Record Roundup: Details on local tree lightings and 50 other opportunities for local holiday fun

Holiday fun is no longer right around the corner. It’s here.

The North Shore packs the holiday season with all kinds of events, everything from Santa breakfasts to tree lightings to campfires and more. For some of the events, you better act now to reserve your spot; for others, just circle the date and show up.

All the details you need for many of those events are below, but we surely did not list everything. If you have another event you think we must add to this list, please email newsroom@therecordns.org.

Lightscape
When: 4:30 p.m.-close select dates thru Jan. 4
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
Details: An after-dark, illuminated trail through the gardens that includes festive sounds coming from the trees. New this year are Jingle Jam Family Nights as well as 21+ nights. Advance tickets start at $26 for adult members, $29 for nonmembers, and $14 for children over 3 years old. Kids 2 and younger are free.

Letters to Santa
When: Thru Dec. 15
Where: Northfield Community Center, 401 Wagner Road, Northfield
Details: Drop off your letters in the special mailbox at the community center. Include your return address.

Reindeer Visit
When: Thru mid-December
Where: Chalet Nursery, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette
Details: Donner and Blitzen return to Chalet for the holiday season. Come see them during business hours. Special happy hours (hot chocolate, music, cookies, wine and beer) from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 11. Click here for more information.

Santa’s Mailbox Wilmette
When: Thru Dec. 7
Where: Mallinckrodt Park Gazebo, 1041 Ridge Road, Wilmette
Details: Children are urged to bring their letter to Santa to the special mailbox that delivers straight to the North Pole. Include a return envelope so Santa can write back.

Santa’s Mailbox Winnetka
When: Nov. 26-Dec. 18
Where: Winnetka Park District, 540 Hibbard Road
Details: This magical mailbox will make sure your letter gets to Santa Claus, but make sure you include a return envelope for a message from the big man.

Turkey Day Skate
When: 10:30 a.m.-noon Nov. 27
Where: Winnetka Ice Arena, 490 Hibbard Road
Details: Prepare for Thanksgiving dinner with a special skate day. Admission is $2 per skate. Skate rental is $4.

Light the Lights Festival
When: 5-7 p.m. Nov. 28
Where: Downtown Glencoe, Wyman Green
Details: Gather to enjoy the lightscape — including the 6-foot, lighted 60022 display — and family-friendly activities (trackless train rides, meet with characters from “Frozen,” live music, hot chocolate, igloo photobooth, light tunnel, more) throughout downtown Glencoe, including Tudor Court where there will be live reindeer and a carnival ride. Santa will be at Writers Theatre. A sensory room will be available at the Glencoe Public Library. The lighting ceremony will be at 5 p.m. Click here for more information.

Game of Gnomes
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 27
Where: Wilmette
Details: Search Wilmette storefronts for gnome stickers. Write the names on a game card and drop the completed card at Yellow Bird Stationery and Gifts, 1199 Wilmette Ave., for a chance to win a Shop Wilmette gift card.

Santa at Chalet
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 28-30, Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14
Where: Chalet Nursery, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette
Details: Mr. and Mrs. Clause will spend the day at Chalet. Stop by to have your photo taken and share your wishlist. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments (sold out) take priority. Join the waitlist.

Breakfast with Santa
When: Nov. 29, 30; Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21
Where: Pit and Tap, 1168 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette
Details: Santa will visit the holiday pop-up Deck the Halls at Pit and Tap for four straight Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets (purchase online) come with a classic American breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, mini pancakes, orange juice and coffee.

Gingerbread Birdhouses
When: 10-11 a.m. Dec. 3
Where: Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park
Details: Discover some of the bird species that spend the winter in Highland Park and create your own house-shaped treat to take home. Cost: $14. More information and to register.

Northfield Holiday Fest
When: 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 3
Where: Clarkson Park, 1950 Willow Road, Northfield
Details: Light the park with Santa Claus while enjoying music from local students, crafts, food and drink from Stormy’s Tavern, crafts, s’mores and more.

