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.

Features art, music, lights, complimentary refreshments and the lighting of the City's official holiday tree. Families can watch ice sculptor Joe Gagnepain and stroll through luminaria-lit streets listening to holiday carols. At 6 p.m.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to help light the tree. Santa will be available for photos following the tree lighting.

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.

The first 100 kids to pre-order a copy of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel" from The Book Stall automatically receive tickets to attend a special meet and greet with Jeff Kinney, author of the blockbuster Wimpy Kid series.

Tad Hills, author and illustrator of the picture books "Duck and Goose" and "How Rocket Learned to Read," presents his new book, "Rocket Writes a Story" and signs autographs.

Young children get to play with parents and other children with special needs side-by-side in a safe, comfortable environment. Toys, balls, bubbles, art, books, and music are available. Provides an opportunity for parents to establish connections and support with each other. Siblings are also invited.