The holiday season is upon us. Festive lights are being strung on the trees in charming downtowns, restaurants are putting up holiday decorations, retailers are filling their stores with holiday merchandise and festive music fills the air. Bundle up and DuMore enjoying this holiday season with our list of free things to do in DuPage County.
Naperville Riverwalk, Naperville
Put on the walking shoes and explore 1.75 miles of brick paths, fountains, bridges, outdoor sculptures, and artwork. The holiday lights transform the charming downtown into a majestic landscape. Say hello to Santa and get your picture taken with him during the month of December. You will find him in the “Santa House” located adjacent to the Dandelion Fountain at Jackson Avenue and Weber Street. Stroll into the downtown area for a bite to eat or to do some holiday shopping. Visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/
Holiday Lights at Lilacia Park, Lombard
Lilacia Park is a beautiful place to visit every season of the year, especially during the holiday season. Enjoy breathtaking displays with thousands of lights that cover iconic Lilacia Park. Join Lombard Park District as charming holiday displays light up Lilacia Park with decorated trees, a giant gingerbread house, and much more. Mark your calendar for the annual lighting celebration and JingleBell Jubilee on December 7th and enjoy the lights through the holiday season. Visit https://www.villageoflombard.org/
Charming Downtowns
Bundle-up and stroll along picturesque main streets, view the twinkling lights that transform towns into holiday wonderlands. Enjoy beautifully decorated store fronts and tastefully appointed holiday planters. Not sure what to get for that special someone? Do a little window shopping and see what catches your eye. ‘Tis the season! Visit https://www.discoverdupage.com/things-to-do/shopping/downtown/
The Promenade Bolingbrook, Bolingbrook
The Promenade Bolingbrook’s Festival of Lights is a must-see during the holiday season. See 250,000 LED lights twinkle, sparkle and dance to over 20 different holiday songs during the nightly shows. Be sure to check out the beautifully decorated 60-foot Christmas tree in the round-a-bout located in the middle of the shopping mall. Stop into your favorite stores to find that perfect gift. Wind down with a warm beverage and hearty meal at a local restaurant before heading home. For more details, visit https://www.shoppingpromenade.com/events/
Christmas on the Farm, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago
Experience what life was like in the 1890s on a working farm at Kline Creek Farm. Stroll through restored farmstead structures and meet costumed interpreters at this living history farm. Learn the history of popular traditions, take a photo with Santa in his sleigh, sing carols around the warming fire, enjoy holiday cookies and hot apple cider. The event takes place on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th, 2019 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This event is fun for all ages! Visit https://www.dupageforest.org/kline-creek-farm
Yuletide Festival, Naper Settlement, Naperville
The first three weekends of December are going to be filled with holiday cheer at Naper Settlement! Get into the holiday spirit and celebrate the season at the first-ever Yuletide Festival, December 6th-8th, 13th-15th, and 20th-22nd! The lighted streets of Naper Settlement make for a beautiful setting at this family-friendly event. Warm up with hot cocoa or sip wine at the mulled wine bar, decorate cookies in the candy cane craft corner, tour the giant gingerbread house, enjoy holiday music and caroling, and treat yourself to warm cider donuts and soft pretzels. There is something for everyone at this holiday event. Visit https://www.starevents.com/event/yuletide-fest/