Holiday Open House: Sip and Shop
When: 4-7 p.m. Dec. 4
Where: Downtown Wilmette, near Wilmette and Central avenues
Details: Businesses in the Wilmette central business district will have festive specials, promotions and treats during this popular event with an earlier start time this year. The Wilmette Woman’s Club is joining this year with a Holiday Market featuring more than 20 local vendors from 4-8 p.m.

Winnetka Holiday Tree Lighting
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: Dwyer Park, 521 Birch St.
Details: An annual tradition, kick off the holiday month with the tree lighting (6 p.m.) and lights around Dwyer Park. Enjoy holiday caroling, a visit from Santa and elves, and hot beverages and treats.

Winter Wonderland
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park
Details: Meet live reindeer and enjoy an iceless rink, Hannukah room, cookie decorating, train rides and photos with Santa. Cost is $10 per resident and $12 for nonresident. Registration.

Adult Gingerbread House Workshops
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 5-6
Where: Lakeview Center, 800 Gillson Park Drive, Wilmette
Details: For ages 21 and up, start with a box house and cover in frosting, candy, cookies and whatever else. The event is BYOB. More information and to register.

Breakfast with Santa (Highland Park)
When: 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dec. 6
Where: The Clubhouse at Sunset Valley Golf Club, 1390 Sunset Road, Highland Park
Details: Tickets ($25-$35) include a breakfast buffet, kids activities, crafts, a small gift and of course a visit from Santa. More information and to register.

Breakfast with Santa (Wilmette)
When: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14 and 20 (multiple time slots)
Where: The Lawn Grill at Wilmette Golf Club, 3900 Fairway Drive
Details: Visit and snap a photo with Santa and receive a goodie bag. A family-style breakfast will include pastries, fruit, pancakes, bagels and lox, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage. Registration is required. Adults $41 resident/$51 nonresident. Children (3-17) $20/$25.

‘Frozen’ Pancake Breakfast
When: 9-10:45 a.m. Dec. 6
Where: Convito Cafe, 1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette
Details: RSVP and prepay (depends on food order) by Nov. 29 for this event featuring Olaf, Anna and Elsa from the movie “Frozen” and a menu with adult and kids dishes. To sign up, call (847) 251-3654 or email convitomanager@gmail.com. More information.

Alvin the Elf’s Winter Carnival
When: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 6
Where: Skokie School, 520 Glendale Ave., Winnetka
Details: Carnival games, cookie decorating, reindeer, refreshments and more — and maybe even a visit from the big guy (Santa!). Registration is between $15-$20.

Holiday Happenings and Wilmette Tree Lighting
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Downtown Wilmette, Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Ave.
Details: A day of festivities — such as visits with Santa Claus, a giant snow globe, curling in Ouilmette Way, carolers, “Elf” at Wilmette Theatre, and candy canes and hot chocolate — ends with a tree lighting at 5 p.m. on the Village Hall Green. More information.

Mini Marshmallow 3K
When: 10-11 a.m. Dec. 6
Where: Laramie Park, 5251 Sherwin Ave., Skokie
Details: A youth (age 6-13) race around the park also includes hot cocoa with marshmallows for all participants, as well as a T-shirt, goodie bag and medal. Registration ($20-$25) ends on Dec. 5.

Ravinia Cocoa and Cookie Crawl
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Jens Jensen Park, 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Details: Visit local businesses for warm cocoa and cookies and more activities.

The Great Ornament Hunt
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park
Details: Follow the center’s trails and use clues to hunt for ornaments hidden in the trees. Then share hot cocoa while making your own bobbles to take home. Cost: $14. More information and to register.

Kenilworth Tree Lighting
When: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Kenilworth Assembly Hall, 410 Kenilworth Ave.
Details: Enjoy Santa storytelling, face painting, carolers, games, hot chocolate and more before a tree lighting at 6:15 p.m.

Gingerbread House Workshops
When: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Dec. 6-7
Where: Community Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Road, Wilmette
Details: Cover your box house with frosting, candy, cookies and other goodies and make sure you bring something in which to carry your creation home. Fee is $49 for resident and $61 nonresident. More information and to register.

