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Suburban tree-lighting events kick off holiday season

Addison Tree-lighting Ceremony: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec, 1, village hall and green and Addison Historical District, 1 Friendship Plaza. Visit with Santa and Christmas characters, ride the Christmas Express, listen to Christmas carolers, experience a living Nativity scene and enjoy festive holiday treats. Free. www.facebook.com/AddisonEvents/.

Antioch Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Main Street, downtown Antioch. Parade on Main Street between Park Avenue and Depot Street travels north and concludes with the tree lighting outside village hall, 874 Main St. Homemade cookies, hot chocolate and caroling. Santa will make a special appearance. Free. www.antioch.il.gov.

Algonquin's Holiday Rock on the Fox: 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Riverfront Park, 201 N. Harrison St. Tree-lighting ceremony, visit with Santa and friends, ice sculpture, family activities, and holiday music. Free admission. Toys for Tots donation bins available for new, unwrapped toys. Free. www.algonquin.org.

Arlington Heights Tree-lighting Ceremony: 4-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, North School Park, Arlington Heights Road and Eastman Street. Tree lighting at 5 p.m., lighted holiday displays throughout the park, and performances by a baton group, dance troop and Hersey High School Dickens Carolers. Free. www.ahpd.org.

Aurora Festival of Lights: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive. Open 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24 to Dec. 26. Drive through more than a mile of animated displays. Free, but donations welcome. www.aurorafestivaloflights.com.

Bartlett Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, Bartlett Park, North and Oak avenues. Visit Santa at the Log Cabin, 5-6:30 p.m. Lighting the holiday tree, 7 p.m. in park. www.village.bartlett.il.us.

Barrington Home for the Holiday and Tree Lighting: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in village's four shopping districts. Free carriage rides, a petting zoo, story hour with Mrs. Claus, reindeer, ice sculptures, crafts and free cookies, cider, hot chocolate. 5 p.m. tree lighting at Cook and Main streets and the official arrival of Santa. Photos with Santa 5:15-6:30 p.m. enjoybarrington.com.

Batavia's Celebration of Lights: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, Batavia Riverwalk, Houston Street and Island Avenue. Hayrides, free roasted chestnuts, holiday craft market inside city hall, and hot dogs and hot chocolate for sale. Community singalong, 5:15 p.m. before arrival of Santa and tree lighting, 5:30 p.m. Christmas tree Lane with 25 holiday trees decorated by local organizations and businesses. Hayrides for $1 or a nonperishable donation to the Batavia Food Pantry. Free admission and parking north of the Batavia Government Center. www.bataviaparks.org

Bensenville Holiday Magic and Tree Lighting: 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, village hall, 12 S. Center St. Music, reindeer, commemorative ornament, refreshments, free movies at the Bensenville Theater. Free. www.bensenville.il.us.

Bloomingdale Festival of Lights: Old Town Park, 111 Third St. Lighting ceremony, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. Horse-drawn carriage rides, crafts, family bingo, Santa visits, train rides and card decorating. Free. Continuing the rest of the month will be the Holiday Show at the museum, “Toys, Trains and Teddy Bears,” a Lego exhibit open during regular museum hours through Dec. 30. www.bloomingdaleparks.org.

Bloomingdale Holiday Open House: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, Bloomingdale Public Library, 101 Fairfield Way. Free entertainment and refreshments. Tree-lighting ceremony, 6:45 p.m. mybpl.org.

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 2-17, and Tuesday to Sunday, Dec. 26-31, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. 36th annual Holiday Magic invites guests to sing to the animals and enjoy professional ice-carving demonstrations, magic shows, a 41-foot talking tree, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus (the latter through Dec. 17). Tickets: Adults: $19.85 ($18.85 online); Seniors 65 and over: $14.50 ($13.50 online); Children 3-11: $14.50 ($13.50 online). www.czs.org/magic.

Campton Hills Holiday in the Hills: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, village hall, 40W270 La Fox Road. Tree-lighting ceremony, ornament decorating, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, arriving by fire engine. Music by Kaneland High School Madrigals, Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra and Thompson Middle School. Holiday live greens and roasted chestnuts available for purchase. Scavenger hunt for ages 17 or younger, with prizes. Free shuttle buses. www.villageofcamptonhills.org.

