Old fashioned Christmas celebrations radiate the joy and magic of the holidays in a comforting, wistful, nostalgic way. We have quite a number of charming Christmas events in the Chicago suburbs and nearby to transport us back a time long ago. Today, I am sharing 15 of my favorites:
November 24 - December 23 Christmas in Woodstock featuring nostalgic activities including horse drawn carriage rides certain nights and performances of White Christmas at the Opera House. See schedule.
Ongoing - New Year's House Tours of the Dawes House in Evanston will delight not only with the history of the mansion but also the holiday decor! Afternoon tours are given on various dates during the season, so check the website and reserve a spot. Admission is $10 per person.
December 1-23 McCormick House and Garden: Lights and Music at Cantigny Park features dazzling light displays throughout the garden. The first floor of the historic McCormick Mansion will be decorated. New ice rink. Pop-up attractions certain days. $10 parking, $15 per adult, $5 per child. Tuesdays-Saturday. Tickets available online.
December 2 & 9 The Night Before Christmas Exhibit and Ansel B. Cook Holiday Home display in Libertyville will delight visitors with a Victorian Christmas. The home will be open 11AM-3PM both days. $5/adults and kids are free.
December 2 Once Upon a Christmas at the Museums at Lisle Station Park in Lisle 3PM-7PM is in conjunction with the Santa Parade and village tree lighting. Enjoy a holiday workshop in the blacksmith shop, hot chocolate, hot cider and more. Purchase handcrafted gifts. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit. Free.
December 3 through January 7, 2024 Victorian Christmas at the Clayson House in Palatine begins with an Open House December 3 with holiday cheer, punch, and cookies 1PM-4PM. Hours are Tuesday 9AM-4PM, Thursday 12PM-4PM and Sunday 1:00PM-4:300PM. Admission is free.
December 8-9 and 15-16 Holly Jolly Days at Naper Settlement in Naperville invites revelers to learn how reindeer shoes are made from a blacksmith and take pictures at the Pine Craig Mansion decorated with Victorian trimmings. Create crafts. Listen to stories in the one room schoolhouse. 3PM-7PM December 8 & 15; 12PM-5PM December 9 & 16, $5 pp, purchase tickets online.
December 9-24 Christmas Victorian Cottage in Lombard will dazzle visitors with Victorian holiday decor. Tours will be given December 8-23 at a variety of times. Tours are $5 pp for those ages 12+. Under 12 are free. Reserve tickets online.
December 9-10 Christmas in the Valley at the Heritage Farm and Merkle Cabin in Schaumburg has long been one of my favorite holiday events in the Chicago suburbs. How can you not love visiting with Father Christmas by the fire in a cabin? Crafts, Victorian decorations, 1880s Christmas activities, s'mores and more round out special holiday adventure. The event runs 12PM-4PM. Admission is $3 pp or $12 per family.
December 9 Christmas Candlelight Tours at The Grove will usher guests by candlelight through the holiday adorned rooms of the Kennicott House. In each room, visitors will learn about a holiday tradition. $12 pp, $14 pp for non-residents. Please register online.
December 9 Merry and Bright: A Victorian Christmas at Downers Grove's Blodgett House captivates visitors with holiday cheer as they tour a beautifully decorated Victorian home. The event also includes a luminary walk, carolers, and a campfire. Free. The event runs 3PM-6PM.
December 9 Holiday at Grandma's House whisks visitors back to a holiday from years past in Ringwood's 1854 Powers-Walker House from 12PM-4PM. Enjoy a fresh tree decorated with natural trimmings and learn how homes prepared for winter and the holidays from costumed interpreters. Free.
Ongoing - New Year's Dickens-Kringle Christmas Village in Antioch will treat you to a variety of Dickens scenes for the holidays. Additionally, visitors will enjoy Kringle's shadowboxes with holiday scenes. This year's exhibit also includes a Christmas tree decorating contest. The event is free and open daily 10AM-8PM at #510 Orchard St. in Antioch.
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