Top 10 Holiday Things To Do In Lake County
By: Stephanie Wylie 11/30/2023
Embrace the enchantment of the holiday season in Lake County! Dive into a winter wonderland with our curated list of the top ten festive activities, ensuring you make the most of this magical time. From twinkling holiday lights to visits with Santa Claus, discovering the perfect Christmas tree, festive shopping and immersive holiday villages, Lake County offers a myriad of delights to celebrate the season. Join us on a journey through the most spirited events, capturing the essence of joy and creating cherished memories. 'Tis the season to explore, experience, and revel in the holiday magic!
Visit Lake County wishes everyone a happy "Holiday Your Way in Lake County" to everyone!
With an abundance of family-friendly activities and events to explore, discover the top 10 things to do in Lake County 2023.
"Holiday Your Way" in the villages of Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville, Vernon Hills and all of #LetsGoLakeCounty.
Lake County is your season's greetings destination. Spread joy as you "Holiday Your Way" in our corner of Illinois. Here are the top 10 holiday things to do in Lake County 2023.
1. Holiday Your Way in Lake County (Through December 31)
Celebrate the "Holiday Your Way" in Lake County, Illinois, with a plethora of festive family activities and experiences available until the year's end. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as Lake County offers a range of Christmas traditions, festive events, opportunities to meet Santa, shopping extravaganzas, delicious dining options, and more. Explore the diverse holiday offerings tailor-made for the entire family as you scroll through.
2. Lake County Illuminates the Night Through the Holiday Season (Through January 8)
Lake County knows how to light up the holiday season! Take a drive to visit the numerous public lights displays and tree lightings in the communities that compose Lake County. From public light displays to motion twinkling shows to village and city Christmas tree, menorah and kinara lightings, Lake County illuminates the night through the holiday season. Meander through an absolutely lit Lake County and don't forget to snap a picture.
3. Holiday Festivals and Celebrations in Lake County (Through January 8)
As the temperature drops, the festivities in Lake County don't come to a halt. On the contrary, it's the perfect reason to embrace the outdoors with a warm cup of cider or hot chocolate. Explore a variety of festivals, each with its unique theme. And if a festival isn't your vibe, witness the enchantment of a community tree lighting.
- First Friday on MainStreet Libertyville (Dec. 1) INFO»
- Holly Jolly Cocktail Crawl in Lake Zurich (Dec. 1) INFO»
- North "Pole" Distillery Holiday Pop-Up (Dec. 2) INFO»
- Market at the Park at Hawthorn (Dec. 2) INFO»
- Cookie and Coca Crawl in Downtown Highland Park (Dec. 2) INFO»
- Annual Holiday Craft Fair at Gurnee American Legion (Dec. 2) INFO»
- Dickens of a Holiday in Libertyville (Dec. 2) INFO»
- Winterfest in Mundelein (Dec. 2) INFO»
- Holiday Artisan Market at Phase Three Brewing (Dec. 2) INFO»
- Miracle on Main Street in Lake Zurich (Dec. 2) INFO»
- Victorian Tea in Libertyville (Dec. 2) INFO» (SOLD OUT)
- Holiday Extravaganza Craft and Vendor Show at Holiday Inn Gurnee (Dec. 2) INFO»
- The Winter Market at The Patty Turner Center (Dec. 2) INFO»
- Kris Kringle Artist Market in Waukegan (Dec. 2) INFO»
- 7th Annual Holiday Art Market at the Brushwood Center (Dec. 2-3) INFO»
- Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in Gurnee (Dec. 3) INFO»
- Go Waukegan Winter Wonder Waukegan (Dec. 3) INFO»
- Village of Round Lake Beach Presents Supper with Santa and Craft Fair (Dec. 7) INFO»
- GLMV Chamber Annual Holiday Mixer Jingle and Mingle at Jameson's Charhouse (Dec. 7) INFO»
- Girls' Night Out: Elves and Ugly Sweater in DOwntown Antioch (Dec. 7) INFO»
- Holiday Party Dance for Individuals with Disabilities at Shiloh Center (Dec. 8) INFO»
- Fifth Annual Gurnee Mills Holiday Craft Show at Gurnee Mills (Dec. 8-10) INFO»
- Heart of the Holidays in Highland Park (Now-Dec. 9) INFO»
- Dickens of a Holiday in Libertyville (Dec. 9) INFO»
- Antique Vintage Flea Market at Lake County Fairgrounds (Dec. 9-10) INFO»
- Children's Party at Fox Lake (Dec. 10) INFO»
- Santa at the Rec Center at Grayslake Park District (Dec. 10) INFO»
- Artisan Markets at Wild Onion Brewery (Dec. 10) INFO»
- 55+ Monthly Mixer - Holiday Celebration in Gurnee (Dec. 12) INFO»
- Hannah's Hallmark Bingo at Magnolia Cafe and Bakery (Dec. 14) INFO»
- Pictures with Drunk Santa (Dec. 16) INFO»
