Holiday Your Way with Libertyville Events
Giddy-up, Giddy-up Giddy-up let's go. Let's go to the show. We're riding in the winter wonderland of Libertyville...
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No matter the season, we enjoy the fruits of what Mother Nature gave us in Lake County: The tall trees, the winding trails, the serene bodies of waters, the creatures and critters and the picturesque plant life. Lake County provides outdoor escapes from holiday shopping and planning with an up close and personal live-action Claude Monet portraits. LCFPD’s (Lake County Forest Preserve District) Hike Lake County Challenge (on foot only) runs through November 30, and you can earn some hiking swag as well as explore upcoming kaleidoscopic fall colors. Of the 12 trails Independence Grove is the Libertyville facility that is part of the challenge. Hikers, with their travel logs, can receive their free dog tag, zipper pull, commemorative shield or a walking stick at the LCFPD headquarters at 1899 W. Winchester Rd. The stars on a clear night are spectacular.
Through November 30. Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Rd., Libertyville.
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The Dunn Museum is hosting a special exhibition, "Alex Ross: Heroes and Villains," where comic book fans and art connoisseurs can unite to see work by one of the most celebrated artists in comics. Known as the "Norman Rockwell of comics," Alex Ross has created over 100 life-sized works featuring favorite Marvel and DC comic characters. The Lake County Forest Preserve District exhibit will feature those dynamic pieces, as well as two life-size murals of Marvel heroes and villains and two new portraits exclusively displayed at the Dunn Museum. With life-like realism, Alex Ross' art makes favorites like Batman and Superman come to life before your eyes. This special Libertyville exhibit will require a separate admission in addition to admission to the museum. The exhibit runs Wednesdays through Sundays through February 16, 2026. Learn more about the exhibit and the Dunn Museum at LCFPD.org.
Now-February 16. Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville.
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Seeing and hearing the voice of the LGBTQIA+ community is just what the season asked for as "Smash the Cis-tem" exhibit runs through December 12. The Libertyville center features paintings, photography, installations, ceramics and mixed media pieces higlighted by 30+ artists.
Now-December 12. Adler Arts Center, 1700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
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"Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustrations" takes visitors through the evolution of illustration with original art from over 75 of the most adored children's books from the last century. Classics include "Where the Wild Things Are" and "Mother Goose." Both exhibitions are open through January 19, and are perfect indoor activities as the colder weather arrives in Lake County.
Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville.
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Kids are back from school, adults are off work, and it's time to party like it's 2025...still. Visit Lake County Libation Trail partner Mickey Finn's for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Bash before you link up with the family for that delectable bird. The bash features DJ Sylkk spinning all the tunes you like. The $15 cover charge will be donated to Feed My Starving Children of Libertyville.
November 26; 8-11 p.m. Tickets: $15. Mickey Finn's Brewery, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
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Time to wassail for one of the most notable drinking days of the year. In O'Toole's 412 Lounge, visitors will have a dance party, a live DJ, delectable drinks and more at this annual celebration. Cheers to the extended weekend and Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 26; 9 p.m.-2 a.m. O'Toole's Libertyville, 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
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Let's face it there's a lot that goes into hosting Thanksgiving and the religious holiday celebrations of December. To get better acquainted as the chef conneissuer of your kitchen, The Joyful Gourmet hosts myriad classes with different themes every step of the way. Whether it is bourbon, sushi, cookies, wreath-making or just flat out holiday entertaining, the Libertyville mom-and-pop shop has your back. Culinary geniuses will be on hand as well like Chef Gale Gand who's been a staple at the Libertyville store, as well as Chef Mario Scordato, Chef Andy Kelly and other individuals that know how to cuisine. There's even a cupcake decorting where moms and their mini mes can head "Into the Unknown!" Continue scrolling to view what The Joyful Gourmet is offering.
