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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29301324344559Ravinia Winter Weekend11aIt's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio PlayLightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
6572829310411412611aPalmhouse Holiday Market4:30pA Charlie Brown Christmas with Chris White Trio and ChoirRavinia Winter WeekendIt's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play7:30pIt's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
135142152163173184194Palmhouse Holiday MarketA Charlie Brown Christmas with Chris White Trio and ChoirIt's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play11aIt's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
2032122222332432522637:30pIt's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play3pIt's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio PlayIt's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio PlayLightscape at Chicago Botanic GardenWillow Hill Lights Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show
27328229230331412It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play7:30pBen Kweller with Case OatsLightscape at Chicago Botanic GardenWillow Hill Lights Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show
runs several days one day repeats on other days
Saturday, December 5 9 events
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.
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play3 to 9:30pm, day 4 of 5, Dec 2 to 6$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.
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.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden4:30 to 10:30pm, day 23 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 23 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.
Ravinia Winter WeekendAll day, day 4 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).
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