Several North Shore communities will celebrate the upcoming holidays by lighting Christmas trees and menorahs in the days and weeks after Thanksgiving. Here is a roundup of events, mostly in chronological order:
Lake Forest
34th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 24, 2017
1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Historic Market Square and on Western Avenue at the train station
This annual event, presented by The Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation and sponsored by Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company,starts at 1 p.m. with a holiday movie, Home Alone at Gorton Community Center. Come to Market Square at 3 p.m. – there will be events for the whole family to enjoy. There will be an Ice Sculpting performance by Art Below Zero beginning at 3 p.m. An arts and crafts activity will also be available beginning at 3 p.m. Children will have an opportunity to make a holiday ornament to be hung on the Christmas tree. For children and the young-at-heart, there will be a special visit from Santa Claus from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and everyone can enjoy hot chocolate and donut holes provided by Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company. A caroling concert by the Lake Forest High School Choristers begins at 4:30 p.m. Lake Forest Dance Academy performance begins at 5 p.m., and just after that the lights will be set aglow.
Western Avenue between Deerpath and Westminster will be closed to vehicular traffic from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Glencoe
FREE! Black Ice Friday
November 24, 2017
6 to 8 p.m.
Watts Ice Center
Celebrate opening day at Watts with free mini-lessons, games, and more! Organized by the Glencoe Park District.
Glenview
Holiday in the Park & Parade
November 25
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Jackman Park
The Glenview Chamber of Commerce kicks off the holiday season with its annual Holiday in the Park & Parade. Follow the parade down Glenview Road from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church going west to Jackman Park. Festivities in the park include a visit with Santa, hay rides, a train ride for kids, carolers, cookies, hot chocolate and popcorn.
Sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Emerald Place-An Anthem Memory Care Community, Glenview State Bank, Northern Seasonal Services, and NorthShore University Health Systems.
Northbrook
Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
November 25, 2017
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Village Presbyterian Church
The Village Church is hosting a Christmas tree lighting celebration featuring live entertainment; treats and warm drinks; crafts, and special present for children. Please bring a non-perishable food item to help fill the Northfield Food Pantry this holiday season.
Winnetka
Winnetka Holiday Tree Lighting
December 1, 2017
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Metra Park, 754 Elm Street, across the street from Winnetka Village Hall.
There will be a visitor from the North Pole and festive carolers in Victorian costumes, leading the singing at the lighting ceremony. Organized by the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce, which invites revelers to a post-event gathering at Little Ricky’s for some Santa time.
Winnetka Menorah Lighting
Annual lighting of the Winnetka Menorah
Tuesday, Dec 12
6 p.m.
There’ll be music holiday treats and songs and Judah the Maccabee in costume.
Winnetka Menorah Lighting 2016
Lake Bluff
It’s A Wonderful Life in Lake Bluff
December 2
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
downtown Lake Bluff
There are many wonderful activities planned throughout the day, culminating in the gazebo tree lighting and caroling at 5 p.m.:
- All day: Businesses open for holiday shopping
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Whitehead Studios holiday showcase & drawing for $58 ornament (36 E. Center Avenue)
- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Lake Bluff History Museum Historic Christmas Home Tours
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Holiday story time, crafts & treats with the Library Elves at the Lake Bluff Library
- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. : Carriage rides sponsored by Lake Forest Bank & Trust
- 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. : Reindeer on the Village Green
- 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. : Visit with Santa Claus at the Lake Bluff History Museum
- 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Strolling music by the Buckthorns
- 5 p.m.: Lighting ceremony and caroling by the Lake Bluff Middle School Singers; roasted chestnuts
- Gorton Community Center is screening It’s a Wonderful Life on Friday, December 15 at 7 p.m.
Lake Bluff illuminated in orbs by George Russell, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER/JWC MEDIA
Also in Lake Bluff
Lake Bluff History Museum Christmas Home Tour
December 2
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Starts at Lake Bluff History Museum
$50
This popular tour – the sixth one hosted by the Lake Bluff History Museum – brings the splendor of history and the holidays to life! Participants are treated to an insider’s glimpse at a charming selection of Lake Bluff homes. Each home is decorated to reflect the owners’ unique style.
The tour also includes a holiday boutique. Beginning November 1, tickets can be purchased online at lakebluffhistory.org or in the museum during its regular hours: Tues/Thurs 1-4 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tours start at the museum anytime between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Participants are provided a guide and the information needed to start the self-guided tour.
The 2017 Holiday Home Tour features the Tangley Oaks mansion in Lake Bluff; photo courtesy of the Lake Bluff History Museum.
Wilmette
Wilmette Menorah lighting
December 17
11:45 a.m.
Wilmette Village Hall
There’ll be music holiday treats and songs and Judah the Maccabee in costume.