Events

Featured Events in McHenry County

*Full Calendar Below

Elf an Aerial

Christmas Adventure

December 21

7:00 PM

New Year Party

December 31

2:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Noon Year’s Eve Party

December 31

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Events Calendar

Looking for fun activities for the family in McHenry County, IL? Below is Northern Illinois Parents Event calendar which includes local events and festivals for children, adults, and families. Many of these events are free. So check out the calendar for things to do and start planning your week/weekend.

*Be sure to call the venue beforehand to make sure the activity is still scheduled. Northern Illinois Parents is not liable for any accidents, harm, or cancellations of events.

Henry’s Thanksgiving Day Hustle 5K & 1/2 Mile Kids Dash

Marlowe Middle School 9625 Haligus Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL, United States

Henry’s Thanksgiving Day Hustle 5K & 1/2 Mile Kids Dash Presented by Kopf Running: Kopf Running presents the 12th Annual Henry’s Hustle 5K benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association in honor of our friend, Henry Betts! This year’s race will be held on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at 8:15am. We are collecting monetary donations for the […]

Happy Holiday Railway

Illinois Railway Museum 7000 Olson Road, Union, IL, United States

Happy Holiday Railway Embark on a magical 40 minute train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus himself! Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family See and visit with Santa Claus on the train Treats and hot chocolate will be served An animated light show and holiday song presentation entertain you during […]

$25

Mistletoe & Martinis – A Festive Christmas Market

Countryside Banquets 28736 Belvidere Rd, Lakemoor, IL, United States

Mistletoe & Martinis – A Festive Christmas Market, an enchanting collaboration of holiday cheer, festive drinks, and unique shopping! Start your adventure by Filling the Jeep with Joy! Jeeps on the Run will be parked in front to collect unwrapped toys for their Toys for Tots drive! Bring the kids to make a FREE Gingerbread […]

Free

Grinch ‘n Greet

Old Courthouse Arts Center 101 N Johnson St, Woodstock, IL, United States

Grinch ‘n Greet Drop in and meet the Grinch before heading to the Lighting of the Square. A great photo opportunity for the upcoming Holiday!

Free

Lighting of the Square 2024

Woodstock Square 121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL, United States

Lighting of the Square 2024 Celebrate the start of the holiday season in downtown Woodstock, Illinois, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Watch as tens of thousands of white lights illuminate the Square with this treasured tradition! Woodstock, voted one of the TODAY show’s “Merriest Main Streets” in the country in 2022, ushers in the magic of […]

Free

Cocoa, Carols & Christmas Tales

Stage Left 125 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL, United States

Cocoa, Carols & Christmas Tales Indulge in the warmth and sweetness of the season with us before the magical Lighting of the Square! Join in for an evening of cozy holiday cheer, complete with heartwarming stories, carols to ring in the season, and a special Create Your Own Hot Chocolate Bar where you can add […]

Light up the Holidays/Tree Lighting

The Fountain Shoppes 325 N. Front St, McHenry, IL, United States

Light up the Holidays/Tree Lighting Join in for our first ever Christmas Tree Lighting! They will have Santa and Mrs. Claus from 5 to 7 pm Harmony Strolling Carolers will be there to bring the sounds of the holidays from 6 to 7 pm Tree lighting will commence between 6-6:30pm There will be hot chocolate, […]

Free

Christmas Movies at the Outdoor Theatre

McHenry Outdoor Theater – Golden Age Cinemas 1510 N Chapel Hill Rd, Lakemoor, IL, United States

Christmas Movies at the Outdoor Theatre Bundle up with those you love and share the cinematic memories that bring you back to a different time. It’s what our theater does best! It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas back to back. Just $15 for your ENTIRE CARLOAD to get in. Find more info and FAQ […]

$15

2024 Festival of Lights Parade

Downtown Crystal Lake Crystal Lake, IL, United States

2024 Festival of Lights Parade Theme: Wish You Were Here, an Island Christmas  

Free

PJs and Pancakes with Santa

Community Center – Cary 255 Briargate Road, Cary, IL, United States

Come out in your PJs and treat the whole family to a magical morning with Santa! The morning will be filled with a yummy breakfast, a festive hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating, and an ornament craft. Santa, the guest of honor, will also make an appearance to take pictures with all the kids. Don’t forget […]

$22

Small Business Saturday Vendor Fair

Woodstock Square Mall 110 S Johnson St, Woodstock, IL, United States

Small Business Saturday Vendor Fair SHOP LOCAL all in one place inside and warm! Support local crafters/artists and complete your holiday shopping. Not only will there be plenty of shopping and good food but we also will have everyone’s favorite Mr. Mean to take photos with and grow your heart one size larger with holiday […]

Holiday Market – McHenry Riverwalk

McHenry Riverwalk 1202-1204 Riverside Drive, McHenry, IL, United States

Holiday Market – McHenry Riverwalk Join us for some holiday cheer & shopping at the McHenry Riverwalk District. Shop at our 10 tiny shops & market vendors in Miller Point Park, eat at a food truck & enjoy entertainment in the gazebo. 11/30 theme is Around the World* Food Truck is Da Local Boy from […]

Free