2019 Holiday Tree Lighting, Events Guide For Lake County

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Your days will soon be merry and bright thanks to festive lights, sights, music and more at several upcoming local holiday season festivals, parades and other happenings. Santa just might make an appearance during some of these upcoming area events.

Here's a roundup of events and places across Lake County where you can enjoy some holiday cheer:

Grayslake

Grayslake Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market

• When: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
• Where: Downtown Grayslake, Center and Whitney St.
• Details: Santa arrives at the Holiday Tree at the corner of Center and Whitney Street at 5:30 p.m. Visit with Santa at The Oasis beginning at 3 p.m. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping when the Holiday Market at the Grayslake Museum begins at 5 p.m. Sleigh rides take place between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. >> More info.

Festival of the Arts & Crafts at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center

• When: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1.
• Where: Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center 1060 E. Peterson Rd.
• Details: 65,000 square feet of exhibit space will soon be filled with 310 booths of quality handcrafted treasures created by artists and crafters from 10 states. Shop, meet the artisans, and browse to find just the right decorations or gift items for those special loved ones. $5 admission, and guests age 11 and under are free. Free parking, too.

>> More info.

Libertyville

Village Tree Lighting & Downtown Holiday Walk

• When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
• Where: Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville
• Details — via libertyville.com: Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with music, singing, and other holiday-themed entertainment. A special invitation has been sent to Santa Claus to help with the official countdown for the lighting of the Village Holiday Tree at 7 p.m. sharp. There will be a special area set up for photos with Santa, and the Ansel Be. Cook Mansion will be open for tours. Make sure you "Shop Libertyville" as downtown merchants will offer extended hours for evening shopping and dining at any of the Village's nearly 100 eateries.

Dickens of a Holiday

• When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14
• Where: Cook Park, downtown Libertyville businesses
• Details: Enjoy photos with Santa in Cook Park (10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.) with a donation of a canned food item, the Children’s Holiday Shoppe at Petranek’s Pharmacy (426 N. Milwaukee Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and tours of the Ansel B. Cook Museum from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. More information: mainstreetlibertyville.org

Lake Zurich

Candy Cane Hunt in Lake Zurich

• When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 (regardless of weather)
• Where: Lake Zurich Lion's Den, 81 E. Main St., Lake Zurich
• Details: After the hunt, from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Lions will be offering free family photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus inside the Lions Den. No appointment necessary. Please note that photos and visits with Santa will resume inside the Lion’s Den after his arrival at the Miracle on Main Street event from approximately 5:30 p.m. t0 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and the Leo Club (youth ages 12 to 18) will be doing free face painting in the den from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. >> More info

Miracle on Main Street in Lake Zurich

• When: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
• Where: Downtown Lake Zurich, Rotary Park, 7 E. Main Street
• Details: This event features a beautiful 35-foot tree that will be on display for the holiday season, an opportunity to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and their reindeer. Event entertainment includes Lake Zurich High School’s Bare Voices, a DJ and the Academy of Performing Arts. There will be children’s crafts, sleigh rides, adult beverages, and food vendors. Hot cocoa provided by the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce and hot cider provided by the Lions Club. >> More info.

Vernon Hills

Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony

• When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30
• Where: Vernon Hills Golf Course, 291 Evergreen Drive
• Details: The holiday season begins when Mayor Roger Byrne flips the switch to the holiday tree. Bring the family, the neighbors, and the kids out for hot chocolate, cookies, and cider. With the assistance of the Countryside Fire District, Santa has been able to clear his calendar in order to attend this event. >> More info.

Gurnee

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great America

• When: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekends through Sunday, Dec. 23, and 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 26 through Dec. 31.
• Where: Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee
• Details: Lights, sights, sounds, shows, food, rides and more during the second annual holiday extravaganza, Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great America "offers an entirely new and unique holiday celebration experience unlike anything seen before. Boasting thrilling rides, shows, and attractions, this winter season just got so much cooler." Tickets and more information: Holidays in the Park

This guide will be updated throughout the 2019 holiday season. Send Lake County holiday event details to rebecca.bream@patch.com — or amie.schaenzer@patch.com.