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park
Details: Discover among the fowl species that spend the winter in Highland Park and create your personal house-shaped deal with to take residence. Cost: $14. More information and to register.

Northfield Holiday Fest
When: 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 3
Where: Clarkson Park, 1950 Willow Road, Northfield
Details: Light the park with Santa Claus whereas having fun with music from native college students, crafts, foods and drinks from Stormy’s Tavern, crafts, s’mores and extra.

Holiday Open House: Sip and Shop
When: 4-7 p.m. Dec. 4
Where: Downtown Wilmette, close to Wilmette and Central avenues
Details: Businesses within the Wilmette central enterprise district may have festive specials, promotions and treats throughout this standard occasion with an earlier begin time this 12 months. The Wilmette Woman’s Club is becoming a member of this 12 months with a Holiday Market that includes greater than 20 native distributors from 4-8 p.m.

Winnetka Holiday Tree Lighting
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: Dwyer Park, 521 Birch St.
Details: An annual custom, kick off the vacation month with the tree lighting (6 p.m.) and lights round Dwyer Park. Enjoy vacation caroling, a go to from Santa and elves, and scorching drinks and treats.

Winter Wonderland
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park
Details: Meet reside reindeer and revel in an iceless rink, Hannukah room, cookie adorning, practice rides and photographs with Santa. Cost is $10 per resident and $12 for nonresident. Registration.

Adult Gingerbread House Workshops
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 5-6
Where: Lakeview Center, 800 Gillson Park Drive, Wilmette
Details: For ages 21 and up, begin with a field home and canopy in frosting, sweet, cookies and no matter else. The occasion is BYOB. More information and to register.

Breakfast with Santa (Highland Park)
When: 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dec. 6
Where: The Clubhouse at Sunset Valley Golf Club, 1390 Sunset Road, Highland Park
Details: Tickets ($25-$35) embody a breakfast buffet, youngsters actions, crafts, a small reward and naturally a go to from Santa. More information and to register.

Breakfast with Santa (Wilmette)
When: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14 and 20 (a number of time slots)
Where: The Lawn Grill at Wilmette Golf Club, 3900 Fairway Drive
Details: Visit and snap a photograph with Santa and obtain a goodie bag. A family-style breakfast will embody pastries, fruit, pancakes, bagels and lox, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage. Registration is required. Adults $41 resident/$51 nonresident. Children (3-17) $20/$25.

‘Frozen’ Pancake Breakfast
When: 9-10:45 a.m. Dec. 6
Where: Convito Cafe, 1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette
Details: RSVP and prepay (will depend on meals order) by Nov. 29 for this occasion that includes Olaf, Anna and Elsa from the film “Frozen” and a menu with grownup and children dishes. To enroll, name (847) 251-3654 or e-mail [email protected]. More information.

Alvin the Elf’s Winter Carnival
When: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 6
Where: Skokie School, 520 Glendale Ave., Winnetka
Details: Carnival video games, cookie adorning, reindeer, refreshments and extra — and possibly even a go to from the large man (Santa!). Registration is between $15-$20.

Holiday Happenings and Wilmette Tree Lighting
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Downtown Wilmette, Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Ave.
Details: A day of festivities — akin to visits with Santa Claus, an enormous snow globe, curling in Ouilmette Way, carolers, “Elf” at Wilmette Theatre, and sweet canes and scorching chocolate — ends with a tree lighting at 5 p.m. on the Village Hall Green. More information.

Mini Marshmallow 3K
When: 10-11 a.m. Dec. 6
Where: Laramie Park, 5251 Sherwin Ave., Skokie
Details: A youth (age 6-13) race across the park additionally consists of scorching cocoa with marshmallows for all contributors, in addition to a T-shirt, goodie bag and medal. Registration ($20-$25) ends on Dec. 5.

Ravinia Cocoa and Cookie Crawl
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Jens Jensen Park, 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Details: Visit native companies for heat cocoa and cookies and extra actions.

The Great Ornament Hunt
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park
Details: Follow the middle’s trails and use clues to hunt for ornaments hidden within the timber. Then share scorching cocoa whereas making your personal bobbles to take residence. Cost: $14. More information and to register.

Kenilworth Tree Lighting
When: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Kenilworth Assembly Hall, 410 Kenilworth Ave.
Details: Enjoy Santa storytelling, face portray, carolers, video games, scorching chocolate and extra earlier than a tree lighting at 6:15 p.m.

