Santa Claus is coming to Lake County! We have rounded up a list of all the local places where your child can see him and ensure their spot on the nice list this year. So gather your cameras and have your child check their wish list before visiting the jolly man before he makes his trip back to the North Pole! In case you didn’t hear, Santa is immune to COVID-19 so these virtual and socially distant events are safe for everyone.
Where to See Santa in Lake County
As with all our listings, be sure to check the link before heading out. Santa needs breaks just like everyone else. Little Lake County is not responsible for changes or sold out events.
Daily Santa Visits | Virtual Santa Visits | Drive-thru Santa Events | Special Events with Santa | Special Needs Santa | Find Santa Near Me
COVID-19 Statement: Experts have advised that the best thing for our community during the current Coronavirus pandemic is to reduce crowded gatherings. Please exercise caution when selecting outings. Ultimately it is your decision if you choose to go to public events and spaces. For the best and most up-to-date information on the outbreak locally, please visit the Lake County Health Department COVID-19 status page.
Daily Santa Visits in Lake County
Santa’s Wonderland
Daily until Christmas, Hours vary
Bass Pro Shops, Gurnee Mills, 6112 West Grand Ave., Gurnee
FREE Come to take a free picture with Santa, make a craft, and more. Reservations are required this year and Santa is behind a window.
Gurnee Mills
November 27 – December 24 – reservation required
Gurnee Mills, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee
This is a socially distant Santa event and masks are required. You will need to pre-register for a time
Hawthorn Mall
November 27 – December 23
Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills
The Santa Experience will be a socially distant event and you are required to pre-register for a spot.
Northbrook Court
November 27 – December 25
2171 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, IL
Santa’s in the house at Northbrook Court. Masks are required of everyone (including Santa) and you will need to re-register for a time spot.
Ice House Mall
No 2020 Information.
200 Applebee St., Barrington
FREE Photos with Santa are free and a courtesy to our customers. Please bring your camera to take photos with Santa. Donate to our “Meals of Hope” holiday food drive to benefit the Northern Illinois Food Bank when visiting Santa.
Santa’s Christmas Cottage in Fox Lake
December
Millennium Park, 6 Rollins Rd., Fox Lake
FREE Indoor visits at the Fox Lake Santa House have been canceled. Santa will be hosting outdoor Santa visits at the Fox Lake Santa House and will be abiding by Tier 3 Mitigation Guidelines. Contact the Village of Fox Lake for dates and times.
Santa Saturdays
November 28, December 5, 12, 19 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Shiloh House, 1300 Shiloh Blvd., Zion
Celebrate the Christmas Season at Shiloh House. Face masks are required with a limit of 10 people inside. $5 donation to the Zion Historical Society.
Virtual Visits with Santa
Live Virtual Visits with Santa
1 December – 1 January
Hosted by Royal Princess Parties
Santa is coming to town virtually! And he’s waiting to hear what your kids have added to their holiday wish lists this year! Video chats start in November and run all the way to January 1st. Buddy the Elf OR any of our Royal Princesses are available for live video chats too!
Virtual Storytime with Santa
5 December 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Hosted by the Lake Bluff Park District
Hear a story from Santa on Zoom! Registration is required, each session is 25-minutes.
Northbrook Court Virtual Santa Visits
Now through January 7
Make this holiday magical with a virtual visit to the North Pole! Santa’s helpers have been working hard decking the halls for you and your family, so don’t be late! Choose from a Visit with Santa, Storytime with The Clauses, or a Pre-Recorded Personalized Santa Video. Prices vary and registration is required.
Drive-Thru Santa Events in Lake County
Drive-Thru Santa
28 November 5:00 p.m.
Lake Villa Village Hall
Join the Village of Lake Villa for a magical event as we spread holiday cheer. Jump in your car, put on some holiday music, and wave at Santa from the safety of your vehicle. Santa will be located right outside the Metra station at 129 Railroad Ave. Goodie bags will be provided to children while in the vehicle providing everyone is wearing a mask.
