Things To Do This Weekend November 19-21, 2021
By: Jeff Randolph 11/17/2021
It's the weekend before we gather to reflect on everything we are fortunate enough to have. Let's take a look at things to do this weekend November 19-21.
Lake County has plenty of places with 'gram-worthy photo opportunities. Check out a list of locations by
clicking here.
It's the last weekend to be entered to win a VIP Lake County Libation Trail Tour experience. Kris Kringle makes his presence known in Vernon Hills. The lights are out at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Celebrate the holidays with a throwback to yesteryear in Historic Downtown Long Grove. An iconic group of characters take the stage in Lake Forest. Here’s the top five things to do this weekend November 19-21.
It’s the final weekend of the Lake County Libation Trail Check-in Challenge. Whether your adult beverage of choice is a barrel-aged spirit, a glass of locally-crafted pinot or a season ale, Lake County has exactly what you need to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. When craft drinkers arrive at a participating location, they check-in using their mobile pass to show they are in attendance. If libation-ers check into three or more participants of the Lake County Libation Trail locations now through November 21 via indoor dining, outdoor sipping, curbside pickup or carryout, they are entered into a sweepstakes and win a free VIP 3-Stop Lake County Libation Trail Tour courtesy of O’Toole’s. Participating breweries include Bosacki’s Brewery and Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein, Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove, Half Day Brewing Co. and Wright’s Brew and Bistro located inside Lincolnshire Marriott Resort in Lincolnshire, Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing and Zümbier Brewery in Waukegan, Roaring Table Brewing Co. and Phase Three Brewing in Lake Zurich, Harbor Brewing Co. in Winthrop Harbor, Liquid Love Brewing in Buffalo Grove, Light the Lamp Brewery in Grayslake, Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville, Black Lung Brewing in Round Lake Beach, Only Child Brewing Company in Gurnee, Ravinia Brewing Company in Highland Park, Side Lot Brewery in Wauconda and Wild Onion Brewery in Lake Barrington. The Lake County Libation Trail features participating wineries, including Glunz Family Winery & Cellars in Grayslake, Lynfred Winery in Wheeling, Valentino Vineyards in Long Grove, Pazzo di Vinno in Highwood and Vigneto del Bino Winery in Antioch. Adults ages 21 and over can also indulge in spirits from participating distilleries like Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich, North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks, 28 Mile Vodka and Distillery in Highwood and Oppidan Spirits in Waukegan. To register, follow the go to Experience.VisitLakeCounty.org, text “CHEERS” to 224-706-1133 or visit one of the aforementioned participating venues and point your camera phone to the QR code.
Friday-Sunday, November 19-21; Hours and process vary per location. Various breweries, wineries and distilleries in Lake County.
“You better watch out! You better not cry. You better not pout; I’m telling you why.” Santa’s Arrival: A Christmas Story is coming to Hawthorn Mall. Kris Kringle will make his grand entrance through the southwest entrance near Maggiano’s Little Italy before making his way to the Santa set located on the lower level near Center Park and Court. Children that register for the event will receive a “Christmas Story” goody bag filled with holiday swag. St. Nick’s live reindeer will be in attendance. The Vernon Hills event, themed after the 1983 classic holiday film “A Christmas Story” is also highlighted by a spin wheel where you can win prizes, a balloon artist, a face painter and a photo booth. Visits with Santa are free and photos will be available for purchase from by imaging provider Cherry Hill Programs. The yuletide festivities start at 6:00 p.m. The man in the red suit will maintain his Hawthorn residency daily through December 24.
Friday-Sunday, November 19-21; Fri.: 6-8 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun.: Noon -6 p.m. Arrival event tickets are $5 per child, adults and children ages two years and under receive free admission. Visits with Santa are free. Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills.
“Oh, Christmas lights light up the street. Light up the fireworks in me,” sings British alternative band Coldplay. Santa ‘s Rock N Lights Drive Thru Light Show returns this weekend at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center. Experience an illuminated showcase highlighted by over a mile of dancing light tunnels, nearly a million lights moving in synchronicity to music and memories that make seasons bright at this pandemic-proof exhibit. The 25-minute, Grayslake light show also features larger than life 3D polar bears, dinosaurs and peacocks and various vibrant glows throughout this land of lakes holiday tradition running daily through January 2. Reservations must be made online prior to visiting at SantasRocknLights.com. Bulb enthusiasts are encouraged to tune their radio stations to 88.7 F.M. when driving the trail.
Friday-Sunday, November 19-21; Fri.-Sat.: 5-9:30 p.m., Sun.: 5-8:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$35 for vehicles with up to six individuals. Six or more people incur additional tickets. Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake.
Visit the quaint shops, experience old-world charms and create family memories as the annual Vintage Holidays in Historic Downtown Long Grove starts this weekend. Visitors are able to transport themselves back in time and rediscover the magic of the holidays. Carolers stroll and chorus through the historic village with the tranquil tones of the season while merchants feature festive decorations, offer specials on gifts, serve delectable eats and sips and more throughout the holiday season. Youngsters will be elated, as Santa Clause will be in attendance making his list and checking it twice. The beloved carriage ride activity has sold out, but tourists can sign up for the wait list. The season’s greetings celebration runs on weekends through December 19.
Saturday-Sunday, November 20-21; Various times. Admission varies by activity. Historic Downtown Long Grove, various locations, Long Grove.
Good grief! “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown: The Musical” opens at the Citadel Theatre this weekend. Based on the “Peanuts” comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown and the gang explore life’s great questions as they navigate through adolescence in this comedic musical. Through playing baseball, struggling with homework, swooning over their crushes and celebrating the joy of friendship the Lake Forest production provides a refreshing look to life through the eyes of Charlie and Sally Brown, Linus and Lucy Van Pelt, Patty, Schroeder and the charismatic beagle, Snoopy. The show runs on select days through December 23.
Friday-Sunday, November 19-21; Fri.: 8 p.m., Sat.: 3 and 8 p.m., Sun.: 3 p.m. Tickets: $15-$45. Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest.
For more ideas on things to do this weekend November 19-21 click here. To get more ideas on the Lake County Libation Trail Check-In Challenge click here.