Gingerbread House Workshops
When: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and three p.m. on Dec. 6-7
Where: Community Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Road, Wilmette
Details: Cover your field home with frosting, sweet, cookies and different goodies and be sure to deliver one thing during which to hold your creation residence. Fee is $49 for resident and $61 nonresident. More information and to register.

North Shore Winter Classic Skating Competition
When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Centennial Ice Arena, 3100 Trail Way, Highland Park
Details: Guests can enter free and soak up a day of aggressive determine skating.

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus
When: 8-11 a.m. Dec. 7
Where: Kenilworth Assembly Hall, 410 Kenilworth Ave.
Details: Enjoy a breakfast buffet and photographs with Santa on this occasion from the Kenilworth Park District. More info and tickets.

Welcome to Winter
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Weinberg Family Recreation Center, 305 Randolph St., Glencoe
Details: A brand new occasion this 12 months, this winter carnival options Happy Land Mini Golf on ice, ice skating and different winter actions together with refreshments. Free for passholders and $24 for nonpassholders. More information and registration.

State of the Villages Holiday Tea
When: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 12
Where: Winnetka Congregational Church, 725 Pine St., Winnetka
Details: Hear updates from village managers of Winnetka (Kristin Kazenas), Northfield (Patrick Brennan) and Kenilworth (Kathy Thake), in addition to Village Presidents Cecily Kaz (Kenilworth), Chris Rintz (Winnetka) and Tracy Mendrek (Northfield) and Township Supervisors Gail Eisenberg (New Trier) and Shiva Mohsenzadeh (Northfield). The occasion will embody a vacation assortment for the New Trier Township and Northfield Township meals pantries. RSVP required.

Visit with Santa
When: 4-8 p.m. Dec. 12
Where: Weinberg Family Recreation Center, 305 Randolph St., Glencoe
Details: Santa Claus shall be readily available to take photographs with friends, who can even get pleasure from vacation treats and actions. Sessions happen each 10 minutes and registration is required for $15/$20 per group.

Hot Cocoa Ugly Sweater 5K
When: 8 a.m. Dec. 13
Where: Takiff Center, 999 Green Bay Road, Glencoe
Details: Free to take part. This festive run is hosted by the Walk Run Club and is for all ages and talents. Register.

Breakfast with Santa (Skokie)
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 13
When: Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St.
Details: A breakfast buffet with the large man. Children 2 and below are free. Tickets are $22/$24. More information and to register.

Gingerbread House Making
When: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 13
Where: Kenilworth Assembly Hall, 410 Kenilworth Ave.
Details: Decorate your personal gingerbread home with frosting and sweet supplied. More info TBA here.

Downtown Skokie Holiday Cookie Walk
When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Downtown Skokie (Starting location: 5111 Brown St.)
Details: The third annual occasion will welcome greater than 20 taking part retailers on this fundraiser for the Skokie Community Foundation. With every ticket ($36.35) you’ll obtain a cookie field and map of taking part companies. More information and tickets.

Firehouse Winterfest
When: 2-5 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Skokie Heritage Museum, 8031 Floral Ave., Skokie
Details: Hand dip candles, craft garland and make different wintery crafts whereas having fun with scorching chocolate and carolers (3 p.m.). Crafters: $15/$20. More information and to register.

Holiday Skating Exhibition
When: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Winnetka Ice Arena, 490 Hibbard Road
Details: Any skater enrolled within the winter classes might take part within the present, which is free to attend. Right earlier than the exhibition, from 2-3:20 p.m., get pleasure from a Ugly Sweater Holiday Skate.

Winter Solstice Lantern Walk
When: 6-7 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park
Details: Take a stroll on the middle’s trails with a do-it-yourself nature lantern to information the way in which. Participants will share poems and songs from winter traditions internationally. Cost: $14. More information and to register.

Holiday Exhibition
When: 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14
Where: Centennial Ice Rinks, 2300 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette
Details: The free annual exhibition for the park district’s skating courses. Attendance is free.

Wilmette Menorah Lighting
When: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14
Where: Wilmette Village Hall Green, 1200 Wilmette Ave.
Details: A neighborhood gathering co-sponsored by the native chamber of commerce and Village and Chabad of Wilmette with a lighting of a giant menorah and efficiency by reside entertainers, giveaways and extra.

