No more spooks and spirits, but definitely some hearty eating as we take a look at the top things to do in November 2018.
The holiday season is right around the corner as Lake County is immersed with tree lightings, festivals, shopping sprees and live entertainment.
Let’s not forget that turkeys aren’t safe in Lake County because of Thanksgiving. There are many festivities all over the area, which will be in a later blog.
There’s still a little time to achieve your fall goals before the snow falls. Continue here to learn more.
Let’s go and shed our Halloween costumes as we head into our most thankful month. Here are Lake County’s top 10 things to do in November 2018.
Final Week of Richardson Adventure Farm & Corn Maze (Through November 4) and Richardson Christmas Tree Farm (November 25-December 23)
Embark on an adventure for one last weekend at the farm that showcases an amazing maze of maize. Richardson’s Adventure Farm & Corn Maze is known for having the world’s most massive corn maze. The Spring Grove area spans 33 acres of land and is equipped with 11 miles of trails. Richardson Farm celebrates the Land of Lincoln turning the ripe old age of 200 this year. Visitors will walk through a design that includes the state of Illinois, beloved 16th President of the United States Abraham Lincoln, the capitol building in Springfield, the John Hancock Building and Navy Pier’s Ferris Wheel in Chicago, a tractor representing probably both John Deere (based in Moline) and Caterpillar (based in Peoria) and various other outlines. Besides the renowned maze, the Adventure Farm features another five mazes, a zip line, a pumpkin patch, ORBiting rides (a ride inside a giant 11-football), live pig races, a wooded picnic area, free campfires, pedal carts, pedal trikes, a goat farm, a corn cabin and wagon rides. Richardson Farm is open through Sunday, November 4. The farm reopens the Friday after Thanksgiving and invites one and all to cut their family Christmas Tree down. You may cut your own fir tree, purchase a pre-cut arbor or pick up a wreath and garland.
Now through November 4. Christmas Tree Farm – November 23-December 23; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: $14-$19. Richardson Adventure Farm & Corn Maze, 909 English Prairie Rd., Spring Grove.
November Festivals in Lake County
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Throw back since its been forever that I’ve been on Instagram and Halloween is coming up. #artwauk
Just because it’s a little bit brisker, the party doesn’t stop in Lake County. Celebrate gobbles, jingles and sips at one (or all) of these fall festivals going on in Lake County.
- Last Call Fall Festival at Six Flags Great America (November 10-11)
- Champagne & Chocolate Walk (November 10) ***SOLD OUT***
- ArtWauk in Downtown Waukegan (November 17)
- Bloody Mary Bash at North Shore Distillery (November 23)
Genesee Theatre Productions
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Music, magic and knee-slapping comedy routines are all on the docket for Genesee Theatre in November. The vaudeville venue is famous for staging a slew of talented performers all year round. Let’s see what the 91-year old showcase has in store for us in November.
Pablo Francisco was slated to perform November 18, however, due to unforeseeable circumstances, his show is canceled according to the Waukegan theatre.
- Piff the Magic Dragon (November 9)
- Tanya Tucker (November 16)
- Tommy James and the Shondells with special guests The Grass Roots (November 17)
Live Theatre in Lake County
Lake County is renowned for its live theatre community. These thespians are performing in fan-favorite productions this month. So whether you’re a green ogre, an eight-year-old historian, a small pheasant, a veteran dreaming of a white Christmas, a bank manager, a windy city comedian, a street urchin or a prophet with a coat that’s dripping in swag, you can witness these talented performers break a leg.
- Shrek the Musical at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire (now through December 30)
- Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire (November 7, 2018-January 6, 2019)
- A Doll’s House at the James Lumber Center in Grayslake (November 9-11, 15-17)
- The Best of the Second City at Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest (November 10)
- Urinetown the Musical at PM&L Theatre in Antioch (November 9-25)
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest (November 16-December 23)
Kris Kringle Lands in Lake County (Various Dates in November)
He sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake. Santa’s coming to town to give your kiddies a chance to plead their case of being naughty all year long. Bring a list of things you want under your Christmas tree; check it twice. The man in the red suit is also available for photo ops for your holiday cards. Here’s where the big guy is setting up shop in Lake County.
- Santa’s Arrival & Fireworks Extravaganza in Deer Park (November 9)
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Gurnee Mills (November 10-TBA)
- An Evening of Giving at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills (November 15)
- It’s Santa Photo Time at Gurnee Mills (November 16-December 24)
- Santa’s Cottage in Mundelein (November 30-December 15)
Turkey Trots in Lake County
Do turkeys trot? Whether they trot, run, scuttle or Mick Jagger, they definitely do gobble. Before or after you eat that delicious homemade cuisine, you may have the itch to run off those extra pounds. Dash down the streets of Lake County and don’t forget to shake your tailfeather when you cross the finish line.
- Waukegan Park District’s Turkey Trot (November 10)
- Grayslake Central Turkey Trot (November 18)
- Turkey Burn in Mundelein (November 22)
- Village of Gurnee’s 25th Annual Turkey Trot (November 22)
- Long Grove Turkey Trot (November 22)
- North Shore Turkey Trot in Highland Park 5K/10K (November 22)
- Libertyville Cool 5K/10K (November 24)
Dickens Holiday Village and Kringles Christmas Village Tour in Antioch (November 22-December 31)
Cheerio to Downtown Antioch walkers at Dickens Holiday Village. Olde England comes alive in Historic Downtown Antioch with four dozen lifelike figures representing scenes from the Charles Dickens era. Stay till nightfall as visitors can browse illuminated shadowboxes under the big top tent which is home to the Kringle’s Christmas Village. See scenes of yesteryear taking you back to the era of enjoying the windows of Chicago’s Marshall Fields.
Now-December 25. Downtown Antioch, Main Street.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great America (November 23-December 31)
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Six Flags Great America kicks off their inaugural Holiday in the Park event. This festival runs from November 23-December 31 on select days. The new holiday party will transform the park into a winter wonderland featuring millions of dazzling lights, beautiful Christmas trees, meet-and-greets with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, festive entertainment and of course, rides on world-class coasters.
Wonderland Express at Chicago Botanic Garden (November 23-January 7, 2019)
All Aboard! Chicago Botanic Garden has the little engines that can, as you and the family can view the Wonderland Express. The festive train set resides inside the Regenstein Center. The collection designed by Paul Busse spans 10,000 square-feet and is equipped with miniature trains, bridges, trestles, waterfalls and 80 mini-replicas of Chicago’s favorite landmarks. This event also features ice carvings, excellent music from carolers and for the kiddies, Thomas the Tank Engine.
through January 7, 2018; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission $8-$13. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.
For other top 10 things to do in November, click here
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