It's holiday time, Northbrook! Let our guide show you all the best seasonal activities. Whether you're a Northbrook expert or a newcomer, this guide will enhance your holiday experience.
One of the most beloved traditions is the Christkindlmarket, featuring charming stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts and delicious food that embody the spirit of a European Christmas market. Light Up the Lake transforms local parks with stunning light displays, creating a magical atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy. And the Christmas Around the World exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing festive decorations and traditions from various cultures. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Northbrook
- Christkindlmarket (Chicago)
- Christmas Around the World at Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago)
- Light Up the Lake (Rosemont)
- Vintage Holidays in Long Grove (Long Grove)
- Illuminate Northbrook
- The Nutcracker by Salt Creek Ballet (Skokie)
- Willow Hill Lights
- Santa's Arrival 2024 (Vernon Hills)
- Holiday Magic in Motion (Bolingbrook)
- A Martian Christmas Carol
See these and even more events listed below!
Northbrook Holiday Light Displays
Illuminate Northbrook
What to Expect:
Complimentary hot chocolate and festive holiday lights.
Description:
Gather in the heart of Northbrook to kick off the holiday shopping season with complimentary hot chocolate as the holiday lights illuminate downtown Northbrook. Enjoy the ambience and support local businesses for shopping and dining.
Where: Northbrook | More Info: Illuminate Northbrook
Willow Hill Lights
What to Expect:
2.5-mile route with synchronized lights and music.
Description:
Willow Hill Lights is a drive-thru holiday light show at Willow Hill Golf Course in Northbrook, IL, featuring over one million LED lights, three drive-through tunnels, and a 30-foot Christmas tree.
Where: Northbrook | More Info: Willow Hill Lights
Light Up the Lake
What to Expect:
Largest indoor holiday light show with oversized sculptures and ice skating.
Description:
Light Up the Lake is an indoor holiday light sculpture experience at Navy Pier, featuring over 600,000 twinkling lights, an Alpine ice rink, holiday beer garden, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Rosemont | More Info: Light Up the Lake
Holiday Magic in Motion
What to Expect:
Interactive, augmented reality holiday decor experience.
Description:
At The Promenade Bolingbrook, immerse yourself in a world of twinkling lights and interactive displays. Stroll through 11 illuminated displays, including a 10-foot tall gift box and two nine-foot tall candy canes. Each magical item includes a gift tag that allows visitors to scan a QR code and discover an augmented reality experience on their phones. Enjoy local entertainment, photos with Santa, and vendors selling food, coffee, and sweets.
Where: Bolingbrook | More Info: Holiday Magic in Motion
Northbrook Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarket
What to Expect:
Traditional German holiday market with international and local vendors.
Description:
Christkindlmarket is a German-style Christmas market offering free admission, featuring over 50 vendors selling unique gifts, food, and drinks. The event includes festive music, live entertainment, and a variety of holiday-themed activities.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christkindlmarket
Northbrook Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas With Vox Venti
What to Expect:
World premiere by Vox Venti director Ed Frazier Davis.
Description:
Join Vox Venti for their season opener, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw and works by Nathaniel Dett, Ēriks Ešenvalds, and Daniel Godsil. The concert includes a world premiere by Vox Venti director Ed Frazier Davis and celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day with Chickasaw composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate's "Visions of a Child."
Where: Northbrook | More Info: Christmas With Vox Venti
A Martian Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed play with a science fiction twist.
Description:
A Martian Christmas Carol is a unique theatrical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale set in a Martian environment, blending science fiction with holiday cheer.
Where: Northbrook | More Info: A Martian Christmas Carol
Burning Red’s 2nd Annual Christmas Birth-TAY Bash
What to Expect:
Ultimate live band tribute to Taylor Swift with a festive atmosphere.
Description:
Join Burning Red for a tribute to Taylor Swift at their 2nd Annual Christmas Birth-TAY Bash. Enjoy a live band sing-along party featuring hits from every Taylor Swift era, including a musical stop at her Christmas Tree Farm. The event includes a free Swiftie-themed photobooth, Taylor-inspired cocktails, and a variety of food options.
Where: Northbrook | More Info: Burning Red’s 2nd Annual Christmas Birth-TAY Bash
Kim Barrett's Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Holiday concert with classic and modern Gospel hits.
Description:
Join Kim Barrett and Hollywood Comedian Tshaun Barrett for an unforgettable musical experience featuring classic Christmas songs and modern Gospel hits. Enjoy music, drinks, snacks, and laughter while supporting the Simeon Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.
Where: Northbrook | More Info: Kim Barrett's Christmas Concert
The Nutcracker by Salt Creek Ballet
What to Expect:
Live orchestra performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Salt Creek Ballet presents a timeless tradition of over 37 years with Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker." The production features live accompaniment from New Philharmonic, amazing scenery, and a cast of one hundred, including local children and young adults. It is based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffman and follows Clara's journey with her nutcracker doll as they navigate a magical world filled with waltzing flowers, giant mice, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Where: Skokie | More Info: The Nutcracker by Salt Creek Ballet
Northbrook Other Holiday Activities
Vintage Holidays in Long Grove
What to Expect:
Nostalgic holiday activities in a historic downtown setting.
Description:
Vintage Holidays in Long Grove features horse-drawn carriage rides, festive carolers, and Santa in the village, set amidst historic downtown's quaint shops and old-world charm.