- Take and Bake Homemade Pie-Making Class (Nov. 23)
- Cupcake Decorating Class - Easy as Pie Thanksgiving Cupcakes (Nov. 23)
- Take 'N Bake Sweet and Savory Rolls (Nov. 25)
- Sushi Making with Chef Mario Scordato (Nov.25)
- Cooking with Bourbon (Nov. 28)
- Authentic Thai Cuisine (Dec. 2)
- Winter Mixology: Cocktail Class 5 and 7:30 p.m. (Dec. 4)
- First Friday at The Joyful Gourmet (Dec. 5)
- Macarons, Hands On! (Dec. 6)
- Steak Au Poivre with Chef Andy Kelly (Dec. 6)
- Cupcake Decorating! Holiday Holly, Wreaths and Poinsettias 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Dec. 7)
- Pasta-Making with Chef Mario Scordato (Dec. 9)
- Holiday Entertaining with Chef Gale Gand (Dec. 13)
- Cupcake Decorating! Mommy and Me "Frozen" Theme Cupcakes at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Dec. 14)
Throughout November and December. The Joyful Gourmet, 542 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
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After a delectable Thanksgiving dinner with the fam and them, head to MainStreet Libertyville where the holiday season will be kicked off in stunning fashion. The man in the big red suit makes an appearance in the front yard of Libertyville's Ansel B. Cook House - the village's National Register of Historic Places. The holiday arbor will be lit, and the village invites attendees to visit the local mom-and-pop shops to get a first opportunity for season's greetings shopping. The Cook House will be open for tours.
Friday, November 28; 6:30-8 p.m. Lighting begins at 7 p.m. sharp. Ansel B. Cook House, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
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Hit the streets running, as the shopping season has begun. Make sure you shop Lake County local, as downtown Libertyville hosts Small Business Saturday. Myriad mom-and-pop shops provide special offers for the day. To view a host of Libertyville shopping options, continue here. MainStreet Libertyville is re-investing in the district with a special incentive. Shoppers who spend $200 or more at downtown non-office businesses on November 29 will receive a $20 MainStreet Libertyville Gift Certificate, with rewards capped at $100. Officials are urging the community to "Shop Small" to preserve the "twinkling lights, friendly hellos, and warmth" that defines Libertyville's downtown character.
Saturday, November 29; All Day, Downtown Libertyville.
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From handmade, to confections, to jewelry and maybe a brew or two, the Libertyville brewhub hosts its Holiday Fair the Sunday following Thanksgiving. Attendees ages 21 and older can get the first sips of the season of Mickey Finn's treasured Belgian pale Santa's Magic.
Sunday, November 30; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mickey Finn's Brewery, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
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Invest your fest feels on a festive festival-infested Friday through Sunday in Libertyville. The weekend kicks off with its holiday-themed First Fridays on MainStreet Libertyville highlighted by various delectable drinks, mouth-watering eats, live entertainment, sweet deals and more as visitors peruse through local mom-and-pop shops offering promotional sales. Shop Lake County local in Libertyville.
Friday, December 5; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Downtown Libertyville.
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The storied Improv Playhouse hosts stand-up comedians during the village's First Fridays. Get your chuckle on, and bring a bottle of booze with you as you lighten after a week of work. The lineup will be announced soon.
Friday, December 5; 8 p.m. Improv Playhouse Theater, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
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Whenever the man in the big red suit arrives, there is a fanfare. Jolly Old St. Nick will start his auspicious route at the corner St. Mary's Road and Oak Trail Drive. Claus will take turns all through the downtown Libertyville area, ultimately ending his parade at Milwaukee Avenue and East Winchester Road. More details will be available soon.
Saturday, December 6; 2 p.m. Various locations around Libertyville.
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Ho, Ho, Ho - the man in the big red suit works up a pretty substantial appetite before dropping off gifts. That's why you and the fam, should join jolly old saint nick for a buffet dinner at O'Toole's. The event is highlighted by O'Toole's delectable eats, festive mocktails for the youngsters, holiday tunes, a full service bar for the parents and a meet and greet with Santa himself. Reservations are required.
Monday, December 8; O'Toole's Libertyville, 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
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Celebrate the season at Perfect Brewing Supply! The store itself provides a ton of storewide discounts, but the event also is highligthed by demos in cheese-making, bread-making, fermentation and brewering. Stick around later, as the Libertyville business encourages indivudals to bring their favorite beverage and/or something they've created homebrew wise. Congrats to Perfect Brewing Supply!
Friday, December 12; 5 p.m. Perfect Brewing Supply, 619 E. Park Ave., Libertyville.
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The annual holiday breakfast is a festie gathering inviting community members and visitors to celebrate the season with a delcious flapjack breakfast and holiday cheer. The event also is highlighted by creative crafts for children to participate in and snap a meet and greet photo with old man Kringle.
Saturday, December 13; 9-11 a.m. Canlan Sports Libertyville, 1950 N. U.S. Highway 45, Libertyville.
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"There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor." - Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Experience the holiday festivities as MainStreet Libertyville hosts a Dickens of a Holiday in Cook Park. This event features a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Victorian tea time at the United Methodist Church of Libertyville and the Children’s Shoppe at Petranek’s Pharmacy which only youngsters are allowed inside. Donations of non-perishable food items for Libertyville Township Food Pantry are encouraged.
