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Getting a chance to meet the jolly old man in the red suit at Christmas time will make any child’s day during the holidays. We’ve gathered up all the times and places in Lake County and the North Shore you can catch Santa Claus out and about before his big adventure delivering gifts to good boys and girls around the world.
Know of another event where kids could let Santa know what they want for Christmas? Sign up for your NeighborhoodCircle.com account and add your event to our calendar. We will make sure to add it to our guide.
You can also follow Santa and Mrs. Claus on Twitter. Find out how to send Santa a letter or get your little ones a call by visiting welcometothenorthpole.com.
GLENCOE
Light the Holiday Lights
When: Nov. 28, 5 p.m.
Where: In front of the holiday tree at Park and Vernon avenues
Activities: Christmas starts the day after Thanksgiving with the official tree lighting ceremony. Santa will join the festivities via a ride in a fire truck to the big tree. Refreshments will be provided by several Glencoe merchants and the Department of Public Safety.
Wonderland Express
When: Nov. 28-Jan. 4, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road
Activities: Watch model trains work their way through winter landscapes. There will also be a special breakfast with Santa, a supper with Santa for Garden members, the annual Reindog Parade, a Hanukkah dinner and concert as well as drop-in family activities.
Extra Info: Visit chicagobotanic.org for a full listing of events and registration.
Celebrating Christmas in Glencoe
When: Dec. 13, 1-2:45 p.m.
Where: Downtown Glencoe
Activities: Santa returns for one more visit in downtown Glencoe before Christmas.
GLENVIEW
Holiday in the Park and Parade
When: Nov. 29, noon-2 p.m.
Where: The parade heads down Glenview Road from Our Lady of Perpetual Help going west to Jackman Park, 1930 Prairie St.
Activities: The holiday parade with floats. Festivities in the park include a visit with Santa, hayrides, cookies, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and popcorn.
Country Christmas & Dessert with Santa
When: Nov. 30, Dec. 2-4, times vary
Where: The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave.
Acitivites: Meet at the Grove’s Pioneer Log Cabin in the woods to help decorate the Christmas tree, make crafts and enjoy the sights and sounds of a country Christmas. Take a pleasant walk to the Historic Redfield Center to enjoy refreshments, decorate cookies and visit with Santa.
Extra Info: Times vary, call for details and registration. Cost: $10/park district resident, $12.50/non-resident.
Breakfast with Santa
When: Dec. 13, 9-11 a.m.
Where: The Glen Town Center, 2651 Navy Boulevard
Activities: Santa invites everyone to enjoy a holiday breakfast provided by Eggsperience and take pictures with Santa.
Extra Info: The event is free. Reservations are required by calling 847-724-2025.
Story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus
When: Dec. 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: The Book Market at Hangar One, 2651 Navy Boulevard
Activities: Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special visit to the Book Market at Hangar One to read holiday stories with the children.
Extra Info: Complimentary beverages and treats will be provided by Starbucks and Cookies by Design (while supplies last).
Breakfast with Santa Claus
When: Dec. 6, 9:30 a.m.; Dec. 13 and 20, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Where: The Cafe at the Glenview Park Golf Club, 800 Shermer Road
Activities: Enjoy a buffet breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, ham, French toast sticks, bagels, sweet rolls, mini donuts, juices, milk and coffee and watch your child’s eyes light up as they meet Santa.
Extra Info: Cost per person is $13 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Children under 2 years are free. Make your reservations beginning Nov. 1 by calling 847-657-3200.
HIGHLAND PARK
Polar Express
When: Dec. 6, 9-10:30 a.m. and 3-4:35 p.m.; Dec. 13, 3:25-4:30 p.m.
Where: Highland Park Downtown Metra Station
Activities: Travel along with the Park District of Highland Park as we venture on a memorable Metra train ride. Dress in your favorite pajamas and enjoy your hot chocolate and donuts as a storyteller reads a magical story, "Polar Express," by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa will await our arrival at the North Pole (Waukegan) and return to Highland Park with us.
Extra Info: Registration is require, spaces fill quickly. Call 847-579-3120 for more information and to see if there are any available. Cost: resident $15 child/$25 adult, non-resident $22 child/$45 adult.
LAKE FOREST
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
When: Nov. 28, 4:45 p.m.
Where: Western Avenue at the Depot building west of the railroad tracks
Activities: Caroling and music by Lake Forest High School choristers begins at 4:45 p.m. The lights are set aglow at 5:15 p.m. For children and the young-at-heart, there will be a special visit by Santa Claus along with hot chocolate, donuts and cider.
LIBERTYVILLE
Tree Lighting
When: Nov. 28, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Cook Memorial Park
Activities: Enjoy the Village of Libertyville Tree Lighting Ceremony, choral performances and a rumored visit from a man in a red suit and very white beard! A stroll through the stores for special treats and a preview of the beautiful decorations is guaranteed to get you in the Holiday spirit!
Dickens of a Holiday
When: Dec. 6 and 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Cook Memorial Park
Activities: The kids know they have visited the real Santa and Mrs. Claus when he is outside (11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.) in a snow covered sleigh the Cook Park! Carriage rides around Cook Park, the Children’s Holiday Shoppe at the Libertyville Civic Center, and a tour of the Cook Mansion top the festivities.
