Create your holiday schedule in Algonquin! Our guide features all the top festive events and activities. From Algonquin residents to wandering souls, our guide unveils the city's holiday charms.
Among the highlights is Christmas on the Fox, where residents gather to enjoy local vendors, festive music, and a charming parade, creating a warm holiday atmosphere. The Festival of Lights transforms the town with dazzling displays and illuminations, captivating visitors young and old. And the Winter Wonderland is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its whimsical ice sculptures and fun activities for families. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Algonquin
- Christmas on the Fox (St. Charles)
- Festival of Lights (Geneva)
- Winter Wonderland (Schaumburg)
- Parade of Lights (Huntley)
- Santa's Workshop (Hoffman Estates)
- Holiday Lights (McHenry)
- Holiday Tree Lighting (Cary)
- Holiday Market (Palatine)
- Holiday Festival (Marengo)
- Holiday Concert (Barrington)
See these and even more events listed below!
Algonquin Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Unique categories for different types of holiday light displays.
Description:
The Hap-Hap Happiest Holiday Lighting Contest in McHenry features various categories for holiday light displays, including Business, Homemade/Vintage, Commercial/Professional, Out of the Box, and Multi-media. Participants can showcase their creativity and holiday spirit with elaborate light displays.
Where: McHenry | More Info: Holiday Lights
Holiday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Live music and aerial performances.
Description:
The Heart of the Holidays Celebration at Downtown Cary Park features a festive Christmas tree lighting, live music, children's activities, and special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where: Cary | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting
Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Annual Christmas festival with Santa Lucia lighting the Great Tree.
Description:
Downtown Geneva transforms into a holiday destination with twinkling lights, fresh greenery, and festive activities. Enjoy carolers, roasted chestnuts, a live nativity, and special offerings from local merchants. The highlight includes the lighting of the Great Tree by Santa Lucia and the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus.
Where: Geneva | More Info: Festival of Lights
Algonquin Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas on the Fox
What to Expect:
Handmade holiday items and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Christmas on the Fox features over 100 vendors showcasing handmade holiday decorations, jewelry, unique photography, and crafts. The event is held at the Prairie Events Center in Kane County Fairgrounds, offering a warm country Christmas ambiance with live trees, Christmas music, and an antique sleigh.
Where: St. Charles | More Info: Christmas on the Fox
Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities and cocoa tasting.
Description:
The Holiday by the Tracks and Hot Cocoa Stroll in Elgin, TX, features a Christmas Bazaar with over 30 vendors, live holiday music, and a Hot Cocoa Stroll where attendees can vote for their favorite cocoa. The event also includes a dazzling lighted Christmas parade and activities for kids at the Elgin Public Library.
Where: Elgin | More Info: Holiday Bazaar
Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Showcase of mostly unique handcrafted items.
Description:
The Fremd High School Viking Booster Club's annual Holiday Craft Fair features unique handcrafted items, supporting all Fremd High School students through clubs, arts, and sports programs.
Where: Palatine | More Info: Holiday Market
Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with craft fairs and live music.
Description:
The Holiday Festival in Marengo offers a variety of activities and events, including craft fairs, live music, and seasonal shopping. It is a community-driven celebration that brings people together to enjoy the holiday season.
Where: Marengo | More Info: Holiday Festival
Algonquin Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Live Wurlitzer accompaniment to a silent film.
Description:
The Holiday Concert at the Sanfilippo Estate features a silent movie with live Wurlitzer accompaniment, house tours, and carousel rides, offering an immersive experience with music and history.
Where: Barrington | More Info: Holiday Concert
Algonquin Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Wine Tasting
What to Expect:
Sampling over 50 wines paired with classic appetizers.
Description:
Join Port Edward Restaurant for a Holiday Wine Tasting event, featuring over 50 wines paired with classic appetizers. This evening promises a delightful exploration of your favorite vineyards.
Where: Port Edward | More Info: Holiday Wine Tasting
Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch
What to Expect:
Elegant brunch with champagne and seasonal flavors.
Description:
Join us for a delightful Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch at Port Edward Restaurant, featuring a delicious menu and festive atmosphere.
Where: Port Edward | More Info: Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch
Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Custom-carved holiday ice sculptures in downtown Huntley.
Description:
The Parade of Lights in Huntley features custom-carved holiday ice sculptures displayed in the downtown area, offering a unique and festive atmosphere.
Where: Huntley | More Info: Parade of Lights
Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Unique blend of seasonal activities and community events.
