Holiday Your Way with Libertyville Attractions

Giddy-up, Giddy-up Giddy-up let's go. Let's go to the show. We're riding in the winter wonderland of Libertyville...

Adler Arts Center

"With a commitment to community, the Adler Arts Center serves to educate, promote and preserve the arts." This Libertyville venue is designed to foster critical thinking and interpretation, participation, entertainment and achievement in music and the arts for the people of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. The facility hosts holiday concerts throughout the season.

Adler Arts Center, 1700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
More info »

Ansel B. Cook House

On the list as one of Lake County’s National Register of Historic Places, the Cook House is the centerpiece of downtown Libertyville since 1878. The Victorian home is now a museum open throughout the summer. On the home’s frontyard, MainStreet Libertyville hosts a slew of annual events. The elegant home is dressed to impress during the holiday season.

Ansel B. Cook House, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
More info »

Canlan Sports

Canlan Sports in Libertyville offers something for everyone in the family: a 360-degree climbing mountain for rock climbing, a 40-tee automated heated driving range for year-round practice and a fitness center offering group exercise classes. The facility also provides Life Fitness with cardio and hammer strength equipment, personal trainers, a free weight room, one-fourth mile running/walking track and a kids' club.

Canlan Sports, 1950 N. U.S. Highway 45, Libertyville.
More info »

Downtown Libertyville

Shop, dine and play in the historic downtown Libertyville. Stroll the charming shops and explore award-winning dining with local chefs. The iconic area is home to Dickens of a Holiday, the tree lighting and other exceptional activities during the holiday season and beyond. Peruse through the downtown area for all of your shopping needs for unique gifts. 

Downtown Libertyville, various locations in Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville.
More info »

Dunn Museum

The Lake County Forest Preserve museum is named after the land of lakes first historian (and genealogist) and Waukeganite, Bess Bower Dunn. Explore the LCFPD's special exhibits like "Prehistoric Lake County," "The First People" and more. One of the Libertyville museum’s most renowned exhibits, the dryptosaurus, is a part of the "Prehistoric Lake County" exhibit and showcases life-size dinosaur that roamed Lake County prior to human existence. The traveling exhibit of a notable painter has made it to the Dunn residency. Dive into the DC/Marvel Comic world of Alex Ross and "Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustration" at the Dunn Museum’s special exhibits. Both exhibits run through early 2026. Arrive Curious. Leave Inspired. 

Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville.
More info »

Improv Playhouse

Improv Playhouse is a professional theatre and entertainment organization whose scope includes a full-service acting school specializing in comprehensive improv-comedy and acting classes for adults and youth. During the holiday season, they will stage the beloved "It's a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play" running weekends in late December. By the way, it's BYOB and BYOW with a small corking fee.

Improv Playhouse, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
More info »

Independence Grove Forest Preserve

Centered around a 115-acre lake, this preserve offers a variety of natural scenery. Surrounding prairie and woodlands provide a picturesque backdrop for hiking and biking opportunities and is home to gravel, paved and combo paved-and-gravel trails. Roughly 6.25 miles of trails circle the lake and run through scenic natural areas. In the gravel department, Lakeside Trail runs 2.3 miles and there is a short section that connects to the Des Plaines River Trail. Overlook Trail is a paved trail stretching 2.5 miles, and North Bay Trail Loop is 0.75 miles, while South Bay Trail Loop runs 0.70 miles. If it snows, the LCFPD area offers snowshoeing and ice skating.

Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Rd., Libertyville.
More info »

The Joyful Gourmet

Do you fancy yourself a pretty good cook or at least good enough that everyone peppers on the praise after a meal? Are you open to learning new techniques and recipes that keep family and guests hungry for another serving? When you visit the Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville, you can get all of the above, plus some retail therapy with their hand-picked brands of utensils for sale. The Libertyville kitchen store hosts a fine selection of cooking classes, culinary events, team and family bonding exercises, a wine bar and the occasional meet-and-greet with local chefs. Participating in culinary learning experiences is an exciting way to spend time with people where everyone learns something new about cooking. Plus, there are no dishes to clean afterward. It's like The Joyful Gourmet says, "Discover new items for your kitchen, have a fun night out with friends and grow as a community through cooking."

The Joyful Gourmet, 542 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
More info »

Mickey Finn's Brewery 

The first craft brewery in the land of lakes is Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville. Illinois’s oldest brewpub serves up a ton of housemade ales and lagers as well as eats. The 1994-established suds haven has served over six million pints and sits in their industrial/renovated home on MainStreet Libertyville. Currently, Mickey Finn has 18 of their homemade brews on tap. The Libertyville business is known for its Santa’s Magic Belgian Strong Golden Ale, Can I Kick It IPA, Pineapple Express and an array of other rotating sips. Mickey Finn’s serves brunch (weekends only), lunch and dinner, including salads, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, seafood, tacos and thin-crust pizza. 

Mickey Finn's Brewery 345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
More info »

Libertyville Civic Center

The center offers six different rooms to choose from, each with its own unique features and amenities. Whether you're planning a small gathering or a large celebration, the Libertyville Civic Center has the perfect space for you. The Libertyville Civic Center is also the location for Victorian Tea during the holiday season.

Libertyville Civic Center Foundation, 135 W. Church St., Libertyville. 
More info »

Old School Forest Preserve

Are you looking for a touch of nature combined with hilly terrain? While you enjoy a splendid evening making twists and turns on the ice or following the cross-country ski trails, your kids can go out on the hills of this Libertyville hill. The mini mountain is open from 6:30 am to sunset.

Old School Forest Preserve, 698 N. St. Mary's Rd., Libertyville.
More info»

For other holiday happenings in Lake County, continue here. For more about the Village of Libertyville, click here.