Festival of Lights Parade, Miracle on Main: Upcoming Events

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Your days will soon be merry and bright thanks to festive lights, sights, music and more at several upcoming local holiday season festivals, parades and other happenings. Santa just might make an appearance during some of these upcoming area events.

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

Crystal Lake

Festival of Lights Parade

• When: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
• Where: Downtown Crystal Lake, corner of Williams and Brink.
• Details: The theme of the 2019 Festival of Lights Parade is "A Dr. Seuss Christmas." Santa Claus comes to town during this evening filled with lights, music, pageantry and more. The parade ends at the corner of Williams and Crystal Lake Avenue when Santa throws his magic dust to light the 40-foot Community Christmas Tree.

>> More information including a parade map and spectator rules, including parking.

Santa House Visits

• When: Beginning Friday, Nov. 29 immediately after the Festival of Lights Holiday Parade. Then 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.
• Where: Brink Street Market — 40 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake
• Details: Visits are free at Santa's relaxed and inviting living room environment. Bring your camera, and be prepared to smile. Children can whisper their wishes during their visit with Santa in the comfort of his house at Brink Street Market. More information: downtowncl.org

Algonquin

Miracle on Main

• When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
• Where: Community Tree Lighting at The Plaza — Old Town Algonquin (new location), 2 South Main Street
• Details: Celebrate the holiday season with your family and neighbors at Miracle on Main, featuring free family activities for everyone to enjoy. Activities will kick off with the arrival of Santa and the annual tree lighting ceremony at The Plaza. Admission to the event is free, and a donation bin for Toys for Tots will be made available for new, unwrapped toys. More event details: algonquin.org/miacleonmain

Lake in the Hills

Santa Paws

• When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
• Where: Bark Park, 9027 Haligus, Lake in the Hills
• Details: Grab your phone and come on over to the Bark Park get a picture of your pet with Santa. Each dog with receive a little treat after visiting Santa. Event is open to everyone but you need to pre-register and pay the $5 per dog fee. Bark Park members receive a $2 discount per dog.

Frozen Flurry Fest

• When: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
• Where: Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills
• Details: The annual holiday celebration at Village Hall during which community partners will be on hand leading games, crafts and providing snacks. Photo opportunities galore with your favorite "Frozen" characters, and Santa himself. The free community event is being brought to you by the Parks and Recreation Division and Home State Bank, and guests are asked to please bring a non-perishable donation item for the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry.

Holiday Lights Tour and Decorating Contest

• When: Bus leaves at 5:45 p.m. on Dec. 18, 19, 20
• Where: Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills (according to details under event on LITH website).
• Details: $5 (residents) and $6 (non-residents); Travel around Lake in the Hills and see the sights and lights while serving as a judge for the Holiday House Decorating Contest (House decorating participants can't take part in the judging, but may join the tour.) The bus leaves promptly at 5:45 p.m. This tour fills up quickly, therefore those looking to go on the tour are encouraged to reserve their spot today by registering online (via drop box) or in person at the Village Hall, and is not accepted by phone.
• Registration for the decorating contest is free and is accepted by calling 847-960-7400 or emailing with your contact information.
• The same houses will be judged during all three days. Hot chocolate and cookies provided. Bring your own car seat if needed for your child.
• Winners will receive a gift certificate to a Lake in the Hills business. All registrants will have their address posted on the Village website.

McHenry

McHenry Toys for Tots Parade, Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting

• When: 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
• Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 3400 Pearl St., McHenry
• Details: Toys for Tots Parade takes place 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Downtown Christmas Walk with food, store sales, characters, trolley and more takes place 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tree Lighting will kick off at 5 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park. This is also where Visits with Santa will take place, in the Santa House. >> More info.

Woodstock

Woodstock Christmas Parade and Cookies and Milk with Santa

• When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
• Where: Woodstock Historic Square
• Details: Santa and Mrs. Claus will take part in the Christmas Parade around the Square beginning at 2 p.m. After the Parade, come over to the old fire station behind City Hall and enjoy Cookies and Milk with Santa. >> More information, including registering for the parade.

Huntley

A Very Merry Huntley (2-day event)

• When: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 (day 1); 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 (day 2)
• Where: Village of Huntley Municipal Complex, 10987 Main St. (day 1); Huntley Town Square, 10987 Main Street (day 2)
• Details: (Day 1) Shop the Kris Kringle Market & bring extra change to vote for your favorite decorated Christmas Tree. All funds go to the Grafton Food. Then from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., activities include Kids Craft Making (free), train rides on the Huntley Holiday Express (free), visit with Mrs. Claus, see live reindeer, and enjoy free hot chocolate (sponsored by First National Bank Huntley).
• Then on day 2, enjoy events at 1st Congregational Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop the Indoor Farmers Market and Craft Fair starting at 9 a.m. until 12 p.m., and shop the 1st Congregational Church Bell Choir's Famous Cookie Walk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• There will also be: Free Kids Craft Making at 12 p.m.; a Hand bell Choir performance from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.; free family games and more at Trinity Lutheran Church.
• Town Square Events from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; free hot chocolate from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Caroling with the Merry Maskers in the Gazebo from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Community Pasta Dinner in the Legion Hall at 5 p.m.; Santa arrives by fire truck and the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Gazebo and Town Square, plus the Holiday Fireworks show, and pictures with Santa in the gazebo (bring your camera).

>> More info.

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