Things to do this weekend November 25-29

By: Jonathan Jones 11/24/2015

Did I hear you say gobble gobble? One of my favorite holidays of the year is Thanksgiving because there’s nothing else attached to the celebration except for family and food.

Plus, everyone is interested in a short week of work. If you’re looking to shed a few pounds after some good home-cookin’, have a fun run at one of Lake County’s turkey trots.

For more upcoming holiday celebrations like the tree lighting ceremonies continue here, and for an all-encompassing look at what there is all around Lake County for the entire season, click here for our 2015 Holiday Guide.

Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of holiday shopping. We will have a Black Friday post on Wednesday.

Here’s what Lake County has going on this weekend.

1. ‘This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.’ Well in Lake County’s case, the size and stature of the lights are at a much bigger display. Antioch’s Annual Tree Lighting (along with their Annual Christmas Parade and Santa’s Enchanted Village) and Vernon Hills Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony are flicking their lights on this weekend and celebrating with an abundance of other the holiday festivities.

Antioch’s Annual Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting and Santa’s Enchanted Village: Friday, November 27; 6-8 p.m. Downtown Antioch. Vernon Hills Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony: Saturday, November 28; 4:30 p.m. Vernon Hills Golf Course, 291 Evergreen Dr., Vernon Hills.

2. All Aboard! Chicago Botanic Garden has the little engines that can as this weekend marks the beginning of the Wonderland Express. The celebrated model train set resides inside the Regenstein Center. This set designed by Paul Busse spans 10,000 square feet and is equipped with miniature trains, bridges, trestles, waterfalls and 80 mini-replicas of Chicago’s favorite landmarks.

Friday, November 27-Sunday, January 3; 10 a.m. Adult Admission - $10/$12 for nonmembers, Seniors and Children Three-12 years old Admission - $8/$10 and Children Admission two years old and under are free. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.

3. Richardson Farm in Spring Grove reopens their doors for the holiday to select your Christmas Trees. Create memories to last a lifetime. Bring the family out and cut down the family’s Christmas tree. There are over 50,000 trees growing to choose from, in addition to fresh, handmade decorated wreaths and garland. The Spring Grove farm also offers hot chocolate or coffee, free shaking and bailing of trees. On weekends, there are free wagon rides, freshly made donuts and hot chocolate and concessions.

Friday, November 27 – Wednesday December 23; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Richardson Tree Farm, 9407 Richardson Rd., Spring Grove.

4. Before you dust off all the ornaments and holiday season decorations, take a trip to Peter Patterson Glassworks to create some new holiday flair. Choose from flat or twisted ornaments styles and also your choice of colors. Everything in the gallery will be marked at sale price for holiday gifts.

Friday-Sunday, November 27-29; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Ornaments cost $25 each. Peter Patterson Glassworks, 888 Tower Rd., Unit E, Mundelein.

5. The Lake County Fairgrounds is throwing their annual Step by Step Holiday Arts and Craft show. The Grayslake show will feature over 300 booths to choose from offering handmade arts and crafts, floral, plush items, country, unique gifts, fine art and much more.

Friday-Sunday, November 27-29; Fri 4-8 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission $5. Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 Peterson Rd., Grayslake.