Carol Stream Tree Lighting: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, Ross Ferraro Town Center, Gary Avenue and Lies Road. Music, crafts, Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m. Free. carolstream.org.

Cantigny Holiday Festival: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Mistletoe Market 1-7 p.m., carolers, live reindeer and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free; $5 per car parking and small fees apply to some activities such as face painting and sleigh rides. (630) 260-8216 or cantigny.org.

Cary Holiday Walk and Tree Lighting: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Jaycee Park, off Silver Lake Road. Lighting of the Jaycee Park Holiday Walk, visits with Santa and his live reindeer and ice skating (weather permitting). Free. (847) 639-6100 or www.carypark.com.

Merry Cary Holiday Parade and Festival: Noon-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, downtown Cary. 16th annual parade steps off at 1 p.m. at West Main Street and ends at Jandus Road and Cary Street. Sleigh rides, petting zoo, pony rides and entertainment. carygrovechamber.com.

Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Tree Sale: Opens Friday, Nov. 24, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Zoo open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 24 to Dec. 30. Lights go on at 3 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. Open 9 a.m.-noon Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve. Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with 20,000 twinkling lights, Christmas trees to purchase. Free. wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Crystal Lake Festival of Lights Parade: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, downtown Crystal Lake. Annual parade with the theme “A Candy Cane Christmas” steps off at North Walkup Avenue and Woodstock Street, south on Caroline Street, Crystal Lake Avenue to Grant Street, Brink Street to Williams Street. The parade ends with Santa lighting the Christmas tree. Free. downtowncl.org.

Des Plaines Tree-lighting Ceremony: 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, downtown Metropolitan Square, 647 Metropolitan Way. Free. www.desplaines.org.

Dickens in Dundee: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, downtown East and West Dundee. The 30th annual winter festival features tree lighting, living windows, Spirit of Christmas parade, Santa, petting zoo, crafts, gingerbread village, Festival of Trees and more. Free admission. dickensindundee.org.

Downers Grove Tree-lighting Ceremony: 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Main Street train station, 5001 Main St. Mayor lights tree decorated with more than 1,000 ornaments handmade by local youth. Free. events.downers.us.

Elburn Christmas Stroll: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, through businesses in downtown Elburn. Join 23rd annual event while celebrating Small Business Saturday and enjoying holiday themed giveaways, activities and entertainment. Free. elburn.com.

Elgin Winter Wonderland: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, downtown Elgin. 19th annual event holiday market, pictures with Santa, Santa's live reindeer, sleigh rides, food trucks, live holiday music, tree-lighting ceremony and more. Free. elginwinterwonderland.com.

Elk Grove Village Tree Lighting and Concert: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Village Green, 901 Wellington Ave. Tree lighting and concert by Gary Lewis and the Playboys. Cookies, hot chocolates and refreshments. Free. www.elkgrove.com.

Elmhurst Tree Lighting in Wilder Park: 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave. Free. www.epd.org or (630) 993-8900.

Fox Lake Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting: 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, Millennium Park, 6 Rollins Road. Parade lines up at Grant High School and proceeds on Grand Avenue. Caroling and hot cocoa. Santa's house opens at 6:30 p.m. Free. Visit foxlake.org.

Fox River Grove Tree-lighting Ceremony: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Algonquin Road School, 975 Algonquin Road. Pictures with Santa, live music, cookies, and activities. Free. www.foxrivergrove-il.org.

Geneva Christmas Walk: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, Third Street between James and Campbell streets, Geneva. Santa Lucia arrives with Santa to light the Great Tree on the courthouse lawn and to open the Gingerbread House. Live Nativity, roasted chestnuts, strolling carolers, candy canes, and holiday shopping. (630) 232-6060 or www.genevachamber.com.

Geneva Commons Christmas tree-lighting Ceremony: Friday, Nov. 24, Geneva Commons, off Randall Road. Free horse-drawn carriage rides, 3-6 p.m., and Santa Claus arrives at 5:30 p.m. to light the giant tree. Kids can visit Santa and receive a holiday gift until 7 p.m. shopgenevacommons.com.

