2014 Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Lake County

By: Jonathan Jones 11/13/2014

Baby, it's cold outside. And even though Suzy Snowflake has made her way to town, and the Dreidel is dry and ready, the holidays still manage to sneak up on us! Before we know it, we'll be walking in a winter wonderland and lights will be turning on left and right. And that's when it really starts to feel like the holidays are here. Do you hear what I hear?  It's the sound of the holidays approaching, so don't miss out!  Here's a list of the upcoming 2014 Holiday Tree Lighting ceremonies in Lake County!

Holiday light Celebrations So Far, with More to come!

Antioch’s Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Friday, Nov. 28, 6 – 8 p.m. It's the most wonderful time of the year, and bells will be ringing when Santa and the Christmas Season head to town at Antioch's old-fashioned Holiday Parade. The parade takes place on Main Street (between Park Avenue and Depot Street traveling north) and will conclude with the official lighting of the Antioch Family Christmas Tree outside the Village Hall.  Bring all your little toy soldiers and sugar plum fairies out for some homemade cookies, hot chocolate and old-fashioned caroling. Santa will make a special appearance and will then be available for visiting immediately after the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Castle on Toft Street. Downtown Antioch, Main Street to the Village Hall. For more information, continue here

Barrington Aglow - Barrington's Annual Tree Lighting Saturday, Dec. 6, 1 – 6:30 p.m. Village Center on S. Cook Street Barrington's got the whole tree lighting thing down to an art!  We're talking free carriage rides from 1– 5 p.m. with cookies and hot cocoa served while you wait. (This is one of those rare moments in life where I hope there's a long line).  The Madrigal Singers will be strolling on Cook Street, and Santa arrives on the Barrington Fire Engine at 5:00 p.m. to light the holiday tree! After his arrival, Santa will visit with children in his red Santa House on South Cook Street. Remember to bring a camera to capture those memorable moments with Santa. For more information, continue here

Deerfield Downtown Lighting Ceremony Wednesday, November 26, 4pm-5pm Deerfield Village Centre Plaza Kick-off the holiday season at the Downtown Lighting Ceremony. Join Mayor Rosenthal, Village staff and the DBR Chamber of Commerce for free treats and entertainment as Downtown Deerfield is lit up with white lights for the 2014 holiday season. Mayor Rosenthal will plug in the lights at 4:45pm. For more information continue here

Village of Fox Lake Tree Lighting & Korpan's Landing Annual Holiday Parade Friday, Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m & Saturday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m. The Holiday season will be arriving in Fox Lake beginning November 28, 2014. Join us for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in Millennium Park. We will be serving hot chocolate (provided by El Puerto Restaurant) and caroling with the Grant Community High School Band and Choir and the Stanton Middle School Choir. We will have a Fireworks Conclusion at 7:15 p.m. The Village of Fox Lake and Korpan’s Landing 58th Annual Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 29th. This year’s theme is “A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS”. Parade line-up will begin at the Grant Community High School parking lot (285 E. Grand Ave.) at 10:00 a.m. The parade will kick off at 11:00 a.m. The parade will proceed west down Grand Ave. and turn left on Rollins Road into the Towne Center Plaza where it will disperse. Children’s Holiday Party at the Lakefront Park Building. (71 Nippersink Blvd.) The party will be held for children 10 years of age or younger. There will be raffles and children will have the opportunity to visit with Santa. For more information, continue here

Grayslake Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market Friday, Nov. 28, 5:30-8 .pm. Downtown Tree Lighting Festival. Sleigh rides, visit with Santa at The Oasis, refreshments, and get a jump start on holiday shopping! Santa arrives at the Holiday Tree at the corner of Center and Whitney Street at 5:30PM, new location this year. Sleigh rides take place between 6 - 8pm. Holiday Market at the Grayslake Museum begins at 5:30 PM. Downtown Grayslake, Seymour Ave. For more information, continue here

Hawthorn Woods Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday, Dec. 5,  6 p.m. The tree will be set aglow while we listen to the Stevenson High School Caroling Choir followed by the arrival of Santa Claus on our fire truck. Stay warm inside the Barn with hot cocoa and cookies while making an ornament for your family tree. Children can visit with Santa, so don’t forget your camera. Be sure to join us for this traditional holiday event!  Hawthorn Woods Village Hall, 2 Lagoon Dr. For more information, continue here 

