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.

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

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 ELF!!! Need we say more. What a way to spend a December night just weeks out from Christmas! This is the most unique way you’ll see this favorite followed by The Nativity Story. Find more events for the season and FAQ at Goldenagecinemas.com

$15

Cary Winter Farmer’s Market

Algonquin Township Building 3702 US Route 14, Crystal Lake, IL, United States

Cary Winter Farmer’s Market is held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 9am – 1pm, between the months of October and May. It is held in the Algonquin Township Building, 3702 US Route 14, Crystal Lake

Free

Pancakes with Santa

Royalty Gymnastics, Tumble & Dance 10715 & 10763 Wolf Drive, Huntley, IL, United States

Pancakes with Santa! Get ready for a magical holiday morning with Pancakes with Santa on December 15th from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM! Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast, followed by fun crafts and games for the whole family. Capture the holiday spirit with photos with Santa—he’s ready to hear all your Christmas wishes! Tickets are […]

$22

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