"Old Marley was as dead as a doornail." Old Jacob Marley and a cast of other memorable Charles Dickens characters create a wonderful story with costumes, scenes and storyboards. This year, visitors can enjoy this "cheerio" to the holiday brought to you by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, indoors, at "Kringle's Christmas Village." You'll find this Olde English public art exhibit with over 40 lifelike mannequins, displaying over 25 different storylines, plus an amazing display of oversized holiday and winter-themed shadowboxes.
November 24 to January 1. Free. Located in the indoor showroom located at the far end of Piggly Wiggly Plaza, Orchard Street, in Antioch.
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Along with Dickens' "spirits," enjoy even more holiday experience with one-of-a-kind illuminated shadowboxes. Visitors can browse and peer into these magical and whimsical scenes that provide the nostalgia of childhood memories from enjoying downtown Chicago's Marshall Field's windows.
November 25 to January 1. Free. Located in the indoor showroom at the far end of Piggly Wiggly Plaza, Orchard Street, in Antioch.
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The switch is getting flipped on the 2022 Tarkowski Family Light Show. This free animated light show to get your feet tappin' and your holiday spirits soaring. Don't forget to tune your car to 88.7 FM while visiting. Wait times are usually shorter on weekdays. Hours: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Sunday through Thursday) and 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Friday and Saturday)
Now-December 25. Free, The Tarkowski Family Light Show, 1256 Bradford Ln., Antioch.
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This historic two-screen movie theatre in the heart of Antioch is a frequented hotspot. Renovated in 2015 and initially opened in 1919, the holiday season features the classic, "A League of Their Own" along with other popular Hollywood releases like "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," "Strange World," "Avatar: The Way of the Water" and "Puss and Boots: The Last Wish." Movie buffs receive free popcorn and soft drink refills with purchase, along with a selection of handmade candy from nearby sweet-tooth haven, Something Sweet.
Antioch Theatre, 378 Lake St., Antioch.
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Palette (symbol of the artist), Masque (symbol of the actor) and Lyre (symbol of the musician), otherwise known as PM&L Theatre, has entertained audiences for over half a century. The theatre is a non-profit, community-based volunteer organization located in the heart of downtown Antioch. Six shows a year grace this stage ranging in the style of musical, comedy and drama. "A Christmas Story" is showing during the holiday season.
PM&L Theatre, 877 Main St., Antioch.
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Relish in the rich history of Antioch at the Hiram Buttrick Sawmill Tour. During the tour, visitors will learn about the economic importance of sawmills in the 1800s and will tour the replica facility. Constructed in 1976, the sawmill was built 500 feet downstream of the original site and made of abandoned sawmill material. During the construction of the replica, builders salvaged existing pilings from the original structure.
Hiram Buttrick, 800 Cunningham Dr., Antioch.
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The Antioch Fine Arts Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aims to inspire artists of the community, open the door to learning, promote local art and provide the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals. The "AFAF" hosts a plethora of demos performances and camps during the holidays.
Antioch Fine Arts Foundation, 925 Main Street, Antioch.
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Ethel's Woods Forest Preserve in Antioch features 1.6 miles of trails through a picturesque landscape. Four scenic overlooks let you take advantage of the gently rolling hills and offer unobstructed views of the preserve. A short Millenium Trail section runs on the preserve's western edge. The pedestrian tunnel under Route 45 connects Ethel's Woods to Raven Glen. This preserve is dog-friendly.
Ethel's Woods Forest Preserve, 19330 Miller Rd., Antioch.
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Ethel's Woods Forest Preserve in Antioch features 1.6 miles of trails through a picturesque landscape. Four scenic overlooks let you take advantage of the gently rolling hills and offer unobstructed views of the preserve. A short Millenium Trail section runs on the preserve's western edge. The pedestrian tunnel under Route 45 connects Ethel's Woods to Raven Glen. This preserve is dog-friendly.
Raven Glen Forest Preserve, 41080 N. U.S. Highway 45, Antioch.
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This state park is home to Illinois' largest concentration of natural lakes. In the winter months, hunting, ice fishing and ice skating are offered. Head back to the Illinois Department of Natural Resource area in the summertime and experience this haven for boating, hiking and camping. Chain O'Lakes State Park is one of two state parks (Illinois Beach State Park in Zion) in Lake County.
Border of Spring Grove and Antioch.
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For other holiday happenings in Lake County, continue here. For more about the Village of Antioch, click here.