Highland Park's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday, Nov. 22,  3 - 5:30 p.m. Celebrate the kick-off to the holidays at Highland Park’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 22nd from 3-5:30pm at Port Clinton Square. Join Mayor Rotering and other city officials, and the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce, as over 200 trees in the Downtown Highland Park will be magically lit for the 2014 holiday season. Live entertainment will be featured on Port Clinton Square including North Shore School of Dance at 3:00 p.m., Lake Forest Country Day School Choir at 3:30 p.m. and Soul 2 Sole Hip Hop at 4:00 p.m., all leading up to the parade arrival at 4:30 p.m. featuring Mayor Rotering, Santa Claus, and the Highland Park High School Marching Band. There will be Nutcracker performances by Irina Makkai Ballet in the windows of Uncle Dan’s, and Nutcracker readings by Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy at Sprout Kids from 3-5:30. The official tree lighting will occur at 5 p.m. Downtown Highland Park at Port Clinton Square. For more information, continue here 

Village of Island Lake Tree Lighting Saturday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m. Come join us as we light the tree and ignite the community's spirit! Carols will be sung, doughnuts and hot cocoa will be shared and there will be opportunities to take a tag from the Angel Tree. Island Lake Village Hall 3720 Greenleaf Avenue. For more information, continue here

Lake Forest's 31st Annual Tree Lighting Friday, Nov.28, 3:30 - 7 p.m. This annual event is a Lake Forest Holiday Tradition for the entire family. Activities include a visit from Santa Claus, refreshments and caroling with the Lake Forest High School Choristers. The trees in Market Square and along Western Avenue will be set aglow at dusk. 1 Market Square, Lake Forest. For more information, continue here

Lake Villa Holiday Festivities Saturday, Nov. 29, 5 - 7 p.m. Please join the Village of Lake Villa for their annual Holiday Lighted Parade and the lighting of the Christmas tree immediately afterwards. The parade route starts at Palombi School on McKinley Ave, winds through the neighbor, down Cedar Ave and finishes at the train station. Santa will be on hand to greet the kids too! For more information, continue here

Lake Zurich's 26th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration Saturday, Nov. 29, 4 - 6 p.m. Norman Rockwell paintings... you have met your match. Lake Zurich is hosting a spectacular evening of caroling, a visit from Santa Claus and free refreshments, all while enjoying the annual tree lighting. Plus, admission is free.  Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL For more information, continue here

Libertyville's Annual Tree Lighting Friday, Nov. 28, All Day The festivities begin with a sing-along of traditional carols and local groups performing their talents. This year they are Talent Forum’s Footprints Tap Ensemble, a performance company of Chicago-area youth who actively choreograph, teach and perform and the Butterfield 4th & 5th Grade Chorus Club. Santa arrives around 7:00 pm to light the tree and share good cheer. Be sure to get a photo with Santa. Cap off the evening with a tour of the Ansel B. Cook Mansion. Downtown merchants will offer extended hours for evening shopping throughout the Village. Treat the family and friends to dinner at one of Libertyville’s nearly 100 eateries. Downtown Libertyville - Cook Park, Libertyville, For more information, continue here

Lincolnshire's Tree Lighting Ceremony Sunday Dec. 7, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Oh Snow you didn't!  Lincolnshire is pulling out all the stops at their tree lighting this year, which is sure to light up the town, and even make spirits a little bright. Lincolnshire Community Association makes the holidays a little brighter with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration! Bring the family and join friends and neighbors to celebrate the arrival of the holiday season. Hot cocoa and desserts will be provided. Musical performances and a very special visit from Santa! Contribute canned goods and/or an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots program. Village Green, Milwaukee Ave & Old Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. For more information, continue here

Lindenhurst Park District's Holiday Tree Lighting Saturday, Dec. 06, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Holidays are a time for families and friends to come together. Join the Lindenhurst Park District for the traditional lighting of the Holiday Tree. Santa himself arrives in high style, escorted by the Lake Villa Volunteer Fire Department. Afterwards, enjoy snacks and juice. Free crafts for the kids, a juggler and more. Feel free to bring a camera to capture the child's delight when sitting on Santa's lap. Lindenhurst Park District 2200 East Grass Lake Road. For more information, continue here

Long Grove's Holiday Festivities Friday November 28, 2014 - Wednesday December 24, 2014 Monday-Saturday: 10am-7pm, Sunday: 11am-5pm Charming, historic downtown Long Grove is the destination for the holiday season. Visitors will enjoy a variety of family fun beginning Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Eve, such as the Humbug Scavenger Hunts for kids. Check back for upcoming details about additional family-friendly winter weekend activities including our annual tree lighting ceremony, cookie walk, snowman building, caroling, storytelling, kids’ Humbug coloring contests, Christmas with Santa, and more! Plus, warm up with, hot apple cider in the Visitors’ Center! For more information, continue here