Glendale Heights Tree Lighting: 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27, Glendale Heights Civic Center Complex, 300 Civic Center Plaza. Mayor and Santa illuminate the complex. Choral groups sing. Free refreshments at the Center for Senior Citizens. Free. gendaleheights.org.

Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Main Street and Crescent Boulevard. Lifted by a fire department truck, Santa lights the tree at Main Street and Crescent Boulevard, greets children at Fire Station 1, Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Holiday music and entertainment. Merchants open with refreshments and specials. Free. www.glenellynchamber.com.

Grayslake Tree-lighting Festival and Holiday Market: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Center and Seymour Avenue. Downtown tree-lighting festival. Sleigh rides on Center Street, 6-8 p.m., and visits with Santa at The Oasis, 151 Hawley. Free. grayslakechamber.com.

Hanover Park tree-lighting ceremony: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, village hall, 2121 W. Lake St. Entertainment and refreshments. A special guest “flips the switch” to light up the village. Free. www.hpil.org/Our-Community/Village-Events.aspx.

Hawthorn Woods Tree Lighting: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, village hall Barn, 2 Lagoon Drive. The tree will be lighted while the Stevenson High School choir sings carols, followed Santa Claus' arrival on a fire truck. Hot cocoa and cookies in the Barn while children visit with Santa and make an ornament or free craft. Free. www.vhw.org or call (847) 438-5500.

Highland Park Holiday-lighting Ceremony: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, downtown Highland Park. Musical performances with a special appearance by Santa. www.cityhpil.com.

Highwood Holiday Lighting and 12 Drinks of Christmas: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, 17 Highwood Ave., downtown Highwood. The “12 Drinks of Christmas,” holiday windows, free horse drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa, face painting, and musical performances throughout the night. Free. Toy and food donations accepted. celebratehighwood.com.

Hoffman Estates Friendship Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, village hall, 1900 Hassell Road. There will be a visitor from the North, dancers, refreshments and fireworks afterward. Free. www.hoffmanestates.org.

A Very Merry Huntley: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, downtown Huntley. Friday events include reindeer, Kriss Kringle Market, tree decorating contest and kids games. Saturday includes indoor farmers market and craft fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; cookie walk, 9 a.m.-noon; free kids crafts, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; horse-drawn trolley rides, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; free handbell concert, noon. Saturday in Town Square, Merry Maskers strolling carolers, 3-5 p.m.; free hot chocolate and horse-drawn trolley rides, 3-6 p.m.; tree contest winners, 4:45 p.m.; Santa arrives on fire truck at 5 p.m., for tree lighting. Fireworks at 5 p.m. Bring camera for photos with Santa. www.huntley.il.us.

Island Lake Tree-lighting Festival: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, village hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave. Hayrides, bonfires, hot chocolate, crafts and a special visitor. Pick a tag from the Angel Tree to help families in need. Free. www.villageofislandlake.com.

Christmas in Kaneville: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Tree lighting at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Hill's Country Store, 2S133 Harter Road. Bring an ornament to represent your family. Saturday includes: live Nativity scene and cookie walk, 9 a.m.-noon, Kaneville United Methodist Church, 46W764 Main St.; craft show, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in community center gym; Santa Claus, 9 a.m.-noon, at the fire barn, 46W536 Lovell St.; Mr. Willowby's Christmas story, 10:30 a.m.; crafts and treats, 9 a.m.-noon at Kaneville Public Library; special displays, ornaments and treats for kids, 9 a.m.-noon at 1840s Farley House; food, raffle at open house, 8:30 a.m.-noon at Old Second Bank; and tractor pulled wagon rides around town. Inaugural Community Christmas program, 1 p.m. at the church. Free. www.facebook.com/KTHistoricalSociety.

Lake Forest Tree Lighting: 2-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, 1 Market Square. Tree-lighting ceremony. Santa stops by from 3:30-5 p.m. Free. www.cityoflakeforest.com.

Lake Villa Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Parade starts at Palombi Middle School, 133 McKinley Ave., and proceeds to Lehmann Park, 148 Cedar Ave., for the tree lighting, followed by refreshments at the train station, 129 Railroad Ave., visits from Santa Claus and the balloon lady. Free. lake-villa.org or call (847) 356-6100.

