Santa Claus Is Coming To Winnetka, Glencoe: Where To See Him

WINNETKA-GLENCOE, IL — Visits and pictures with Santa Claus are treasured traditions for many Chicagoland families. In Winnetka and Glencoe, kids have several chances to see jolly old St. Nick in person.

Here are the details:

Santa at Chalet Wilmette
When: Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14
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.
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Northfield Holiday Fest
When: Dec. 3, 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. 5, 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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Breakfast with Santa at The Lawn Grill
When: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, and 20, 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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Holiday Happenings in Wilmette
When: Dec. 6, 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. 6, 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. 6, 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.
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Cookie & Cocoa Crawl
When: Dec. 6, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Jens Jensen Park, 540 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park

Kick off the holiday season by visiting Ravinia District businesses to collect festive cookies, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy holiday tunes. Start at Jens Jensen Park to pick up a cookie bag and redemption tickets.
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Winter Wanderland 2024
When: Dec. 6, 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 $11.49 in advance or $15 on the day of the event.
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Dickens of a Holiday in Libertyville
When: Dec. 13, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Downtown Libertyville

Santa will be in Cook Park spreading cheer, with photos available from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–3 p.m. Kids can shop for gifts at the Children’s Holiday Shoppe, while families enjoy Victorian Tea and other festive activities.
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Annual Santa Parade
When: Dec. 6 starting at 2 p.m.
Where: Throughout Libertyville

Grab a spot on the Santa tracker map to watch the parade. Santa’s sleigh will make its way through residential streets and parks, spreading holiday cheer.
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Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus in Kenilworth
When: Dec. 7, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.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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The Grove Christmas Candlelight Tours
When: Dec. 12
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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Santa is Coming to Madame ZuZu’s
When: Dec. 13–14, 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Madame ZuZu’s, 1876 1st St., Highland Park

Snap holiday Polaroids with Santa while enjoying hot cocoa, festive activities, and shopping. Polaroids must be purchased for photo opportunities.
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Visit With Santa
When: Dec. 12, 4 p.m. - 8 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.
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Christmas Town at Summerfield Farm and Zoo
When: Nov. 15–Dec. 21, Weekends
Where: 3088 Flora Rd., Belvidere

Meet Santa, visit the reindeer barn, and enjoy holiday activities, including crafts and "Reindeer Flight School." Tickets are $18 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’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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Westfield Old Orchard Santa Photos in the Candy cane Station
When: Nov. 28–Dec. 24 (Hours vary by date)
Where: Trolley Park, Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie

Take photos with Santa at Candy Cane Station while enjoying festive treats. Special events include Santa Cares (sensory-friendly visits) on Dec. 7 and Santa Paws on Dec. 8 and 15 for pet photos with Santa. Reservations are recommended for photos.
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Fashion Outlets of Chicago Santa’s Winter Wonderland
When: Nov. 14–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. 7. Reservations are recommended to minimize wait times.
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