A Big, Honkin’ Holiday List of Tree-Lighting Events in 31 Kane County Communities
Here’s a quick piece of advice for anyone in Kane County who doesn’t want to miss your community’s (or your neighboring community’s) holiday-lights ceremony: START LOOKING NOW.
That’s because we already missed the tree-lighting ceremony in South Elgin (on Saturday, Nov. 15). The switch is being pulled as soon as Nov. 21 in Aurora, and ceremonies at the remaining Kane County communities are following soon after.
What we’ve provided here is a series of links to tree-lighting and other holiday-related events in communities throughout Kane County. (We aimed for all 31, but missed the mark. If you have any info from any of the communities we missed or if you spot any corrections or updates that need to be made, email Community Outreach Coordinator Rick Nagel at ricknagel23@gmail.com. Please return to this page often and share with a friend, because it REALLY takes a lot of time to put this article together. 🙂
If you’re looking for additional holiday events in Kane County and close by, this Santa in Chicago site is a good place to “break it down” by community as Santa and/or M.C. Hammer might say. And, of course, check out your local village, city or chamber of commerce webpages for more details.
Holiday Lights Ceremonies (And More) in Kane County
Algonquin
Holiday Rock on the Fox is a FREE event that will have plenty of family activities for everyone to enjoy. Activities will kick off with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Riverfront Park. Admission to the event is free. Toys for Tots donation bins will be available for new unwrapped toys. The event takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Riverfront Park, 201 N. Harrison St.
Aurora
The city of Aurora is kicking off the holiday season with the third annual Winter Lights event – It’s a Jolly Holiday! – from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. The festivities will take place on Downer Place and Stolp Avenue in downtown Aurora.
Barrington Hills
Barrington Aglow – Barrington’s Annual Tree Lighting takes place from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Village Center on South Cook Street. “Barrington’s got the whole tree lighting thing down to an art! We’re talking free carriage rides from 1– 5 p.m. with cookies and hot cocoa served while you wait.”
Bartlett
On Friday, Dec. 5 at Bartlett Park. start your holidays at the annual Tree Lighting sponsored by the Bartlett Chamber of Commerce with the Bartlett Park District and the village.
- From 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Visit Santa at the Log Cabin. Bring your own camera and take photos of your little ones with Santa!
7 p.m. – The Holiday Tree will be lit in Bartlett Park at North Avenue and Oak Avenue.
Batavia
The holiday lights will be shining brightly in downtown Batavia on Sunday, Dec. 1, as the Batavia Park District kicks off the season with Celebration of Lights Festival from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Batavia Riverwalk. This popular event has become a tradition for many families and includes a community sing-a-long, tree lighting ceremony, story hour, visit with Santa and more!
Big Rock
- Could Not Find Specific Info for 2014 Events
Burlington
- Could Not Find Specific Info for 2014 Events
Campton Hills
- Larsen Family Christmas Lights (Sure, it’s not a village-sponsored event, but you have to see it to believe it.)
Carpentersville
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, in front of Village Hall. Students From CMS and Lakewood Choirs will be performing. Hot chocolate and candy canes will be served to all!
East Dundee
East Dundee’s Tree-Lighting Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at The Depot – 319 River Street, East Dundee. Join East Dundee officials for the lighting of the Village Christmas tree and the joyful sounds of the Dundee-Crown Chamber Choir. Immediately following the tree lighting, Santa will arrive on a fire truck to greet families and their children. Take pictures with Santa while warming up in The Depot with hot chocolate and cider provided by volunteers of the Dundee Township Visitor’s Center. Listen to the sounds of Victorian Carolers, as River Street is turned into a winter wonderland! Check out Dickens in Dundee for way more stuff from East Dundee and West Dundee.
Elburn
Elburn’s 20th Annual Christmas Stroll is set for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29. “Elburn will feel like Christmas with Santa, hot chocolate, s’mores, and a spectacular holiday light show! Elburn’s Town and Country Library will host Santa and Mrs. Claus, live holiday music, and a light display designed by the award winning designer of the Larsen light Show and grand prize winner of ABC’s, “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” Brian Larsen. The light show will feature a 12-foot mega tree, 10 mini trees, a talking Santa, and an FM transmitter which will play Christmas music that synchronizes with the lights.”
For updates and a complete list of raffle prizes, check out the Elburn Christmas Stroll on Facebook or call the Elburn Chamber of Commerce at 630.365.2295.
