"Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up, #LetsGoLakeCounty." The holiday season is in full swing and the top things to do this weekend December 7-9 are as festive as ever. via GIPHY
Lake County is full of cheer this holiday season and you don't want to miss out! We've 'wrapped' up all of the local offerings, events and activities into our Lake County Holiday Guide.Be sure to check it out! (There may or may not be a sweepstakes involved.) ? For all other events and activities, continue here.
Throw on somethin' cozy and continue reading for the top things to do this weekend December 7-9 in Lake County!
Hop on the sleigh and ride into Deerfield for their beloved Winter Celebration. The two-day event commemorates the season with horse-drawn carriage rides, a two-hour live ice sculpting show, Santa visits, photo ops in a life-size snow globe, carolers, tree decorating, holiday games and more. Enjoy the holiday sounds from the Deerfield High School Choraliers, The Caroling Party (donned in Charles Dickens-era garb) and local group the Hurrican Saxophone Quartet. Indulge in complimentary winter eats like cookies from the Patty Turner Center, popcorn, hot cider and chocolate from Deerfield BP and brisket with baked beans and corn pudding from City Barbeque. Stroll through the beautiful downtown area to find events and discounts at many of the local shops and services like Cherry Pit Café, the Deerfield Public Library, Nothing Bundt Cakes, SportsClips and more.
Friday-Saturday, December 7-8; Fri.: 5-9 p.m. Sat.: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Various locations in downtown.
The historic Genesee Theatre hosts a slew of spectacular performances throughout the weekend. Grammy and Oscar Award-winning singer, Melissa Etheridge, takes the Waukegan stage on Friday night. This year marks 25 years since Etheridge’s album “Yes I Am” went six-times platinum. Concert attendees will be immersed with familiar tunes and a performance like none other. Return to the opulent theatre on Saturday to catch two performances of Dancecenter North’s presentation of “The Magic of the Nutcracker.” The revered holiday musical celebrates its 30th anniversary in style with over 100 performers, dancers, elaborate sets and Tchaikovsky’s masterful score. The Genesee Theatre caps off the busy weekend with some of the world’s greatest entertainers performing “A Magical Cirque Christmas.” The awe-inspiring experience includes performances by aerial artists and the uncanny acrobatics from 2018 finalists Duo Transcend of the hit show “America’s Got Talent,” illusions, magical costume changes and more.
Melissa Etheridge: Friday, December 7; 8 p.m. Admission: $48.50-$75.50.
The Magic of the Nutcracker: Saturday, December 8; 1 and 5 p.m. Admission: $15-$36.
A Magical Cirque Christmas: Sunday, December 9; 6 p.m. Admission: $43-$103. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
Few items pair better than the holidays and a great glass of vino. Spend your Saturday at Antioch’s premier vineyard and winery, Vigneto del Bino. The vineyard’s holiday celebration features discounted bottles of wine, a gift basket raffle, music, delicious food and more. Pick up a bottle or two of the beloved wine as a gift for yourself or someone else this holiday season.
Saturday, December 8; Noon-5 p.m. Free admission. Vigneto del Bino Winery, 42150 Crawford Rd., Antioch.
Strum, hum and fiddle on your way to the David Adler Music and Arts Center’s inaugural Making Spirits Bright Perform-a-thon this Saturday. The day-long marathon recital showcases David Adler music students raising money for the student scholarship fund. The Libertyville event is highlighted by an ornament making workshop from 2-4 p.m., a maker’s market and talented student performances. Sing a long at this merry affair while sipping delicious hot chocolate. Visit adlercenter.org for more information.
Saturday, December 8; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Donations appreciated. David Adler Music and Arts Center, 1700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
Put the “aww” in paw this Sunday at Gurnee Mills’ Pet Photo Night. Your furry friends are invited to take their holiday pictures with Santa during the two-hour event. Mr. Claus will be located near Dining Pavilion South in the Macy’s wing of the mall.
Sunday, December 9; 6-8 p.m. Free admission. Gurnee Mills, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
Skip the big box store for your holiday shopping this year and visit the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Conservation Area for the second annual Nature Themed Holiday Art Market instead. Handmade gifts for the nature and art lovers in your life will line the floors of the beautiful venue during the two-day event. Attendees at the Riverwoods market will browse through hundreds of treasures, sample a variety of wines, witness artist and cooking demonstrations, take a luminary hike, participate in the Dear Earth talk – an enrichment conversation series, listen to a variety of holiday tunes and more.
Saturday-Sunday, December 8-9; Sat.: 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods.
On your mark, get set, snow! Scamper to the Deer Park Town Center this Saturday for the annual Cocoa Classic 5K Run/Walk. Runners in the confectionery competition will earn a finisher mug loaded with goodies while warming back up with hot chocolate and covered pretzels at the finish line. The chip-timed event is run entirely on streets and paved paths around the Deer Park Town Center.
Saturday, December 8; 8:30 a.m. Various admissions. Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Deer Park Blvd., Deer Park.