Lake Zurich Miracle on Main Street: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Rotary Park, 7 E. Main St. Tree lighting and Santa, Mrs. Claus and reindeer. Live musical performances, children's crafts, sleigh rides and food vendors. Bring nonperishable food to support St. Vincent De Paul food pantry. The Lake Zurich Lions Club Candy Cane Hunt begins in Lions Park before Miracle on Main Street at 4 p.m. Free. lakezurich.org/585/Miracle-on-Main-Street.

Lincolnshire Tree Lighting: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 100 Village Green, Lincolnshire. Santa will make an appearance. Free. lincolnshireil.gov or call (846) 913-2381.

Libertyville Dickens of a Holiday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and 9, downtown Libertyville. Both days include photos with Santa 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. in Cook Park; a Children's Holiday Shoppe with items up to $5 and no adults allowed at Petranek's Pharmacy; Victorian Tea, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Lawrence Episcopal Church; a free movie at the Liberty Theater at 10 a.m. (bring a canned food donation); and Ansel B. Cook Museum tours, noon to 4 p.m. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Libertyville Tree Lighting: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave. After the tree lighting, Santa arrives around 7 p.m. Free. www.libertyville.com.

Lindenhurst Tree Lighting: 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Lippert Community Center, 2200 Grass Lake Road. Free. lindenhurstparks.org or call (847) 356-6011

Lights of Lisle Festival: 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, downtown Lisle. Saturday's events include Santa Parade, entertainment, holiday market, lighting of luminaria, tree lighting at 6 p.m. at village hall, refreshments, music. Both days include “Once Upon a Christmas” at Museums of Lisle Station Park. Free. (630) 271-4100 or www.villageoflisle.org.

Lombard Jinglebell Jubilee: 5-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, downtown Lombard. Live Nutcracker scenes, 5-7 p.m., in businesses; Santa's arrival & tree lighting at Lilacia Park, 5:30-8 p.m.; Glenbard East Honor Strings, 6-7:30 p.m. at Lombard Bible Church; Madrigal Singers from 6-7:30 p.m. at Helen Plum Library; singalong, 7-8:30 p.m. at Maple Street Chapel. Free. lombardparks.org.

Illumination-Tree Lights: 4:30-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. One-mile outdoor walking tour. Closed Mondays (except for Jan. 1), Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 24-25. Tickets are for a specific date and time. $12-$30. For tickets, (630) 725-2066 or www.mortonarb.org.

Mooseheart Holiday Lights: 5-9 p.m. daily, Nov. 24 to Dec. 31, along the Mooseheart campus, off Route 31, south of Batavia. 80 displays on a 1.8-mile route through the campus. Admission, cash only: $10 for cars; special rates for buses. Santa visits 5-8:30 p.m. Dec. 8-10 and 15-17 at the field house. Hot cocoa, cookies, crafts and more are free. Proceeds benefit Mooseheart Child City and School. www.mooseheart.org or (630) 906-3601.

Mount Prospect Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christkindlmarket: Wednesday, Nov. 22, 5 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony and 4-7 p.m. Christkindlmarket, village hall, 50 S. Emerson St. Hot chocolate, cookies and carols. Free admission. Sponsored by Mount Prospect Special Events Commission. www.mountprospect.org.

Mundelein Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, Kracklauer Park, 116 N. Lake St. Hosted by Mundelein Community Connection and the Mundelein Park District. Free. www.mundelein.org.

Naper Lights: Friday, Nov. 24 to Saturday, Dec. 23, Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Hours: 4-7 p.m. Thursdays; 4-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 4-6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 17. From Dec. 18-23, hours are 4-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 4-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lights visible from the outside Dec. 24-26. Free. www.naperlights.com.

Little Friends Holiday Parade of Lights: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Jackson Avenue at Mill Street, Naperville. Parade starts at Jackson Avenue and Mill Street, goes east to north on Main Street, ends at Main and Van Buren Avenue. After parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus visit with kids at Santa House until 9 p.m. Free. www.littlefriendsinc.org.

North Aurora's Evergreen Holidays: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Riverfront Park on the north side of State Street, just west of the village hall. Riverfront Park adorned with lighted evergreens and warm up with hot chocolate and popcorn. Roasted chestnuts, a cookie walk, children's choirs from Fearn, Goodwin and Schneider elementary schools and more. Free. noarda.org.

