Top 10 Things To Do In November 2026

By: Sam Ornig 10/30/2026

Lake County is celebrating the last of autumn and preparing to welcome the holiday season this November. From theatre performances, live music and fall festivals to Turkey Trots and holiday markets, Lake County has fun to offer everyone this month. Catch the last of the fall hues with a walk through one of the Lake County Forest Preserves or Illinois Beach State Park. Plan your perfect autumn adventure with our Fall Outdoor Guide. Keep scrolling to discover our top 10 must-do activities in Lake County this November!

Find more November events in Lake County and visit our blog to find more guides to take full advantage of this season.  

1. Small Business Saturday and Holiday Shopping in Lake County (All Month)

As Thanksgiving weekend approaches, get ready to dive into a holiday shopping experience like no other in Lake County. From the excitement of Black Friday doorbusters to the heartfelt connections of Small Business Saturday, there’s something for every shopper to enjoy. Lake County boasts a mix of expansive malls brimming with deals and charming local boutiques offering unique, one-of-a-kind treasures. Support local entrepreneurs, discover hidden gems and find personalized gifts that truly capture the spirit of the season. 

Check out these locations for local shopping options:

• Downtown Antioch
• Village of Deerfield
• Village of Fox Lake
• Downtown Grayslake
• Village of Gurnee
• Downtown Highland Park
• City of Downtown Highwood
• Downtown Lake Zurich
• Village of Libertyville / MainStreet Libertyville
• Village of Lincolnshire
• Historic Downtown Long Grove
• Downtown Mundelein
• City of North Chicago
• Village of Vernon Hills
• Downtown Waukegan
• Village of Wauconda
• Village of Winthrop Harbor
• City of Zion

Here are some shopping events happening in Lake County this November:

• First Friday on MainStreet Libertyville (Nov. 6) INFO»
• First Friday in Downtown Grayslake (Nov. 6) INFO»
• Champagne Stroll, Mimosa Bar and Brunch Bites in Antioch (Nov. 7) INFO»
• Grayslake Antique Vintage Market at the Lake County Fairgrounds (Nov. 14-15) INFO»
• Kids Kringle Market in Mundelein (Nov. 21) INFO»
• Festival of Arts and Crafts at the Lake County Fairgrounds (Nov. 27-29) INFO»
• Small Business Saturday in Downtown Libertyville (Nov. 28) INFO»

2. Theatre in Lake County (All Month) 

Lake County's theatres dazzle with magical performances, inspiring stories and beautiful music. Experience the wonderful productions offered at venues throughout the land of lakes. There's a show for everyone this November:

• "Disney's Frozen The Broadway Musical" at the Marriott Theatre (Nov. 4-Jan. 3, 2027) INFO»
• "Clue" at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (Nov. 6-14) INFO»
• "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at Gorton Center (Nov. 13-Dec. 13) INFO»
• Lambs Farm stars present "Elf Jr. The Musical" (Nov. 14-15) INFO»
• Sing at Gorton: Upbeat Country Sing-Along (Nov. 17) INFO»
• 2026 Winter Dance Concert at the James Lumber Center (Nov. 20-21) INFO»
• "Sponge Bob the Musical" at Marriott Theatre (Nov. 20-Jan. 3, 2027) INFO»
• ArtWauk in Waukegan (Nov. 21) INFO»
• "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" at Gorton Center (Nov. 23) INFO»

3. Lightscape at Chicago bOtanic Gardens (Opens Nov. 13) 

Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Gardens returns for the holiday season on November 13, illuminating the gardens with twinkling lights and show-stopping displays. New this year: step inside lifesized snowglobes and watch ballerinas of light dance, twirl and put on a spectacular show. With special nights for families, those ages 21+, SNAP recipients and a night of sensory-friendly fun, this beloved annual events promises a night to remember for all its guests. Follow the glowing path as the gardens are alight with curated displays complete with music and art for all to enjoy. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance—this popular attraction is open select days through January 3, 2027. 

Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.

4. Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving Events in Lake County (All Month)

Thanksgiving is one of the biggest running days of the year and Turkey Trots are a beloved tradition in Lake County. Kick off the holiday season with a fun run, where you can be active, support local causes and have a blast all at once. Check out other Thanksgiving events to prepare you for the big feast, and sign up for a Turkey Trot today: 

• Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving Trail in Antioch (Nov. 9-30) INFO»
• Forever Young: Friendsgiving Feast at the Cultural and Civic Center of Round Lake Beach (Nov. 12) INFO»
• 27th Annual Turkey Trot with Waukegan Park District (Nov. 14) INFO»
• GCHS Booster Club Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk in Grayslake (Nov. 15) INFO» 
• Little Turkeys in Vernon Hills (Nov. 16) INFO» 
• Wauconda Turkey Trot (Nov. 26) INFO»
• Long Grove Turkey Trot (Nov. 26) INFO»
• Thanksgiving Dinner at L'Americain (Nov. 26) INFO»
• North Shore Turkey Trot in Highland Park (Nov. 26) INFO»
• 32nd Annual Jon Callaghan Turkey Trot Run/Walk in Gurnee (Nov. 26) INFO»

5. Visit Santa in Lake County (All Month) 

Santa Claus is making his appearance in Lake County starting this November, offering lots of opportunities to capture a holiday picture and give him your Christmas wish list. Find out where Santa will be stopping this month and plan your visit:

• Santa's Magical Arrival at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World (Nov. 7) INFO»
• The Merry Makers Expo at The Ten Hotel (Nov. 8) INFO»
• Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World (Nov. 8-Dec. 24) INFO»
• Santa Photos at Gurnee Mills (Nov. 19-Dec. 24) INFO» | Pet Photos with Santa at Gurnee Mills (Nov. 29) INFO»
• Holiday Lights at Welton Plaza in Gurnee (Nov. 20) INFO»
• Santa Photos at Hawthorn (Nov. 20-Dec. 24) INFO» | Santa Paws at Hawthorn (Nov. 30-Dec. 24) INFO»
• Santa's PJ Party at Hawthorn (Nov. 20) INFO»
• Vintage Holidays in Historic Downtown Long Grove (Nov. 20-Dec. 24) INFO»
• Kris Kringle Market in Mundelein (Nov. 21) INFO»
• Baby's First Visit With Santa at Hawthorn (Nov. 25-Dec. 9) INFO»
• Libertyville Tree Lighting and Downtown Holiday Walk (Nov. 27) INFO»
• Village of Round Lake Beach Tree Lighting (Nov. 27) INFO»
• Annual Tree Lighting and Santa's Arrival at Hawthorn Row (Nov. 28) INFO»
• Festival of Lights Parade and Visits with Santa in Fox Lake (Nov. 28) INFO»
• Grinch vs. Santa Lunch in Antioch (Nov. 29) INFO»

6. Seasonal Festivals in Lake County (All Month) 

Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities to soak up the last of fall or cheerful events to usher in the holiday cheer, Lake County is packed with festivals for all. Explore the seasonal gatherings happening in the land of lakes in November, from traditional Día de Muertos celebrations and art fests to holiday lights and markets. Take a look at some of the festive events in November: 

• Day of the Dead Community Celebration in Waukegan (Nov. 1) INFO»
• Pick a Wish: Giving Tree Program at Gurnee Mills (Nov. 1-Dec. 15) INFO»
• Dia de los Muertos at Hawthorn (Nov. 7) INFO»
• The Merry Makers Expo at The Ten Hotel (Nov. 8) INFO»
• Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving Trail in Antioch (Nov. 9-30) INFO»
• Winter Craft Fair at Gurnee Mills (Nov. 13-15) INFO»
• Fall Harvest Cluster AKC Dog Shows at Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center (Nov. 20-22) INFO»
• Bubbles, Bourbon and Brunch at Rivalry Alehouse (Nov. 21) INFO»
• Vintage Holidays in Historic Downtown Long Grove (Nov. 20-Dec. 24) INFO»
• Holiday Gift Wrap for a Cause at Gurnee Mills (Nov. 22-Dec. 24) INFO»
• Christmas at Kringle in Antioch (Nov. 26-Jan. 1, 2027) INFO»
• Dickens Holiday Village in Antioch (Nov. 26-Jan. 1, 2027) INFO»
• Post a Letter to Santa from a Pony at Susanna Farms (Nov. 27-28) INFO»
• Festival of Arts and Crafts at the Lake County Fairgrounds (Nov. 27-29) INFO»

