Ready for holiday excitement, Harvey? Our guide has everything you need to celebrate the season. From Harvey aficionados to first-time visitors, our guide illuminates the city's holiday heart.
In the spirit of festive cheer, the Christkindlmarket brings a touch of Germany to the area, offering delightful treats, unique crafts, and warm glühwein. Meanwhile, the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting captivates crowds with its dazzling display, creating a festive atmosphere that marks the start of the holiday season. And you definitely won't want to miss the charm of the Christkindlmarket, where twinkling lights and seasonal music create a joyful ambiance. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Harvey
- Christkindlmarket (Chicago)
- Christkindlmarket (Chicago)
- The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet (Chicago)
- Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting (Chicago)
- The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet (Chicago)
- Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting (Chicago)
- Santa Parade (Belleville)
- Santa Parade (Belleville)
- FREE Horse-drawn Trolley Rides (Belleville)
- Holiday GLOW (Monticello)
See these and even more events listed below!
Harvey Holiday Light Displays
Holiday GLOW
What to Expect:
Stroll through illuminated gardens and statuary.
Description:
Explore Allerton Park's statuary and gardens through a stroll of lights and lighted artwork, creating a serene and beautiful holiday atmosphere.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday GLOW
Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Illumination of a 45-foot Christmas tree with live performances and fireworks.
Description:
The Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting in Millennium Park features a 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, live performances, fireworks, and ice skating. The event celebrates the holiday season with festive entertainment and activities.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
Holiday GLOW
What to Expect:
Stroll through beautifully lit gardens and statuary.
Description:
Explore Allerton Park's statuary and gardens through a stroll of lights and lighted artwork, creating a serene and festive atmosphere.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday GLOW
Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Annual tree lighting ceremony with live performances and fireworks.
Description:
The Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting in Millennium Park features a 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, illuminated with fireworks and performances by various artists, including DJ TREW, Meagan McNeal, and the cast of BOOP The Betty Boop Musical. The event also includes skating at the McCormick Ice Rink and the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
Harvey Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Showcase + GLOW Opening Night
What to Expect:
Illuminated garden stroll with local vendors and musical performances.
Description:
Holiday Showcase + GLOW Opening Night features an illuminated garden stroll, local vendor shopping, and musical entertainment at Allerton Park and Retreat Center.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Showcase + GLOW Opening Night
Holiday Showcase (Saturday)
What to Expect:
Local artisans and businesses selling unique holiday items.
Description:
The Holiday Showcase at Allerton Park features local artisans and businesses selling unique products, handcrafted wares, and baked goods. Enjoy traditional holiday music by a violin-piano duo, shop for gifts, and relax with friends over a delicious meal. The event also includes a stroll through Holiday GLOW and visits to the Greenhouse Café and food trucks.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Showcase (Saturday)
Holiday Showcase (Sunday)
What to Expect:
Unique artisanal gifts and Afternoon Tea in a historic setting.
Description:
Celebrate the season at the Holiday Showcase presented by Sterling Wealth Management on Sunday, December 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Mansion. Shop for unique gifts, enjoy handcrafted wares and baked goods, and relax with friends over optional Afternoon Tea at 12 or 3 p.m. The event features specially selected artisans and businesses selling their unique products. You can also stop by the Greenhouse Café, which will serve a limited menu.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Showcase (Sunday)
Christkindlmarket
What to Expect:
Traditional German holiday market with international and local vendors.
Description:
Christkindlmarket is a German-style Christmas market offering a variety of international and local foods, unique shopping experiences, and festive events. Visitors can explore vendor products, enjoy live music, and participate in special activities like a scavenger hunt. The market provides a cozy atmosphere with roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and hot spiced wine.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket
FREE Horse-drawn Trolley Rides
What to Expect:
Historic horse-drawn trolley tour through downtown Belleville.
Description:
Take a leisurely ride through Belleville's historic and beautifully decorated Public Square, exploring the unique downtown shopping and dining district, and the Christkindlmarkt.
