Things To Do This Weekend December 17-19, 2021
By: Jeff Randolph 12/15/2021
It's the final weekend before Christmas and there is a lot to do in Lake County. Let's take a look at things to do this weekend December 17-19.
Lake County is lit for the holidays! Check out all of the places in Lake County with holiday lights by clicking here. Stroll through Waukegan and see some great work from local artists. There are strong Disney vibes at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills. Enjoy a holiday-themed wine dinner in Antioch. Zion introduces their illuminated holiday trail. Take a "Christmas Vacation" in Volo. Let’s look at the top five things to do this weekend December 17-19.
Visit the expanded HolidayWauk in downtown Waukegan. The monthly art festival showcases local sculptors, jewelers, painters, mixed-media and various other creators from numerous City of Progress art studios now including the Belvidere Cinema Gallery in Waukegan. The former home of the old Belvidere Cinema at Belvidere Discount Mall features the new photography exhibit by jonrev Projects, “Observer of Obsolescence.” The show is a look at Midwestern abandoned buildings, dead malls and retail history. HolidayWauk mainstay galleries such as Kapheim Gallery, Dandelion Gallery and Studio, Estate of Mind and Side Car Studios welcome guests to explore their downtown Waukegan locations. Explore the Lake County Libation Trail as Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium as they release their new barrel-aged barleywine called a Sound of Thunder, while Zümbier releases its renowned porter called Lauren. Holiday ”Wauking” youngsters can rejoice as the man in the red suit visits Waukegan at Brunch with Santa at Black Lives Matter Lake County from noon-12 p.m., as well as the Waukegan Yacht Club starting at 12:30 p.m. Also prior to HolidayWauk, old Kringle will be taking a dip in the pool at Waukegan Park District’s Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatic Center as well as indulge in snacks, ornament decorating and photo-ops. Tis the season to visit Waukegan this Saturday. Saturday, December 18; various times. Multiple price points. HolidayWauk is a free admission event. Downtown Waukegan and Belvidere Discount Mall, various locations in Waukegan.
The Disney Gallery of Art and Collectibles hosts a very special live holiday performance on Saturday at Hawthorn Mall. Disney fine artist Trevor Carlton will be in Lower Level Center Park of the Vernon Hills shopping center. Carlton uses reclaimed lumber as a canvas to show off his distressed paintings of vintage Americana and folk art. The Olympia, Washington native’s combination of unique performance and artistry has been showcased throughout the United States, Japan and United Kingdom. Visitors will be able to see the artist’s creations come to life for free, as well as purchase his live work for those Disney-lovers in your life. Stick around after the show at the Vernon Hills facility and visit Kris Kringle himself, and finish up your last-minute shopping list Saturday, December 18; 2:30 p.m. Admission is free. Lower Level Center Park at Hawthorn Mall, 522 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills.
Indulge in a pairing dinner with a holiday theme at Vigneto del Bino Winery in Antioch. The Lake County Libation Trail boutique winery is offering a four-course meal that compliments their locally-produced wines. The holiday themed dinner features live entertainment during the dessert course and you’ll be able to peruse the gift shop for those last-minute holiday gifts as well. The event is currently sold out for Friday and Saturday evening but space is still available for Sunday. Tickets are $54.95 plus tax per person. Friday-Sunday, December 17-19; 6-8 p.m. Admission is $54.95 plus tax per person. Vigneto del Bino Vineyard and Winery, 42150 Crawford Rd., Antioch.
Zion Park District kicks off their “Home for the Holidays: Lighted Christmas Trail” at the city’s leisure center. The season greetings festivities begin with the Christmas Tree Lighting at Zion Park District Leisure Center at 6 p.m., complimented by Zion-Benton Township High School students singing carols free hot chocolate and cookies. Visitors are encouraged to bring ornaments or create messages of holiday cheer at the Christmas Tree Lighting. On Saturday from 5-7 p.m., Santa visits the Shiloh Park Lighted Trail. The drive-thru trail showcases over 50 Christmas displays featuring 100,000 lights. The free Lighted Christmas Trail drive-thru event remains open from 5-7 p.m. daily through January 2. Friday-Sunday, December 17-19; Christmas Tree Lighting, Friday, December 17; 6 p.m. Admission is free. Zion Park District Leisure Center, 2400 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion. Santa Visits Shiloh Park Lighted Trail, Saturday, December 18; 5-7 p.m. Admission is free. Lighted Christmas Trail starts at Port Shiloh Pool Parking Lot, 1501 Shiloh Blvd., Zion.
Treat your family to a “Christmas Vacation” they won’t forget as visitors can experience “It’s A National Lampoon Christmas” Exhibit at Volo Museum. Embrace your inner Griswold as the auto-influenced museum transforms Showroom One into a temporary tribute to National Lampoon’s beloved holiday comedy film starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo and Randy Quaid. Take a photo-op in front of the 1959 Corvette from the 1978 comedy flick “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” the family truckster from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and a photo op in front of a backdrop with the RV from the 1989 classic will be more than enough to make your cousin Eddie jealous. The special exhibit runs through January 2. Friday-Sunday, December 17-19; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $12.95-$31.95. Volo Museum, 27582 Volo Village Rd., Volo.
Explore Lake County winter events that are outdoors by clicking here. For more ideas on things to do this weekend December 10-12 click here.
