The most wonderful time of the year has arrived, bringing with it that incomparable rush of holiday spirit! For families in the Elgin area, the season truly becomes magical when you get to come face-to-face with the stars of Christmas—the jolly old elf, Santa Claus, and the delightfully mischievous Grinch!
This year, the celebrity guest list is packed! You can also find the North Pole’s leading lady, Mrs. Claus, the cheeriest snowman, Olaf, and other holiday characters at events across the area.
From cozy breakfasts and brunches to fun-filled community festivals, we’ve gathered all the details on where to find these iconic holiday figures:
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Breakfast with Santa at the Village Squire in South Elgin
The Village Squire Restaurants - South Elgin 480 Randall Rd, South Elgin, ILBreakfast with Santa Saturday, November 22, 2025 9-10:30am Age: All Ages Join us for Breakfast with Santa. We will serve pancakes, eggs, bacon and a beverage. Plus, crafts, coloring reindeer food, and of course a visit from Santa. Everyone will have individual time to visit with Santa and a photo op. KM Parents: Please bring your own camera, pictures are not […]
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15-minute Mini Session photos with Santa at Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House
Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House 302 W. Chicago Street, Elgin, IL, United StatesStep into the historic Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, where holiday magic awaits. It’s the perfect setting for your festive photos. Book a 15-minute time block and bring your own camera to take photos however you like. Santa will be there, ready to make every moment special—he’s pet-friendly and sensory-friendly, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone, from your little ones to […]
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Lunch with Santa at the Village Squire in South Elgin
The Village Squire Restaurants - South Elgin 480 Randall Rd, South Elgin, ILLunch with Santa Saturday, November 22, 2025 11am-12:30pm Age: All Ages Join us for Lunch with Santa. Bring down the family and hang out with the big guy himself. Meals are as follows: Kids: Cheeseburger or Chicken Fingers; Adults: Cheeseburger or Chicken Sandwich. All meals will include fries and a beverage. Don’t forget about the individual time every child will get […]
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An Almost Winter Day holiday event in South Elgin
Seba Park 50 W State St, South Elgin, ILMake 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 includes an ice sculptor, bonfire, a tree decorating contest and snowball sling shot fun. Plus...Santa arrives at 2pm and will stay until 4:45 for pictures (bring your camera). At 5pm, the event shifts to […]
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15-minute Mini Session photos with Santa at Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House
Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House 302 W. Chicago Street, Elgin, IL, United StatesStep into the historic Nancy Kimball Cobblestone House, where holiday magic awaits. It’s the perfect setting for your festive photos. Book a 15-minute time block and bring your own camera to take photos however you like. Santa will be there, ready to make every moment special—he’s pet-friendly and sensory-friendly, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone, from your little ones to […]
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Santa’s Trolley Express at the Fox River Trolley Museum
Fox River Trolley Museum 365 S La Fox Street, South Elgin, United StatesAll Aboard for Holiday Magic at the Fox River Trolley Museum! Celebrate the season with a heartwarming holiday train ride that’s bursting with nostalgia, joy, and festive wonder! Climb aboard our beautifully decorated 1950s vintage elevated cars and journey down an authentic train line dating back to 1896—an unforgettable adventure your entire family will cherish. As the train rolls along, […]
$38.00 -
Elgin Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
DuPage Court 30 DuPage Court, Elgin, United StatesResidents and visitors will gather at DuPage Court (adjacent from the Fountain Square Apartment Homes) to view the annual tree lighting ceremony where Mayor David Kaptain, members of City Council, and Santa will turn on the holiday tree lights. The 2025 Tree Lighting Ceremony is set to occur on November 29 at 5:00-6:00 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will include […]
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Holiday Cookie Decorating with the Grinch at the Bartlett Fire Barn (various time slots)
Bartlett Fire Barn 218 S Main St, Bartlett, United StatesHoliday Cookie Decorating with the Grinch Date: November 30 Time Slots: • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM • 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Tickets: $28 per person; Cookie Decorating with the GRINCH Tickets | D's Treats (Tickets cannot be split) Event by D's Treats & Ice Cream. Each ticket includes: 60-minute time slot 5 cookies […]
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Santa’s Trolley Express at the Fox River Trolley Museum
Fox River Trolley Museum 365 S La Fox Street, South Elgin, United StatesAll Aboard for Holiday Magic at the Fox River Trolley Museum! Celebrate the season with a heartwarming holiday train ride that’s bursting with nostalgia, joy, and festive wonder! Climb aboard our beautifully decorated 1950s vintage elevated cars and journey down an authentic train line dating back to 1896—an unforgettable adventure your entire family will cherish. As the train rolls along, […]
$38.00 -
Holiday Santa Photo Op in the main lobby at Gail Borden Public Library
Gail Borden Public Library - Main Branch 270 N Grove Ave, Elgin, ILHo, ho, ho! Santa will be taking pictures with children and families before the holidays. Bonus: families who show that they have checked out a book will receive a special photo keepsake. Please register for one 30-minute time slot: Holiday Santa Photo Op - Gail Borden Public Library Santa se tomará fotos con ninos y familias antes de las vacaciones. […]
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Santa’s Trolley Express at the Fox River Trolley Museum
Fox River Trolley Museum 365 S La Fox Street, South Elgin, United StatesAll Aboard for Holiday Magic at the Fox River Trolley Museum! Celebrate the season with a heartwarming holiday train ride that’s bursting with nostalgia, joy, and festive wonder! Climb aboard our beautifully decorated 1950s vintage elevated cars and journey down an authentic train line dating back to 1896—an unforgettable adventure your entire family will cherish. As the train rolls along, […]
$38.00 -
Dickens in Dundee in East Dundee
The Depot 319 N. River Street, East Dundee, ILDickens in Dundee was formed in 1988. It began as a small community gathering, with caroling and the search for Tiny Tim’s crutch in local stores. With the support of local businesses, this event has grown significantly and attracts people from all over the Dundee area. This year’s Dickens in Dundee will take place on Friday, December 5th from 5:30-9:00 […]
