"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 of the 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 24 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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Gift giving is a staple of this time of year. The AFAF foundation invites all to discover new treasures from uniqe vendors creating handcrafted art, glasswares, jewelery and more. The holiday pop-up market runs on select days through December 18.
Saturdays-Sundays, and the first Friday; November 25-December 18. Antioch Fine Arts Foundation Holiday Market, 952 Main St., Antioch.
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"I said, ooh, I'm blinded by the lights. No, I can’t sleep until I feel your touch.” – The Weeknd. Throughout December, Antioch's intention is to make the season bright. From the shadowboxes at Kringle’s Christmas Village to the characters of Dickens Holiday Village, and now, the Christmas Musical Light Show at the Antioch Bandshell. This drive-up light show located on Skidmore Drive will have signage as the shining bulbs will be keyed up to tunes (played on your radio) that highlight the holiday season. Two shows rotate on alternating days.
November 25-December 25; 6-9 p.m. Antioch Bandshell, Skidmore Drive, Antioch.
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Head downtown, as the Village of Antioch kicks of the season with a fanfare. Bands will be playing, spectators will be waving and Santa marches in just before toy-making crunchtime. The parade routes starts on Main Street from Park Avenue to Orchard Street, ending at the Antioch Bandshell on Skidmore Drive. The parade finale is when the holiday arbor is set to glow.
Friday, November 25; 6:30 p.m. Downtown 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. Grab a candy cane from their stand and consider a donation (box available) for the Antioch Traveling Closet.
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)
December 1-25. Free, The Tarkowski Family Light Show, 1256 Bradford Ln., Antioch.
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The answer to your question, is "yes, the man in the big red suit" can be in two places at once. Santa will be hearing what's on your wishlist and posing for the scenic gram in front of the Lake County's replica Hiram Buttrick Sawmill, representing one of the first major industries in the area.
Fridays-Saturdays, December 2-17; Fridays 5:30-8:30 p.m., Saturdays; Noon-3 p.m. Hiram Buttrick Sawmill, 800 Cunningham Dr., Antioch.
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This Lake County Libation Trail participant is throwing a party to quirky cork your holiday arbors. The vino station invites artists and amateurs to design and create their corknaments while tasting six Vigneto samples. Take home a cork and your favorite bottle home from the tasting. RSVP is required. Call 847-204-7352.
Friday, December 2; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Admission $40. Vigneto del Bino, 42150 N. Crawford Rd., Antioch.
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“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” is everyone’s favorite saying during the winter holidays. Visit the PM&L Theatre to experience the live stage presentation of “A Christmas Story.” The timeless yuletide tale tells the story of Ralphie Parker and his wish for a Red Ryder air rifle. Throughout the charming holiday tale, Ralphie deals with bullies, a disgruntled shopping mall elf & Santa duo, a malfunctioning furnace, his parents, a bar of soap and the iconic leg-shaped table lamp. The Broadway-hit musical adaption of the 1983 Bob Clark-directed movie has three Tony Award nominations. The movie continues to air on numerous television stations during the holiday season. The Antique musical runs on select days through January 1.
December 2-18; PM&L Theatre, 877 Main St., Antioch.
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Every year the Naval Station Great Lakes band, graces us with myriad medleys of holiday tunes. This year, the Navy band heads to Lakes Community High School for a free performance. The "Anchors Aweigh" brass ambassadors are joined by Lakes Community High School's Acapella Choir. A reception follows the two music troupes.
Saturday, December 3; Lakes Community High Schoo, 1600 Eagle Way Dr., Antioch.
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See who's arbors are dressed best in their Sundays bestest. The trees will be displayed from December 3-18 and be judged on for a pize at the Christmas Market on December 18. Contestants can provide artifical, real original design. Decorate it and be creative! Christmas Trees must be five-to-seven feet tall and contestants must use outdoor LED lights only.
December 3-18; Hiram Buttrick Sawmill, 800 Cunningham Dr., Antioch.
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Stacks upon stacks upon stacks of flapjacks are at your disposal. Visit the Antioch elementary school for breakfast, as well as a vendor fair, raffles, a classroom project auction, a book fair, choir performances and the man Santa.
Saturday, December 3;9 a.m.-noon. Grass Lake Elementary School, 26177 W. Grass Lake Rd., Antioch.
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Few items pair better than the holidays and a great glass of vino. Spend your weekend at Antioch’s premier vineyard and winery, Vigneto del Bino. The Antioch winery's two-day holiday pairing dinner is highlighted by a four-course meal and live entertainment during the dessert course, which - you guessed it - it's fondue. Pick up a bottle or two of the beloved vino as a gift for yourself or someone else this holiday season. RSVPs are required. Reserve yoru spot by calling 847.204.7352.
December 17-18 and 30; 6:30-8:30 p.m.. Vigneto del Bino Winery, 42150 Crawford Rd., Antioch.
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Christmas Market
The Village of Antioch will host a Christmas Market. Judges will be in attendance to vote on the constent's submissions. Stay tuned for more information.
Saturday, December 18; noon-4 p.m. Location TBA.
For other holiday happenings in Lake County, continue here. For more about the Village of Antioch, click here.
