Holiday Your Way with Gurnee Events
Brown paper packages tied up with strings, these are a few of my favorite things in Gurnee
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.
Thursday, November 20; 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 (see above) and Pet Photos (November 23). For individuals living with disabilities and/or impairments, Caring Santa (December 7) may be an option to register for by December 3.
November 21-December 24. Gurnee Mills 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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There’s no better place to be scooting over frozen water. It is time to make your best U.S. Olympic Figure Skater Bradie Tennell triple axel impression. It’s an opportunity to slap shot like Chicago Blackhawk’s star Connor Bedard. Whatever your favorite activity is on the ice, be sure to invite friends and family to create memories on the twirl, twizzle and triple lutz on the Gurnee Mills ice.
December 1-31; Various times. Top Shelf Ice Arena and Bar and Grill, 6152 Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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The village knows how to throw a lit party. Gurnee will illuminate the night sky with its Holiday Lights event that 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 highlight.
Friday, November 21; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Welton Plaza, 325 N. O'Plaine Rd., Gurnee.
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From November 24 through the New Year, Great Wolf Lodge Illinois transforms into Snowland. This annual celebration, an immersive winter wonderland filled with special seasonal events, winter activities, crafts, visits with Santa Claus and more is a wonderful experience for youngsters and adults alike. From the moment your pack steps into the lodge, you'll be enveloped in a warm and joyous atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season. The grand tree in the lobby, the holiday crafts for kids, festive games and themed fare and drink - there's something for everyone to get into the cozy holiday spirit. It may be cold outside, but it's always 84 degrees in the water park. Take part in Frosty Fest Family Dance Party, Snowland BINGO, character apperaences, Snowland competition games and more. St
November 24-January 4. Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee.
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Do turkeys trot? Whether they trot, run, scuttle or Mick Jagger, they definitely do gobble. Before you eat that delicious homemade cuisine, you may have the itch to run off those extra pounds. Dash down the streets of Gurnee, and don’t forget to shake your tailfeather when you cross the finish line.
Thursday, November 27. The Gurnee Old Grand Avenue Fire Station, 4580 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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Bear Down! Marcus Theaters at Gurnee Mills is hosting the big game complemented by former Monster of the Midway Dave McKinnon will be in attendance for meet and greet, photo-ops and more. McKinnon was a member of the 1985 Super Bowl winning team playing at wide receiver. The Gurnee movie theater will also stream the Bears v. Philadelphia Eagles game.
Friday, November 28; 2 p.m. Marcus Theater inside Gurnee Mills, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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Ditch the boring gifts! God's Essence Aromatherapy presents the Holiday Market & Entertainment Weekend Event at Gurnee Mills' Show Court Stage. They've gathered a whole squad of local small businesses popping up with unique, handmade and seriously cool stuff. Your holiday list? Consider it DONE. Plus, it's a party! Expect live tunes, festive vibes, local talent and treats to keep your energy up. Shop small, celebrate big, and soak up the season at Gurnee Mills!
Saturday, November 29; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Gurnee Mills - Show Court Stage Entry G, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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"Don't eat a poinsettia! If you do, you better be ready to get a belly ache!" Visit Viking Park to learn the proper skills to create a poinsettia wreath as Paper Perennial Laura Garcia will be in attendance teaching tips and tricks on how to create the holiday flower.
December 3 and 6; Dec. 3: 6-8 p.m., Dec. 6: 2-4 p.m. Viking Park 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.
Dec. 3 info » | Dec. 6 info »
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!
Now 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 light show 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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As many as 40 talented vendors will provide their creations as special holiday gifts at Gurnee Mills Handmade for the Holidays Craft Fair. The three-fair features an array of crafsts from jewelry, cermaics, textiles, home decor pieces and more, a meet and greet with the makers, live demonstrations and so much more. Don't for get to induldge your taste buds with the delightful dining at the Gurnee Mall.
Friday-Sunday, December 5-7; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Gurnee Mills, 6170 W. Grand Ave., 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 6; 8:30-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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Gurnee Park District turns cooking bdecorating into festive gliterry event with the one and only Mrs. Claus at Viking Park. The vibe is a non-stop sprinkle party where you kid's artistic vision is not only accepted but encouraged by Santa's better half. Each little artist typically scores a nice loot of cookies - with all the necessary fixins, decorations, sprinkles etc. Mrs. Claus will pose with tyhe youngsters and offer a few tips and tricks on how to create a cookie masterpiece.
Saturday, December 6; 2:30-3:30 p.m. or 4:30-5:30 p.m. Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., 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 handmade items, a bake sale, a raffle and lunch.
Saturday, December 6; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Gurnee American Legion Post 771, 749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee.
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Get ready to rock around the Christmas Tree! Tiny tots ages one to five years old and their favorite "grown-up dance buddy" are invited to a spectacular, high-energy Jingle Bell Jam. Twirl and sing, and don't forget to shake it like a polaroid picture.
Sunday, December 7; 10-10:45 a.m. Hunt Club Park Community Center, 920 N. Hunt Club Rd., 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 annual stop at Viking Park in Gurnee. 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 will pass out candy canes for the kids. The choo-choo features live performances from American Authors and Pynk Beard. Also, old man Kris Kringle will be there to close out the celebration.
Tuesday, December 9; 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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It's always merry around these aprts this time of year. Individuals ages 55 and older should head to Gurnee for the seasons greetings mixer. The holly jolly mixer is highlighted by a roast beef lunch with all the fixins'. The monthly mixer also features
"Singo" - rendition of Bingo using holiday carols as the clues. Attendees are encouraged to bring a $6 gift for the exchange game and registration closes on Dec. 7.
Tuesday, December 9; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Viking Park 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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Santa needs a delicious meal before traveling around the world for those little wide-eyed youngsters of yours. Kringle will be in attendance at O'Toole's Gurnee with the mainstay's fantastic menu of eats. Your kiddies will receive treats, mocktails and goodie bags. Reservations are required.
Tuesday, December 9; 5:30-7:30 p.m. O'Toole's, 5572 Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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The kids will have a grand old time while you get your act together. Whether it's Christmas shopping, a break from reality or just flat out getting ahead - the Gurnee Park District's got you covered. The events include games, crafts, sports, eats and more. Applicable for youngsters ages one to 11 years old.
Saturday, December 13; 5-8 p.m. Hunt Club Park Community Center, 920 N. Hunt Club Rd., Gurnee.
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We all know the big man in the red suit has a healthy appetite for anything. Enter a tropical land inside Gurnee Mills for a delectable French toast breakfast, take some snaps with Santa and play a few games and activities.
Sunday, December 14 and 21; 8:30-10:30 a.m. Rainforest Cafe, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
December 14 info » | December 21 info »
Visit Gurnee's newest accomodation for an afternoon with a season's greetings wonderland, flashing lights, holiday tunes and over 75+ vendors offering unique gifts like jewelry, winter apparel, home décor, sweet treats and more. Kringle will be in attendance for the youngsters and libations will be served to adult shoppers as we head closer to the big gift giving day.
Saturday, December 20; noon-4 p.m. The Ten Hotel, 6161 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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Make a splash as school's out for the holidays at FitNation. The ongoing event provides a fun, family-friendly opporutnity to say active during the holiday season.
Select Days December 20-January 4; various times. FitNation, 1655 Nations Dr., Gurnee.
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For other holiday happenings in Lake County, continue here. For more about the Village of Gurnee, click here.
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