Holiday events on the North Shore
40 upcoming. Holidays on Chicago's North Shore: tree lightings, light shows, markets and concerts from Evanston to Deerfield.
SaturdayDecember 5
2 to 5pm$15
West Ridge Community CenterAn afternoon of holiday activities for all ages at West Ridge Community Center: elf training, building a plush toy, a Hannukah treasure craft, and a private 1:1 visit with Santa in his workshop with a family photo to take home. Registration is per child and children must come with an adult. Price $15 resident, $17 non-resident.
2 to 3pmFree
Gorton CenterFree one-hour family sing-along of holiday classics led by a local kids' music favorite. An easy no-cost afternoon at the Gorton Center.
4:30 to 7pmFree
Fountain SquareEvanston's annual tree lighting at Fountain Square with local elected officials, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and holiday music from local singing groups. The tree is lit around 5 PM, followed by more entertainment, plus free Santa photo ops at The Merion starting 5:30 PM.
SundayDecember 6
10:40am to 12pmFree
Alice Millar ChapelNorthwestern Bienen School of Music's beloved annual holiday tradition in Alice Millar Chapel: readings and carol settings from medieval to modern for choir, brass, strings, and organ, with the Millar Choir, Philharmonia, and the Brass Ensemble. Free with reserved ticket.
2 to 3:15pm
Skatium Ice ArenaA Grinch-themed public skate for kids who love the movie, midday Sunday at the Skatium. Regular public skate pricing applies.
WednesdayDecember 9
5 to 6:30pm
Devonshire Cultural CenterA family Hanukkah festival of lights with treats, the Hanukkah story, and activity stations. Ticketed; check the Skokie Park District events page for 2026 pricing.
ThursdayDecember 10
4 to 7pm$10
EvanstonA self-guided evening stroll through downtown Evanston with a souvenir holiday mug, complimentary warm drinks at participating shops and restaurants, plus shopping and dining specials. Part of the ticket supports the Evanston Nouveau Rotary Club.
FridayDecember 11
5 to 8pmFree
Village HallThe village's annual holiday kickoff on the Village Hall lawn: live ice sculpting, tractor wagon rides, performances by the Deerfield High School Choraliers and the Frozen Robins, roasted chestnuts and the mayor lighting up Village Hall. Free.
SaturdayDecember 12
9am to 2pmFree
Patty Turner CenterIndoor holiday market at the Patty Turner Center with local artisan and craft booths, food vendors, nonprofit booths, live entertainment and kids activities. Free to shop; vendor spaces $50.
9:30 to 11:30am
Oakton Community CenterThe classic pancake breakfast with Santa at the Oakton Community Center, cheap, cheerful, and close to everything. Ticketed; see the Skokie Park District events page.
11am to 9pm, through Dec 13Free
PalmhouseA two-day holiday market at Palmhouse with a curated lineup of local makers and small businesses, festive food and seasonal cocktails, hot chocolate, and holiday music. Free admission; a relaxed weekend stop for finishing gift shopping.
12 to 1:30pm
Devonshire Cultural CenterA hands-on midday cookie-decorating session for kids, a sweet add-on to the morning's Santa breakfast across town. Registration through the Skokie Park District.
2 to 3:15pm
Skatium Ice ArenaSkate alongside Santa at the Skatium's themed public skate on a Saturday afternoon. Regular public skate pricing applies.
4:30 to 11pm, through Dec 13
SPACEThe Chris White jazz trio performs Vince Guaraldi's complete 1965 A Charlie Brown Christmas album with a three-person choir at SPACE. Multiple shows across three days: matinee, early, and late sets. All ages; tickets run about $20 to $41.
SundayDecember 13
1 to 5pm
Skokie Heritage MuseumA firehouse-themed winter festival at Skokie's local history museum, a quirky low-key afternoon kids remember. Free; check the Skokie Park District events page for details.
FridayDecember 18
5pmFree
Shelton ParkEighth annual community parade marking the year's longest night. Decorate yourself, kids, dogs, strollers, or wagons with lights and glow items, then stroll the Green Bay Trail from Shelton Park with songs and a performance of the Abbot's Bromley Horn Dance, ending back at the park for a bonfire, hot chocolate, and refreshments. Canceled in severe weather.
SundayDecember 20
1 to 2:20pm
Gorton Center, John & Nancy Hughes TheaterThe Lake Forest Civic Orchestra's popular holiday concert: Nutcracker excerpts, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas reading, family sing-along, and a pre-show Santa visit. $25 adults, $15 kids; a 4 PM show also runs.
WednesdayDecember 30
7:30 to 10:30pm, through Dec 31
SPACESinger-songwriter Ben Kweller returns to SPACE for a two-night New Year's stand with special guest Case Oats: a Wednesday night show on Dec 30 and a late NYE show on Dec 31. All ages; tickets about $45 to $80 depending on the night.
ThursdayDecember 31
10:45am to 12pm
Skatium Ice ArenaKids ring in the new year on ice with a balloon drop at noon, home well before bedtime. Regular public skate pricing applies.
7 to 11:59pm
Nichols HallEvanston's New Year's Eve arts celebration at the Music Institute of Chicago's Nichols Hall. Doors open at 7 PM; the evening starts at 8 PM with mentalist Christopher Carter, headliner Corky Siegel rings in the New Year twice (11 PM with NYC and again at midnight), and Chip Covington and Crew close with bluegrass past midnight.
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