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 2023
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: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: 2 S. Main St, Algonquin, IL 60102
Information: Details
Crystal Lake
Christmas Tree Lane
Dates: 11/25/2023 – 1/6/2024
Times: Anytime
Location: 90 E Woodstock Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Festival of Lights Parade
Date: Friday, November 24, 2023
Start Time: ~7:00 pm (tree lighting following the parade)
Location: 30 N Williams St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Luminaria Walk at Veteran Acres Park
Dates: 11/29/-12/2/2023
Times: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: 431 N Walkup Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Fox Lake
Fox Lake Festival of Lights
Date: Saturday, November 25, 2023
Start Time: 5:00 pm (tree lighting following parade)
Location: 23 Rollins Rd, Fox Lake, IL 60020
Information: Details
Fox River Grove
Fox River Grove Tree Lighting
Date: Friday, December 1, 2023
Start Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: 315 Northwest Highway, Fox River Grove, IL 60021
Information: Details
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Harvard
Harvard Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Start Time: 6:00 pm
Location: N Ayer St & N Division St, Harvard, IL 60033
Information: Details
Huntley
A Very Merry Huntley
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Start Time: 5:00 pm
Location: 11700 Main St, Huntley, IL 60142
Information: Details
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.
Village Square Lights Display
Dates: 12/3 – ~12/31/2023
Times: Evenings
Location: 11700 Main St, Huntley, IL 60142
Island Lake
Annual Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Start Time: 6:00 pm
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: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Start Time: 5:30 pm
Location: 2315 W Church St, Johnsburg, IL 60051
Information: Details
Lake in the Hills
Lake in the Hills Holiday Lights Bus Tour
Dates: 12/14 – 12/16/2023
Times: 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Information: Details
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Marengo
Hanson Barn Christmas Light Show
Dates: 12/9 – 12/31/2023 (may vary, check website)
Times: Night (may vary, check website)
Location: 5107 Thorne Rd, Marengo, IL 60152
Information:
Marengo’s Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Start Time: 5:30 pm (tree lighting following parade)
Location: 132 E Prairie St, Marengo, IL 60152
Information: Details
McHenry
Festival of Trees
Dates: 11/17 – 12/30/2023
Times: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (varies, see Details)
Location: 3636 Municipal Drive, McHenry, IL 60050
Information: Details
Tree Lighting at Veteran’s Park
Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023
Start Time: 4:30 pm
Location: 3400 Pearl Street, McHenry, IL 60050
Information: Details
Veteran’s Park Lights Display
Dates: 11/19 – ~12/31/2023
Times: Evenings
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: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Start Time: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: 8105 Blivin St, Spring Grove, IL 60081
Information: Details
Woodstock
Woodstock Opera House Christmas Tree Walk
Dates: 11/24 – 12/31/2023
Times: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm M-Sa, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Sun
Location: 121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Information: Details
Historic Woodstock Square Lights Display
Dates: 11/25 – ~12/31/2023
Times: Evenings
Location: 121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Lighting of the Square
Date: Friday, November 24, 2023
Start Time: 4:00 pm
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.
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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.
