Holiday events on the North Shore
Holidays on Chicago's North Shore: tree lightings, light shows, markets and concerts from Evanston to Deerfield.
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Friday, November 13 Jump to Fri Nov 20
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden4:30 to 10:30pm, day 1 of 52, Nov 13 to Jan 3$291000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022Eighth annual after-dark illuminated trail through the Garden, about 1.3 miles of light installations including new U.S. debuts like Infinite Choir and returning favorites like the Winter Cathedral, with festive food and drink. Runs on select dates Nov 13, 2026 through Jan 3, 2027. Special themed nights include Jingle Jam family nights (Dec 9 and 16, with Santa), 21+ nights (Dec 10 and Jan 1), and a sensory-friendly night (Dec 2). Timed entry; buy early.
Willow Hill Lights Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show5 to 10pm, day 1 of 52, Nov 13 to Jan 3$401350 Willow Road, Northbrook, IL 60062Sixth annual drive-through light show on the Willow Hill Golf Course: a 2.5-mile route with over 1.5 million LED lights, three drive-through tunnels and a 30-foot tree synced to music, plus Rudolph, Frosty and Twelve Days of Christmas displays. One ticket per vehicle; timed entry slots. Hot chocolate and mini donuts available. Open nightly at 5pm.
Friday, November 20 Jump to Sat Nov 21
Illuminate Northbrook5:30 to 8pmFreeShermer Rd & Meadow Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062Northbrook's downtown holiday kickoff at Village Green Park: complimentary hot chocolate, popcorn from the Sunset Foods wagon, music and a 6pm countdown lighting of the downtown holiday lights. Bring a coat to donate to the Rotary's Coat Off Your Back drive and receive a commemorative mug.
Woman's Club of Evanston Holiday Bazaar5:30 to 7:30pm, day 1 of 3, Nov 20 to 22Free1702 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60201A juried holiday art and gift show running more than 20 years, filling both floors of the historic 1912 clubhouse with around 50 curated vendors: clothing, jewelry, home goods, ceramics, food, and bath and body. Free admission; proceeds fund the club's community grants.
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play7:30 to 9:30pm, day 1 of 3, Nov 20 to 22$551723 Glenview Rd, Glenview, IL 6002513th annual staging of Joe Landry's adaptation, performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast with foley sound effects in the theater's WBFR studio. Frank Capra's Bedford Falls story in an intimate 60-seat room in downtown Glenview. Previews Nov 20-21, then Thursday-Sunday performances plus Wednesday matinees. No show Christmas Day; confirm holiday-week times on the theater's ticket page.
Saturday, November 21 Jump to Sat Nov 28
Holiday Lighting at Port Clinton Square4 to 6pmFree600 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035The City of Highland Park's annual kickoff to the holidays at Port Clinton Square: tree and menorah lighting, meet and greets with Santa and Hanukkah Harry, a Frozen Robins Carolers sing-along, free popcorn and hot cocoa, and festive photo vignettes including a giant sleigh and an inflatable snow globe.
Saturday, November 28 Jump to Sun Nov 29
Downtown Evanston Small Business Saturday11am to 5pmFreeDowntown Evanston, Evanston, IL 60201Shop local for the holidays across downtown Evanston's independent retailers and restaurants. Downtown Evanston offers a Holiday Shopping Passport with special offers, and shoppers who spend $100 or more earn an Evanston Gift Card.
Sunday, November 29 Jump to Tue Dec 1
The 007 Days of Christmas with Third Coast Symphony3 to 5pm$149501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077Holiday concert pairing James Bond film themes (Goldfinger, Live and Let Die, For Your Eyes Only, The Pink Panther) with Christmas carols. The newly merged Third Coast Symphony plays with vocalist Cheryl Wilson and a jazz trio, hosted by Bond novelist Raymond Benson. One matinee in the Van Dusen Theatre.
Tuesday, December 1 Jump to Wed Dec 2
A Taste of Ireland: A Celtic Christmas7:30 to 9:30pm9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077The touring Irish dance company's holiday spectacular: world-champion Irish dancers and musicians blend folk mash-ups, a cappella tap battles and carols with storytelling. One night only in the Van Dusen Theatre.