Home for the Holidays Lighted Christmas Trail
4, 5, & 6 December 5-10 p.m.
Shiloh Park, Zion
Drive-thru Shiloh Park with over 50 displays, 100,000 lights, and Santa! This is a contactless event and will follow all COVID-19 safety precautions. All families must stay in their vehicles at all times.
Holly Jolly Holiday Drive-Thru
4 December 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Lincolnshire Village Hall, Half Day Rd., Lincolnshire
Registration required. Drive-thru village hall to drop off food donations or toy donations for Toys for Tots and see Santa and receive giveaways from community businesses and organizations!
Drive-Thru Santa
5 December 10:30 a.m. – Noon
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 24500 N. Old McHenry Rd., Hawthorn Woods
Decorate your car with some Christmas SPIRIT and come out to St. Matthew to visit Santa and drop off your Christmas letters and wish list from your car and pick up your Christmas treat from Santa! We have invited our friendly first responders from the village to come to say hello as well! We are excited to hear that Santa is able to make the trip out during this time of year to spread some Christmas Cheer! They will be collecting food for the food pantry and toys to donate to Toys for Tots.
Santa Wave-By
5 December 1 – 5:00 p.m.
Santa House, Park Avenue, Barrington
Drive by the Santa House on Park Ave. Street music by Bob the DJ, Santa will be giving out free candy canes via the “Candy Cane PVS Pipe Express”
Drive-Thru Santa’s Cottage
December 12 and 19, Noon – 3:00 p.m.
Santa’s Cottage, Mundelein
Santa and his helpers will be at Santa’s Cottage to say “hello” and wave to the children as they drive-thru to see Santa first-hand. The Village has transformed the Plaza Circle into a wonderland with Mundelein’s holiday tree as the focal point. All children are asked to bring their letters to Santa to drop in the special “Letters to Santa” mailbox. Other highlights include goodie bags for the children (while supplies last) and holiday music.
Drive-By Christmas Experience
12 December 12-3:00 p.m.
Saint Mary of the Annunciation, Mundelein
Saint Nicholas and Sant will greet you with jingle bells, songs, and goodies to keep y our spirits bright. Place a letter to Sant in the magical North Pole mailbox. Bring canned goods to donate to the Fremont Food Pantry. All attendees will remain in their car and should wear a mask.
Special Events with Santa in Lake County
Tree & Menorah Lighting
28 November 2:45 p.m.
Vernon Hills
Santa will take off in a firetruck from the Countryside Fire Protection District and be escorted by members of CFPD, the Village of Vernon Hills, Vernon Hills Police Department, and the Vernon Hills Park District. Santa will travel up and down Village streets before arriving at the Virtual Tree & Menorah Lighting which is expected to start at 5:00 pm. Both the parade and the Tree & Menorah Lighting will broadcast LIVE on the Village’s Facebook! Make sure to follow the Village of Vernon Hills on Facebook.
Dickens of a Holiday
Canceled for 2020
Cook Park, Libertyville
FREE Santa will be in town to spread cheer throughout. Visit Santa in his sleigh and have your picture taken. Donations to MainStreet appreciated!
FREE Pictures with Santa
5 December 1-4:00 p.m.
Brass City Games, 229 Washington St., Round Lake
FREE pictures with Santa himself! Please follow the Covid19 guidelines and wear a mask while waiting in line.
Miracle on Main Street
Canceled for 2020
Downtown Lake Zurich at Rotary Park
This special evening includes a visit from Santa Claus and is sure to be a memorable event for your child. Returning again this year will be a beautiful 35-foot tree to be displayed for the holiday season, an opportunity to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their reindeer.
Winter Wonderland Walk-Thru
19 January 5:00 p.m. Brother’s Field, Long Grove
Join the Long Grove Fire Protection District firefighters at the Winter Wonderland in Brother’s Field ( 344 Old McHenry Road in downtown Long Grove) for a socially distanced walk-up visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Special Needs Santa Events
Back to TopFind Santa Near Me
Where will you be seeing the jolly old man?
Find more Christmas events and activities at Christmas in Lake County.
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