We always look forward to the holidays. There is so much to do, and so many people to see! Gather your family and friends for these popular Christmastime traditions. Find additional events on our calendar.
Please note: for your convenience, most links from this page will open into a new window on the website page of each specific hosting organization.
November 2021:
- Nov. 26 | Wheaton Christmas Parade & Nights of Lights: Join us for a joyful celebration of the season as this colorful, light-filled Christmas Parade moves down Wheaton Avenue and Front Street (see map here) in Downtown Wheaton. Spectators of all ages will enjoy magical floats, meet your favorite character before or after the parade and see Santa! End your festive-filled evening with the Nights of Lights lighting ceremony in Adams Park immediately following the parade.
Enjoy the return of Nights of Lights in Adams Park this holiday season. The display will be lit from Nov. 26, 2021–Jan. 9, 2022. Lights will be on from dusk to 11:00 pm.
Presented in partnership: Wheaton Park District, Downtown Wheaton Association and City of Wheaton
More information > - Nov. 26–All Christmas Season | Santa’s Mailbox: While you’re visiting Nights of Lights, be sure to drop your letter to Santa Claus in the special North Pole mailbox located in the southeast corner of the park. Be sure to look in the gazebo for Santa’s special mailbox.
- Nov. 26–Jan 9 | Downtown Wheaton Christmas Window Walk | FREE
Celebrate the holidays with a stroll through downtown Wheaton to enjoy all the festive painted windows. The free exhibit runs from November 26, 2021–January 9, 2022. Read More > - Cantigny Park Holiday Events: See full events list here
- Nov 19 | Mistletoe Market: Visitors Center | 1–7 pm
- Nov 19 | Shades of Crimson Poinsettia Display: Greenhouse | 11 am–5 pm
- Nov 22 | Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop: Greenhouse | 6:30 pm ($50)
- Wheaton Library Holiday Events (225 N. Cross St., Wheaton):
- Nov 11–14 | Friends Holiday Book & Art Sale: Start your holiday shopping at this special sale! Featuring collectibles, like-new gift books, autographed copies, coffee table books, nostalgia items, quality children’s books, unique gifts, framed and unframed art. The sale is held in the Arts & Culture Center on the main floor. Read More >
- Nov. 20 | Art Project: Thanksgiving: Youth Services; 9 am–12pm; Pop-in for a pop-up art project to celebrate Thanksgiving. Visit the Youth Services Department and we’ll provide all of the supplies. This program is intended for children and caregivers to participate together; drop offs are not allowed. Read More >
- Nov 23 | Thanksgiving Craft Stations: Youth Services; 1–8 pm; Make some Thanksgiving crafts to decorate your home and table! This program is intended for children and caregivers to participate together; drop offs are not allowed. Read More >
- Nov. 12–All Holiday Season | Light Up Wheaton: Register—Nov. 12–Dec. 10
‘Tis the season to have the most holiday spirit! We have teamed up with the City of Wheaton to present Light Up Wheaton and encourage the community to brighten the season together. All are encouraged to participate in this free contest. For those interested in a friendly community competition, enter your house in the Light Up Wheaton Contest. Show the community your most creative, out-of-the-box and festive seasonal decorations. For questions: contact Wheaton Park District’s Marketing & Special Events Coordinator, Amy Seklecki, at aseklecki@wheatonparks.org or 630-510-4989. Read More > - Nov 26–Dec 30 | Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale | Wheaton Park District Page:
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.
Open 9 am–9 pm – Lights come on at 3P; Closed on Christmas & New Year’s Day; Open 9 am–12 pm on Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve; Free Admission; While zoo admission is free during the Festival of Lights and Tree Sales, donations are greatly appreciated.
Hot Chocolate Hours: Monday-Friday 3–9 pm; Saturdays and Sundays 9 am–9 pm. Read More > - Nov. 27 | Cosley Zoo—Santa’s Craft Corner | 10 am–2 pm: Skip the long line at the mall and visit Santa at the zoo. While you are here, make a craft or two and tour the zoo before you go. Admission includes crafts, refreshments, and of course, a visit with the man in red himself. Be sure and bring your camera to capture those holiday memories. Santa’s Craft Corner is held in the Kiebler Room, located on the second floor of the large barn, accessible by stairs. No advanced registration required; $20 per household. Read More >
- Nov. 27 | Cider & Cookie Stroll: Downtown Wheaton | 3–7 pm
Celebrate Small Business Saturday with the Cider & Cookie Stroll as you wander through the retail shops of downtown Wheaton! Participating businesses will offer cider with their own unique flavorings and toppings and a festive holiday cookie.
