Excited for holiday celebrations in Darien? Our guide has all the events you need! Whether Darien is your lifelong home or your holiday destination, this guide maximizes your seasonal enjoyment.
Popular events this season include the vibrant Chicago's Christmas Tree Lighting, where the city sparkles to life with a stunning array of lights and community spirit. In addition to this, ZooLights offers a unique experience with dazzling light displays throughout the Lincoln Park Zoo and festive decorations that create a magical atmosphere. And definitely don't forget Christkindlmarket, a charming outdoor market that captures the essence of a traditional German festive celebration. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Darien
- Chicago's Christmas Tree Lighting (Chicago)
- Christkindlmarket (Chicago)
- ZooLights (Brookfield)
- Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield)
- The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet (Chicago)
- A Dicken's of a Holiday Craft Show
- Holiday Luncheon
- Holiday Celebration in the Park
See these and even more events listed below!
Darien Holiday Light Displays
Chicago's Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Annual tree lighting with live performances and fireworks.
Description:
The City of Chicago's Christmas Tree Lighting in Millennium Park features a 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, illuminated with fireworks and performances by various artists, including DJ TREW and the cast of BOOP The Betty Boop Musical. The event also includes skating at the McCormick Ice Rink and the opening of the Chicago Christkindlmarket.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Chicago's Christmas Tree Lighting
ZooLights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Holiday Magic features over two million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, and immersive light displays. Guests can explore indoor and outdoor habitats, visit Santa, and enjoy festive food and shopping options.
Where: Brookfield | More Info: ZooLights
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with giant illuminated animals.
Description:
Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic features over two million twinkling LED lights, giant illuminated animals, and immersive light displays. Guests can explore indoor and outdoor habitats, enjoy live entertainment, and visit Santa. The event includes a festive holiday market with unique shopping and seasonal food options.
Where: Brookfield | More Info: Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Darien Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket
What to Expect:
Authentic German holiday market with over 55 vendors and festive events.
Description:
Christkindlmarket is a traditional German holiday market offering a unique shopping experience with international and local vendors, festive events, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket
A Dicken's of a Holiday Craft Show
What to Expect:
Original, handmade crafts from local vendors.
Description:
The Dicken's of a Holiday Craft Show at the Darien Park District Community Center features original, handmade crafts from local vendors. This event is perfect for craft enthusiasts looking to find unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
Where: Darien | More Info: A Dicken's of a Holiday Craft Show
Darien Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with historical backdrop and elaborate sets.
Description:
The Joffrey Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition set in 1893 Chicago, featuring a celebrated creative team and a whirlwind journey through the World's Columbian Exposition. Choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon and set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, this ballet tells the story of Marie and her adventures on Christmas Eve.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
Holiday Luncheon
What to Expect:
Free event with catered lunch and live orchestra entertainment.
Description:
Join Darien Resident Seniors for a festive holiday luncheon featuring a hot catered meal and entertainment by the Del Bergeson Orchestra.
Where: Darien | More Info: Holiday Luncheon
Darien Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Celebration in the Park
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with lights and entertainment.
Description:
Join the Darien Park District for a festive holiday celebration at Community Park. Enjoy lights, holiday entertainment, and warm beverages while savoring sweet treats. You might even catch a glimpse of a special visitor from the North Pole. This event is part of the Park District's 50th holiday season.
Where: Darien | More Info: Holiday Celebration in the Park
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Westmont (3 miles)
- Woodridge (4 miles)
- Downers Grove (4 miles)
- Bolingbrook (6 miles)
- Lisle (6 miles)
- Lombard (9 miles)
- Naperville (9 miles)
- Romeoville (9 miles)
- Villa Park (10 miles)
- Glen Ellyn (10 miles)
- Burbank (10 miles)
- Elmhurst (10 miles)
- Orland Park (10 miles)
- Wheaton (10 miles)
- Homer Glen (11 miles)
- Maywood (11 miles)
- Oak Lawn (11 miles)
- Berwyn (12 miles)
- Melrose Park (12 miles)
- Lockport (12 miles)
- Glendale Heights (12 miles)
- Addison (12 miles)
- Cicero (13 miles)
- West Lawn (13 miles)
- Oak Park (13 miles)
- Ashburn (14 miles)
- Carol Stream (14 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (14 miles)
- Gage Park (15 miles)
- Plainfield (15 miles)
- South Lawndale (15 miles)
- Brighton Park (15 miles)
- West Chicago (15 miles)
- Crest Hill (15 miles)
- North Lawndale (15 miles)
- Bloomingdale (15 miles)
- Oak Forest (16 miles)
- Tinley Park (16 miles)
- West Englewood (16 miles)
- Belmont Cragin (16 miles)
- Morgan Park (16 miles)
- Blue Island (17 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (17 miles)
- East Garfield Park (17 miles)
- New Lenox (17 miles)
- Joliet (17 miles)
- New City (17 miles)
- Roselle (17 miles)
- Englewood (17 miles)
- Lower West Side (17 miles)
- Elk Grove Village (17 miles)
- Bridgeport (18 miles)
- Portage Park (18 miles)
- Aurora (18 miles)
- Chicago (18 miles)
- West Town (18 miles)
- Logan Square (18 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (19 miles)
- Irving Park (19 miles)
- Chatham (19 miles)
- Avondale (19 miles)
- Batavia (19 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (19 miles)
- Park Ridge (19 miles)
- Douglas (19 miles)
- Hanover Park (19 miles)
- Near South Side (19 miles)
- Woodlawn (19 miles)
- Geneva (19 miles)
- Harvey (20 miles)
- Albany Park (20 miles)
- Chicago Loop (20 miles)
- Hyde Park (20 miles)
- Des Plaines (20 miles)
- Bartlett (20 miles)
- Oswego (20 miles)
- Near North Side (20 miles)
- South Shore (20 miles)
- Niles (20 miles)
- Dolton (20 miles)
- Lincoln Park (20 miles)
- St. Charles (21 miles)
- North Center (21 miles)
- Hoffman Estates (21 miles)
- Lincoln Square (21 miles)
- South Holland (22 miles)
- Streamwood (22 miles)
- South Chicago (22 miles)
- Mount Prospect (22 miles)
- Uptown (22 miles)
- Morton Grove (22 miles)
- West Ridge (22 miles)
- Edgewater (23 miles)
- Rolling Meadows (23 miles)
- Skokie (23 miles)
- South Elgin (23 miles)
- Park Forest (24 miles)
- Rogers Park (24 miles)
- Glenview (24 miles)
- Chicago Heights (24 miles)
- Calumet City (25 miles)
- Palatine (25 miles)
- Elgin (25 miles)
- Wilmette (26 miles)
- Wasco (26 miles)
- Lansing (26 miles)
- Wheeling (27 miles)
- Northbrook (27 miles)
- Munster (27 miles)
- Buffalo Grove (28 miles)
- East Chicago (28 miles)
- Carpentersville (29 miles)
- Highland (30 miles)
- Highland Park (31 miles)
- Vernon Hills (32 miles)
- Schererville (33 miles)
- Algonquin (33 miles)
- Gary (34 miles)
- Lake in the Hills (35 miles)
- Mundelein (35 miles)
- Libertyville (37 miles)
- Huntley (37 miles)
- Merrillville (38 miles)
- Crystal Lake (38 miles)
- Crown Point (39 miles)
- Hobart (40 miles)
- North Chicago (40 miles)
- Grayslake (41 miles)
- DeKalb (42 miles)
- Gurnee (43 miles)
- McHenry (43 miles)
- Portage (43 miles)
- Round Lake Beach (43 miles)
- Kankakee (44 miles)