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May 3–October 6, 2024 The Innovator Hale Street Tents return for another spectacular summer of outdoor dining, live music, and fun! This months-long event has become a community favorite, attracting thousands of diners each year. With live music throughout the summer, the Hale Street Tents are a Downtown Wheaton destination not to be missed. Make your reservations now! Browse the Details >
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 >
The 16th Annual Downtown Wheaton Chili Cookoff Saturday, October 5 | 1:00–5:00 pm The Chili Cookoff returns to Downtown Wheaton this October! Your favorite Downtown eateries compete for your vote with their unique spin on this fan-favorite dish. Ticketholders will enjoy unlimited chili tastings before voting on the tastiest recipe. Join us for this festive fall event... admission includes UNLIMITED tastings, so bring your appetite. This event will sell out, so buy your tickets now! Featuring live music by... The Wheaton Dad Band (@WheatonDadBand) $15 Friends of Downtown Wheaton $20 General Admission $60 Chili Crew 4-Pack More Information > Purchase Tickets >
Enjoy trick-or-treating in Downtown Wheaton Saturday, October 26 | 10:00 am–1:00 pm Now with an extended time, bring your little ghosts and goblins to Downtown Wheaton for a head start on this year's candy collection! More Details >
First-Ever Bourbon & Bubbly Art + Music Trail! Gallery Opening Event Friday, November 8 | 5:00–8:00 pm | $40 per person Free Gallery Friday, November 8–Sunday, November 10 Your favorite shops and restaurants make up this progressive art gallery—visit every stop to check out unique art and all the goods available for purchase at Downtown Wheaton retailers. Join us for opening night on Friday, November 8, where you’ll enjoy samples of bourbon and sparkling wines as you follow the trail of beautiful art and melodious live music. Browse More Details >
November 12-December 20 Let’s get festive! The City of Wheaton and the Wheaton Park District are proud to present the 5th annual Light Up Wheaton decorating contest. All Wheaton residents, businesses, houses of worship and community organizations 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. Registration closes December 12* *All registered participants must submit a photo of (and address for) their submission by 12 p.m. Thursday, December 12, to lcali@wheatonparks.org to be considered for awards. Browse More...
A Holiday Wonderland Awaits 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. You can also step inside the beautifully adorned McCormick House, a unique opportunity to explore this historically preserved home, blending history with holiday charm for a special addition to your visit. Historic Splendor and a Hidden Bar The beautifully renovated McCormick House is open again this season, with even more rooms adorned in festive splendor. As part of our...
Park Lighting Ceremony Nights of Lights returns to Adams Park for its fifth year! Join us for the park lighting on November 29 at 4:30 p.m. and enjoy this display through the holiday season. Featuring over 55,000 bulbs lighting the trees and an animated light display at the fountain, a walk through Adams Park will “wow” the whole family. Thank you to the City of Wheaton for providing this wonderful display throughout the holiday season. Nights of Lights continues through January 5, 2025. This event is open to the public at no cost. Browse More >
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...
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!