Saturday, December 13; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets must be purchased for this event, here. Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave. Libertyville
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As a part of the Dickens of a Holiday, the British vibe travels across town as you keep calm and have a spot of tea. This experience is catered by High Tea with Gerri of Long Grove, complemented by finger sandwiches and pastries on fine China at Libertyville Civic Center. The tea tradition will also have an additional vibe with live classical music playing in the background. So hopefully, as the Mad Hatter would say, we hope that someone would "Change places!"
Saturday, December13; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. United Methodist Church of Libertyville, 429 Brainerd Ave., Libertyville.
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Everybody and their mama knows that the man in the big red suit loves his confections - especially cookies. Old St. Nick invites youngsters 15 and under to meet him up close and personal, pose for a pic and share your wishlist. Not only will you enjoy cookies and cocoa with the fam and Santa, but also you'll create reindeer eats to put on your lawn on Christmas Eve.
Saturday, December 14; 11:30 a.m. Crawford House, 817 W. Lake St., Libertyville.
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"You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout; I'm telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town." A few days before the youngsters are nestled in bed with sugar plum visions dancing in their head, have a stack a of flapjacks with jolly old Saint Nick at Egg Harbor Cafe. Be sure to charge your phone and/or cam so you can get a snap of the gentleman with your chitlins before he starts making his Christmas Eve rounds.
Wednesday, December 17; 9 a.m. Egg Harbor Cafe, 125 Lake St., Libertyville.
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“Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.” The Improv Playhouse Theater presents “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play” this weekend. The Libertyville performance center’s holiday tradition stages their rendition of the Frank Capra holiday classic. The play, performed in the fashion of a 1940s radio show, features the tale of George Bailey. The show’s protagonist puts his big dreams on hold to take over his father’s business who abruptly passes away. Bailey faces many adversities during his endeavor that essentially saves the town of Bedford Falls during the Great Depression. With Bailey down on his luck, frustrated with life and questioning his own existence a guardian angel named Clarence tries to steer him away from suicide. This event is a BYOB event with a $5 corking fee. The Improv Playhouse will also serve mulled wine for purchase as well as milk and cookies free of charge.
TBA. Improv Playhouse, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
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The Nutcracker is a staple of the holiday season, especially when it’s the night before Christmas Eve. The LIbertyville stage opens its curtain for its Dancecenter North ballet originally composed by Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This legendary story follows a group of family and friends gathered together for a Christmas celebration. Clara, the story’s protagonist, is given a Nutcracker gift from her godfather. When the children go to bed, Clara stays awake and finds herself in the middle of a battle between a slew of mice and toy soldiers – and thus, the magic ensues with the soldiers led by the Nutcracker himself.
Thursday, December 18; Sat.: 6:30 p.m. Libertyville High School, 708 W. Park Ave., Libertyville.
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Draw Yourself as a Superhero with Gene Ha at the Dunn Museum
Who's your youngster's favorite superhero? Whatever it is, writer and artist of the graphic novel "Mae: The Definitive Edition from Oni Press" will be in attendance to assist your young artists and authors. Art is a tool that changes how children see themselves. Each young artist will name a problem, and then draw themselves as the hero that cna fix it. Register today - and give yourself two hours to finish your holiday shopping up.
Thursday, December 18; 5:30-7 p.m. Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville.
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Whether you want to design and sketch your own superhero character with incredbile powers, capture your unique self in a striking self-portrait or script and illustrate an epic comic strip from scratch - the drawing board is your oyster. Visit the Dunn Museum for this walk-in artistic adventure located in the North Shore Gas Education classroom.
Monday, December 29; 10-11:30 a.m. Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville.
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This winter break, your chitlins can escape the cold and ignite their creativity with Drop-in Painting at the Dunn Museum. Your kiddies can craft their own masterpiece, letting their imagination run wild on canvas. Then take a journey back to the past exploring the stunning originals featured in their exhibit "Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Illustration."
Tuesday, December 30; 10 a.m.-noon. Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville.
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New Year's Eve at Singh's Kitchen
Check back for futher details as the Daily Herald Readers' Choice "Best New Restaurant" winner hosts a celebration as we count down to 2026.
TBA. Singh's Kitchen, 620 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
Toast to beginning of 2026 the right way with Libertyville's New Years Eve Party at Mickey Finn's Brewery. The box social features live music, a champagne toast, party favors and more.
Tuesday, December 31, TBA. Mickey Finn's Brewery, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
For other holiday happenings in Lake County, continue here. For more about the Village of Libertyville, click here.
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