- ArtWauk in Waukegan (Dec. 16) INFO»
- Holiday Spectacular at Belvidere Recreation Center (Dec. 16) INFO»
- Splashing in a Winter Wonderland Family Swim Night with Waukegan Park District (Dec. 16) INFO»
- Home Sweet Home for the Holidays in Downtown Highland Park (Now-Dec. 16) INFO»
- Shiloh House Christmas in Zion (Now-Dec. 16) INFO»
- GLMV WOW!/MOB Holiday Party at White Deer Run (Dec. 19) INFO»
- Vintage Holidays in Historic Downtown Long Grove (Now-Dec. 18) INFO»
- The Shanty Christmas Celebration Event (Dec. 21) INFO»
- Historic Downtown Long Grove Carriage Rides (Now-Dec. 23) INFO»
- New Year's Eve Family Party at Sullivan Community Center in Vernon Hills (Dec. 29) INFO»
- Radiance New Years Eve featuring Ganja White Night, Woolio, and Boogie T plus moreat Lake County Fairgrounds and Events Center (Dec. 30-31) INFO»
- Hollywood New Year's Eve Party at Black Lung Brewing (Dec. 31) INFO»
4. Visit Santa in Lake County (Through December 24)
Santa Claus is coming to town, spreading joy and holiday cheer across Lake County! Get ready for a magical experience as Santa visits various locations, delighting children and families. With his rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes, he brings the spirit of the season alive, making dreams come true one ho-ho-ho at a time. Join in the festive fun and capture the enchantment of Santa's visit to Lake County—it's the most wonderful time of the year!
5. Where to Get a Christmas Tree in Lake County (Through December 24)
Christmas trees have an inexplicable charm. Each family seeks something unique, be it fullness, the scent of pine cones, the excitement of Christmas critters, or simply elevating the holiday spirit. Don't be a blockhead like Charlie Brown. Whether it's a real, cut-your-own, natural, or artificial tree, choose a beautiful and festive one from Lake County this season. Here are the top 10+ places to find your Christmas tree.
6. Lake County Holiday Shopping
'Tis the season for incredible discounts, fantastic bargains and holiday savings! While Black Friday has passed, the spirit of savings lingers on. Support local businesses and enjoy the convenience of immediate shopping without the wait for online deliveries. From charming mom-and-pop shops to beloved malls, Lake County offers a plethora of shopping destinations. Explore the list below to find the perfect gift that not only brings joy to your loved ones but also supports the thriving community in Lake County. Happy shopping!
Long Grove Confectionery Retail Store 114 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove
Long Grove Confectionery Co. Factory Store 333 Lexington Dr., Buffalo Grove
Long Grove Confectionery Nut and Candy House 581 Bonner Rd., Wauconda
The Joyful Gourmet 542 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
Broken Bridge Treats 220 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove
RISE Dispensaries 1325 Armour Blvd., Mundelein
McMahon Gallery 321 S. Ridge Rd., Lake Forest
Skipper Bud’s 1000 IL Route 173, Antioch
Reclaimed Artisans Inc. 302 Peterson Rd., Libertyville
Signature Popcorn 318 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove
Peter Patterson Glassworks 888 Tower Rd., Suite E, Mundelein
Lambs Farm Shop and Sugar Maple Country Store at Lambs Farm 14245 W. Rockland Rd., Libertyville
Ma and Pa's Candy 424 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove
Callie's Boutique at the Inn at Sheridan 2723 Sheridan Rd., Zion
Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery 169 Archer Ave., Mundelein
Extreme Flight Simulation 1350 Tri-State Pkwy., STE 128 Gurnee
Lovin Oven Cakery 455 Lake St., Antioch
Sock Monkey Museum 210 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove
Tony Cannoli Specialty Pastries 460 Lake St., Mundelein
Treetime Christmas Creations 22102 Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington
Uniquely Sweet 888. E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake
The Irish Boutique 224 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove
Woodland Grove Photography Studio and Gallery 169 Archer Ave., Mundelein
Click here for a list of Black-owned Businesses
Mom and Pop Shopping Destinations
- Downtown Antioch
- Village of Deerfield
- Village of Fox Lake
- Downtown Grayslake
- Village of Gurnee
- Downtown Lake Zurich
- Village of Libertyville
- Village of Lincolnshire
- Historic Downtown Long Grove
- Downtown Mundelein
- Village of Vernon Hills
- Downtown Waukegan
- City of Zion
Malls in Lake County
Visit the Lake County Libation Trail To Wind Down from the Shopping Bonanza or Gift a Howler, Growler or Six Pack to Someone Special.