Palatine's Holiday Tree Lighting: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Towne Square Park, 150 W. Palatine Road. Santa and the mayor will be on hand. Cookies, hot chocolate, festive music, and take pictures with Santa. Free. www.palatine.il.us

Pingree Grove Tree-lighting Celebration: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at police station, 1 Police Plaza. Santa arrives at 4:45 p.m. Photos with Santa, outdoor movie, miniature train rides, crafts, musical performance by TubaChristmas, food, drinks, silent auction and a North Pole mailbox to mail letters to Santa. Free. www.villageofpingreegrove.org.

Prospect Heights Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, city hall, 8 N. Elmhurst Road. Santa, hot chocolate, cookies and holiday carols by the St. Alphonsus Choir and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts choir. Free. www.prospect-heights.il.us.

Roselle Celebrate the Season and Cocoa Crawl: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, starting at Roselle Public Library, 40 S. Park St. Santa arrives by fire truck at 2 p.m. to begin Cocoa Crawl on Main Street. Hot cocoa, and other treats, prizes Disney characters available for photos; afternoon entertainment at Town Center Plaza, Main and Prospect streets. Tree-lighting at 5 p.m. Place an ornament on the community tree. Free. roselle.il.us (630) 671-2802 or www.roselle.il.us/CocoaCrawl.

Rosemont Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, Stephens Park, Scott Street and Higgins Road. Free. www.rosemont.com.

Rolling Meadows Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, in front of McDonald's on Kirchoff Road. Local music groups, goodies, giveaways and Santa Claus. A free spaghetti dinner at the fire station on Meadow Drive from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (847) 394-8500, ext. 1002.

Round Lake Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, village hall, 422 N. Cedar Lake Road. Visit with Santa and mingle with village officials and staff. Free. (847) 546-5400 or eroundlake.com.

Round Lake Beach Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, village hall, 1937 N. Municipal Way. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a fire truck around 6:15 p.m. Everyone is invited to warm up next door at the Cultural & Civic Center. The first 150 families at the Center will receive a Holiday Shopping Gift Bag filled with coupons. Free. villageofroundlakebeach.com.

Round Lake Heights Tree Lighting: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Arrowhead Park Shelter, on Tomahawk Trail, Round Lake Heights. Cookies and hot chocolate. Santa will be there. Free. villageofroundlakeheights.org.

St. Charles Homecoming/Electric Christmas Parade: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24-25, Main Street, St. Charles. Lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, at First Street Plaza. Electric Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, on Main Street, from Sixth Street to Fourth Avenue. Free holiday movie “Home Alone” at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, at the Arcada Theatre. Live holiday window displays along Main and First streets, 1-5 p.m. Horse-drawn sleigh rides and visits with Santa, 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Santa's House open 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 25-Dec. 23, on First Street Plaza. Free. For information, www.downtownstcharles.org.

Schaumburg Tree Lighting: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court. Santa arrives via fire truck to light the tree with village officials and stays for pictures. Face painting, temporary tattoos, refreshments, music and more. Free. www.meetup.com/SchaumburgJaycees/events/239907527

Sleepy Hollow Holiday in the Hollow: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Sabatino Park. Visit with Santa, tree-lighting, carols, Sleepy Hollow Elementary School Circle-of-Cheer Christmas trees, and more. Bring a nonperishable food item or monetary donation for FISH Food Pantry. Free. www.sleepyhollowil.org.

Spring Grove Christmas tree-lighting Festival: 3:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Horse Fair Park, 8105 Blivin St. Hot drinks and cookies, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hay wagon rides, storytelling and crafts. Tree lighting at 5 p.m. Donations of nonperishable food and toiletry items will be accepted. springgrovevillage.com.

Streamwood Luminaria and Tree Lighting: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, Veterans Memorial near village hall, 301 W. Irving Park Road. Volunteers, civic organizations and families line streets with luminaria. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free. www.streamwood.org.

