Holiday
Events
Welcome to McHenry County, where the holiday season is celebrated with warmth, joy, and a touch of local charm! Whether you’re looking for family-friendly festivities, cozy winter markets, or dazzling light displays, you’ll find plenty of holiday events to brighten up your season. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, McHenry County offers a wide variety of activities to help you make the most of the festive time of year. Explore unique local traditions, savor seasonal treats, and join in the merry-making at events that capture the spirit of the holidays. Plan your holiday getaway today and discover why there’s no place like McHenry County for the holidays!
Please join us Nov 7-10 for our Holiday Open House where there will be vintage Christmas decor, great gift ideas, prizes, refreshments and tons of fun!
Please mark your calendars for the 7th Annual Quarry Merry Market! Sip and shop from 25+ elevated vendors. Enjoy festive decor, a hot cocoa bar, fun cocktails, light bites, fire pits, and more! Friday, November 8: 3pm-8pm Saturday, November 9: 10am-3pm $2 Adult Tickets Under 18…
We are excited to announce a NEW and exclusive, kid-friendly area at our 7th Annual QRY Merry Market! Join us at The Quarry Cable Park & Grille in Crystal Lake, IL, USA for a day of shopping, food, and fun. The Candy Cane Kid Lane has a $5 entry fee per child (kids may enter…
A heartwarming and humorous adaptation of the beloved holiday film. Set during the 1940s in the imaginary town of Hohman, Indiana, “A Christmas Story: The Musical” centers on the adventures of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker. Ralphie’s greatest Christmas wish is to receive an Official…
Join us for some holiday cheer & shopping at the McHenry Riverwalk District. Shop at our 10 tiny shops & market vendors in Miller Point Park, eat at a food truck & enjoy entertainment in the gazebo. 11/16 theme is Gratitude & Glee Food Truck is E.J. Pierogi from…
- McHenry Recreation Center
- Recurring daily
November 22 – December 29 Come see the trees specially decorated by local businesses and vote on a winner by dropping off a non-perishable food item or toiletries under your favorite! (All items will be donated to Veterans Path to Hope.)
Living Windows and Cocoa Crawl November 17 from 4-7pm November 22 from 4:30-7:30pm Sponsored by Castle Automotive Group McHenry’s downtown stores come to life with magical scenes of the season in the store windows. Purchase a mug for the Cocoa Crawl to receive samples of a…
12:00-4:00pm Horse drawn sleigh rides around Veteran’s Memorial Park 12:00 – 4:00 pm Come visit Santa under the gazebo. Home Depot will hand out Kids Build-It Kits. Kids’ games and craft activities will be provided by McHenry Area Chamber members. 4:30 pm McHenry High…
ALL ABOARD! In full Polar Express theme, get ready to party like you really want to – in your pajamas! Fun holiday drink specials are at each location. Jump on the free trolley to get to all of the stops. Each ticket holder also has the chance to win one of our awesome…
Route: Kane Street to Green Street to Pearl Street to Riverside Drive to Broad Street Enjoy the holiday themed floats and motorcycles as we kick off the Toys for Tots giving season. Participants are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy that will be collected at the park and…
Join us for our Annual Festival of Lights Parade in Downtown Crystal Lake! This year’s theme is: “ Wish You Were Here: An Island Christmas ” 🌴🎄 November 29th, 7pm Get ready to light up the night with tropical holiday vibes—think palm trees, ukuleles, and Christmas cheer under…
Embark on a magical 40 minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus himself! Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family See and visit with Santa Claus on the train Treats and hot chocolate will be served An animated light show and holiday song…
Visit the beautiful and historic Square on the Friday after Thanksgiving and help the City of Woodstock usher in the official start to the holiday season. With the flip of a switch, tens of thousands of twinkling lights are illuminated on Park trees and Square buildings, ushering…
This seasonal favorite 5k and 1 mile race is sure to bring out your holiday cheer! Register for the McHenry County Santa Run and receive a Santa Suit or a long sleeve t-shirt, race through the streets of Downtown Crystal Lake, and enjoy your hot coffee afterwards! The race is…
Enjoy a beautiful stroll under the stars as we light a trail through Veteran Acres Crystal Lake Trail map with parking and low mobility course information located on our website $1 per person/$5 max per family donation appreciated for future Nature Center education programs DEC…
Ring in the holiday season with 3rd Coast Brass! This exciting and fun program is filled with traditional Christmas favorites, selections from holiday film scores and brass ensemble classics. For this special concert, 3rd Coast Brass will be appearing as a ten piece ensemble that…
Start the day off with the Huntley Rotary Club Running of the Elves and our Kris Kringle Market. Then join us in the evening for a pasta dinner at Legion Post 673, holiday shopping, train rides, reindeer, cocoa, the lighting of the trees and gazebo in the Town Square, fireworks…
Join us for a delightful event where the magic of Christmas comes alive. Children will gather around as Mrs. Claus captivates them with enchanting holiday stories. There will be time for cookies and cocoa and holiday activities. Santa will stop by as well. This will be a jolly…
The Emmy-Winning Imagination Movers story is the ultimate example of the power of imagination. In 2002, four New Orleans friends– Rich Collins, Scott Durbin, Dave Poche, and Scott “Smitty” Smith– had an idea.They thought kids wanted and deserved music that spoke to…
The Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival is a delightful annual event that transforms downtown Cary into a winter wonderland. Families and friends gather to experience the magic of the holiday season. At this festive celebration, you can visit Santa Claus, pet adorable…
The Festive Foreign Film Fans podcast is live at Duke’s this holiday season. Join Bob Baker and Mark Chandler as they invite the audience to join them as they explore festive foreign films, music, food, and customs from around the world. Quench your Christmas thirst and get your…
Ladies, join us for an evening out in Huntley! Ring in the holidays with a night of fun, pampering, special promotions and so much more. Pre-registration for this event is NOT required! The first 200 ladies checking in will receive extra goodies. The fun starts when you check in…
ELGIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024 | 8:00 PM Tickets: $59/ $65 / $69* Members: $41.30 / $45.50 / $48.30* Enjoy Christmas favorites and seasonal music at this annual Yuletide concert at Raue Center For The Arts! The Elgin Symphony Orchestra returns with conductor…
Oh, the weather outside may be frightful, but the Village Hall fireplace is delightful! While waiting for your photo with Santa, you'll wrap around all the uniquely decorated spaces inside Village Hall. Marvel at our lobby filled with snowflakes, high-five Frosty the Snowman, and…
Step back in time and watch volunteers in historical attire at the Powers-Walker House prepare for the winter and the holidays! Drop in program.
Ages 5+ Join Diana Kenney as she portrays Barbara Schuenemann, telling the story of her husband Herman, Captain of the Christmas Tree Ship. Schuenemann, fondly known as Captain Santa, brought shiploads of Christmas trees from northern Michigan to Chicago each year until his ship…
Engage Dance Theater Presents The Nutcracker FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024 | 6:00PM TICKETS* $25 Adults $17 Students A SWEET HOLIDAY TRADITION FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! This performance is a 60 minute adaptation of the classic holiday tale. Join Clara at her annual Christmas Eve party at…
Get Your Event Featured on Our Page and Calendar
Are you hosting an event in McHenry County and want to reach a wider audience? We’d love to feature your event on our Holiday Events page and add it to our event calendar! This is a fantastic opportunity to promote your event to locals and visitors who are eager to explore everything McHenry County has to offer.
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Share the details of your event, including the date, location, and a brief description. Make sure to include any special highlights or activities that would appeal to our audience.
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