Where To See Santa Around Evanston This Christmas Season

EVANSTON, IL — Santa Claus is sleighing his way across the North Shore this holiday season, bringing joy, photos and plenty of ho, ho, ho's to local families around Evanston.

Whether the little elves are feeling naughty or nice, these events are the perfect way to make spirits bright amid the snow and ice.

From breakfasts to parades to reindeer visits, these festive Santa sightings are sure to have the whole workshop fa-la-la-ing into the holiday spirit.

Here are some of the spots in the north suburbs where you can catch jolly old St. Nick in person spreading holiday cheer in the Evanston area, starting right after Thanksgiving:

Santa at Chalet Wilmette
When: Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15
Where: Chalet Nursery, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus to share your wish list and snap a festive photo. Appointments are already all booked up, but walk-ins are still welcome.
More info »

Northfield Holiday Fest
When: Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m.
Where: Clarkson Park, 1950 New Willow Road, Northfield
Enjoy a park lighting, holiday music from local school choirs, crafts, make-your-own s'mores, and a visit from Santa. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.
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Winnetka Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 6, 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Where: Dwyer Park, 856 Elm Street, Winnetka
Celebrate the season with caroling, treats, and a visit from Santa, who will be escorted to the tree lighting by the Winnetka Fire Department. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m.
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St. Nick’s Fest
When: Dec. 7–8, starting at 8 a.m.
Where: St. Nicholas Catholic Church (St. John XXIII Parish), 806 Ridge Ave., Evanston
Celebrate the holiday season with a weekend of festive activities, including a craft fair featuring local handmade goods, a bakery booth, delicious Mexican food, fresh Christmas trees and greenery, and a visit from Santa. Parking available in the church lot and nearby streets.
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Breakfast with Santa at The Lawn Grill
When: Dec. 7, 14, and 21, with seatings at 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.
Where: The Lawn Grill, Wilmette Golf Club, 3900 Fairway Drive, Wilmette
Celebrate the holidays with breakfast, a visit with Santa, and a magical morning with family. Registration is required, and fees vary by age.
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Downtown Evanston Holiday Light Celebration
When: Dec. 7, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Fountain Square, 1601 Sherman Ave., Evanston
Kick off the holiday season with Santa, Mrs. Claus and local officials. Enjoy holiday tunes from the Evanston Children’s Choir starting at 4:30 p.m., followed by a tree lighting at 5 p.m. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with hot cocoa and treats, will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Merion, 1615 Chicago Ave.
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Holiday Happenings in Wilmette
When: Dec. 7, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Various locations in Wilmette, including Plaza del Lago and Village Green
Experience a day of holiday fun with shopping, dining promotions, photos with Santa, a giant snow globe, a showing of Elf, carolers, and a tree lighting at 5 p.m.
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Alvin the Elf’s Winter Carnival
When: Dec. 7, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Where: Skokie School, 520 Glendale Ave., Winnetka
Join Alvin the Elf for a fun-filled Winter Carnival featuring games, cookie decorating, real reindeer, refreshments, and a possible visit from Santa.
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Kenilworth Tree Lighting and Holiday Market
When: Dec. 7, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
Where: Kenilworth Assembly Hall, 410 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth
Enjoy photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, children’s activities, a holiday market, and a tree lighting at 6:15 p.m., followed by cookies, hot chocolate, and live music.
More info »

Winter Wanderland 2024
When: Dec. 7, 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Where: Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
Take a festive stroll through holiday-themed scenes, meet Santa, and enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, and a goodie bag. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the event.
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Breakfast with Santa in Kenilworth
When: Dec. 8, 8 a.m.–11 a.m.
Where: Kenilworth Assembly Hall, 410 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth
Start the day with a breakfast buffet and photos with Santa at this Kenilworth Park District event.
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Flapjacks & Flannels
When: Dec. 10, 9 a.m.–noon
Where: Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston
Enjoy a cozy breakfast in your favorite flannel with family and friends. The event includes a full breakfast, selfies with Santa, dreidel and snow globe-making activities, with vegan and kosher options available. Registration is required, and fees are $10 for adult residents and $5 for child residents (non-residents $13/$7).
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The Grove Christmas Candlelight Tours
When: Dec. 13
Where: The Grove National Historic Landmark, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview
Take a guided candlelight tour of the 1856 Kennicott House, hear stories of 19th-century holiday traditions, and end with a visit and gift from Santa.
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Evanston Symphony Holiday Concert
When: Dec. 15, 3 p.m.
Where: Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave.
Kick off the holiday season with a festive concert featuring the Evanston Symphony Orchestra, Evanston Children’s Choir, North Shore Choral Society, Chicago Ballet Arts, Evanston Dance Ensemble, and the Evanston Symphony Holiday Gospel Choir. Special guest Santa Claus and his elves will also make an appearance. Tickets start at $30 for adults and $15 for children.
More info »

Visit With Santa
When: Dec. 21, 12 p.m.
Where: Weinberg Family Recreation Center, 305 Randolph St., Glencoe
Capture magical moments with Santa, enjoy holiday treats, and take a group photo by the hearth. Picture times are scheduled every 10 minutes, and registration is required per group.
More info »

Christmas Town at Summerfield Farm and Zoo
When: Nov. 16–Dec. 22, Weekends
Where: 3088 Flora Rd., Belvidere
Meet Santa, visit the reindeer barn, and enjoy holiday activities, including crafts and "Reindeer Flight School." Tickets are $16 per person; kids under 1 are free.
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Skate with Santa
When: Dec. 24, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: Centennial Ice Rinks, 2300 Old Glenview Rd., Wilmette
Enjoy a holiday-themed public skate with cocoa, candy canes, and a visit from Santa. Admission is $5 with a non-perishable food donation for the Wilmette Food Pantry; standard fees apply without a donation.
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Santa is also holding court at several shopping malls in the north suburbs, including:

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
When: Through Dec. 24
Where: Gurnee Mills, Gurnee
Enjoy free photos with Santa, crafts, and festive activities for the whole family.
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Photos with Santa at Hawthorn Mall
When: Through Dec. 24
Where: 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills
Santa is available for photos daily, with special pet and sensory-friendly sessions on select dates.
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Santa at Northbrook Court
When: Through Dec. 24
Where: 1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook
Santa is stationed near Neiman Marcus for photos by appointment.
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Westfield Old Orchard Santa Photos in Trolley Park
When: Nov. 29–Dec. 24 (Hours vary by date)
Where: Trolley Park, Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie
Take photos with Santa at Trolley Park while enjoying festive treats from the Candy Cane Station. Special events include Santa Cares (sensory-friendly visits) on Dec. 8 and Santa Paws on Dec. 9 and 16 for pet photos with Santa. Reservations are recommended for photos.
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Fashion Outlets of Chicago Santa’s Winter Wonderland
When: Nov. 15–Dec. 24 (Hours vary by date)
Where: Center Court near the Food Court, Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont
Families can visit Santa for free, with photo packages available and special sensory-friendly sessions on Dec. 8. Reservations are recommended to minimize wait times.
More info »