For Beer Lovers
- Black Lung Brewing Company, Round Lake Beach and Fox Lake
- Bosacki’s Brewery, Mundelein
- Broken Tee Brewing Co. , Highland Park
- Buffalo Creek Brewing, Long Grove
- Half Day Brewing Company, Lincolnshire
- Harbor Brewing Company, Winthrop Harbor and Lake Villa
- Light The Lamp Brewery, Grayslake
- Liquid Love Brewing Company, Buffalo Grove
- Mickey Finn’s Brewery, Libertyville
- Nightshade and Pandemonium Brewing Company, Waukegan
- 9th Hour Brewing Company, Lake Villa
- Phase Three Brewing Company, Lake Zurich
- Ravinia Brewing Company, Highland Park
- Roaring Table Brewery, Lake Zurich
- Tighthead Brewery, Mundelein
- Tonality Brewing Co. , Mundelein
- Wild Onion Brewery, Lake Barrington
- Wright's Brew & Bistro, Lincolnshire
- Zümbier Brewery, Waukegan
For Vino Aficionados
- Glunz Family Winery and Cellars, Grayslake
- Lynfred Winery, Wheeling and Highland Park
- Valentino Vineyards, Long Grove
- Vigneto del Bino, Antioch
For Cocktail Fans
- Copper Fiddle Distillery, Lake Zurich
- North Shore Distillery, Green Oaks
- 28 Mile Distilling Company, Highwood
7. Holiday Shows and Concerts in Lake County
Immerse yourself in the festive melodies and enchanting performances that Lake County has to offer this holiday season! From heartwarming concerts to dazzling shows, there's a plethora of entertainment to get you into the holiday spirit. Experience the magic of live performances in the community and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Check out the vibrant lineup of holiday shows and concerts, and let the joyous tunes fill your heart with the spirit of the season.
8. World of Illumination: Arctic Adventure at Six Flags Great America (Through December 31)
Embark on a captivating journey through the dazzling World of Illumination: Arctic Adventure at Six Flags Great America, a mesmerizing drive-through experience. Guided by Beti the Yeti, traverse the park's adorned parking lot with whimsical lights and winter characters. Extend the joy on select nights with Carousel Lights and Market, offering holiday treats, photo ops and festive décor in Carousel Plaza and Orleans Place. Create unique family memories with this illuminated adventure! World of Illumination: Arctic Adventure runs until December 31.
9. Dicken's Holiday Village (Through January 1) & Kringle's Christmas Village in Antioch (Through January 1)
Step into a Dickensian wonderland in downtown Antioch with the enchanting Dickens Holiday and Kringle's Christmas Villages. Marvel at life-size wax mannequins adorned in British Victorian-era attire, bringing scenes from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" to life. Kringle's Christmas Village boasts captivating shadowboxes showcasing miniature holiday scenes, including a special Dicken's Holiday Village theme. Explore the new Christmas Tree Decorating exhibit, featuring unique arbors decorated by community members and organizations.
10. Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois (Through January 1)
Daily grand lobby flurries and twinkling lights transform Great Wolf Lodge Illinois into the magical Snowland! Now through the New Year, celebrate in proper Northwoods style with twinkling lights, visits from Santa, seasonally themed crafts, holiday stories and songs, twinkling lights, shimmering holiday trees, cheerful decorations and a variety of festive activities. Discover the enchantment of a Great Wolf retreat, complete with the coziness of heated indoor pools and 84-degree water park. Experiences included with an overnight stay include:
- Twas’ the Night Before Snowland
- Snowland Scavenger Hunt
- Snowland Competition Games
- Yoga Tails
- Frosty Fest Family Dance Party
- Snowland Bingo
- Trivia Games
- Craft Kit to Go
Holiday Your Way in Lake County this season.
Click here for holiday activities happening around Lake County.
