Festive Celebrations and Festivals
The holiday season is a time of joy, wonder, and community. Many towns and cities in the Elgin area host festive celebrations and festivals that offer a variety of activities for people of all ages. Here are some of the most popular events:
An Almost Winter Day in South Elgin: Nov. 23
Make s’mores, decorate cookies, enjoy craft projects, get a balloon animal, drop-off a letter to Santa and get a reply from the North Pole). The afternoon will also include an ice sculptor, bonfire, a tree decorating contest and snowball sling shot fun. New this year: dog sled demos by Free Spirit Siberian Rescue. Plus…Santa arrives at 2 p.m.
Kegs and Legs: Black Wednesday Block Party in East Dundee: Nov. 28
This Black Wednesday, join us for Kegs and Legs, the biggest party of the year. The village is shutting down Meier St and setting up a massive, all-weather tent to bring you an unforgettable experience. With a full day of live music, food like giant turkey legs, and drinks, you’ll have access to three amazing bars—Diamond Jims, Foxy’s Hideaway, Maple and Hash, and Tequila Vals—all under one roof.
Dickens in Dundee: Dec. 6 and Dec. 7
About: The weekend kicks off each year on the first Friday in December, with tree lighting ceremonies in both East and West Dundee. Residents and visitors stroll through downtown East and West Dundee to see local merchant’s windows “come alive” during Living Windows. Saturday offers a variety of activities, including the Riverside Parade of Lights in the evening, which travels along the Fox River from West Dundee to Carpentersville and ending in West Dundee.
Holiday in the Hollow: Dec. 7
The Sleepy Hollow Service Club invites all of Sleepy Hollow to gather for hot cocoa, holiday cheer, music by Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, tree lighting, visit with Santa, and more.
Holiday Magic on Main Street in Burlington: Dec. 7
Family-friendly festivities including live music, hot chocolate, hot cider, and cookies. A commemorative ornament will be gifted to attendees as a keepsake of this special day. Santa will make a grand entrance, arriving on Burlington’s firetruck direct from the North Pole.
Santa’s Hampshire Jinglefest Parade: Dec. 7
This event will include singing at the Christmas tree, hot chocolate and cookies, tree lighting, a holiday parade, and Santa’s arrival.
Carpentersville’s Winterville in the Park Celebration: Dec. 7
Sip on hot cocoa while spending quality time with Santa, sing Christmas carols, and witness Triangle Pp=ark come alive with dazzling lights as the grand tree is illuminated.
Elgin Police Department’s Annual Winter Open House: Dec. 7
Come meet EPD officers and staff and celebrate the season.
Krampus Nacht in downtown Elgin: Dec. 7
Participating restaurants and bars will have Krampus themed food & drink specials all day to celebrate the season.
A Magical Nighttime Spectacle
As the holiday season approaches, many communities come alive with the magic of light parades. Here are some of the most spectacular light parades and drive-throughs in the area:
Goebbert’s Christmas Light Drive Thru Show & Larsen’s House Display: Begins Nov. 28 and runs select dates through Jan. 5
- Experience the magic during this Christmas light show event.
Santa’s Village Magical Christmas Drive-Thru: Begins Nov. 29 and runs select dates through Dec. 29
- Enjoy millions of lights synchronized to your favorite holiday music. Be sure to stop at the end to visit the Santa’s Village Photo and Food Festival. Ride the snowless tube slide, enjoy numerous photo opportunities, and don’t forget to visit with Santa, all included with your general admission.
Riverside Parade of Lights: Dec. 7
- Join the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce, and the villages of East Dundee, West Dundee, and Carpentersville, for a truly magical event as the riverfront transforms into a winter wonderland.
Performances
Elgin Theatre Company presents The Christmas Express at the Elgin Art Showcase: Select dates Nov. 15 -24
Third Annual Elgin Sing-Along Messiah at ECC’s Blizzard Theatre: Dec. 6
The Nutcracker All Jazzed Up at the Bartlett Park District: Dec. 6& 7; Dec. 13 &14
It’s a Terrible Life: Holiday Improv Show at Side Street Studio Arts: Dec. 6-8
A Bing Crosby Christmas with Broadway’s Jared Bradshaw at ECC Arts Center: Dec. 7
A Night of Christmas Music at Evangelical Covenant Church: Dec. 7
M3 Dance Company presents The Nutcracker at the Hemmens: Dec. 7 and Dec. 8
An Acoustic Christmas with Chicagoland artists at Rookies Rochaus: Dec. 12
Sons of Serendip Christmas: Beyond the Lights at ECC Arts Center: Dec. 13
Holiday Spectacular presented by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra at the Hemmens: Dec. 14 and Dec. 15
Looking for more holiday fun? Check out our other Home for the Holidays blogs:
🎄 Home for the Holidays: Visits with Santa, The Grinch – Explore Elgin Area
🎄Home for the Holidays: Tree Lightings – Explore Elgin Area
