Things To Do This Weekend December 16-18, 2022
By: Nick Borowitz 12/14/2022
"Wauk" it out when Santa visits Lake County, appreciate hand-painted art, catch a light show and squeeze in last minute shopping. Here are the things to do this weekend December 16-18, 2022.
Make the most of the season when you Holiday Your Way in Lake County, Illinois.
Watch a theatrical performance when friends and family come visit.
We're half way through December already. See the top 10 things to do before the holiday ends.
Chill out after shopping by visiting the breweries, wineries and distilleries on the Lake County Libation Trail.
Here are the things to do this weekend December 16-18, 2022.
1. Home for the Holidays, Shiloh House and Santa at Shiloh Park in Zion
The city of Zion turns into a winter wonderland this weekend, full of everything from holiday cheer to frosty fear. The city kicks off the season with its annual Christmas Tree lighting, and Santa is present to take pictures and listen to kids' wish lists. Stroll the paths of Shiloh Park and be enamored by the “Home for the Holidays” light display trail. The illuminated walkway features over 100,000 twinkling bulbs and 50 unique holiday displays. Equally decorated and shined up for the season is the Shiloh House. Each of the 25 rooms inside the historic home has holiday decorations. The Zion staple is open for self-guided tours and admission is free. The jolly red fellow makes an appearance at Shiloh and will be in attendance following the tree lighting from 7-8 p.m. “Home for the Holidays” runs through January 2. Across town, the city’s renowned scare zone provides visitors with the spooky side of the season. The Dungeon of Doom Haunted House opens its doors Friday for its Sub-Thermal Nightmare. The two-night experience shows what it would be like if hell froze over, after a blizzard hits the haunted house. Every scare section of the experience is decorated with festively frightening elements and stalked by a cast of new characters.
Friday-Sunday, December 16-18: Zion Tree Lighting: December 17: 6-7 p.m. Santa at Shiloh Park: December 17; 7-8 p.m. Home for the Holidays: December 17-18; 7-10 p.m. Shiloh Park, 1619 27th St., Zion. Shiloh House: December 18; 3-5 p.m. Shiloh House, 1300 Shiloh Blvd., Zion. Santa at the Zion Park District Drive Thru: December 18; 3-5 p.m. Admission: free. Zion Park District Drive Thru, 2400 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion. Sub-Thermal at Dungeon of Doom: December 16-17; Fri.-Sat.: 7-11 p.m. Admission: $30-$55. Dungeon of Doom Haunted House, 600 29th St., Zion.
2. Disney Fine Artist Trevor Carlton at Hawthorn Mall
Visit the Gallery of Art and Collectibles at Vernon Hills’ Hawthorn Mall and see Disney Fine Artist Trevor Carlton perform live. Carlton’s Saturday performance showcases his painting talents featuring Disney characters against classic Americana backgrounds. The images start with a blank canvas, and he creates a background that resembles wood aesthetic. While painting the backdrop, he adds in the scenes and characters. When the picture is complete, he uses paint solvents and abrasives to give each piece a distressed appearance. After the performance, Carlton continues crafting more live paintings. Each piece created live and prepared prior is for sale, providing the perfect gift for a family member or friend.
Saturday, December 17; 2:30-4:30 p.m. Admission: free. Hawthorn Malls, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills.
3. HolidayWauk in Waukegan
Visit downtown Waukegan for HolidayWauk. The monthly art festival showcases local sculptors, jewelers, painters, mixed media, and other creators from numerous City of Progress art studios and galleries. Visit the Dandelion Art Gallery as they host their Holiday Gift Event and “Gift of Art” show. The gallery gathering features ornament making, live art performances, gift wrapping, snacks and a raffle prize. Keep the creativity flowing by visiting the Jack Benny Center for the Arts as they perform their holiday show, “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play.” This rendition of the iconic movie directed by Frank Capra showcases talented performers in a radio drama format, like actors performed through the 1930s-1960s. The Waukegan Park District radio play runs through Sunday, December 18. Explore Lake County Libation Trail partners for a post-show beverage at Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing, Oppidan Spirits and Zümbier Brewery. ‘Tis the season to “Wauk” for the holidays in Waukegan.
Saturday-Sunday, December 17-18. HolidayWauk: Sat.: 5-9 p.m. Admission: free. Multiple locations in Waukegan. Dandelion Art Gallery: 5-9 p.m. Admission: free. Dandelion Art Gallery, 109 S. Genesee St., Waukegan. “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play” Sat: 7-9 p.m., Sun: 3-5 p.m. Admission: $10. Jack Benny Center for the Arts, 39 Jack Benny Dr., Waukegan.
4. Santa Visits and Christmas Musical Light Show in Antioch
Things are looking bright for the holidays in Antioch. This weekend, Santa heads to village’s unique historical treasure, the Hiram Buttrick Sawmill. The jolly old soul listens to the kid’s holiday wishes and poses for a snapshot before he heads back to the North Pole. When the kids finish sharing their wishes, continue celebrating the holiday by driving to the Christmas Musical Light Show at the Antioch Bandshell. The dazzling, free-admission spectacle hosts two different shows; depending on if the visit falls on an even or odd numbered day, the show varies in theme and synchronization. The Christmas Light Show runs daily through December 25.
Friday-Sunday, December 16-18; Christmas Light Show: December 16-18; 6-9 p.m. Admission: free. Antioch Bandshell, Skidmore Drive, Antioch. Santa at the Sawmill: Friday-Saturday, December 16-17; 5-7:30 p.m. Admission: free. Hiram Buttrick Sawmill, 770 Cunningham Dr., Antioch.
5. Grinchmas and Holiday Hoopla at Mellody Farm in Vernon Hills
Children see two of their favorite holiday characters when the family visits Vernon Hills this weekend. The Vernon Hills Park District’s Sullivan Community Center celebrates the season with Grinchmas. The Friday experience takes inspiration from Dr. Seuss’ 1957 children’s book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” The gathering features arts and crafts, games, story time, pizza and Grinch punch. After getting into the Who-villain spirit, children go on a candy cane hunt. Grinchmas is for the little ones aged 3 to 5 years old. Cleanse the green vibes Saturday at Mellody Farm with its Holiday Hoopla. Saturday's bash occurs on The Lawn of the Vernon Hills shopping destination. The free bonanza features music, sweets, treats, snacks and more. Santa is there listening to kids’ wish lists and taking pictures. Visit VHParkDistrict.org to register for Grinchmas.
Friday-Saturday, December 16-17; Grinchmas: December 16; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission: $25-$31. Sullivan Community Center, 635 N. Aspen Dr., Vernon Hills. Holiday Hoopla at Mellody Farm: December 17; 4-6 p.m. Mellody Farm, 851 Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills.
Click here for more things to do this weekend December 16-18, 2022.
Make the most of the season when you Holiday Your Way in Lake County, Illinois.