Breakfast with Santa
When: Dec. 13-14 and 20-21, Seatings at 10 a.m. and noon
Where: Country Inn Restaurant, Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road
Activities: Enjoy a delicious brunch with the one and only Santa Claus! After brunch, kids will enjoy a variety of crafts and activities, and a visit and photo with Santa.
Extra Info: Please call the Country Inn Restaurant to make a reservation at 847-362-5050. $14.95 per person. Children under two eat for free.
MUNDELEIN
Sweat with Santa
When: Dec. 6, 7:15 a.m., 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: Mundelein Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Road
Activities: Adults (14 and older) can enjoy a great workout and burn off those holiday calories in advance with an energetic fitness “Santa.” Cycling (7:15 a.m.) or aerobics (half-hour classes, 8:30-10:30 a.m.) available.
Extra Info: Classes are free with a non-perishable food donation. No registration required.
Open House with Santa
When: Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Fort Hill Heritage Museum, 601 E. Noel Dr.
Activities: Children and adults are welcome to take a tour through the old Soo Line Depot, decorated for the Holidays. Photos will be taken with Santa, gifts for all and refreshments.
Extra Info: No charge. For more information, call 847-566-7743.
Snack with Santa
When: Dec. 6, Noon-1:30 p.m.
Where: Mundelein Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Road
Activities: Kids (ages 1 – 8) spend time with Santa, enjoy holiday snacks and get a special take-home treat.
Extra Info: Cost is $5 for Mundelein residents and $8 non-residents. Or, sign up for both Snack & Swim programs and save. Just $8 for both ($12 non-residents). Registration is required and can be done by calling 847-566-0650.
Swim with Santa
When: Dec. 6, 2-4 p.m.
Where: undelein Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Road
Activities: Yes, Santa enjoys swimming too. Enjoy a refreshing dip and a fun way to meet with Santa – in the pool. Children receive a special take-home treat.
Extra Info: Open to children of all ages. Cost is $5 for Mundelein residents and $8 non-residents. Or, sign up for both Snack & Swim programs and save. Just $8 for both ($12 non-residents). Registration is required and can be done by calling 847-566-0650.
NORTHBROOK
Photos with Santa
When: Nov. 22-Dec. 24, Beginning at 10 a.m. Mon.-Sat. and at 11 a.m. Sun.
Where: Northbrook Court, 2171 Northbrook Court by Neiman Marcus
Activities: Northbrook Court will once again host a special visitor this holiday season -- the real bearded Santa who will fulfill his traditional role of listening to children describe what they want for Christmas. Kids will find Santa sitting in his Santa chair ready to hear all their wishes.
Pet Photos with Santa
When: Nov. 24, Dec 1, 8 and 15, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Northbrook Court, 2171 Northbrook Court by Neiman Marcus
Activities: Pet Photo Night with Santa at Northbrook Court will be available on four consecutive Mondays throughout the holiday season.
Extra Info: Dogs and cats only. All pets must be leashed or caged. Pet owners must enter through the mall entrance located on the lower level near Stir Crazy restaurant. A pet waiver must be signed by all pet owners before photos are taken.
Pet Photos with Santa
When: Dec. 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Heartland Animal Shelter - Training Hall, 2975 Milwaukee Ave.
Activities: With just days to go before Christmas, Santa will drop by to visit the animals at Northbrook’s Heartland Animal Shelter on Sunday, December 21. Stop by with your pets from 11 am until 3 pm for a free photo and to see Heartland as well.
VERNON HILLS
Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: Nov. 29, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Vernon Hills Golf Course, 291 Evergreen Dr.
Activities: Help bring the holiday season in by assisting Mayor Roger Byrne flip the switch to the holiday tree. Bring the family, the neighbors and the kids out for hot chocolate, cookies and cider. With the assistance of the Countryside Fire District, Santa has been able to clear his calendar in order to attend this event.
WILMETTE
Holiday Parade
When: Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.
Where: CTA Parking Lot, Fourth Street
Activities: Marching bands, bagpipers, clowns, mini-cars and (of course) Santa comprise just some of the excitement that will take place during the Wilmette Chamber of Commerce annual Holiday Parade. The parade will begin at the CTA parking lot on Fourth Street at 10:30 a.m. and proceed west on Central Avenue to the Village Center at Wilmette Avenue. Bring your camera and take a free picture with Santa after the parade in front of Village Hall.
Pizza with Santa
When: Nov. 20, 12-1:30 p.m.
Where: Community Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Road
Activities: Santa’s elves will be serving yummy pizza and a holiday dessert treat, while children and parents enjoy a visit with Santa! Each child will receive a special treat and a photo with Santa.
Extra Info: Registration is limited, so reserve your space early! Children must be accompanied by an adult. For ages 1-7. $16 for residents and $20.50 for nonresidents.
WINNETKA
Winterfest Celebration
When: Dec. 6-7
Where: The businesses of Winnetka, Hubbard Woods, West Elm Street, East Elm Street and Indian Hill
Activities: Elementary school singing groups, professional carolers, open horse and wagon rides, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, soothing complimentary refreshments and a wonderland of unique gifts for the holidays!
Skating with Santa
When: Dec. 14, 1:20-2:35 p.m.
Where: Winnetka Ice Arena, 490 Hibbard Road
Activities: Spend some time with Santa on the ice at the Winnetka Ice Arena. The event is free and open to the public.