Where: Long Grove | More Info: Vintage Holidays in Long Grove
Christmas Around the World at Museum of Science and Industry
What to Expect:
Global holiday traditions displayed in a festive forest setting.
Description:
At the Museum of Science and Industry, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light features a four-story Grand Tree surrounded by over 50 trees decorated by volunteers to represent holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. This annual celebration includes exhibits showcasing various global holiday customs and traditions.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Christmas Around the World at Museum of Science and Industry
Santa's Arrival 2024
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa's grand entrance and festive activities.
Description:
Join Santa Claus at Hawthorn Mall for a grand entrance in a festive parade near the lower level of Macy's. Enjoy fun activities like meeting Santa's elves, holiday characters, face painting, balloon twisting, crafts, and music entertainment. Each registered child receives a Holiday Swag Bag, and delicious treats and warm beverages are available. This event is a perfect way to start the holiday season and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Where: Vernon Hills | More Info: Santa's Arrival 2024
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Highland Park (4 miles)
- Glenview (5 miles)
- Wheeling (5 miles)
- Morton Grove (6 miles)
- Wilmette (7 miles)
- Buffalo Grove (7 miles)
- Mount Prospect (7 miles)
- Des Plaines (7 miles)
- Niles (8 miles)
- Park Ridge (8 miles)
- Skokie (8 miles)
- Rolling Meadows (10 miles)
- Vernon Hills (10 miles)
- Palatine (11 miles)
- Elk Grove Village (11 miles)
- West Ridge (11 miles)
- Rogers Park (12 miles)
- Portage Park (12 miles)
- Albany Park (12 miles)
- Libertyville (12 miles)
- Lincoln Square (13 miles)
- Irving Park (13 miles)
- Mundelein (13 miles)
- Edgewater (13 miles)
- North Chicago (14 miles)
- Belmont Cragin (14 miles)
- Hoffman Estates (14 miles)
- North Center (14 miles)
- Avondale (14 miles)
- Uptown (14 miles)
- Logan Square (16 miles)
- Melrose Park (16 miles)
- Addison (16 miles)
- Roselle (16 miles)
- Elmhurst (17 miles)
- Oak Park (17 miles)
- Lincoln Park (17 miles)
- Maywood (17 miles)
- Gurnee (17 miles)
- Bloomingdale (17 miles)
- West Town (18 miles)
- East Garfield Park (18 miles)
- Villa Park (18 miles)
- Hanover Park (18 miles)
- Grayslake (19 miles)
- Near North Side (19 miles)
- Glendale Heights (19 miles)
- Berwyn (19 miles)
- Streamwood (19 miles)
- North Lawndale (19 miles)
- Lombard (19 miles)
- Chicago Loop (20 miles)
- Cicero (20 miles)
- Bartlett (20 miles)
- South Lawndale (21 miles)
- Lower West Side (21 miles)
- Glen Ellyn (21 miles)
- Chicago (21 miles)
- Near South Side (21 miles)
- Round Lake Beach (22 miles)
- Carol Stream (22 miles)
- Carpentersville (22 miles)
- Bridgeport (22 miles)
- Zion (22 miles)
- Brighton Park (22 miles)
- Douglas (23 miles)
- Wheaton (23 miles)
- New City (24 miles)
- Downers Grove (24 miles)
- Gage Park (24 miles)
- Algonquin (24 miles)
- Elgin (24 miles)
- Westmont (24 miles)
- Grand Boulevard (24 miles)
- West Lawn (25 miles)
- Chicago Lawn (25 miles)
- South Elgin (25 miles)
- West Chicago (26 miles)
- West Englewood (26 miles)
- Englewood (26 miles)
- Lisle (26 miles)
- Lake in the Hills (26 miles)
- Hyde Park (26 miles)
- Crystal Lake (26 miles)
- McHenry (27 miles)
- Woodlawn (27 miles)
- Ashburn (27 miles)
- Darien (27 miles)
- Burbank (27 miles)
- Greater Grand Crossing (28 miles)
- Auburn Gresham (28 miles)
- South Shore (28 miles)
- Woodridge (29 miles)
- St. Charles (29 miles)
- Naperville (29 miles)
- Chatham (29 miles)
- Oak Lawn (29 miles)
- Geneva (30 miles)
- Pleasant Prairie (30 miles)
- South Chicago (30 miles)
- Huntley (31 miles)
- Morgan Park (31 miles)
- Batavia (31 miles)
- Kenosha (32 miles)
- Bolingbrook (32 miles)
- Wasco (32 miles)
- Blue Island (33 miles)
- Woodstock (34 miles)
- Orland Park (34 miles)
- Dolton (36 miles)
- Romeoville (36 miles)
- Aurora (36 miles)
- Oak Forest (37 miles)
- Homer Glen (37 miles)
- Harvey (37 miles)
- South Holland (38 miles)
- Tinley Park (38 miles)
- Calumet City (39 miles)
- East Chicago (39 miles)
- Lockport (39 miles)
- Mount Pleasant (39 miles)
- Plainfield (40 miles)
- Oswego (41 miles)
- Lansing (42 miles)
- Crest Hill (42 miles)
- Munster (42 miles)
- New Lenox (43 miles)
- Joliet (44 miles)
- Chicago Heights (44 miles)
- Highland (44 miles)
- Gary (44 miles)
- Park Forest (45 miles)