Mundelein Tree Lighting and Santa's Cottage Friday Dec. 5, 6:30 - 8 p.m. There's really no better reason to have a fireworks display.  I mean, if Santa's Cottage isn't a good enough excuse... I don't know what is!  Luckily, Mundelein gives us both this year.  Come out for the annual tree lighting and fireworks. Kids will enjoy watching the tree light up and then Santa's Cottage will open after the ceremony. Free event. Karcklauer Park, Seymour Ave and Park St., Mundelein, IL. For more information, continue here

City of North Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony North Chicago Fire Department Monday, December 8, 6pm Come out and join the fun at the annual tree lighting ceremony. Festivities include holiday musical selections from the Brass Ambassadors of Naval Station Great Lakes, the North Chicago Community High School Choir, and the Markham Family Choir. Visitors are encouraged to stay and visit Santa, where each family will receive a complimentary photo along with some time to put in Christmas requests with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Snacks will also be provided. For more information continue here

Round Lake's Holiday Festival Saturday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m. Bring the family out for some free fun and festivities including new this year Ice Sculpture Demonstration by Art Below Zero, performances by The Round Lake Area Park District's Princess Cabaret, and kids games. Plus these holiday favorites, Little Elves Workshop, sleigh rides, moonwalks, Round Lake Area Park District Community Band, Toys-for-Tots drop-off Center, and don't forget the camera for a picture with Santa at the North Pole after a walk through the neighborhood Festival of Lights! Robert W. Rolek Community Center, 814 Hart Road. For more information, continue here

Round Lake Beach Tree Lighting Friday, Nov. 28, 6 p.m. Round Lake Beach Village Tree Lighting (Event starts at 6pm, the tree lighting is at 6:30 with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on a fire truck in front of the Village Hall. Then guests are welcomed to go to the Cultural & Civic Center to see Santa and take photos, crafts, “shop local” holiday bags filled with special coupons and goodies, and more! For more information, continue here

Round Lake Heights Tree Lighting Round Lake Heights Village Hall Saturday, December 6, 7pm Come out for the Round Lake Heights Tree Lighting. Bring the family and enjoy a festive evening of lights. For more information a href="http://www.visitlakecounty.org/event_details.cfm?EventID=19419">continue here

Round Lake Park Tree Lighting Village Hall of Round Lake Park Saturday, December 6, 3:30pm - 6pm Come out to the Village Hall and enjoy the Annual Tree Lighting. Santa will be there to visit with. For more information continue here

Vernon Hills Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony Saturday Nov. 30, 4:30 p.m. Help bring the holiday season in by assisting Mayor Roger Byrne flip the switch to the holiday tree. Bring the family, the neighbors, and the kids out for hot chocolate, cookies, and cider. With the assistance of the Countryside Fire District, Santa has been able to clear his calendar in order to attend this event. See you there. Vernon Hills Golf Course, 291 Evergreen Dr. For more information, continue here

Village of Wadsworth Annual Tree Lighting Village of Wadsworth Saturday December 06, 6:30pm Come one, come all to the Annual Tree Lighting. The evening includes the tree lighting, Christmas carol singing, an appearance from the the beautiful Wadsworth Queens, Santa arrives by Fire Truck, gifts for all kids, a reading of "The Night Before Christmas", photo ops for the kids, hot chocolate and the fourth annual cookie bake-off contest. For more information, continue here

Wauconda Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit at the annual Tree Lighting event. Santa will arrive on a fire truck to greet the boys and girls of Wauconda. Then come inside after the tree is glowing and enjoy a winter wonderland of crafts, games, and stories. Bring your camera to take a picture with Santa. Goody bags available while supplies last and light refreshments will be served. Community Center, 600 N. Main Street. For more information, continue here

Holiday Wauk and Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. HolidayWauk is a fun filled, free day for the whole family. Opportunity to make holiday crafts at a number of participating locations in the Main Street District. Pictures with Santa for people and pets and s’more making over an open fire. Handmade and artisan gifts available for purchase. The even will culminate with the city's Tree Lighting Ceremony at Jack Benny Plaza. For more information, continue here

Winthrop Harbor Light Parade and Holiday Tree Lighting Saturday, Dec. 6, 4:30 p.m. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And Winthrop Harbor is celebrating in a big way.  Come out and join the parade or just be a spectator of this fun parade of creatively illuminated vehicles and floats. The parade steps-off at 4:30pm. At the conclusion of the parade, approximately 5:30pm, the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at the park just North of the Fire Department. Come and enjoy the festive music and song, along with special goodies and - of course - the grand Tree Lighting! Bundle up for the winter weather, and bring a camera for pictures with Santa Clause, who has promised a special appearance for all the kids, young and old. Schlader Recreation Center & Park, 9th Street & 8th St. & Sheridan Rd. For more information, continue here