The gallery, which plays off Greentown legend Ray Bradbury, is an exceptional art collective and studio committed to promoting artists, while also providing education to those who are interested by the scene. The Waukegan gallery provides a ton of events for you to create a wonderful holiday gift for a special someone. Continue scrolling to view all of their events.
- Candle-Making Adult Art Social (Nov. 23) INFO»
- Gift-Making Sewing Classes (Nov. 23) INFO»
- Poly Earring Workshop (Nov. 25) INFO»
- Sewing Open Studio Hours (Dec. 5) INFO»
- Holiday Painted Canvas Bag (Dec. 7) INFO»
- Design Alcohol Ink Coasters (Dec. 8) INFO»
- Adult Paint Social "Picasso Style" (Dec. 14) INFO»
- Gingerbread Village Holiday Workshop (Dec. 22) INFO»
Through December 31; various times. Dandelion Art Gallery and Studio, 109 S. Genesee St., Waukegan.
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The City of Progress library hosts a market that will provide unique gifts for that special someone this holiday season. The market showcases 20+ artisans selling everything from stocking stuffers to that marquee gift. Jolly old Saint Nicholas will appear, checking his list twice to see what he's bringing your youngsters and also to snap a pic for the gram and/or Christmas cards.
November 30; 1-8 p.m. Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan.
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"This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine." The City of Progress plugs in the illuminants to the holiday arbor in the downtown area. A list of who's who will be in attendance including the mayor, surprise guests and of course the man in the big red suit.
November 30; 5 p.m. Jack Benny Plaza, Clayton and Genesee Streets, Waukegan.
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"Happy Holiday. While the merry bells keep ringing, happy holidays to you." The Waukegan Park District has myriad events geared toward family fun all season long. Maybe your youngster has a fancy for baking or viewing holiday decor and may just want to sing, dance, and party. Whatever it is that makes your holiday season go 'round, the Waukegan Park District has the programming for you and your family. Continue scrolling to see what's up with the City of Progress's parks and rec vibe:
- Go Waukegan: Winter Wonderland Walk at the Jack Benny Plaza (Nov. 30) INFO»
- One Night Holiday Dance at Jack Benny Center for the Arts (Dec. 3) INFO»
- Holiday Nature Ornament Creations at the Bevier Center (Dec. 4) INFO»
- Parent and Child Preschool Art: Holiday Crafts at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts (Dec. 7) INFO»
- Joseph A. Favero "Do-it-Yourself Messiah and Carol Sing Along at Orlin Trapp Auditorium (Dec. 8) INFO»
- We Have Off Program (W.H.O) Frozen Frenzy at Belvidere Recreation Center (Dec. 9) INFO»
- Merry Fitmas at the Waukegan Field House (Dec. 12) INFO»
- Zumba Kids: Santa's Little Helpers at the Waukegan Field House (Dec. 13) INFO»
- Parent and Child Art: Holiday Crafts at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts (Dec. 14) INFO»
- Photos with Santa at the Jane Addams Center (Dec. 14) INFO»
- Parents' Night out at the Waukegan Field House (Dec. 20) INFO»
- Splashing in a Winter Wonderland Family Swim Night at the Waukegan Field House (Dec. 21) INFO»
- Holiday Adventures "'Tis the Season" at Belvidere Recreation Center (Dec. 23) INFO»
- Holiday Adventures: Deck the Halls at the Belvidere Recreation Center (Dec. 26) INFO»
- Holiday Adventures: Color Blast at Belvidere Recreation Center (Dec. 27) INFO»
- Holiday Adventures: Frozen Field Day at Belvidere Recreation Center (Dec. 30) INFO»
- 26th annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge at Waukegan Municipal Beach (Jan. 1) INFO»
- Holiday Adventures PJ Party at Belvidere Recreation Center (Jan. 2) INFO»
- Holiday Adventures: Winter Olympics at the Belvidere Recreation Center (Jan. 3) INFO»
- Holiday Adventures: Science Lab (Jan. 6) INFO»
All December, Various Waukegan Park District locations.
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Visit Waukegan High School's for an evening of holiday cheer. The City of Progress' Symphony Orchestra performs its annual "Do-it-Yourself Messiah and Carol Sing Along" featuring the Christmas portion of George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" as well as a slew of traditional carols. Visitors are encouraged to sing along in this community tradition.
