Tree lighting ceremonies are a fundamental part of the Christmas season’s official beginning. Municipalities within Lake County do it right. Often within a day or two of Thanksgiving, these fun family friendly events are a great way to kick off the season. In this year of 2025, here are some of the event coming up that you don’t want to miss.
Antioch: Friday, November 28th at 6:30 p.m
The Village of Antioch invites the community to save the date for its annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting event on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. This event features a parade which travels from Park Avenue (west) to Main Street (north) to Orchard Street (east), ending at Sequoit Creek Park, located at 845 Main Street.
Fox Lake: Saturday, November 29th, 5 PM to 7 PM
Fox Lake features a parade which steps off at Grant Community High School and makes its way to Millenium Park (6 Rollins Rd) from 5pm – 6 pm.The tree lighting takes place at Millenium Park.
Grayslake: Friday, November 28th, 1pm to 5pm
The Grayslake Festival of Lights is combined with a holiday market and happens in downtown on Center street. Festivities begin at 2pm and feature photos with Santa, carriage rides, a ferris wheel and plenty of food and beverages from vendors. The even culminates in the official lighting of the tree.
Lake Forest: Friday, November 28th, 1pm to 7pm
Taking place at Market Square, the event begins at 1pm and features an afternoon and evening of kids’ activities, food and beverages, carolers, Lake Forest Dance Academy dancers, Santa Claus, and more at this beloved Lake Forest tradition.
Mundelein: Saturday, December 6th 3pm to 6pm
The Winter Tree Lighting Festival is scheduled for December 6, 2025, from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Courtland Commons (444 East Courtland Street, Mundelein)
Waukegan: Saturday, November 29th 4pm to 8pn
This event dubbed Jingle on Genesee kicks off at 4pm and runs til 8pn. The official tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Jack Benny Plaza, located at the corner of Genesee and Clayton Streets. The event includes a holiday market, live performances, and a free downtown shuttle service.
Zion: Friday December 12th
Zion Park District will hold its annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Zion Park District Leisure Center, 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive in Zion. Choir students from District 6 and District 126 will begin caroling at 6:30 p.m., followed by the tree lighting at 7 p.m.