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.

Holiday Craft Show

Property Owners Association of LITH 1212 Crystal Lake Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL, United States

The Property Owners Association is hosting their annual Holiday Craft Show, featuring a dozen local crafters and vendors, plus FREE pictures with Santa! It will be set up in the banquet hall, so bring the whole family on Saturday, December 14th, for a little holiday shopping and a lot of holiday spirit. Come hungry, because […]

Free

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

JABA Cocoa Crawl

Downtown Johnsburg Johnsburg, IL, United States

Join the Johnsburg Area Business Association and Lobal Businesses for their first JABA Cocoa Crawl on Saturday, December 14th from 12-2pm. Embrace the magic of the season with Johnsburg’s first Hot Cocoa Crawl through the Johnsburg Business District. Follow the map trail to visit local businesses for a tasty treat and festive activities This is […]

Free

Powers-Walker House: Holiday at Grandma’s

Glacial Park 6705 Route 31, Ringwood, IL, United States

Powers-Walker House: Holiday at Grandma’s Experience holiday preparations from days of old. Step back in time to visit the 1854 restored Greek Revival, Powers-Walker House and watch volunteers in historical attire preparing for winter and the holidays in the mid-19th century. See the fresh tree decorated with homemade and natural trimmings and experience the beauty […]

Free

Nature’s Ornaments

Glacial Park 6705 Route 31, Ringwood, IL, United States

Nature’s Ornaments After visiting the Powers-Walkers historical home, come over to Lost Valley Visitor Center to create one-of-a-kind historical pioneer ornaments using materials from nature. There will be a variety of ornaments you can create and hang in your home! This is a free drop-in program for all ages. Registration is not required. To learn […]

Free

Ornament Creations with Santa

Fox Valley Pottery & Art 2743 W Algonquin Rd, Algonquin, IL, United States

Ornament Creations with Santa Bring your family to take photos with Santa, give him some cookies and get his ideas on creating custom family ornaments for your family Christmas tree!

$20

2024 Ice Sculpture Cocoa Crawl

Huntley Town Square 11704 E Coral St, Huntley, IL, United States

The Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Huntley are hosting the 2024 Ice Sculpture Cocoa Crawl that will take place on Saturday, December 14th from 12:00 p.m. – 5 p.m. on the downtown Huntley Town Square. Tickets for mug and s’mores purchase will go on sale on Friday, November 1st, via links […]

$20

Santa & The Grinch

D5 Ranges – Marengo 131 E Prairie St, Marengo, IL, United States

Santa & The Grinch are on the way back to the Range!!! Stop on December 14th, 2024, 1pm-4pm for a visit!! FREE Pictures will be offered for each family, we ask that you consider making a donation to Samson our local comfort dog. Make it a family day with lots of fun filled actives for […]

Free

Cookies with Santa Claus

Rockin the Spectrum 829 S Virginia Rd, Units C and D, Crystal Lake, IL, United States

Cookies with Santa Claus This is a free event for the entire family! They don’t turn away behaviors! All ages are welcome!Donations are always appreciated so we continue to do free events for our families! If the links don’t work for RSVP or donations, if you have any questions, or would like to set up […]

Free

The Christmas Tree Ship – A Holiday Tea

Colonel Palmer House 660 E Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake, IL, United States

The Christmas Tree Ship – A Holiday Tea For ages 5+Join Diana Kenney as she portrays Barbara Schuenemann, telling the story of her husband Herman, Captain of the Christmas Tree Ship. Schuenemann, fondly known as Captain Santa, brought shiploads of Christmas trees from northern Michigan to Chicago each year until his ship sunk in 1912. […]

$25

Holiday Cookies & Cocktails

The Longshot 615 W Route 120, Lakemoor, IL, United States

Holiday Cookies & Cocktails Ready to find your favorite holiday cookie or cocktail? Join us for a holiday cookie bake-off. Enter your favorite holiday cookie or just come to taste & vote. $5 to enter & vote / $10 to taste & vote Money collected for entering/voting/tasting will go to winner pot Sample a variety […]

$10

6th Annual Holiday Magic Parade and Event

Parade Route Hickory Way, Florence Dr, Shiloh Dr, Church St to JCC (2315 Church St), Johnsburg, IL, United States

6th Annual Holiday Magic Parade and Event Parade Route: Hickory Way, Florence Dr, Shiloh Dr, Church St to JCC (2315 Church St) Food and Beverage available

Free