Description:
Explore the festive atmosphere of Schaumburg Park District's events, featuring a variety of activities, including Halloween-themed scavenger hunts, pickleball tournaments, and holiday craft fairs.
Where: Schaumburg | More Info: Winter Wonderland
Santa's Workshop
What to Expect:
Interactive animal exhibits and thrilling rides.
Description:
Santa's Village Amusement & Water Park offers a variety of thrill rides, animal attractions, and a petting zoo, creating a fun-filled experience for families.
Where: Hoffman Estates | More Info: Santa's Workshop
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Lake in the Hills (2 miles)
- Carpentersville (4 miles)
- Crystal Lake (5 miles)
- Huntley (7 miles)
- Elgin (9 miles)
- Streamwood (11 miles)
- McHenry (12 miles)
- South Elgin (12 miles)
- Woodstock (13 miles)
- Bartlett (13 miles)
- Hanover Park (14 miles)
- Palatine (14 miles)
- Hoffman Estates (14 miles)
- Rolling Meadows (15 miles)
- Mundelein (16 miles)
- Vernon Hills (17 miles)
- Roselle (17 miles)
- Wasco (17 miles)
- Buffalo Grove (17 miles)
- St. Charles (17 miles)
- Round Lake Beach (18 miles)
- Grayslake (18 miles)
- Bloomingdale (18 miles)
- Wheeling (19 miles)
- Geneva (19 miles)
- Libertyville (19 miles)
- Carol Stream (19 miles)
- Mount Prospect (20 miles)
- West Chicago (20 miles)
- Elk Grove Village (20 miles)
- Glendale Heights (21 miles)
- Batavia (22 miles)
- Addison (23 miles)
- Wheaton (23 miles)
- Des Plaines (23 miles)
- Glen Ellyn (23 miles)
- Northbrook (24 miles)
- Gurnee (25 miles)
- Lombard (25 miles)
- Villa Park (25 miles)
- Highland Park (25 miles)
- Park Ridge (26 miles)
- North Chicago (26 miles)
- Elmhurst (26 miles)
- Glenview (27 miles)
- Niles (27 miles)
- Naperville (27 miles)
- Lisle (28 miles)
- Morton Grove (28 miles)
- Aurora (28 miles)
- DeKalb (29 miles)
- Downers Grove (29 miles)
- Belvidere (29 miles)
- Melrose Park (29 miles)
- Wilmette (30 miles)
- Skokie (30 miles)
- Westmont (30 miles)
- Maywood (30 miles)
- Zion (31 miles)
- Portage Park (31 miles)
- Belmont Cragin (31 miles)
- Woodridge (32 miles)
- Irving Park (32 miles)
- Albany Park (32 miles)
- Pleasant Prairie (32 miles)
- Oak Park (33 miles)
- West Ridge (33 miles)
- Darien (33 miles)
- Oswego (33 miles)
- Berwyn (34 miles)
- Lincoln Square (34 miles)
- Avondale (34 miles)
- Rogers Park (34 miles)
- Bolingbrook (34 miles)
- Edgewater (35 miles)
- North Center (35 miles)
- Logan Square (35 miles)
- Cicero (35 miles)
- Uptown (36 miles)
- East Garfield Park (36 miles)
- North Lawndale (36 miles)
- West Town (37 miles)
- Lincoln Park (37 miles)
- South Lawndale (37 miles)
- Romeoville (37 miles)
- Plainfield (38 miles)
- Kenosha (38 miles)
- Near North Side (39 miles)
- Lower West Side (39 miles)
- Brighton Park (39 miles)
- Chicago Loop (39 miles)
- Chicago (40 miles)
- Burbank (40 miles)
- Gage Park (40 miles)
- West Lawn (40 miles)
- Bridgeport (40 miles)
- Machesney Park (40 miles)
- Near South Side (40 miles)
- Loves Park (41 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (41 miles)
- New City (41 miles)
- Douglas (42 miles)
- Rockford (42 miles)
- Ashburn (42 miles)
- Lockport (42 miles)
- Oak Lawn (42 miles)
- West Englewood (42 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (42 miles)
- Englewood (43 miles)
- Mount Pleasant (43 miles)
- Homer Glen (43 miles)
- Orland Park (43 miles)
- Crest Hill (43 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (44 miles)
- Hyde Park (44 miles)
- Beloit (44 miles)
- Woodlawn (45 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (45 miles)