North Shore Winter Classic Skating Competition
When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Centennial Ice Arena, 3100 Trail Way, Highland Park
Details: Guests can enter free and take in a day of competitive figure skating.

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus
When: 8-11 a.m. Dec. 7
Where: Kenilworth Assembly Hall, 410 Kenilworth Ave.
Details: Enjoy a breakfast buffet and photos with Santa in this event from the Kenilworth Park District. More info and tickets.

Welcome to Winter
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Weinberg Family Recreation Center, 305 Randolph St., Glencoe
Details: A new event this year, this winter carnival features Happy Land Mini Golf on ice, ice skating and other winter activities along with refreshments. Free for passholders and $24 for nonpassholders. More information and registration.

State of the Villages Holiday Tea
When: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 12
Where: Winnetka Congregational Church, 725 Pine St., Winnetka
Details: Hear updates from village managers of Winnetka (Kristin Kazenas), Northfield (Patrick Brennan) and Kenilworth (Kathy Thake), as well as Village Presidents Cecily Kaz (Kenilworth), Chris Rintz (Winnetka) and Tracy Mendrek (Northfield) and Township Supervisors Gail Eisenberg (New Trier) and Shiva Mohsenzadeh (Northfield). The event will include a holiday collection for the New Trier Township and Northfield Township food pantries. RSVP required.

Visit with Santa
When: 4-8 p.m. Dec. 12
Where: Weinberg Family Recreation Center, 305 Randolph St., Glencoe
Details: Santa Claus will be on hand to take photos with guests, who can also enjoy holiday treats and activities. Sessions occur every 10 minutes and registration is required for $15/$20 per group.

Hot Cocoa Ugly Sweater 5K
When: 8 a.m. Dec. 13
Where: Takiff Center, 999 Green Bay Road, Glencoe
Details: Free to participate. This festive run is hosted by the Walk Run Club and is for all ages and abilities. Register.

Breakfast with Santa (Skokie)
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 13
When: Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St.
Details: A breakfast buffet with the big man. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets are $22/$24. More information and to register.

Gingerbread House Making
When: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 13
Where: Kenilworth Assembly Hall, 410 Kenilworth Ave.
Details: Decorate your own gingerbread house with frosting and candy provided. More info TBA here.

Downtown Skokie Holiday Cookie Walk
When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Downtown Skokie (Starting location: 5111 Brown St.)
Details: The third annual event will welcome more than 20 participating merchants in this fundraiser for the Skokie Community Foundation. With each ticket ($36.35) you’ll receive a cookie box and map of participating businesses. More information and tickets.

Firehouse Winterfest
When: 2-5 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Skokie Heritage Museum, 8031 Floral Ave., Skokie
Details: Hand dip candles, craft garland and make other wintery crafts while enjoying hot chocolate and carolers (3 p.m.). Crafters: $15/$20. More information and to register.

Holiday Skating Exhibition
When: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Winnetka Ice Arena, 490 Hibbard Road
Details: Any skater enrolled in the winter sessions may participate in the show, which is free to attend. Right before the exhibition, from 2-3:20 p.m., enjoy a Ugly Sweater Holiday Skate.

Winter Solstice Lantern Walk
When: 6-7 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park
Details: Take a walk on the center’s trails with a homemade nature lantern to guide the way. Participants will share poems and songs from winter traditions across the world. Cost: $14. More information and to register.

Holiday Exhibition
When: 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14
Where: Centennial Ice Rinks, 2300 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette
Details: The free annual exhibition for the park district’s skating classes. Attendance is free.

Wilmette Menorah Lighting
When: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14
Where: Wilmette Village Hall Green, 1200 Wilmette Ave.
Details: A community gathering co-sponsored by the local chamber of commerce and Village and Chabad of Wilmette with a lighting of a large menorah and performance by live entertainers, giveaways and more.

