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Chicago holiday festivals 2011
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From tree lightings to sleigh rides to unique shopping opportunities, Chicago area cities and towns know how to celebrate the holidays.
Celebration of Lights FestivalFREE
Celebration of Lights Festival | BataviaNovember 27 (Sunday) , 5:30-7 p.m.
Experience the magic of the holidays with a visit from Santa, hayrides, caroling and entertainment.
Christkindlmarket Chicago FREE
Christkindlmarket Chicago | ChicagoNovember 23 - December 24, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 24 and Dec. 24.
Traditional German winter holiday market features holiday decorations, vendors in stalls and cottages selling German gift items and foods, entertainment and activities for all ages. Check the website for a detailed schedule of hours and events.
Festival of LightsFREE
Festival of Lights | AuroraNovember 26 - December 26 (Sunday,Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Saturday) , Nov. 26-Dec. 26, 2010. 5-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Families can drive through a mile of lighted holiday displays, many of them animated. There is no charge to drive through the park, but donations are requested. Proceeds benefit local charitable organizations.
Get more information at the website.
Long Grove Holiday Festivities
Long Grove Holiday Festivities | Long GroveNovember 9 - December 31, Visit website for information
Featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa and entertainment. Check website for detailed schedule. Weekends from Nov. 13-Dec. 31, 2010.
Wonderland Express
Wonderland Express | GlencoeNovember 25 - January 1, Call or visit the website for times.
Enjoy indoor and outdoor lighted displays, designer wreaths and trees, a replica English country train platform, and the Model Railroad Garden in seasonal decor.
Santa's Winter Wonderland
Santa's Winter Wonderland | ChicagoNovember 1 - December 31, Open daily Nov. 1-Dec. 31, 2011. Santa visits noon-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Visit website for additional weekend activities schedule.
Indoor winter festival features the Winter Wonderland Holiday Train. Santa visits on Saturday-Sunday and there are special activities each weekend.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights FestivalFREE
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival | MilwaukeeNovember 17 - January 1 (Sunday,Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday) , Nov. 17-Jan. 1. Festival Kick-off:6 p.m. Nov. 17. Visit website for Jingle Bus schedule.
The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. on Nov. 17 in Pere Marquette park. Featuring live music, fireworks and the ceremonial lighting of the downtown lights. The light festival continues from Nov. 17-Jan. 1 and features thousands of lights and holiday displays.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show
Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show | Vernon HillsNovember 27 - January 2, 6-10 p.m. Nov. 27-Jan. 2. Closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1.
Drive through the estate to view thousands of lights, animated displays and holiday decorations. Enter from Lakeview Parkway.
Christmas Around the World
Holidays around the world
Kidsworks Touring Theatre and the Museum of Science and Industry each have two great events to learn how to celebrate in any language.
Kick off the holidays on the Magnificent Mile
Wanna take your family to the Mag Mile lighting ceremony on Nov. 19 but feel it might be too overwhelming? We have insider tips on when to arrive, where to sit, and even where to warm up and find a restroom.
ZooLightsFREE
ZooLights | ChicagoNovember 25 - January 1, 5-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday Nov. 25-Dec. 11, nightly Dec. 16-Jan. 1. Closed Dec. 24 and 25.
The zoo becomes a winter wonderland illuminated by more than 2 million lights. Watch live ice carving, prepare family crafts, and enjoy the animal exhibits.
St. Lucia Festival of Lights
St. Lucia Festival of Lights | ChicagoDecember 13 (Tuesday) , 4:45 p.m. procession, 7 p.m. service at Ebenezer Lutheran Church.
The festival of St. Lucia is a celebration of lights prevailing over the darkest time of the year. Start at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark, for the annual candlelit, carol-filled procession down Clark Street. Afterwards, the museum hosts singing, family entertainment and treats. The procession is free; admission to the museum is $1 or a canned food item to benefit the homeless. There will also be a special St. Lucia service down the street at Ebenezer Lutheran Church starting at 7:00 p.m.
Christmas Walk & Hinsdale’s Storybook Village - A Gingerbread’s TaleFREE
Christmas Walk & Hinsdale’s Storybook Village - A Gingerbread’s Tale | HinsdaleNovember 30, 4-8 p.m.
The streets come alive with Gingerbread men, Radio Disney, Santa and much more. Merchants celebrate the holidays by staying open late and celebrating their customers.
