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.

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 Grab a HOT chocolate and bring the kids to see The Polar Express followed by Dudley Moore in Santa Claus: The Movie from 1985! We are open through the holiday season at the outdoor and admission is a flat rate of $15 for everyone in your car. Car load […]

$15

Social Dance Night – December

Main Beach Pavillion 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake, IL, United States

Ages 15+NEW Beginner friendly format. Enjoy a progressive dance party that starts with pop-up walkthrough lessons and progresses to open dancing at the end. All songs during the evening are available for line dance and couples. Pup-up lessons are designed to be 5-minutes to encourage movement and repetition.Time:6:30-9:30 pmInstructor Miss RachelleLocation: Main Beach PavilionFee:$10 res/$13 […]

$10

Breakfast with Santa

Woodstock Moose Lodge 406 Clay St, Woodstock, IL, United States

Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast just in time for the holidays. Stop by to see Santa for a photo op. All ages welcome, only 2 years and up need to register. Register with Woodstock Recreation. $15 Fee

$15

2nd Annual Grinch Breakfast

Niko’s Grill and Pub 7509 South Grant Highway, Marengo, IL, United States

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Grinch Breakfast! Come to Niko’s Grill & Pub for a fun-filled morning with the Grinch himself. Enjoy a delicious breakfast while meeting the iconic character in person. This event is perfect for families looking to kick off the holiday season with a touch of whimsy. Don’t forget to wear your favorite […]

$30

Breakfast with St. Nick

St. Patrick Church 3500 Washington St, McHenry, IL, United States

Breakfast with St. Nick Enjoy breakfast, take a picture with St. Nick, receive a special treat and send your letter to Santa in our Express Mailbox! This is a free event! (free will offering is greatly appreciated!)

Free

Winter Farmers Market at the Dole

The Dole 401 Country Club Rd, Crystal Lake, IL, United States

Winter Farmers Market at the Dole Free Admission, Free Ample Parking, ATM Onsite, 50+ Vendors

Free

Holiday Housewalk Craft Fair

Various location in Marengo/Union

Holiday Housewalk Craft Fair – Shop handmade crafts for the holiday season at various locations in Marengo and Union. The Marengo and Union Holiday Housewalk Craft Fair is organized by a volunteer group of crafters who are residents from Marengo and surrounding townships. The Committee is a Not-for-Profit group which meets regularly to plan and manage the […]

Free

Kids Shopping with Santa’s Elves

Steel Heart, LTD: House of Seven Gables 10308 US-14, Harvard, IL, United States

Kids Shopping with Santa’s Elves A special shopping event for children ages 12 and under. We have assorted items from the shop that are priced especially for children (everyone else pays regular price). Have them bring in their shopping lists of who they want to buy for. Santa’s elves help them choose, wrap, and tag […]

Free

2nd Annual Jingle & Mingle Event

Sew Hop’d One Union Special Plaza, Suite 113, Huntley, IL, United States

2nd Annual Jingle & Mingle Event Come Shop Many Local Small Businesses! Perfect for Christmas Gifts or for yourself. More details to follow! Check the event link for updates. There will also be Food Trucks & Themed Cocktails and over 25 Vendors to shop from!

Free

Holiday Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Bentley’s Pet Stuff 1492 South Randall Road, Algonquin, IL, United States

Holiday Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Reserve your spot! Bring your friends, dogs, cats and family for professional photos! Pets are not required to attend! $25 – 15 minutes to do as many poses as you would like and the choice of one digital image. Each addition image will be $5 – purchase at […]

$27.30

Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival 2024

Downtown Cary Main St, Cary, IL, United States

Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival 2024 A time-honored tradition in downtown Cary—the Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival on Sunday, December 8, from 12:30-3:30 p.m.! This festive family celebration brings the holiday spirit to life with pony rides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a petting zoo, and caroling by Caring Hearts & Voices. Warm up with […]

Free

Carriage Rides on the Historic Square

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

Carriage Rides on the Historic Square See for yourself why Woodstock was voted the most festive Christmas town in Illinois. Enjoy the charm and enchantment of the Woodstock Square during the Holidays with a nostalgic horse drawn carriage ride around the Square. This is a first-come, first-served opportunity and a popular holiday attraction, so grab […]

Free