Where: Belleville | More Info: FREE Horse-drawn Trolley Rides
Holiday Showcase + GLOW Opening Night
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with illuminated gardens and local vendors.
Description:
Holiday Showcase + GLOW Opening Night features illuminated gardens, local vendors, and musical entertainment at Allerton Park and Retreat Center.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Showcase + GLOW Opening Night
Holiday Showcase (Saturday)
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with live music and local vendors.
Description:
The Holiday Showcase at Allerton Park features specially selected artisans and businesses selling unique products, handcrafted wares, and baked goods. Enjoy traditional holiday music by a violin-piano duo, shop for gifts, and relax with friends over a delicious meal. The event also includes a stroll through Holiday GLOW and visits to the Greenhouse Café and food trucks.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Showcase (Saturday)
Holiday Showcase (Sunday)
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with artisanal goods and Afternoon Tea.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at the Holiday Showcase presented by Sterling Wealth Management, featuring specially selected artisans and businesses selling unique products, handcrafted wares, and baked goods. Enjoy an optional Afternoon Tea served with antique China and a variety of sweet and savory delights. The event also includes a cash champagne-mimosa bar and a limited menu at the Greenhouse Café.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Showcase (Sunday)
Christkindlmarket
What to Expect:
German-style Christmas market with free admission and a wide array of international and local foods.
Description:
Christkindlmarket is a traditional German-style Christmas market offering a variety of international and local foods, unique shopping experiences, and festive events. Visitors can explore vendor products, participate in special events, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere filled with the smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, and hot spiced wine.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket
FREE Horse-drawn Trolley Rides
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn trolley tour through historic downtown area.
Description:
Take a leisurely ride through Belleville's historic and beautifully decorated Public Square, exploring unique downtown shopping and dining districts, and the Christkindlmarkt.
Where: Belleville | More Info: FREE Horse-drawn Trolley Rides
Harvey Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Affair
What to Expect:
Elegant holiday dinner with live music and dancing.
Description:
Join an elegant evening at Allerton Park & Retreat Center for the Holiday Affair presented by Ion. Enjoy a welcome glass of champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar during cocktail hour. Dinner will be served by Chef DeAngelo Newson at 6 p.m., including complimentary wine. Post-dinner music and dancing will follow, with a cash bar available throughout the event. Black tie optional.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Affair
The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance inspired by Chicago's 1893 World's Fair.
Description:
The Joffrey Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is a holiday spectacle set in 1893 Chicago, featuring Christopher Wheeldon's choreography and Tchaikovsky's classic score. The story follows Marie and her mother as they celebrate Christmas Eve, only to be swept away by the Nutcracker Prince on a whirlwind journey to the World's Columbian Exposition. This production boasts a celebrated creative team, including Julian Crouch and Basil Twist.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance inspired by Chicago's 1893 World's Fair.
Description:
The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet is a holiday performance set in Chicago during the 1893 World's Fair. Choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, it features Tchaikovsky's classic score and a celebrated creative team. The story follows Marie and her mother as they experience a whirlwind journey with the Nutcracker Prince.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet
Harvey Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Cookie Decorating
What to Expect:
Hands-on cookie decorating with professional guidance.
Description:
Decorate your own holiday cookies in a festive setting with expert guidance and high-quality materials.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Cookie Decorating
Holiday Wreath Making
What to Expect:
Guided class with expert floral designers and gardeners.
Description:
Create a beautiful seasonal decoration to adorn your door using natural greens, pods, ornamental grasses, cones, and berries, all harvested from Monticello's gardens.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Wreath Making
Holiday Mansion Tours
What to Expect:
Intimate look at holiday celebrations on Monticello's mountaintop.
Description:
Explore Monticello after dark, decorated with holiday greenery from Jefferson's era. Journey through public and private rooms, including the iconic Dome Room, to see how enslaved and free people celebrated holidays.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Mansion Tours
Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Largest holiday parade in Southern Illinois with festive floats and live performances.
