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.
FridayNovember 13
4:30 to 10:30pm, through Jan 3$29
Chicago Botanic GardenEighth annual after-dark illuminated trail through the Garden, about 1.3 miles of light installations including new U.S. debuts like Infinite Choir and returning favorites like the Winter Cathedral, with festive food and drink. Runs on select dates Nov 13, 2026 through Jan 3, 2027. Special themed nights include Jingle Jam family nights (Dec 9 and 16, with Santa), 21+ nights (Dec 10 and Jan 1), and a sensory-friendly night (Dec 2). Timed entry; buy early.
5 to 10pm, through Jan 3$40
Willow Hill Golf CourseSixth annual drive-through light show on the Willow Hill Golf Course: a 2.5-mile route with over 1.5 million LED lights, three drive-through tunnels and a 30-foot tree synced to music, plus Rudolph, Frosty and Twelve Days of Christmas displays. One ticket per vehicle; timed entry slots. Hot chocolate and mini donuts available. Open nightly at 5pm.
FridayNovember 20
5:30 to 8pmFree
Village Green ParkNorthbrook's downtown holiday kickoff at Village Green Park: complimentary hot chocolate, popcorn from the Sunset Foods wagon, music and a 6pm countdown lighting of the downtown holiday lights. Bring a coat to donate to the Rotary's Coat Off Your Back drive and receive a commemorative mug.
5:30 to 7:30pm, through Nov 22Free
EvanstonA juried holiday art and gift show running more than 20 years, filling both floors of the historic 1912 clubhouse with around 50 curated vendors: clothing, jewelry, home goods, ceramics, food, and bath and body. Free admission; proceeds fund the club's community grants.
7:30 to 9:30pm, through Nov 22$55
Oil Lamp Theater13th annual staging of Joe Landry's adaptation, performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast with foley sound effects in the theater's WBFR studio. Frank Capra's Bedford Falls story in an intimate 60-seat room in downtown Glenview. Previews Nov 20-21, then Thursday-Sunday performances plus Wednesday matinees. No show Christmas Day; confirm holiday-week times on the theater's ticket page.
SaturdayNovember 21
4 to 6pmFree
Port Clinton SquareThe City of Highland Park's annual kickoff to the holidays at Port Clinton Square: tree and menorah lighting, meet and greets with Santa and Hanukkah Harry, a Frozen Robins Carolers sing-along, free popcorn and hot cocoa, and festive photo vignettes including a giant sleigh and an inflatable snow globe.
FridayNovember 27
3 to 5:30pmFree
Market SquareThe North Shore's biggest small-town tree lighting: kids' activities from 3 PM, orchestra and choir, dance performances, and Santa before the lights go on at 5. Free.
SaturdayNovember 28
11am to 5pmFree
Downtown EvanstonShop local for the holidays across downtown Evanston's independent retailers and restaurants. Downtown Evanston offers a Holiday Shopping Passport with special offers, and shoppers who spend $100 or more earn an Evanston Gift Card.
4 to 6pmFree
Jackman ParkA small-town Glenview parade into a park party with Santa, hay rides, a kids' train ride, carolers, and hot chocolate. Free.
SundayNovember 29
3 to 5pm$14
North Shore Center for the Performing ArtsHoliday concert pairing James Bond film themes (Goldfinger, Live and Let Die, For Your Eyes Only, The Pink Panther) with Christmas carols. The newly merged Third Coast Symphony plays with vocalist Cheryl Wilson and a jazz trio, hosted by Bond novelist Raymond Benson. One matinee in the Van Dusen Theatre.
TuesdayDecember 1
7:30 to 9:30pm
Van Dusen TheatreThe touring Irish dance company's holiday spectacular: world-champion Irish dancers and musicians blend folk mash-ups, a cappella tap battles and carols with storytelling. One night only in the Van Dusen Theatre.
WednesdayDecember 2
2:30 to 6pm$5
Gorton CenterA Lake Forest tradition: kids shop for family gifts on their own with helpers and wrapping while adults wait outside. $5 per child.
All day, through Dec 6
Bennett Gordon HallFive holiday concerts in Bennett Gordon Hall, Dec 2 through 6: Chanukah: Songs of Light with Noah Aronson and The Or Collective (Dec 2); Christmas with Cantus: Lessons and Carols for Our Time (Dec 3); Wonderful: A Soulful Celebration with the Adrian Dunn Singers (Dec 4); A Merry Christmas with Brass with the Dallas Brass (Dec 5); and the family-friendly Jingle Bell JAM! with the JAM Orchestra (Dec 6).
FridayDecember 4
10am to 4pm, through Dec 6Free
Elawa FarmA historic Lake Forest farm turns into a holiday market over three weekends: local makers, fresh-baked treats, seasonal greenery, and craft activities for kids. Free admission.
5 to 6:30pmFree
Dwyer ParkWinnetka's annual community tree lighting at Dwyer Park, hosted with the Village and the Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber. Caroling and treats from 5 PM, with the tree lighting around 6 PM, plus a visit from Santa. Free.
SaturdayDecember 5
8:30 to 10am
Neiman Marcus NorthbrookA sit-down Santa breakfast inside Neiman Marcus Northbrook: brioche French toast for kids, mimosas for adults. $70 adults, $55 kids 3 to 12, under 3 free. Tickets sell out.
11am to 4pm
EvanstonChildren's music star Laurie Berkner brings her holiday concert to Cahn Auditorium with two shows in one day: an 11 AM early show (sold out) and a 3 PM afternoon show. Expect her beloved sing-along songs with a seasonal setlist, ideal for young kids.
11:30am to 1pmFree
Ravinia DistrictAnnual holiday crawl through the Ravinia District. Kids with an adult pick up a cookie collection bag at Jens Jensen Park, then visit local businesses for warm cocoa and festive cookies, explore the district's holiday decorations, and meet Santa while HPHS DJ Dylan plays holiday tunes.
1 to 3pm
George Van Dusen Theatre at North Shore Center for the Performing ArtsFull-length professional Nutcracker with guest soloists, an affordable first-ballet outing. Saturday matinee; a 5 PM show also runs. Tickets from $28.
2pm
HighwoodAnnual holiday pub crawl through Highwood: dress as an elf and join the troupe hopping through the town's bars and restaurants for live music, food and drink specials, and raffle prizes.
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