Happy Holidays! Celebrate the season on Chicago’s North Shore with festive events and cheerful gatherings. From dazzling light shows and holiday markets to wine walks, concerts and unique shopping experiences, there's something for everyone this December. Read on to discover all that’s happening this month. | |
Wine & Art Walk
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Start at Forza Meats | 1811 Glenview Rd., Glenview
Sip, Sip, Hooray! Invite your friends for a delightful evening in downtown Glenview, where art and wine unite for an extraordinary journey through a dozen local businesses! Along the way, you’ll indulge in tastings of two exquisite wines at each location while exploring a curated collection of local artwork.
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Smile with Santa!
NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 24
Westfield Old Orchard - Trolly Park | 4905 Old Orchard Ctr., Skokie
Kick off the holiday season with a visit to Santa in Trolley Park. Stop by Candy Cane Station located right outside of Trolley Park to enjoy everything festive while you wait. Visits with Santa are always free! Paid photo opportunities will be available. We suggest making your reservation ahead of time to secure your spot.
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First Look at the New Ryan Field
Northwestern University and the Ryan Family have officially unveiled the first public look at the new Ryan Field, a state-of-the-art $850 million sports and entertainment venue set to become a landmark for college football and Chicago. Scheduled to open in 2026, the new Ryan Field promises to bring a world-class student-athlete, fan and community experience to college sports.
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Holiday Cookie Walk
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Start at Who Modern | 7933 Lincoln Ave., Skokie
The holiday season is even sweeter with Skokie’s annual downtown Holiday Cookie Walk! Kick off the festive adventure at Who Modern, where you’ll register, pick up your cookie bag and receive a map of all the participating businesses. Then explore downtown Skokie, collecting delicious individually wrapped cookies at each stop. YUM!
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Holiday Light Celebration
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Fountain Square | 1601 Sherman Ave., Evanston
Evanston’s annual tree lighting ceremony is a holiday favorite as Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome everyone to Fountain Square! Guests enjoy live holiday-themed music, complimentary hot cocoa, sweet treats and more!
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It’s All Fun and Games: Celebrating the Holidays with Historic Toys
NOW THROUGH JANUARY 5, 2025
Evanston History Center | 225 Greenwood St., Evanston
This holiday season, discover and celebrate Evanston’s iconic contributions to the toy industry and explore the History Center’s extensive collection of historic toys and games. Did you know that Evanston residents invented Tinkertoys, Operation and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots? It’s true! And Evanston’s toy story would not be complete without a spotlight on Rudolph, the beloved reindeer created by Evanston’s Robert L. May!
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Holiday Entertainment!
THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts | 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
The holiday entertainment season is in full swing! Tickets are still available for Salt Creek Ballet’s The Nutcracker (12/6), Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, the timeless tale of family, resilience, and a determined young writer finding her way in the world, (through 1/5) and Music Theater Works: Legally Blond (through 12/29).
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‘Tis the Season: Holiday Happenings on the North Shore
THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
Various Locations
Photos with Santa, holiday performances, tree lightings, light shows, a holiday cookie walk, family holiday teas, a house tour, shopping events, and so much more – it’s easy to get into the holiday spirit on Chicago’s North Shore! There’s so much to do and see. Start planning today!
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Game of Gnomes
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024
Plaza del Lago, Downtown Wilmette
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Bad Momz of Comedy
DECEMBER 4, 2024
Hangar Two by Tangled Roots Brewing Co., Glenview
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