Winter Break in Lake County in 2021
By: Jeff Randolph 12/21/2021
'Tis the time of year where the kids are off school, playing with their gifts and looking to occupy their time. Thankfully Lake County has plenty of activities geared towards families and kids during the holiday break.
Whether it's are racing down snow hills, catching a show or enjoying the weather, there are plenty of options available to create memories during their time off. Use this guide to plan some fun for the whole family and let the kiddos burn off that sugar rush from all holiday treats.
Here is your guide to winter break in Lake County in 2021.
- Take the family to Six Flags Great America for a day of chills, thrills, lights, and delicious s'mores during Holiday in the Park Lights! There is also the Holiday in the Park Lights! Drive-Thru Experience! featuring over three million dazzling lights, festive holiday theming, and classic, seasonal tunes. The holiday extravaganza is open through December 30, while the drive-thru experience runs until January 9. INFO»
- Enter a winter wonderland full of fun activities and say hello to Santa during Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois. This experience runs through January 5. INFO»
- Jam out to your favorite holiday music and watch the lights dance from your car at Santa's Rock N Lights Drive-Thru Show at Lake County Fairgrounds. This light show ends on January 2. INFO»
- Travel back in time to the Dickens Era and browse oversized shadowboxes as you stroll through Antioch's Dickens Holiday Village. Dickens Holiday and Kringle Christmas Villages both run through New Year's Day. INFO»
- Treat your family to a "Christmas Vacation" they won’t forget at Volo Museum this year. Visit the It's a National Lampoon Christmas Exhibit at Volo Museum. INFO»
- View the stunning lights at the Gander Family Light Show in Lake Zurich. INFO»
- Grab your loved ones, pile in the car, and celebrate the season with Gorton’s Yuletide Tour of Lights! INFO»
- Grandpa Ho-Ho's Holiday Hideaway is taking over Lindy's Beach Club with an ultra-festive outdoor pop-up experience featuring wall-to-wall decor, a holiday cocktail menu, live music and plenty of seasonal vibes. INFO»
- Hop into the cockpit and take to the skies with the realistic flight simulators at Extreme Flight Simulation. INFO»
- Check out the Nature Platoon Veterans Art Exhibit at the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods. INFO»
- Lose yourself in the imagery presented by "Ansel Adams: Early Works" exhibit at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum. INFO»
- Achieve theatre goals by watching the Tony Award-winning "Kiss Me, Kate" at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire runs on select days through January 16. INFO»
- Take a break from school but not from friends and fun! Join one or more of the exciting days of crafts, games and/or a movie with the Waukegan Park District. INFO»
- Bump, collide and compete against your friends in the unique bumper car sport WhirlyBall. INFO»
- Join the Mundelein Health and Fitness Center instructors and trainers for Commitment Day on December 27. INFO»
- Make it out for the Habitat Restoration and Stewardship Day at Volo Bog State Natural Area on December 28. INFO»
- Waukegan Park District presents Holiday Adventures at Belvidere Recreation Center. Click for more details on the Zoo 4 U event. INFO»
- An educational workshop filled with fun and curiosity. Explore the outer world and take a trip to space in three space sessions with STEAM. INFO»
- The Chocolate Sanctuary has its December Chef's Dinner. This month, they celebrate Holidays From Around The World with unique food and drink pairings. INFO»
- Celebrate New Year's Eve Eve at Belvidere Recreation Center. INFO»
- Catch The Four C Notes at Marriott Theatre on New Year's Eve. INFO»
- New Year's Eve Family Party at Sullivan Community Center in Vernon Hills. INFO»
- Noon Year's Eve at Deerfield Park District. INFO»
- Noon Year's Eve Family Dance in Fox Lake. INFO»
- Days Off School- New Year's Rockin' Eve at Gurnee Park District. INFO»
- NYE Family Party at Timothy O'Toole's Pub Gurnee. INFO»
- Make a splash on New Year's Day! Jump into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan and raise funds for individuals with special needs at the Polar Bear Plunge at Waukegan Beach. INFO»
- Be creative with different ways and platforms to do art and express yourself. INFO»
- Learn different ways of creating healthy goods that will be showcased along with sweet treats. Hear about the benefit of eating right and enjoy your creations. INFO»
- Science made fun! Be a scientist and experiment on all STEAM-related activities in the all-day work lab. Make your own science snack and engage in the multi-topic sessions. INFO»
- Join in for an unforgettable day of winter family fun at the FREE outdoor Frosty Fest in Gurnee event. INFO»
- Winterfest at Volo Bog State Natural Area. INFO»
For more activities during winter break in Lake County 2021, click here.