Elgin
The city of Elgin kicks off the holiday season with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Mayor David Kaptain, City Council members, and Santa Claus will turn on the holiday tree lights at 5 p.m. Other activities include Winter Wonderland hosted by the Downtown Neighborhood Association and free skating at City-Skate from noon-6 p.m.
Geneva
Geneva Christmas Walk and House Tour is a whole slate of events on Dec. 5 and 6. “Tis the season to be jolly… especially in downtown Geneva! The festivities begin Friday, December 5th at 6 pm with the arrival of Santa Lucia, the first candy cane of the season, and Santa lighting the great tree – and continue with roasted chestnuts, strolling carolers, a live nativity and free carriage rides on Saturday and Sunday.”
Gilberts
At the Gilberts tree lighting ceremony. Santa arrives in town on a fire truck and visits each subdivision in the Village. This year the event will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Town Square Park.
Hampshire
Hoffman Estates
The village of Hoffman Estates’ annual Friendship Tree-Lighting Ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, in front of the main entrance of the Village Hall, 1900 Hassell Road. “The event will start with a fantastic fireworks display. Entertainment will be provided by The Noteables, a local singing group, and dancers from HOTT Productions, a local nonprofit theater troupe. Light refreshments will be served.”
Huntley
Huntley’s holiday kick-off will be celebrated on Friday night this year and will feature many exciting changes. “The new Very Merry Huntley event is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, and will be held at the Municipal Complex, the Huntley Library, and the Town Square. The Municipal Complex will host the Kris Kringle Market (in Board Room) from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.”
Kaneville
Christmas in Kaneville throughout Kaneville from Friday, Dec. 5, to Saturday, Dec. 6. Community Tree Lighting at Hill’s Country Store lot. Bring handmade ornament representing your family or business. Hot chocolate, apple cider & treats provided by Hill’s Country Store. More on Saturday!
Lily Lake
- Could Not Find Specific Info for 2014 Events
Maple Park
- Could Not Find Specific Info for 2014 Events
Montgomery
Montgomery’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in front of the Village Hall at 200 N. River Street in Montgomery. This is a free event for the entire community and is hosted jointly by the village of Montgomery and the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.
North Aurora
Mooseheart is holding their 5th annual Holiday Lights display daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Nov. 28 through Dec. 31. “This is a spectacular display of lights and proceeds support the Mosoeheart Child City and School. Admission is $10 per car. Take you family and enjoy this spectacular light display this holiday season!”
Pingree Grove
Pingree Grove’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Centennial Park. Santa’s arrival and lighting of the tree is expected to take place from 4:50 p.m. to 5 p.m. Additional events include music, kids’ crafts, North Pole Mailbox, holiday movie, storytelling and food and beverages! For more information, visit Pingree Grove’s new Facebook page!
[ Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article had the wrong date for the Pingree Grove tree-lighting. The correct date is Dec. 6, as shown here. ]
Sleepy Hollow
- Could Not Find Specific Info for 2014 Events
South Elgin
South Elgin’s Tree Lighting Ceremony already happened on Saturday, Nov. 15.
St. Charles
St. Charles’ Holiday Homecoming includes many events, including the Lighting of the Lights at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, on the 1st Street Plaza. “Experience the wonder of the season as Mayor Rogina illuminates the city and officially kicks-off the holidays in St. Charles. There will be a special performance by the St. Charles East and North High Schools’ Chorales, as well as an appearance by Santa. Be there as Santa opens his house for the first time this season.”
Sugar Grove
Couldn’t find anything yet posted for 2014, but the Elburn Herald had a nice article about the 2013 holiday events in Sugar Grove. If it’s the same basic deal this year, Sugar Grove’s Holiday in the Grove will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Sugar Grove Community House, Kaneland John Shields Elementary School and Sugar Grove Public Library.
Virgil
- Could Not Find Specific Info for 2014 Events
Wayne
- Could Not Find Specific Info for 2014 Events
West Dundee
West Dundee’s Tree-Lighting Ceremony is all part of that very cool Dickens in Dundee gig. West Dundee’s tree lighting actually takes place at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at West Dundee Village Hall, 102 S. 2nd St. “Join West Dundee officials for the lighting of the Village Christmas tree and the joyful sounds of the Dundee-Crown Chamber Choir.”