Adults Over 60: Holiday Sweater Bingo Party and Luncheon
When: noon-2 p.m. Dec. 16
Where: Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
Details: In your most festive sweater, enjoy live entertainment, a lunch buffet, bingo and prizes. Register by Dec. 11. More information and to register ($17/$21).

The Great Holiday Wrap-up
When: noon- 6 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Mallinckrodt Center, 1401A Ridge Road, Wilmette
Details: Drop off up to 10 gifts per family and let the park disrict’s wrappers take care of your holiday labor. There is no fee, but the district requests donations to the New Trier Township Food Pantry. More information and registration.

Gingerbread House Decorating
When: 5-6 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Winnetka Community Room, 540 Hibbard Road
Details: Space is limited for this event in which children will use sweets and candies to build their own gingerbread house. More information and registration.

Meet Disney’s ‘Frozen’ Princesses
When: 4-6 p.m. Dec. 18
Where: Chalet Nursery, Wilmette
Details: Anna, Elsa and their friends will greet guests, take photos and generally spread holiday cheer. More information.

Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 18
Where: Clarkson Park, 1950 Willow Road, Northfield
Details: An outdoor menorah lighting followed by indoor refreshments (latkes, doughnuts) and activities, including a Hanukkah Mania Show by Randy. RSVP requested.

8 Nights, 8 Lights
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St., Skokie
Details: All are welcome to this festival of lights. Learn the Hanukkah story, enjoy latkes with members of Lubavitch Chabad and spin the dreidel. Cost: $8/$10. More information and to register.

Gingerbread House Decorating (Skokie)
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 18
Where: Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
Details: This in-person workshop will give families a kit to assemble and decorate a gingerbread house. Afterward, the Exploritorium is open. Registration is good for up to four people.

Women of Note Holiday Concert
When: 2:30 p.m. Dec. 19
Where: Mallinckrodt Center, 1041A Ridge Road, Wilmette
Details: The women’s chorus, which debuted in 1965, will put on a holiday show, with favorites like “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” Light refreshments provided. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. More information.

Winter Solstice Light Up the Green Bay Trail
When: 5-6 p.m. Dec. 19
Where: Shelton Park, 251 Harbor St., Glencoe
Details: Come decorated in lights and other bright objects (no candles) to help light up the Green Bay Trail for this ninth annual event to mark the passing of the longest period of darkness of the year. Enjoy music, a bonfire, hot chocolate and more. Event updates.

Skate with Santa (Skokie)
When: 2-3:15 p.m. Dec. 20
Where: Skatium Ice Arena, 9340 Weber Park Place
Details: Join Santa on the ice and grab some photos with the big man while he’s there.

Glow Gnomes Campfire
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 20
Where: Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie
Details: Enjoy the first day of the annual Gnome Hunt by searching for gnomes in the dark with the help of glow necklaces before a campfire with snacks. For families with children ages 2 and up. Cost: $7. More information and to register.

Hanukkah Fun and Latkes
When: noon-2 p.m. Dec. 21
Where: Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
Details: A Hanukkah celebration with a dreidel competition, menorah building, crafts, kids activities and latkes. Registration recommended, but walk-ins welcome.

Skate with Santa (Wilmette)
When: 11 a.m. Dec. 24
Where: Centennial Ice Rinks, 2300 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette.
Details: A holiday-themed public skate complete with hot chocolate, candy canes and a visit from Santa. Fee is $5 with a donation to the Wilmette Food Pantry. Skate rental is $5. More information.

Holiday Sing
When: 6-6:30 p.m. Dec. 24
Where: Village Green Park, 525 Maple St., Winnetka
Details: Winnetka neighbors will gather on the village green for the 30th annual tradition. Guests are welcome to bring candles or flashlights and sing holiday favorites.

Itty Bitty New Year
When: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 31
Where: Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
Details: This family event features a DJ, games, crafts and a balloon drop at noon. All adults and children need a ticket ($5-$20). More information and to register.

First Day Hike
When: 11 a.m.-noon Jan. 1
Where: The Preserve of Highland Park, 1207 Park Ave. West, Highland Park
Details: Kick off 2026 with a free guided walk at The Preserve. Registration is required.

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