Things To Do This Weekend December 11-13, 2020
By: Jonathan Jones 12/09/2020
The land of lakes is really illuminated in this installment of things to do this weekend December 11-13.
Holiday your way by discovering and exploring Lake County during the most wonderful time of the year. Lake County is home to various Christmas traditions, holiday festivities, meet and greets with jolly old St. Nick, shopping sprees, delectable eats and other activities perfect for the whole family.
Pack your sunglasses because the holiday season in Lake County is dressed to impress. Here are your top things to do this weekend December 11-13 in the land of lakes.
Deck the halls in a dazzling display of 2.5 million lights, sights and sounds for Six Flag Great America’s part, Holiday in the Park Lights! There is a variety of yuletide entertainment at the Gurnee holly jolly park. Exchange a gift with yourself as you explore, and don’t let those Ebenezers cramp your seasonal style. The light display is also highlighted by live shows, delectable eats, contactless visits with the man in the big red suit and more. All visitors over age two and older must wear a mask, make reservations prior to arriving (and purchase tickets) and are encouraged to practice social distancing while venturing the park. According to Governor Pritzker’s reopening guidelines with the public health crisis, Six Flags Great America will operate at reduced capacity levels without rides. The Gurnee amusement park is also implementing extensive safety measures and hygiene protocols, including several new advanced technology systems to protect and employees. The Gurnee event runs on select days through December 30. Make reservations and purchase your tickets at sixflags.com/greatamerica/store/tickets.
Friday-Sunday, December 11-13; 4-9 p.m. Tickets: $19.99 per person. Free parking. Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Pkwy., Gurnee.
Chanukah just began on December 10, and Lincolnshire invites you and your family to “come light the menorah. Let’s have a party we’ll all dance (in our cars) the horah.” The socially-distanced Chanukah Party features a drive-in move and Menorah lighting as well as raffles and prizes. The movie screening is the fan-favorite 1985 film “Back to the Future” starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson. The parking lot opens at 3:45 p.m. The movie begins at 4:30 p.m. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. Visitors must buy tickets in advance. Proceeds of the event will go towards the Board of Jewish Education.
Sunday, December 13; 3:45 p.m. Tickets: $20 per person. Loft 21, 15 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire.
The train horn can be heard in the distance. That’s the sound of the Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train is making it’s annual stop at your home as they host a virtual concert. Usually, the storied train arrives in early December at Viking Park in Gurnee. The vastly illuminated train partners with local communities to raise fare and funds for local food banks as well as raise awareness about worldwide hunger issues. The train will blare holiday music via Facebook Live with performances by Serena Ryder, the Trews, JoJo Mason, Logan Staats and Kelly Prescott. Visit the Canadian Pacific Railroad Company to view their Facebook Live page. The Food Banks Canada and Feeding America are both accepting donations.
Saturday, December 12; 7-9 p.m. CP Holiday Train at Home Virtual Concert, Facebook Live.
One of Lake County’s eldest buildings is dressing up for the holidays, and you’re invited to see it sparkle for yourself with Kringle. Zion’s historic Shiloh House will open for self-guided tours throughout the holiday season. Thousands of lights, several Christmas trees and other holiday decorates will light up the residency of City of Zion founder John Alexander Dowie’s estate. Santa Saturdays feature Saint Nicholas himself from 2-4 p.m. Tours to the house will be conducted on Tuesdays-Thursdays and Saturdays through December 31. Santa will be checking lists twice through December 19. The historical home allows up to 10 visitors at a time, and facemasks are required with entry.
Saturday, December 12; 2-4 p.m. Tickets $5 donation. Shiloh House, 1500 Shiloh Blvd., Zion.
“Spruce” up your homestead “Fir” the holidays with an arbor from Richardson Christmas Tree Farm. The Spring Grove grounds opens for the final weekend for the season to create a memory as you and your family can embark (or debark) your tree for the holidays. Richardson also sells handmade decorated wreaths, garland and offers a free shaking and baling of trees. On weekends there are free wagon rides, freshly-made donuts, hot chocolate and other concessions. The Spring Grove tree farm will close a little earlier this season due to a smaller supply. Through December 13, select from white pine, concolor fir, Douglas fir and Norway spruce between seven and eight feet tall.
Friday-Sunday, December 11-13; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Trees starting at $29. U-Cut Trees are $79 plus tax. Richardson Christmas Tree Farm, 9407 Richardson Rd., Spring Grove.
To see how you can Holiday Your Way in Lake County, click here. To learn about everything else going on this weekend December 11-13, continue here.
