Wheaton Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Downtown Wheaton 100 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL

​ Christmas Parade The tradition continues; join us for the annual Wheaton Christmas Parade for a magical evening of lights, music, and community Downtown Wheaton. The parade will travel from Wheaton Avenue at Wesley Street south to Front Street, turning east (left) on Front Street, and finishing at Cross Street. Groups looking to march in the parade should reach out to Hello@DowntownWheaton.com for information. Tree Lighting Ceremony Join us for the second annual Downtown Wheaton Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, immediately following the Wheaton Christmas Parade. Then, enjoy the tree daily 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. through January 5. Browse More...

Festival of Lights & Christmas Tree Sale

Cosley Zoo 1356 N Gary Ave, Wheaton, Illinois

November 29–December 30 | 9:00 AM–9:00 PM (lights come on at 3:0 PM)* | Cosley Zoo A winter visit to Cosley Zoo has become a favorite family tradition. Cosley Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, an amazing selection of Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery, hot chocolate and a unique assortment of holiday gifts in the Wild Side Gift Shop. Cosley Zoo has four varieties of trees ranging from 3’ to 12’! Wreaths, greens, and garland are also available for purchase. Christmas lights turn on at 3:00 PM Hot Chocolate is available weekdays 3:00–9:00 PM;...

Christmas at Cantigny

Cantigny Park 1s151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton, IL

Explore a dazzling array of experiences as you stroll through a ½-mile, fully ADA- and stroller-accessible path. Along the way, music-orchestrated light shows, festive decorations, larger-than-life flower sculptures, and a towering 28-foot Christmas tree will enchant you. Don’t forget to stop by our Holiday Shop to pick up a Cantigny-grown Poinsettia, a holiday tradition from our greenhouse. Enjoy a variety of events during Christmas at Cantigny, including: A Very Taylor Christmas Christmas Spirits Noël Lounge at the McCormick House Holiday Brunch The Colonel's Christmas Tour And more! Explore All the Details, Dates and Events > Purchase Your Tickets Today!

Santa & Mrs. Claus at the “W” Tent

Saturday, December 7, 11:00 AM–1 PM Saturday, December 14, 2:00–4:00 PM Saturday, December 21, 11:00 AM–1 PM Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Downtown Wheaton this holiday season, and they want to see you! This is the perfect time to take a picture with Santa and even check if you made the nice list this year. Read More Details >

Santa’s Workshop

Toohey Park Building 1900 Orchard Rd, Wheaton, IL

December 12 | 9:30 AM–3:00 PM | Toohey Park Building | Age 4–6 While parents do last-minute shopping, children have fun making holiday keepsake crafts. All supplies are included in the fee. Resident | $36 Non-Resident | $45 Learn More >

New Year’s Eve Concert at the MAC

The MAC at College of DuPage 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, IL

Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM & 8:30 PM NEWPHILHARMONIC New Year's Eve Concert Belushi Performance Hall $68 Senior | $70 Adult | $80 Gold Circle A SALUTE TO VIENNA’S NEW YEAR’S EVE 1:30 PM: Limited Availability 5:00 PM: Limited Availability 8:30 PM: Best Availability Ring in 2025 with Maestro Muspratt as he conducts a fun and exciting New Year’s Eve pops concert featuring a variety of light classics, Strauss waltzes, arias, guest singer, champagne with surprises! A joyous night of reflecting back while looking ahead together through the music of New Philharmonic. Read More > Buy Tickets...

Cantigny Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch

Cantigny Park 1s151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton, IL

Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April 13 | 10:00 am–4:00 pm Parking: $16 per car Cantigny’s annual Easter Egg Hunt returns! Stop by for some colorful family fun. Egg Hunt The egg hunt is an “open house” event — come whenever you wish. Eggs will be available in the allée throughout the day and replenished periodically. Bring your own basket or bag. Each child may redeem five (5) eggs for a prize. Take the eggs to the prize redemption area located near the Tank Park and restrooms. One prize per child. If your child collects more than five we suggest...

Pumpkin Fest at Cosley Zoo 2025

Cosley Zoo 1356 N Gary Ave, Wheaton, Illinois

October 1–31 | Daily 9:00 am–5:00 pm | Cosley Zoo Taking in the beautiful fall colors at Cosley Zoo is a must-do! Come see the animals and take in the thousands of pumpkins scattered on the zoo’s lawn. Children’s rides are also available for an additional fee. Purchase apples, gourds, cider, cornstalks, various sizes of straw bales, and don't forget your pumpkins! Check out the fall merchandise in the Wild Side Gift Shop, too! Proceeds from your purchases benefit Cosley Zoo. Regular admission rates apply. Browse More Information >

Cosley Zoo Spooktacular

Cosley Zoo 1356 N Gary Ave, Wheaton, Illinois

October 17 | 5:15–8:30 pm | Cosley Zoo Take an evening stroll through the zoo and enjoy family-friendly seasonal decorations and activities. Finish your visit by decorating a pumpkin, or take one to go and decorate it at home! Get your costumes together and register early to secure your spot. All ages are welcome. $12.95 per person for ages 2–adult. Admission is free for ages 1 and under, but a ticket is required. Browse More Information >

Light Up Wheaton Decorating Event 2025

November 4-December 11 Let’s get festive! The City of Wheaton and the Wheaton Park District are proud to present the annual Light Up Wheaton decorating contest. All Wheaton residents, businesses, houses of worship and community organizations, and neighborhoods are invited to participate in this free, friendly competition—all themes and holidays welcome! Showcase your fun, creative, out-of-the-box decorating ideas in what has quickly become one of Wheaton’s favorite holiday traditions. Awards will be given in three categories: Most Creative, People’s Choice, and Mayor’s Choice. Registration closes December 11.* *All registered participants must submit a photo of their entry (along with address)...