Sugar Grove Holiday in the Grove: 7:45 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 Tree lighting at 7:45 a.m., Sugar Grove Community House, 151 Main St.; sign up online for “Breakfast with Santa” at 8, 9, or 10 a.m. ($6 per meal); pictures with Santa, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; holiday craft/vendor show, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at John Shields Elementary, 85 S. Main St.; and Cookies With Mrs. Santa and children's crafts. Mrs. Santa Sweet Shoppe, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Sugar Grove United Methodist Church. www.holidayinthegrove.org.

Vernon Hills Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting: 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, Vernon Hills Golf Course, 291 Evergreen Drive. Mayor Roger Byrne will flip the switch to light the holiday tree. Hot chocolate, cookies, and cider. Santa will attend with the assistance of the Countryside Fire District. Free. il-vernonhills2.civicplus.com.

Volo Christmas tree Lighting: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, village hall, 500 S. Fish Lake Road. Christmas carols, tree lighting and Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m. followed by pictures with Santa. Free, but nonperishable food requested for the Grant and Wauconda Township food pantries. villageofvolo.com.

Warrenville Holly Days: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, Warren Avenue and Tracy Place. Santa parade, tree lighting, entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and hot chocolate. Free. (630) 393-7279 or warrenvilleparks.org.

Wauconda Holiday Walk and tree lighting: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, downtown Wauconda and Wauconda Park District Community Center, 600 N. Main St. A day of activities on Main Street from 2-6 p.m. including a parade at 5:30 p.m., followed by the tree-lighting festivities at the community center from 6-8 p.m. Santa will arrive on a fire truck to light the tree and kick off a fireworks display. Activities include a gingerbread house contest, caroling, Candyland walk, crafts, sleigh rides, face painting, live reindeer, an artisan gift fair, letters to Santa, and more. No registration required. Free. waucondaparks.org or call (847) 526-3610.

Waukegan Winter Wonder Walk: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Jack Benny Plaza, 140 N. Genessee St. The Waukegan Park District will lead a 30-minute winter walk through downtown Waukegan back to the official tree lighting in Jack Benny Plaza. Free. waukeganweb.net.

Wheaton Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, downtown Wheaton. Tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. at Memorial Plaza precedes parade. Parade starts on Wesley Street and goes to Front Street. Free. downtownwheaton.com.

Lights Around Wheeling: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, Friendship Park, 350 E. Dundee Road. Hot cocoa, a visit with Santa, and beautiful lights to mark the start of the holiday season. (847) 499-9082 or www.vi.wheeling.il.us

West Chicago Frosty Fest: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, downtown West Chicago. The area is transformed into a winter vignette complete with a grand tree lighting, horse-drawn sleigh, live reindeer, Victorian carolers, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free. westchicago.org.

ROZ Winter Fest: noon-7 p.m. Dec. 1-3, 8-10, and 15-17, Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Holiday lights, decorations, a bonfire, cookie decorating, and more. On weekends, Santa visits noon-5 p.m.; hayrides 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; live reindeer Sundays. All activities included with zoo admission ($3.25, $4 for nonresidents; free for under age 2), except hayrides, $2 per person. www.dtpd.org.

Westmont Frosty & Friends Holly Days Parade: 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, Cass Avenue, downtown Westmont. Annual parade steps off at Traube and Cass and ends at Richmond Street. Santa's reindeer and the elves will be at the Westmont Centre for photos, 3:45-6:45 p.m. Westmont High School Madrigals sing holiday songs in the Westmont Centre lobby, 5:30-6 p.m. Parade concludes with Santa's arrival and lighting of the village tree. Children of all ages can join Santa in the Westmont Centre for treats and a visit. Free. westmontparks.org.

Wood Dale Tree-lighting Celebration: 2:30-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, adjacent to city hall, 372 Wood Dale Road. Crafts, wagon rides, and photos with Santa. Concludes with tree lighting and fireworks. Free. www.wooddale.com.

Christmas Light Tour: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, starts at Woodfield Mall parking lot just west of Bank of America building at Golf and Route 53, Schaumburg. Ends at Garibaldi's, 2346 W. Higgins Road. Tour of the best Christmas light displays to benefits Marine Corps' Toys for Tots. Per-car cost $10 plus a new unwrapped toy. Registration 6 p.m., tour 7 p.m. mypages.iit.edu/~rcoleman/roadraly.html. (847) 975-2075.

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