7. Concerts in Lake County (All Month)

Looking to jam out to some live music this month? Look no further than Lake County, Illinois. Check out the exciting musical performances scheduled this November in the land of lakes:

• LeAnn Rimes: 30 Years of 'Blue' at Genesee Theatre (Nov. 6) INFO»
• Waukegan Concert Chorus presents Nightfall: Music of Fear and the Unknown (Nov. 7) INFO»
• Alice Cooper at Genesee Theatre (Nov. 8) INFO»
• 50th Anniversary Art of Jazz Concert featuring Trumpeter Scott Wendholt at the James Lumber Center (Nov. 8) INFO»
• Shaun Cassidy at Genesee Theatre (Nov. 13) INFO»
• Rendezvous Arts: Nois' Saxophone Quartet at Gorton Center (Nov. 13) INFO»
• Patti LaBelle at Genesee Theatre (Nov. 14) INFO»
• Sara Evans at Genesee Theatre (Nov. 19) INFO»
• Black Violin at Genesee Theatre (Nov. 20) INFO»

8. Dean Richards at TreeTime Christmas Creations (Nov. 15)

Get an early taste of the holiday spirit with Dean Richards and WGN Radio Live at Treetime Christmas Creations. See what surprises Dean has in store for his audience during this broadcast of the Sunday Morning Show. This annual airing runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a Facebook Live portion from 11 a.m. to noon. Attendees can enjoy a "Dean’s Discount" to shop Treetime’s dazzling holiday decor for one day only. Don't miss this joyful celebration of the season with live entertainment and plenty of holiday spirit!

Treetime Christmas Creations, 22102 N. Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington.

9. Holiday LIghts and Tree Lightings (All Month)

Usher in the holiday spirit and celebrate the season with Lake County at one of the tree lightings or holiday light displays happening this month:  

• Holiday Lights at Welton Plaza in Gurnee (Nov. 20) INFO»
• Highland Park Holiday Lighting at Port Clinton Square in Highland Park (Nov. 21) INFO»
• Holiday Lights on Main Street in Wauconda (Nov. 25) INFO»
• Libertyville Tree Lighting and Downtown Holiday Walk (Nov. 27) INFO»
• Village of Round Lake Beach Tree Lighting (Nov. 27) INFO»
• Annual Tree Lighting and Santa's Arrival at Hawthorn Row (Nov. 28) INFO»
• Festival of Lights Parade and Visits with Santa in Fox Lake (Nov. 28) INFO»

10. Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge (Begins Nov. 23)

Snowland, Great Wolf Lodge Illinois's annual holiday celebration, is an immersive winter wonderland filled with special seasonal events, winter activities, crafts, visits with Santa Claus and more. Guests have access to all this plus the waterpark for a trip that promises fun all day and night. Don’t miss Great Wolf Lodge in the winter — book your family’s winter vacation today and enjoy memories to last a lifetime. Here's a look at some of the exciting activities at Snowland:

• Frosty Fest Family Dance Party
• Snowland Bingo
• Snowland Competition Games
• Snowland Scavenger Hunt
• Snowland Trivia
• Snowland Arts & Crafts
• 'Twas the Night Before Snowland Yoga Tails

Find more things to do in November. For a truly unique experience, visit one of our local wineries, breweries, or distilleries and sample their sumptuous spirits, vibrant wines and breathtaking brews. There's something for everyone in the land of lakes!