CHICAGOLAND
Crystal Lake Festival of Lights Parade
Kick off the season with illuminated floats, marching bands, and a tree-lighting ceremony. Follow with visits to nearby shops for hot cider. This year’s parade theme is Crystal Lake Candy Lane: “Twinkling Lights & Candy Delights.” Think: Gingerbread houses, towering candy canes, and visions of sugar plums dancing in your head.
Friday, November 27
7:00 PM parade begins
Downtown Crystal Lake, corner of Williams & Brink
Long Grove Vintage Holidays Celebration
Historic downtown Long Grove invites you to rediscover the magic of the holidays this season. Vintage Holidays in Long Grove is what the classic holiday small town experience is all about—quaint shops, old-world charm, and family memories. Horse-drawn carriage rides, bridge lighting, roaming carollers’, Santa visits, and shop-hopping on cobblestone streets. Free entry; rides $10-15.
November 28-December 31 (weekends)
Bridge lighting at 7:30 PM
Schaumburg Turkey Trot Half Marathon
In its 15th year, this popular tradition features a half Marathon and 5k kid’s fun run. All finishers receive a medal and a donut. Fee $36.99.
Saturday, November 29
Race starts at 7:00 AM
Busse Woods & Ned Brown Meadow, E. Higgins Rd. & Arlington Heights Rd., Elk Grove Village
Bloomingdale Kris Kringle Market
Outdoor market with artisan gifts, hot cocoa, live music, and Santa photo ops. Free entry; shop local vendors for ornaments and treats. Take a festive stroll through our holiday marketplace, featuring local vendors with seasonal gifts, handmade crafts, baked goods, and cozy winter treats. This convenient “take-and-go” market is the perfect place to find unique holiday treasures, enjoy cheerful music, and celebrate the spirit of the season.
Wednesday Dec 3, 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunrise of Bloomingdale 129 E Lake St. Bloomingdale
Homer Glen Homer for the Holidays & Tree Lighting Ceremony!
Celebrate the holiday season with the Homer for the Holidays event and Tree Lighting Ceremony! Join the Village of Homer Glen for a magical evening at Heritage Park, where we'll illuminate the park with festive lights and kick off the season with music, fun characters in costume, and delicious seasonal treats.
Saturday, December 6, 2025
4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Heritage Park, located behind Village Hall at 14240 W. 151st Street, Homer Glen
SOUTHERN WISCONSIN
Abominable Trail Race
An excellent and challenging trail run through our area's beautiful scenery, of forests and hills. There are distance options of 5k, 15k, 30k, and 30k relays available. The fees range from $37 to $145, depending on the options you choose.
Sign up at: https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/WI/LakeGeneva/AbominableTrailRace
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025, 8:00 am start.
Location: At Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures — various distances: Individual 5k, 15k, 30k.
Light Up Lake Geneva
What a great kick off into the holiday season — festive atmosphere, downtown lights, local shops, good for families and couples. Includes the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Flat Iron Park, plus shopping deals for “Small Business Weekend”.
Dates: Fri, November 28 through Sun, November 30, Downtown Lake Geneva
Time: Starts at 10:00 AM on Fri (Nov 28) and continues through the weekend until ~8:00 PM. Downtown Lake Geneva
Location: Downtown Lake Geneva
Geneva Christmas Market
Celebrate the holiday spirit (and catch up on your gift list!) with this family-friendly event that showcases locally made goods. Free entry and parking.
Dates: November 29 – November 30, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Lake Geneva House of Music — N3241 County Rd H, Lake Geneva
50th Annual Lake Geneva Electric Christmas Parade
A joyful celebration of the season as this colorful, light-filled parade moves down Broad and Main Streets in Downtown Lake Geneva! There are light-filled floats, a festive atmosphere, great photo ops and family-friendly. Arrive early to find parking and enjoy the local shops and boutiques.
Date: Saturday, December 6 at ~5:00 PM.
Location: Moves down Broad and Main Streets in downtown Lake Geneva.