December 8; 7 p.m., Orlin Trapp Auditorium, 2325 Brookside Ave., Waukegan.
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This collaborative show features two world-class vocalists performing timeless Christmas classics. Both Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey are renowned Christian music artists. This Waukegan performance promises to be a heartwarming and uplifting experience, filled with beautiful tunes and the spirit of Christmas.
December 12; 7 p.m. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
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The Waukegan theatre presents the 1843 classic Charles Dickens novel, “A Christmas Carol.” In this version, spectators from all generations will be treated to this story of reluctance, regret and redemption. The story follows British banker Ebenezer Scrooge, a crotchety old man who has forgotten his own history which has made him who he was. The Dickens character is visited by his deceased business partner and confidant, Jacob Marley, as well as three other spirits to transform Scrooge into a kinder, gentler man.
December 13-15; 7 p.m.Jack Benny Center for the Arts, 39 Jack Benny Dr., Waukegan.
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Chunky knit workshops are perfect for beginners or experienced knitters! The Waukegan Lake County Libation partner hosts a blanket-making session perfect for a gift.will be making blankets with just our hands. Everyone leaves with a cozy new blanket in a blanket bag and a new skill. After the workshop you also get emailed instructions and yarn-buying tips for future projects.
December 17; 6-10 p.m. Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing, 216 W. Clayton St., Waukegan.
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The Nutcracker is a staple of the holiday season, especially when it’s the night before Christmas Eve. The Genesee Theatre in Waukegan opens its curtain for the annual Dancecenter North ballet originally composed by Pyotr 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.
December 19-20; 6:30 p.m. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
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The tunes will be abundant with seasonal cheer at the Waukegan staple. The lineup includes Grammy winners and nominees, an American Idol winner and double platinum music artists—Ruben Studdard, Haley Reinhart, Peabo Bryson, and Oleta Adams. These four artists will be performing Christmas classics and greatest hits, and it's not a night to miss out on.
December 21; 7:30 p.m. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
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Are you ready for a monthly celebration of art, culture and community? Look no further than ArtWauk, a dynamic event transforming Downtown Waukegan into a thriving hub of creativity every third Saturday of the month. The Waukegan Arts and Entertainment District comes alive with theaters, galleries and venues featuring visual and performing arts. The Dandelion Gallery and Studio features a ton of art exhibitions and workshops. Stop by for a brew or two from the Ray Bradbury-inspired Lake County Libation Trail partner, Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing Co. Head to Genesee Theatre as the storied mainstay presents "Home for the Holidays." Discover the magic, meet the artists and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of ArtWauk.
December 21; 5-9 p.m. Various Downtown Waukegan locations.
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The little reindeer with the neon nose went down in history and is coming to the live stage at a theatre near you. The Waukegan venue hosts the claymation movie coming to a real-life musical, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical." Catch your favorite characters like old Rudy, Hermey, Yukon Cornelius and more as you witness nostalgia with your little one on the live stage.
December 22; 5:30 p.m. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
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On New Year’s Eve, ring in 2025 just a bit early with Waukegan Library's Noon Year’s Eve celebration. The magical afternoon is highlighted by activities, games, music and a balloon drop at noon.
December 31; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan.
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"I'll get you my pretty and your little dog too." Celebrate ringing in 2025 as the City of Progress casino hosts a night to remember with live entertainment and phenomenal prizes. Between merchandise giveaways, the midnight countdown and the chance to win up to $10,000-$15,000. Follow the yellow brick road to American Place Casino this New Year's Eve.
December 31-January 1; 5 p.m.-1 p.m. American Place Casino, 4011 Fountain Square Pl., Waukegan.
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Tis the season to be freezin.’ Already Lake County has been hit with a lot of snow and low mercury temps. Kick 2025 off by chilling in the 26th annual Polar Bear Plunge in Waukegan. This Waukegan Municipal Beach event awards a polar plunge shirt to the first 500 brave souls who take a dip in the drink. Water shoes or other footwear are required. Food, hot chocolate and polar bear hats will be sold on site. If you’re not enticed by a frigid hug with Lake Michigan, cheer your friends and family from slightly warmer shores.
January 1; 10-11 a.m. Waukegan Municipal Beach, 201 Sea Horse Dr., Waukegan.
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For other holiday happenings in Lake County, continue here. For more about the City of Waukegan, click here.
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