The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. on Nov. 15 in Pere Marquette park. Featuring live music, fireworks and the ceremonial lighting of the downtown lights. The light festival features thousands of lights and holiday displays.

Settlers' Day  | South Holland

FREE

Visit with costumed living history demonstrators, representing American history from French fur trading days, pioneer times, and the Revolutionary and Civil War periods.  Activities include joining an imaginary wagon train, guided history hikes, trying your hand at a two-person buck saw, and making a craft.

With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can traverse the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville or the 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. Starting Sunday, Nov. 4, the trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open until 9 .m. daily until March 9.

Talented local artisans sell unique handmade gifts including art jewelry, hand-knitted and woven scarves and garments, ornaments, wood carvings, paintings, and glass. A visit from Santa, strolling carolers and Christmas trees decorated by local preschools add to the fun.

Cookies, gifts, and coffee or hot cider. Santa is available for photos for $10.

The Black Hawk Performance Company presents a cultural program that includes oral history, storytelling, dance, drumming and traditional as well as modern music. The performers will be dressed in authentic regalia. Registration requested.

Stories, craft projects and family fun. Best for children up to age 5. Barnes and Noble, Hawthorn Westfield Mall in Vernon Hills. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is requested. Register online, by email or by phone at (312) 444-2812.

Includes turkey bowling, pumpkin sweep, corn toss, chicken in a coop, turkey pick, turkey shoot, a craft table and more. Register by calling (219) 374-4444.