Purchase your mug from the DWA today and that along with an official event map will be your ticket to taste and enjoy as much cider as you wish and a cookie at each tasting location. Once you’ve tasted all the cookies, vote for your favorite by marking your event map (ballot) and placing it in the ballot box at the W Tent at Martin Memorial Plaza. Cost: $20 per mug. All the Details >
December 2021:
- Dec. 3 | Wheaton College Christmas Festival: 7:30–9:30 pm; Edman Memorial Chapel
Wheaton College invites the community to its annual Christmas Festival Concert at 7:30 pm on Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4. An additional matinee performance will be offered at 4 pm on Dec. 4.
Christmas Festival 2021 “Welcome All Wonders” will feature music by J.A.C. Redord and traditional Christmas carols. Performers will include Wheaton College Women’s Chorale, Men’s Glee Club, Concert Choir, Symphony Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble.
All guests to Wheaton College events are required to wear masks at all times inside campus buildings. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. Please contact artsevents@wheaton.edu for questions. Read More > -
Dec. 3 & 4 | The BEST Christmas Pageant Ever!: Friday, Dec. 3 | 7 pm; Saturday, Dec. 4 | 2 pm—Wheaton Community Center Memorial Room Auditorium
A Children’s Playhouse Production; Author Credit: By Barbara Robinson; Is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
Tickets on sale now! Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the WPD Community Center front desk.
Pre-sale Ticket Price $6 per person; Day of Ticket Price $8 per person | Read More > - Dec. 4 | Reindeer Run: (in person on 12.4.21)(also a Virtual option) In-Person Race: Saturday, December 4 | 8:30A | Downtown Wheaton Virtual Race: More information >
Presented in partnership by Wheaton Park District and Wheaton Lions Club Charities
Get your holiday cheer on in the most festive, active environment imaginable, in-person or virtually! This winter 5K is sure to put you in the holiday spirit—in fact, we even encourage it! Come out in your best Santa hats or assortment of jingle bells and Run Run Rudolph to the finish line! All runners receive a long-sleeve tech t-shirt and antlers. Register Here > - Dec 11 | CSA Suzuki Strings Christmas Concert | 10–11:30 am; Edman Memorial Chapel
The Community School of the Arts (CSA) at Wheaton College presents a Strings Christmas Concert at 10 am on Saturday, Dec. 11.
Free and open to the public, this event takes place in Edman Memorial Chapel on Wheaton College’s campus. For more information, call the Community School of the Arts at 630.752.5567. Read More > - Dec. 12 | College of DuPage: The Second City, It’s a Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Life: 4:00–6:00 PM; Location: McAninch Arts Center Belushi Performance Hall
While the weather outside could be frightful, the laughter inside is most delightful as comedy’s best and brightest roast the chestnuts out of all the things we lovingly loathe about the holiday season. Bring those who are on your nice (or naughty) list for the perfect holiday de-stressor. It’s enough merriment and music to keep you jolly ’til the Chicago snow melts…next May. Tickets > $38 (A) | $30 (B) | $48 (Gold Circle) Read More > - Dec. 18 & 19 | College of DuPage: New Philharmonic: The Nutcracker: Various times: Location: McAninch Arts Center Belushi Performance Hall
The MAC is thrilled to bring you a gorgeous production of “The Nutcracker.” Hailed by critics and audiences alike, Salt Creek Ballet’s enchanting production is everything you hope for with stunning costumes and magical effects. With a jaw-dropping Christmas tree that grows nearly 60 feet tall, 125 exquisite costumes, internationally recognized guest soloists and live music by New Philharmonic, this magical production offers all of the grandeur of the timeless tale you’ve come to love. $46 Adult | $36 Youth; MAC Box Office: Email: themac@cod.edu; Phone: (630) 942-4000. Read More >
