Happy Thanksgiving! ? We hope that everyone has a safe and beautiful holiday full of great food, good companionship and much more.
This weekend in Lake County, the holiday season really kicks into gear and many of the festivities begin. For a complete list of said activities, please click here.
One of the most prominent post-turkey-day activities is shopping, and here in Lake County, there is no shortage of places to find a bargain. A complete list of Black Friday hours, communities participating in Small Business Saturday and other shopping events can be found here.
Lastly, if you haven't yet, it is officially time to start Christmas Tree hunting, and for places to find your perfect spruce, we've got you covered there as well, and it can be found here. ?
Here are you top things to do this weekend Nov. 24-26.
Ah, the fun, chaos, or madness of Black Friday. For those bargain shoppers that love the rush, Gurnee Mills, Deer Park Town Center, Hawthorn Mall and the Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets, will all give you the fix.
Picture the most picturesque holiday scene from your favorite movie. Chances are, it will look something like Historic Downtown Long Grove. Look no further for an authentic vintage holiday experience. Events include the popular Christmas Tree Parade, complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, costumed carolers, beautifully lit Victorian buildings, appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and much more.
Friday-Sunday, Nov. 24-26; Various times, Free admission, Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove.
Spend Small Business Saturday in Libertyville as the annual 'Shopping Tour' returns. Pick up your free passport during the tree lighting or at participating merchants and use it for the various raffles valued at $50 or more. #Shopsmall and choose Libertyville for your shopping destination.
Saturday, November 25; All day. Various participating businesses. MainStreet Libertyville, Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville.
For more information about Libertyville, we created a holiday guide.
A Chicagoland favorite is back again at Chicago Botanic Garden. The Wonderland Express re-opens for the holiday season this weekend with twinkling lights, a 10,000 square-foot exhibition of miniature trains, mini replicas of Chicago’s favorite landmarks and much more. Fun for the whole family.
Help bring the holiday season in by assisting Mayor Roger Byrne flip the switch to the holiday tree. Bring the family, the neighbors, and the kids out for hot chocolate, cookies, and cider. Santa has been able to clear his calendar in order to attend this event.
Saturday, Nov. 25; 4:30 p.m., Free admission, Vernon Hills Golf Course, 291 Evergreen Dr., Vernon Hills.
Other Lake County Community Lightings
Not all of these are necessarily this weekend, but they're so awesome, we wanted to include them again.
For those who want the experience of cutting a Christmas tree, Richardson Christmas Tree Farm opens for the season this weekend. With more than 50,000 trees growing, your family is sure to find the perfect tree this year. Free hot chocolate and coffee will be provided to keep you warm when cutting your own tree.
Friday-Sunday, Nov. 24-26; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission, Richardson Christmas Tree Farm, 9407 Richardson Rd., Spring Grove.
For even more events around Lake County, click here.
