2019 Holiday Fests, Tree Lightings And More Across Cook County

COOK COUNTY, IL — Halloween is over, and just like that it's almost time to start taking in all the festive lights, sights, music and more during several local holiday season festivals, parades and other merry happenings. Santa just might make an appearance during some of these upcoming area events.

Here's a roundup of area events and places where you can enjoy some holiday cheer:

Arlington Heights

Tree Lighting Ceremony

• When: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
• Where: North School Park, Eastman Street and Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights
• Details: The Village of Arlington Heights installs and decorates an evergreen tree on the Park's fountain and lights up the streetscape trees. Enjoy carols after the lighting ceremony, trolley rides through downtown, Vibe Dancers, AHPD Baton Group, Hersey High School Dickens Carolers, speakers and more. Stop by the Park District tent for complimentary 3D glasses and other goodies. >> More information

Holiday Happenings

• When: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6
• Where: Harmony Park, at Vail and Campbell in downtown Arlington Heights
• Details: Holiday season fun including food vendors, petting zoo, trailer rides, ice carving and entertainment.

Barrington

Annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony

• When: 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
• Where: Village Center, Cook and Station Street
• Details: The Annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. at South Cook Street, and Santa will arrive via fire truck at 5:15 p.m. Visits at the Santa House will run from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. There will also be free carriage rides around downtown and face painting from 1 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., window displays, holiday carols by Barrington High School Madrigals at 4 p.m., and other festival events and sights beginning at 10 a.m.

Palatine

Holidays on the Town

• When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22
• Where: Downtown Palatine
• Details: Support local businesses and kick off the holiday season by grabbing some friends by enjoying the quaint shops and storefronts of downtown Palatine. The Downtown Palatine Business Association Holiday Trolley will whisk attendees around the downtown area, where they can stop in to each of the participating locations to enjoy product and service demonstrations, special offers and giveaways, in addition to appetizers and wine tastings at select locations. Santa will even be visiting and taking pictures (and selfies) with event attendees. Passports to attend and ride the trolley are only $5 and can be purchased at all DPBA member locations. More information: downtownpalatine.org.

Palatine Jaycees Christmas Tree Sale

• When: Friday, Saturday Sunday (times vary), Nov. 29 through Dec. 22
• Where: Palatine Aquatic Center340 E. Palatine Road, Palatine
• Details: The Palatine Jaycees will be offering a variety of fresh-cut, long and short needle trees, wreaths, and garland at special pricing. Shoppers can choose from the group's selection of Scotch Pine, Blue Spruce, Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir, and Fraser Fir in a variety of sizes at competitive prices. The Jaycees will again be sponsoring Santa's Mailbox for children who'd like to mail a letter to Santa from a special mailbox on the Christmas tree lot. Santa will respond to any letter dropped in the box before Dec. 9. Please be sure to include a return address on your envelope so Santa knows where to send his replies. >> More information

Breakfast with Santa

• When: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
• Where: Twin Lakes Clubhouse, 1200 E. Twin Lakes Drive, Palatine
• Details: Delicious food, games, crafts, entertainment, and Santa Claus. Breakfast/brunch (eggs, pancakes, and sausage) will be provided. Table assignments will be made and tables will be set for 8 people, so if you have special requests, please indicate that at the time of registration. No day-of registration. Please bring your own camera and portable high chair if needed. >> More information

This guide will be updated throughout the 2019 holiday season. Send Cook County holiday event details to rebecca.bream@patch.com — or amie.schaenzer@patch.com.