Holiday Your Way with Gurnee Events
Brown paper packages tied up with strings, these are a few of my favorite things in Gurnee
“Let it snow” in Lake County for all we care, because inside Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, the temperature is a toasty 84 degrees. Book an overnight stay at the resort's event called Snowland for all the season's best like visit’s with Santa, shimmering décor, Snowflake Story Time, Snowland Celebration complete with magical snow, Snowland Yoga Tails, arts and crafts, dance parties, and more. And of course, there's the 80,000 square-foot indoor water park for a splashing good time!
November 18-January 6. Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee.
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Roll out the red carpet, because the generous icon is making his grand entrance to the Gurnee shopping destination. Old Kringle strolls through the mall bumping the holiday slaps by a live DJ, while youngsters enjoy the staple platter milk and cookies. The evening will conclude with a reading of Claus's exploits on at least one British house while reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Stick around for a photo memory with the loveable guy.
Wednesday, November 30; 6 p.m. Gurnee Mills near the Macy's Entrance, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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Jolly old St. Nick is hanging around Lake County to get a good idea of what your kiddies want for Christmas. Visit Santa, get a photo-op and maybe bring him a cold glass of milk and cookies. He’s got a lot of children to talk to! The man in the big red suit hosts his grand entry, Arrival Parade at the Gurnee mall on December 1
November 30-December 24. Gurnee Mills 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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Kringle is making a list and of course, checking it twice. Visit his magical wonderland filled with games, free photo opportunities, yummy food like freshly cooked fudge, cookies, fondue and popcorn! Attendees can create neat crafts, and even meet his elves!
Through December 24. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, 6112 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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Some folks take the light show into their own hands. That's exactly what the Germann Family does as they enter their 14th year, making spirits bright. The lightshow is best viewed from your car with your radio turned to 87.9 FM, as the bulbs are synchronized to the music. The Germann Family also works with Northern Illinois Food Bank and has a drop box for donations.
December 1-January 1; 5-10 p.m. Germann Light Show, 4968 Prairie Oak Rd., Gurnee.
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The Gurnee American Legion hosts a craft fair for shoppers to explore and find spectacular holiday gifts. The free admission event is also highlighted by over 30 vendors selling crafted handmade items, a bake sale, a raffle and lunch.
Saturday, December 3; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Gurnee American Legion Post 771, 749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee.
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The train horn can be heard in the distance. That’s the sound of the Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train making its triumphant return to Viking Park in Gurnee after a two-year hiatus due to the public health crisis. . This vastly illuminated 14-car train partners with local communities to raise food and funds for local food banks as well as raise awareness about hunger issues. The train will blare live holiday music, conduct a brief ceremony and pass out candy canes for the kids. The choo-choo features live performances from Kelly Prescott and Alan Doyle. Who knows!? Maybe Kringle himself will pick up an axe and rock out!
Thursday, December 8; 5-7:30 p.m. Train arrives at 5:10 p.m. and departs at 5:40 p.m. Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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The village knows how to throw a lit after-party when the choo-choo takes off. Gurnee will illuminate the night sky with its Holiday Lights event that is highlighted by holiday carolers, food trucks, hot cocoa, a live-petting zoo, an ornament-making station, visits with the Santa Claus and of course, the bright lights in the big village.
Thursday, December 2; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Welton Plaza, 325 N. O'Plaine Rd., Gurnee.
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"Joyful, joyful we adore you, singing loudly, Santa Claus." Experience an exciting holiday program from the talented yout featuring songs, dance and your favorite carol. Stick around after the program's finale as you can chill with Sant-y Claus and create some holiday swag for someone's present.
Saturday, December 10; 10 a.m. Warren Township High School O'Plaine Campus Auditorium, 500 N. O'Plaine Rd., Gurnee.
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Let's be real, I think we all knew jolly old Saint Nick wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to visit a sanctuary for cacao. Join the portly gentleman for brunch at Chocolate Sanctuary.
Sunday December, 11; 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. The Chocolate Sanctuary, 5101 Washington St. Gurnee.
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This breakfast date may be your kiddie's only opportunity to meet the man in the red suit this season. Head to Viking Park and have a unique breakfast with Santa Claus. Share your holiday wishes with Kringle and have your young ones take home an early holiday gift.
Saturday, December 10; 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 10:15-11:15 a.m. Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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"Hey, I just met you. And this is Santa. But here's my number, so call me maybe." Get your wishlist ready and hit up Kringle on the request line. The event is for Gurnee residents only.
Wednesday, December 15; 5:30-8 p.m. Gurnee.
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'Tis the season to be merry, and the land of lakes orchestra (LCSO) provides a holiday performance to display the season's greetings feels. The LCSO's set list includes Handel's "Messiah" complemented by four guest vocalists as well as a "Nutcracker" medley showcasing Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington's versions.
Saturday, December 17; 7:30 p.m. Gurnee Community Church, 4555 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” – a quote from the NBA’s winningest coach, Phil Jackson. Gurnee just recently received their own basketball team in the Vipers. The Vipers are a semi-pro ABA hoops team consisting of former D-I athletes, international players and local ballers with hopes of moving to the NBA hardwood. Catch these players on their new homecourt at Warren High School and view their talent as they move their way up the ranks. During the holiday season, you can catch the hoopers host Chicago Knights on December 19.
Sunday, December 19; 6 p.m. Warren Township High School Almond Campus, 34090 N. Almond Rd., Gurnee.
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"Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind." The jam-packed party is at Holiday Inn Gurnee, equipped with an overnight stay to ring in the new year the right way. The Gurnee-based classic rock station bash features live performances from Modern Day Romeos and Keith Magnine, a scrumptious buffet dinner, cocktails, New Year's Eve favors, a midnight champagne toast and more. Your favorite 95 WIIL ROCK Morning Show hosts Tom and Stino will be in attendance MC'ing the event.
December 31-January 1; 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Holiday Inn Convention Center, 6161 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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For other holiday happenings in Lake County, continue here. For more about the Village of Gurnee, click here.
