New Lenox Set To Sparkle In Christmas In The Commons 2025

NEW LENOX, IL — A New Lenox holiday favorite is nearly set to return for the 2025 holiday season, with a schedule full of events and activities. It all kicks off Saturday, Dec. 6 with a lighting ceremony to flip the switch on the holiday lights.

Residents are invited to gather near the lighted star at approximately 4:45 p.m., and enjoy the view as the holiday display is ceremoniously turned on for the start of Christmas in the Commons. Christmas in the Commons takes place on Saturdays and Sundays in December from 4 to 8 p.m., until Christmas.

• Dec. 6–7
• Dec. 13–14
• Dec. 20–21

The giant, 40-foot lighted Santa returns, with his humongous new penguin pal Floyd. The weekend lineups feature visits from Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, synthetic skating rinks, visits from reindeer, and more.

These events and all the accompanying activities are free, and no admission tickets are required. Open to guests of all ages.

Dogs are prohibited during the event, so please leave 'em at home.

Children who would like to mail a letter to Santa can do so by dropping their envelope into his special mailbox, located directly in front of his lighted figure. In order to receive a response from Kris Kringle himself, your letter must be mailed no later than December 18, and must include a return address to which the response can be sent.

Food will be available for sale from an assortment of food trucks at each event.

Scheduled food trucks include:

• December 6: Auntie Anne's, Joey's Red Hots, Sista's Seafood & More
  • free cookies from Fleckenstein's Bakery
  • free popcorn by Old Plank Trail Bank
• December 7: Drew's Dogs, The Emerald Cup Coffee, Waffle Hero
• December 13: Nikki Rae's Food Truck, Reina del Pozole, Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck
• December 14: Keke's Donuts, Los Razo's Mexican Grill, Waffle Hero
• December 20: Chick-fil-A, MiaBella's Wood Fired Pizza, The Emerald Cup Coffee
• December 21: Da Pizza Company, Los Razo's Mexican Grill, Waffle Hero

Santa Visits

Visits with Santa are available from 4 to 8 p.m. on all days of Christmas in the Commons. Santa will be located in the Village Hall rotunda, and families are responsible for taking their own photos. Photos with Santa are free and are first-come, first-served.

The Village also offers Quiet Santa visits for children with special needs. If your child has special needs that make it difficult for them to wait in line or be in crowds, the Village will work with you to accommodate your family's needs. Please contact Beth Alderson at balderson@newlenox.net a minimum of 72 hours prior to your planned visit to make arrangements.

Horse-drawn Wagon Rides, Visits With Characters, And More!

Horse-drawn wagon rides are available from 4 to 8 p.m. on all days of Christmas in the Commons. The last ride of each night will load at 7:45 p.m.

On select dates, your favorite princesses and holiday characters will appear at Christmas in the Commons, from 4 to 8 p.m. All characters will be located in the heated tent in front of the Village Hall.

• Dec. 7: The Grinch, Buddy the Elf
• Dec. 13: The Grinch
• Dec. 14: Elsa and Anna
• Dec. 20: The Grinch, Buddy the Elf
• Dec. 21: Anna & Olaf

On select dates, performances will take place throughout the Village Commons. All performances will take place outdoors throughout the Commons.

• Dec. 7
  • Sunshine Singers, 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.
  • The Lamplight Singers, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

• Dec. 13
  • Liberty Patriot Chorus, 5 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Lincoln-Way West Madrigals, 6 p.m.

• Dec. 14
  • Vikings Voices, 4 to 5 p.m.
  • Lamplight Singers, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
• Dec. 20
  • Simply Music Studios, 4 p.m.
• Dec. 21
  • Lamplight Singers, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Ice carving demonstrations will take place on December 7, 13, 14, and 22 at 5 p.m. The demonstrations will be located in front of the stage. More information and updates on the Village's website.

Hot Cocoa, Souvenir Mugs, & S'mores

The Village of New Lenox will be selling hot cocoa (regular or spiked), bottled water, and 2025 souvenir mugs from the concession stand. S'mores kits will also be sold in this location courtesy of Gina's Teardrop Cafe. Fire pits will be located throughout the venue for toasting marshmallows (or just resting and getting warm!).

Arrowhead Ales Christmas Lounge

The Arrowhead Ales Christmas Lounge will return this year for our Christmas in the Commons festivities. The lounge will be located in a heated tent in front of the Village Hall, and inside visitors will find a variety of beverages being served up by Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company. Highlighting the menu is a brew created especially for New Lenox and Christmas in the Commons, a milk stout with marshmallow, chocolate, and peppermint called “Big Lit Kringle.”

Holiday Market

A holiday market will be featured at the event—some market vendors may also have pre-packaged food available for sale. The market features a line-up of vendors who offer everything from home decor, jewelry, confections, clothing, and more.

The Village Commons is located just off of Route 30 (Maple Street) at 101 Veterans Parkway in New Lenox. The lights can be viewed from a vehicle Monday through Friday, but a portion of the road will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays in December to accommodate the Christmas in the Commons activities.

More information and updates on the Village's website.