The holiday season is a magical time, and what better way to add to the excitement than by meeting Santa Claus and The Grinch in person? Many local restaurants and establishments host special events where children and adults alike can meet these beloved characters. Here are a few places to consider:
Carpentersville
- Date: Dec. 8
- Location: El Molino Mexican Restaurant, 2112 Elgin Road, Carpentersville
The Jolly Stop Meet & Greet with Santa
- Date: Dec. 13
- Location: Rakow Center, Adult Activities Center Wing, 665 Barrington Ave., Carpentersville
- Date: Dec. 14
- Location: Sunrise Social, 2258 Randall Road, Carpentersville
- Date: Dec. 14 and Dec. 15
- Location: Platt Hill Nursery, 2400 Randall Rd, Carpentersville
East Dundee
- Date: Dec. 7
- Location: Aliano’s Ristorante, 310 N River St.
- Date: Dec. 15
- Location: Diamond Jim’s, 325 Meier St.
- Date: Dec. 15
- Location: River Street Tavern, 102 N. River St.
- Date: Dec. 15
- Location: Tequila Val’s Mexican Grill & Cantina, 309 Meier St
Irish American Breakfast with Santa
- Date: Dec. 21
- Location: Rosie O’hare’s Public House, 702 Water St.
Elgin
Photos with Santa at the Cobblestone
- Dates: Nov. 23 and Nov. 24
- Location: Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, 302 W. Chicago St., Elgin
- Date: Dec. 1
- Location: Danny’s on Douglas, 231 Douglas Ave., Elgin
Meet the Grinch at Rookie’s Elgin
- Date: Dec. 5
- Location: Rookies Elgin 2486 Bushwood Drive, Elgin
- Date: Dec. 8
- Location: Elgin Public House, 219 E Chicago St.
Meet Santa at Nick’s Pizza & Pub
- Date: Dec. 12
- Location: Nick’s Pizza & Pub, 990 S. Randall Road
- Date: Dec. 14
- Location: Alexander’s Cafe, 1725 N State St., Elgin
- Date: Dec. 14
- Location: Camp Big Timber, Elgin
The Grinch Comes to Elgin Public House
- Dates: Dec. 15 and Dec. 22
- Location: Elgin Public House, 219 E Chicago St.
Hampshire
- Date: Dec. 21
- Location: Allen’s Corner Diner, 44W483 US Highway 20
South Elgin
- Date: Nov. 23
- Location: South Elgin Village Squire, 480 Randall Road
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
- Location: South Elgin Village Squire, 480 Randall Road
- Date: Dec. 8
- Location: Village Tavern & Grill of South Elgin, 464 Redington Drive, South Elgin
West Dundee
- Date: Dec. 14
- Location: Maple & Hash, 629 S Eighth St
Candy Quest’s Jolly Holiday Adventure
- Date: Dec. 21
- Location: Candy Quest, 739 S. 8th St.