Wednesday, December 2 Jump to Fri Dec 4
Ravinia Winter WeekendAll day, day 1 of 5, Dec 2 to 6201 Ravinia Park Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035Five holiday concerts in Bennett Gordon Hall, Dec 2 through 6: Chanukah: Songs of Light with Noah Aronson and The Or Collective (Dec 2); Christmas with Cantus: Lessons and Carols for Our Time (Dec 3); Wonderful: A Soulful Celebration with the Adrian Dunn Singers (Dec 4); A Merry Christmas with Brass with the Dallas Brass (Dec 5); and the family-friendly Jingle Bell JAM! with the JAM Orchestra (Dec 6).
Friday, December 4 Jump to Sat Dec 5
Winnetka Tree Lighting5 to 6:30pmFree521 Birch St, Winnetka, IL 60093Winnetka's annual community tree lighting at Dwyer Park, hosted with the Village and the Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber. Caroling and treats from 5 PM, with the tree lighting around 6 PM, plus a visit from Santa. Free.
Saturday, December 5 Jump to Sun Dec 6
Laurie Berkner: A Holiday Concert11am to 4pm600 Emerson St, Evanston, IL 60201Children's music star Laurie Berkner brings her holiday concert to Cahn Auditorium with two shows in one day: an 11 AM early show (sold out) and a 3 PM afternoon show. Expect her beloved sing-along songs with a seasonal setlist, ideal for young kids.
Ravinia District Cookie and Cocoa Crawl11:30am to 1pmFree540 Roger Williams Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035Annual holiday crawl through the Ravinia District. Kids with an adult pick up a cookie collection bag at Jens Jensen Park, then visit local businesses for warm cocoa and festive cookies, explore the district's holiday decorations, and meet Santa while HPHS DJ Dylan plays holiday tunes.
Elf Invasion Pub Crawl2pmHighwood, IL 60040Annual holiday pub crawl through Highwood: dress as an elf and join the troupe hopping through the town's bars and restaurants for live music, food and drink specials, and raffle prizes.
Winter Wonderland2 to 5pm$15636 Ridge Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035An afternoon of holiday activities for all ages at West Ridge Community Center: elf training, building a plush toy, a Hannukah treasure craft, and a private 1:1 visit with Santa in his workshop with a family photo to take home. Registration is per child and children must come with an adult. Price $15 resident, $17 non-resident.
Downtown Evanston Holiday Light Celebration4:30 to 7pmFreeFountain Square, Evanston, IL 60201Evanston's annual tree lighting at Fountain Square with local elected officials, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and holiday music from local singing groups. The tree is lit around 5 PM, followed by more entertainment, plus free Santa photo ops at The Merion starting 5:30 PM.
Sunday, December 6 Jump to Thu Dec 10
A Festival of Lessons and Carols10:40am to 12pmFree1870 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL 60208Northwestern Bienen School of Music's beloved annual holiday tradition in Alice Millar Chapel: readings and carol settings from medieval to modern for choir, brass, strings, and organ, with the Millar Choir, Philharmonia, and the Brass Ensemble. Free with reserved ticket.
Thursday, December 10 Jump to Fri Dec 11
Downtown Evanston Warm Bevvy Walk4 to 7pm$10Downtown Evanston, Evanston, IL 60201A self-guided evening stroll through downtown Evanston with a souvenir holiday mug, complimentary warm drinks at participating shops and restaurants, plus shopping and dining specials. Part of the ticket supports the Evanston Nouveau Rotary Club.
Friday, December 11 Jump to Sat Dec 12
Deerfield Winter Celebration5 to 8pmFree850 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, IL 60015The village's annual holiday kickoff on the Village Hall lawn: live ice sculpting, tractor wagon rides, performances by the Deerfield High School Choraliers and the Frozen Robins, roasted chestnuts and the mayor lighting up Village Hall. Free.
Saturday, December 12 Jump to Fri Dec 18
Deerfield Winter Market9am to 2pmFree375 Elm Street, Deerfield, IL 60015Indoor holiday market at the Patty Turner Center with local artisan and craft booths, food vendors, nonprofit booths, live entertainment and kids activities. Free to shop; vendor spaces $50.
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