Adults Over 60: Holiday Sweater Bingo Party and Luncheon
When: noon-2 p.m. Dec. 16
Where: Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
Details: In your most festive sweater, get pleasure from reside leisure, a lunch buffet, bingo and prizes. Register by Dec. 11. More information and to register ($17/$21).

The Great Holiday Wrap-up
When: noon- 6 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Mallinckrodt Center, 1401A Ridge Road, Wilmette
Details: Drop off as much as 10 items per household and let the park disrict’s wrappers maintain your vacation labor. There isn’t any payment, however the district requests donations to the New Trier Township Food Pantry. More information and registration.

Gingerbread House Decorating
When: 5-6 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Winnetka Community Room, 540 Hibbard Road
Details: Space is proscribed for this occasion during which youngsters will use sweets and candies to construct their very own gingerbread home. More information and registration.

Meet Disney’s ‘Frozen’ Princesses
When: 4-6 p.m. Dec. 18
Where: Chalet Nursery, Wilmette
Details: Anna, Elsa and their associates will greet friends, take photographs and customarily unfold vacation cheer. More information.

Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 18
Where: Clarkson Park, 1950 Willow Road, Northfield
Details: An outside menorah lighting adopted by indoor refreshments (latkes, doughnuts) and actions, together with a Hanukkah Mania Show by Randy. RSVP requested.

8 Nights, 8 Lights
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St., Skokie
Details: All are welcome to this pageant of lights. Learn the Hanukkah story, get pleasure from latkes with members of Lubavitch Chabad and spin the dreidel. Cost: $8/$10. More information and to register.

Gingerbread House Decorating (Skokie)
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 18
Where: Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
Details: This in-person workshop will give households a package to assemble and enhance a gingerbread home. Afterward, the Exploritorium is open. Registration is sweet for as much as 4 folks.

Women of Note Holiday Concert
When: 2:30 p.m. Dec. 19
Where: Mallinckrodt Center, 1041A Ridge Road, Wilmette
Details: The girls’s refrain, which debuted in 1965, will placed on a vacation present, with favorites like “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” Light refreshments supplied. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for college students. More information.

Winter Solstice Light Up the Green Bay Trail
When: 5-6 p.m. Dec. 19
Where: Shelton Park, 251 Harbor St., Glencoe
Details: Come embellished in lights and different vibrant objects (no candles) to assist mild up the Green Bay Trail for this ninth annual occasion to mark the passing of the longest interval of darkness of the 12 months. Enjoy music, a bonfire, scorching chocolate and extra. Event updates.

Skate with Santa (Skokie)
When: 2-3:15 p.m. Dec. 20
Where: Skatium Ice Arena, 9340 Weber Park Place
Details: Join Santa on the ice and seize some photographs with the large man whereas he’s there.

Glow Gnomes Campfire
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 20
Where: Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie
Details: Enjoy the primary day of the annual Gnome Hunt by looking for gnomes in the dead of night with the assistance of glow necklaces earlier than a campfire with snacks. For households with youngsters ages 2 and up. Cost: $7. More information and to register.

Hanukkah Fun and Latkes
When: noon-2 p.m. Dec. 21
Where: Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
Details: A Hanukkah celebration with a dreidel competitors, menorah constructing, crafts, youngsters actions and latkes. Registration really helpful, however walk-ins welcome.

Skate with Santa (Wilmette)
When: 11 a.m. Dec. 24
Where: Centennial Ice Rinks, 2300 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette.
Details: A vacation-themed public skate full with scorching chocolate, sweet canes and a go to from Santa. Fee is $5 with a donation to the Wilmette Food Pantry. Skate rental is $5. More information.

Holiday Sing
When: 6-6:30 p.m. Dec. 24
Where: Village Green Park, 525 Maple St., Winnetka
Details: Winnetka neighbors will collect on the village inexperienced for the thirtieth annual custom. Guests are welcome to deliver candles or flashlights and sing vacation favorites.

Itty Bitty New Year
When: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 31
Where: Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
Details: This household occasion includes a DJ, video games, crafts and a balloon drop at midday. All adults and youngsters want a ticket ($5-$20). More information and to register.

First Day Hike
When: 11 a.m.-noon Jan. 1
Where: The Preserve of Highland Park, 1207 Park Ave. West, Highland Park
Details: Kick off 2026 with a free guided stroll at The Preserve. Registration is required.

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