A crisp chill to the air. Twinkling lights. Capture that moment of peace and joy and start the holiday season off with family, friends, and neighbors, gathered for the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Or if you prefer less crowded events, plan an outing to see one of the many other holiday light displays in McHenry County. However you choose to celebrate, our guide is here to light your way.
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Some of these may also be connected to Christmas parades and a chance to see Santa.
Wherever you are within McHenry County, I’m sure there is a tree lighting near you. Below, you’ll find our list arranged by the city to help you with your plans.
We’ve also included some key light displays, many of which are connected with the tree lightings. While many of these start around tree lightings, holiday parades, or other events, there may be limited information related to when the displays will be lit or when they end.
While general light displays may run through the end of the year and even into January, your best bet is not to wait!
Looking to light your own real tree this year? Be sure to check out our Christmas Tree Farms Guide!
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Christmas Tree and Lighting Events 2024
Come out and experience the lighting of the tree at one or more of the locations below, and check out some of the other festive lighting events!
NOTE: we’ve shaded those events below that are as of yet unconfirmed. We’ll continue to update as new information is available.
Algonquin
Miracle On Main
Date & Time: Saturday, December 7, 2024; 4:00 pm
Host: Village of Algonquin
Location: 2 S. Main St, Algonquin, IL 60102
Information: Details
Crystal Lake
Clickmas in Crystal Lake Holiday Display and Food Drive
Date & Time: November 28 – December 12, 2024; 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Host: Fisher Outreach Group, Inc.
Location: 401 W Woodstock St., Crystal Lake 60014
Information: Details
Christmas Tree Lane
Date & Time: November 29 – December 31, 2024; daily
Host: Downtown Crystal Lake
Location: 90 E Woodstock Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Festival of Lights Parade
Date & Time: Friday, November 29, 2024; 7:00 pm (tree lighting after the parade)
Host: Downtown Crystal Lake
Location: 30 N Williams St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Luminaria Walk at Veteran Acres Park
Dates: December 4 – 7, 2024; 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Host: Crystal Lake Park District
Location: 431 N Walkup Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Fox Lake
Fox Lake Festival of Lights
Date & Time: Saturday, November 30, 2024; 6:00 pm (tree lighting following parade)
Host: Village of Fox Lake
Location: 23 Rollins Rd, Fox Lake, IL 60020
Information: Details
Fox River Grove
Fox River Grove Tree Lighting
Date & Time: Friday, December 6, 2024; 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Host: Village of Fox River Grove
Location: 315 Northwest Highway, Fox River Grove, IL 60021
Information: Details
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Harvard
Harvard Christmas Tree Lighting
Date & Time: Saturday, December 7, 2024; 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (tree lighting following parade)
Host: City of Harvard
Location: N Ayer St & N Division St, Harvard, IL 60033
Information: Details
Huntley
A Very Merry Huntley
Date & Time: Saturday, December 7, 2024; 5:00 pm
Host: Village of Huntley
Location: 11700 Main St, Huntley, IL 60142
Information: Details
Village Square Lights Display
Dates & Times: December 7 – ~31, 2024; evenings
Host: Village of Huntley
Location: 11700 Main St, Huntley, IL 60142
Island Lake
Annual Tree Lighting
Date & Time: Saturday, December 7, 2024; 6:00 pm
Host: Village of Island Lake
Location: 3720 Greenleaf Ave, Island Lake, IL 60042
Information: Details
Fill your festive list with the help of our holiday guides!
Johnsburg
Holiday Magic Parade & Tree Lighting
Date & Time: Saturday, December 14, 2024; 5:00 pm
Host: Village of Johnsburg
Location: 2315 W Church St, Johnsburg, IL 60051
Information: Details
Lake in the Hills
Lake in the Hills Holiday Lights Bus Tour
Dates & Times: December 19 – 20, 2024; 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Host: Village of Lake in the Hills
Location: 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Information: Details
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Marengo
Hanson Barn Christmas Light Show
Dates: No show for 2024; to return 2025
Times:
Location: 5107 Thorne Rd, Marengo, IL 60152
Information:
Marengo’s Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date & Time: Saturday, December 7, 2024; 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (tree lighting following parade)
Host: City of Marengo
Location: 132 E Prairie St, Marengo, IL 60152
Information: Details
McHenry
Festival of Trees
Dates & Times: November 22 – December 29, 2024; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (varies, see Details)
Host: McHenry Chamber of Commerce
Location: 3636 Municipal Drive, McHenry, IL 60050
Information: Details
Tree Lighting at Veteran’s Park
Date & Time: Saturday, November 23, 2024; 4:30 pm
Host: City of McHenry
Location: 3400 Pearl Street, McHenry, IL 60050
Information: Details
Veteran’s Park Lights Display
Date & Time: Saturday, November 23 – December ~31, 2024; evenings
Host: City of McHenry
Location: 3400 Pearl Street, McHenry, IL 60050
Richmond
Richmond’s Annual Tree Lighting
Date: Friday, December 2, 2022
Start Time: 7:00 pm – 7:40 pm
Location: 5574 Broadway Rd, Richmond, IL 60071
Information: Details
Spring Grove
Merry and Bright in Spring Grove
Date & Time: Saturday, December 7, 2024; 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Host: Village of Spring Grove
Location: 8105 Blivin St, Spring Grove, IL 60081
Information: Details
Woodstock
Woodstock Opera House Christmas Tree Walk
Dates & Times: November 29 – December 28, 2024; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm M-Sa, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Sun
Host: Woodstock Opera House
Location: 121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Information: Details
Historic Woodstock Square Lights Display
Date & Time: Friday, November 29 – December ~31, 2024; evenings
Host: City of Woodstock
Location: 121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Lighting of the Square
Date & Time: Friday, November 29, 2024; 4:00 pm
Host: City of Woodstock
Location: 121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Information: Details
As always, all events are subject to change. Please be sure to check the event pages for the specific event for current information.
Tips for Attending a Christmas Tree Lighting
Attending a Christmas tree lighting is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
- Plan ahead and check the event schedule. Many tree lightings have other activities, such as a parade, live entertainment, caroling, Santa, and more before and after the tree lighting ceremony. Knowing what to expect will help you plan your time and make the most of the event.
- Dress warmly. Tree lightings are held outdoors, so it’s important to dress warmly. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. You may also want to bring a blanket or hat. And remember, the evening may get colder as the night goes on.
- Get there early. Tree lightings can be crowded, especially if they are part of other activities, so it’s a good idea to get there early. This will give you time to find a good spot to watch the ceremony and participate in any activities that are happening.
- Be patient. There will likely be a lot of people at the tree lighting, so be patient and understanding. It may take some time to get through the crowd and find a good spot to watch the ceremony.
- Have a separation plan. Critical for those with small children, but for anyone attending with others. Have your “meet-up plan” worked out ahead of time and make sure everyone knows it.
- Bring your camera. The Christmas tree lighting is a great photo opportunity. Be sure to bring your camera and take some pictures of the tree, the crowd, family & friends, and the activities.
- Have fun! Christmas tree lightings are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays. Relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and make some memories.
- Bring a snack or drink. There may be food vendors at the event, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks just in case.
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President and Founder of Identity Developments, LLC, the parent company of the McHenry Life website. My hope for McHenry Life is to create a resource and destination for the residents and businesses of McHenry County alike. A place where residents can discover new places to explore, fun events and ways to spend time, and then share those experiences with others. A place where businesses can connect with existing and potential customers, and not simply market their businesses, but share their own unique stories.
