Things To Do This Weekend November 30-December 2
By: Jack Nelson 11/29/2018
The feast has ended meaning it's "full send" into the holiday season. We've dug ourselves out of the drifts, wiped ourselves off and put on our caroling hats. You wouldn't be'wreath' how much holiday cheer is packed into the top things to do this weekend November 30-December 2.
If you're a December holdout for breaking out your holiday tree, look no further than our guide for the top 11 places to get a Christmas Tree in Lake County.
Likewise, if your community is a December holdout for its official lighting spectacular, look no further than our guide Lake County Tree Lightings.
Pour yourself another glass of eggnog and let's discover the top things to do this weekend!
Although the waterpark remains at a cozy 84 degrees, the Great Wolf Lodge Illinois is offering one of the "coolest" holiday events of the season. The Gurnee resort transforms its massive structure into a winter wonderland nothing short of the North Pole. The Snowland package is highlighted by family-friendly events and activities including Snowland Story Time, visits with Santa, the North Pole University, the Polar Wolf Walk and a life-size gingerbread house, large enough to dine in. Before crawling into bed for the overnight hibernation, your pups will be read “Unique as a Snowflake.” After a good night’s rest, take an educational morning prowl to learn about animals inhabiting the North Pole. The Snowland package at the Great Wolf Lodge is valid through January 4 using promo code: Snowland online or call directly at 847-623-9653.
Friday-Sunday, November 30-December 2; various times. Pricing: $279.99-$509.99 per night. Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee.
All aboard to Chicago Botanic Garden this weekend! The Glencoe garden’s renowned Wonderland Express train choo-choos its way back to the Regenstein Center for another year of holiday delight. Miniature locomotives wind throughout the 10,000 square-foot space, ducking under bridges and trestles, past waterfalls and around more than 80 Chicago landmark replicas. The public garden is adorned with 750,000 holiday lights, illuminating the breathtaking scenery around every twist and turn. Wonderland Express runs through January 6.
Friday-Sunday, November 30-December 2; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $8-$13. Parking: $20-$30. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Dr., Glencoe.
Strap into your ski boots and get ready to hit the powder; Wilmot Mountain opens its doors for the season. The winter resort will begin the year running chairlifts 2 and 3 along with a pop-up terrain park. After a long day of carving fresh snow, be sure to stop by Walt’s Tavern for delectable fare to help you refuel. The Wilmot, WI resort will open the tubing slopes later this season.
Friday-Sunday, November 30-December 2; Fri.: 3-10 p.m. Sat. and Sun.: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission: $53-$68. Wilmot Mountain, 11931 Fox River Rd., Wilmot, WI.
One of Lake County’s oldest buildings is dressing up for the holidays and you’re invited to see it sparkle for yourself. Zion’s historic Shiloh House will open for self-guided tours throughout the month. Thousands of lights, several Christmas trees and other holiday decorations will light up the residency of Zion founder John Alexander Dowie’s estate. The Shiloh House museum contains hundreds of the Dowie family artifacts, mementos, furniture and photographs. The downtown Zion home will be decorated in holiday garb through December 30.
Saturday-Sunday, December 1-2; Noon-3 p.m. The Shiloh House, 1300 Shiloh Blvd., Zion.
Take a sleigh ride to Cook Park this weekend as MainStreet Libertyville’s Dickens of a Holiday returns to the historic downtown. Attendees of the holiday festivity can pose for photos with jolly old Saint Nicolas and his wife, visit the Children’s Holiday Shoppe at Petranek’s Pharmacy and more. With the assistance of Santa’s helpers, kiddie shoppers at the Libertyville pharmacy can purchase gifts for $6 or less for their family and friends. Take a stroll down the village’s charming main street and visit Libertyville’s esteemed specialty stores for your holiday shopping. Dickens of a Holiday also occurs Saturday, December 8.
Saturday, December 1; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
Bonus: Lake County Tree Lightings
Like the inaugural snowfall, no holiday season truly begins until the clock strikes zero and the official holiday tree is illuminated. Help commence the countdown at the following tree lightings.
- Village of Mundelein: Friday, November 30; 5-7 p.m. Village Plaza, 300 Plaza Cir. More Info »
- ***Canceled*** Village of Lake Zurich: Saturday, December 1; 3-7 p.m. Downtown Lake Zurich, East Main Street. More Info »
- City of Waukegan: Saturday, December 1; 4-6 p.m. Jack Benny Plaza, Clayton and Genesee Streets. More Info »
- Village of Lincolnshire: Saturday, December 1; 5:30-6:30 p.m. Village Green, Milwaukee Avenue and Old Half Day Road. More Info »
For all other events and activities happening this weekend, continue here.