Description:
The Santa Parade in Downtown Belleville is a family-friendly event featuring floats, marching bands, and dance groups. It includes the annual Santa Parade from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the official Lighting of the Fountain and Holiday Sing-a-Long beginning at 6 p.m.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Santa Parade
Sensory Hour Sweets with Santa
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly holiday event with Santa and Mrs. Claus activities.
Description:
Children can chat with Santa, get their picture taken, hear a story from Mrs. Claus, create crafts, and enjoy festive treats in a quieter environment at the Allerton Mansion.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Sensory Hour Sweets with Santa
Sweets With Santa
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
Join Santa at the Allerton Park & Retreat Center for Sweets With Santa, where children can chat with Santa, read a story with Mrs. Claus, create their own crafts, and enjoy festive treats.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Sweets With Santa
Winter Solstice Bonfire
What to Expect:
Bonfire and festive market activities.
Description:
Celebrate the winter solstice with a bonfire in the Allerton Meadow, strolling through Holiday GLOW, and shopping at The Farms Winter Market. Enjoy meals from food trucks and beverages from the bar.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Winter Solstice Bonfire
Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash
What to Expect:
Competitive kids' dash with Sam the Gingerbread Man.
Description:
The Belleville Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash is a festive community event featuring a 5K run/walk through downtown Belleville and a kids' dash where young runners compete against Sam the Gingerbread Man. Participants receive long sleeve tee shirts, finish line photos, and sweet treats along the course.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash
Downtown Cookie Stroll
What to Expect:
Collecting over two dozen tasty Christmas cookies while exploring Downtown Belleville.
Description:
Stroll through Downtown Belleville to visit quaint shops and local restaurants while collecting over two dozen tasty Christmas cookies. Enjoy the German Christkindlmarkt, gingerbread displays, a horse-drawn trolley, and the Santa house.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Downtown Cookie Stroll
Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk
What to Expect:
Candle-lit walk through historic neighborhoods.
Description:
Take a candle-lit stroll through historic Abend and Garfield Streets, admiring the beautifully decorated homes and neighborhoods.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk
Holiday Cookie Decorating
What to Expect:
Hands-on cookie decorating with expert guidance.
Description:
Decorate your own holiday cookies with expert guidance in a festive setting at the Mansion Carriage House.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Cookie Decorating
Holiday Wreath Making
What to Expect:
Hands-on, guided wreath-making class with specialty materials harvested from Monticello's gardens.
Description:
Create a beautiful holiday wreath using natural greens, pods, ornamental grasses, cones, and berries, guided by expert floral designers and gardeners.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Wreath Making
Holiday Mansion Tours
What to Expect:
Intimate holiday tour of Monticello's historic spaces.
Description:
Explore Monticello's historic rooms and iconic Dome Room during the holiday season, featuring holiday greenery and an intimate look at how all people who lived on the mountaintop celebrated the holidays.
Where: Monticello | More Info: Holiday Mansion Tours
Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Largest holiday parade in Southern Illinois with festive floats and live performances.
Description:
Join the family-friendly Santa Parade in Downtown Belleville, featuring floats, marching bands, and dance groups, as the Optimist Club of Belleville welcomes Santa to town.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Santa Parade
Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash
What to Expect:
Unique holiday-themed run with a kids' dash.
Description:
The Belleville Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash is a festive event where participants can enjoy a 5K run/walk through downtown Belleville, Illinois, and a kids' dash to beat Sam the Gingerbread Man. Both events include long sleeve tee shirts, finish line photos, and sweet treats along the course.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash
Downtown Cookie Stroll
What to Expect:
Collecting over two dozen tasty Christmas cookies while exploring Downtown Belleville.
Description:
Stroll through Downtown Belleville to visit quaint shops and local restaurants while collecting over two dozen tasty Christmas cookies. Enjoy the German Christkindlmarkt, gingerbread displays, a horse-drawn trolley, and the Santa house.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Downtown Cookie Stroll
Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk
What to Expect:
Candlelit walk through historic neighborhood.
