Where To See Santa In Crystal Lake, Cary This Christmas Season

CRYSTAL LAKE AND CARY, IL — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Crystal Lake and Cary families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.

In Crystal Lake, kids have several chances:

Santa's House will officially open for the holiday season on Nov. 25. His house is located in Brink Street Market and Santa will be available for visits through Dec. 23. His hours of operation are: 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

The Cary Park District will host its PJs and Pancakes with Santa from 7 to 9 a.m. on Dec. 9 at 255 Briargate Road, Cary. Come out in your PJs and enjoy a magical morning with Santa, who will make an appearance to take pictures with all the kids. More info.

Santa will be on hand at the Merry Cary Parade and Festival on Dec. 3. A parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Cary and other festivities, including visits with Santa, will happen from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in downtown Cary.

Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and Fox River Grove's Mayor Marc will help flip the switch on Fox River Grove's holiday tree at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 1. The event will also include pictures with Santa and stories with Mrs. Claus. More info.

Santa arrived Nov. 5 at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland and will hold court through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged.

Santa will also be at Macy’s stores in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Orlando. In Chicago, Santa will be at the downtown Chicago Macy's, on the 5th floor at 111 N. State Street starting in November and continuing through the holidays. Reservations are required and more details are available here.

JC Penney stores, including stores in Algonquin, Vernon Hills and Schaumburg are offering professional portraits with Santa on select dates in the coming weeks.