Description:
The Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk is a candlelit stroll through the historic Abend and Garfield Streets neighborhood, featuring beautifully decorated homes and landmarks.
Where: Belleville | More Info: Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- South Holland (2 miles)
- Dolton (3 miles)
- Blue Island (4 miles)
- Oak Forest (5 miles)
- Morgan Park (6 miles)
- Calumet City (6 miles)
- Lansing (6 miles)
- Chicago Heights (7 miles)
- Tinley Park (8 miles)
- Munster (8 miles)
- Park Forest (8 miles)
- Oak Lawn (9 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (9 miles)
- Chatham (9 miles)
- Ashburn (10 miles)
- East Chicago (10 miles)
- South Chicago (10 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (11 miles)
- Highland (11 miles)
- Orland Park (11 miles)
- Burbank (11 miles)
- South Shore (11 miles)
- West Englewood (12 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (12 miles)
- Englewood (12 miles)
- West Lawn (12 miles)
- Woodlawn (12 miles)
- Hyde Park (13 miles)
- Gage Park (13 miles)
- Schererville (13 miles)
- New City (14 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (14 miles)
- Brighton Park (15 miles)
- Homer Glen (15 miles)
- Gary (16 miles)
- Douglas (16 miles)
- Bridgeport (16 miles)
- South Lawndale (16 miles)
- Chicago (17 miles)
- Lower West Side (17 miles)
- Near South Side (17 miles)
- Cicero (17 miles)
- North Lawndale (18 miles)
- New Lenox (18 miles)
- Berwyn (18 miles)
- Merrillville (18 miles)
- East Garfield Park (19 miles)
- Chicago Loop (19 miles)
- Darien (20 miles)
- West Town (20 miles)
- Crown Point (20 miles)
- Near North Side (20 miles)
- Oak Park (20 miles)
- Hobart (21 miles)
- Maywood (21 miles)
- Westmont (21 miles)
- Lockport (21 miles)
- Lincoln Park (22 miles)
- Logan Square (22 miles)
- Bolingbrook (23 miles)
- Melrose Park (23 miles)
- Woodridge (23 miles)
- Avondale (23 miles)
- Romeoville (23 miles)
- Belmont Cragin (23 miles)
- Downers Grove (23 miles)
- Joliet (23 miles)
- Crest Hill (24 miles)
- North Center (24 miles)
- Irving Park (24 miles)
- Portage (24 miles)
- Uptown (25 miles)
- Portage Park (25 miles)
- Albany Park (25 miles)
- Elmhurst (25 miles)
- Lincoln Square (25 miles)
- Lisle (26 miles)
- Edgewater (26 miles)
- Villa Park (26 miles)
- Lombard (26 miles)
- West Ridge (27 miles)
- Rogers Park (28 miles)
- Addison (28 miles)
- Glen Ellyn (28 miles)
- Naperville (29 miles)
- Plainfield (29 miles)
- Niles (29 miles)
- Park Ridge (29 miles)
- Skokie (30 miles)
- Wheaton (30 miles)
- Glendale Heights (30 miles)
- Morton Grove (31 miles)
- Des Plaines (32 miles)
- Valparaiso (32 miles)
- Elk Grove Village (32 miles)
- Wilmette (32 miles)
- Glenview (33 miles)
- Carol Stream (33 miles)
- Bloomingdale (33 miles)
- Roselle (34 miles)
- West Chicago (34 miles)
- Mount Prospect (35 miles)
- Kankakee (36 miles)
- Aurora (36 miles)
- Oswego (37 miles)
- Northbrook (37 miles)
- Hanover Park (37 miles)
- Hoffman Estates (37 miles)
- Rolling Meadows (38 miles)
- Batavia (38 miles)
- Bartlett (38 miles)
- Geneva (39 miles)
- Wheeling (39 miles)
- Michigan City (39 miles)
- Streamwood (40 miles)
- Palatine (40 miles)
- St. Charles (40 miles)
- Highland Park (40 miles)
- Buffalo Grove (41 miles)
- South Elgin (43 miles)
- Elgin (44 miles)