Pictures with Santa are a beloved holiday tradition for families all over the world. From toddlers to grandparents, everyone loves to capture a moment with the jolly man in red. Whether you’re visiting Santa at a store, a local park, or at other events around McHenry County, there’s nothing quite like the magic of a Santa photo.
Don’t let the holiday rush get to you! There’s so much to do this time of year, but it’s important to take a moment to relax and enjoy the season. That’s why we’ve put together a list of Santa events in McHenry County, so you can create lasting memories with your family.
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Our Santa tracker is organized by city, and it includes all the information you need to plan your visit, such as dates, times, and locations. Just keep in mind that many of these events are DIY when it comes to taking photos, so bring your camera!
Also, be sure to check the respective websites for any changes, and dress for the weather, as some events may be outdoors. And while some Santa events are standalone, others may be combined with other holiday events, such as parades or tree lightings. So factor that into your timing as well.
We hope this helps you make the most of the holiday season in McHenry County!
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2023 Pictures With Santa Claus Guide
We’ve included some of the tree lightings and Christmas Parades that may include Santa. Some of these may have specific visitation and photo activities, while others might be more “in passing,” though still may present some general picture-taking opportunities. Be sure to check the specific events for more details. Also, be aware that some of these might require pre-registration, and while most are free, some may have a fee.
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
Start Time: 4:00 pm
Location: 2 S Main Street, Algonquin, IL 60102
Information: Details
Breakfast with Santa at Cucina Bella
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Start Times: 9:00 am & 11:00 am
Location: 220 S Main St, Algonquin, IL 60102
Information: Details
Brunch with Santa at Port Edward
Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023
Start Time: 11:00 am
Location: 20 W Algonquin Rd, Algonquin, IL 60102
Information: Details
Cary
Visit with Santa
Date: Friday, December 1, 2023
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: 6800 S. Rawson Bridge Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Information: Details
Santa’s Workshop
Date: Friday, December 1, 2023, @11:25 am – 2:08 pm
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023, @ 10:50 am – 1:43 pm
Location: 100 W. Main St. Cary, IL 60013
Information: Details
Breakfast with Santa
Date: Sunday, December 3, 2023
Time: 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: 500 N 1st St, Cary, IL 60013
Information: Details
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Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival
Date: Sunday, December 3, 2023
Start Time: 12:30 pm
Location: 108 W Main St, Cary, IL 60013
Information: Details
PJs and Pancakes with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: 255 Briargate Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Information: Details
Meet Santa At Tuff Shed
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: 8401 S Illinois Rte 31, Cary, IL 60013
Information: Details
Drive Thru Visit with Santa
Date: Sunday, December 10, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: 1200 Silver Lake Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Information: Details
Crystal Lake
Festival of Lights Parade
Date: Friday, November 24, 2023
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Location: N Williams St & E Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Information: Details
Santa House Visits
Date: Thursday – Sunday from November 25th to December 23, 2023
Start Time: Varies by date (see Details below)
Location: 38 N Williams St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Information: Details
Fox Lake
Fox Lake Festival of Lights
Date: Saturday, November 25, 2023
Start Time: 5:00 pm
Location: 17 E School Ct, Fox Lake, IL 60020
Information: Details
Santa’s Cottage
Date: Various dates starting 12/1/2023
Start Time: Varies
Location: 23 Rollins Rd, Fox Lake, IL 60020
Information: Details
Fox Lake Children’s Holiday Party
Date: Sunday, December 10, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: 71 Nippersink Blvd, Fox Lake, IL 60020
Information: Details
Fox River Grove
Fox River Grove Tree Lighting
Date: Friday, December 1, 2023
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: 315 Northwest Highway, Fox River Grove, IL 60021
Information: Details
Harvard
Christmas in Harvard Parade
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: 201 W Diggins St, Harvard, IL 60033
Information: Details
Holiday Hoopla in Harvard
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: 21007 McGuire Rd, Harvard, IL 60033
Information: Details
Tips for Santa Pictures
Plan ahead. If you are able to book a photo time, do so…and then be sure to be there early. Most of the photo opportunities now are first come first serve, so plan to be there early, and if outside, dress for colder weather as it’s always easier to take off a layer than add one you don’t have.
Look for less popular times. Weekdays are typically less busy. Early mornings and evenings are typically less crowded than midday. And avoid putting it off until just before Christmas.
If you want a professional look, dress your kids in coordinating outfits. You already know what Santa will most likely be wearing, so look for outfits that will go nicely against red and white. Try to find complementary colors that won’t clash. Avoid bright colors or patterns that will overpower the scene.
Prepare your kids for the visit. Especially for first-time visitors or even the younger ones, talk to them about what to expect and explain that Santa is a special friend who wants to hear about their Christmas wishes. Or let them know that this is one of Santa’s “helpers” since Santa is so busy getting ready for Christmas. You may also want to practice saying “hello” and “thank you” to Santa.
Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan when you’re taking pictures with Santa. Be prepared to adjust your expectations and be flexible with your poses.
Respect the photographer. Most photo opportunities are informal where you are expected to take the photos you want yourself. If there is a professional photographer, don’t be taking photos, especially with flash, while they are taking photos. And ask whether they mind you snapping a couple of photos.
Ask the photographer for specific poses. If you have a particular photo in mind, let the photographer know and they can help you make it happen.
Respect the others. If it is a self-photo-type session, be respectful of everyone else behind you. Grab a couple of quick photos and move on.
Bring a favorite toy or blanket. Especially for the youngest or introverted, this can help your child feel more comfortable and relaxed around Santa.
Don’t be afraid to be silly. The best Santa photos are often the ones that are the most natural and candid. So relax, have fun, and enjoy the moment!
Huntley
A Very Merry Huntley
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Start Time: 5:00 pm
Location: 11700 Main St, Huntley, IL 60142
Information: Details
Island Lake
Island Lake Lioness Club Spaghetti Supper with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: 3720 Greenleaf Ave, Island Lake, IL 60042
Information: Details
Annual Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Start Time: 6:00 pm
Location: 3720 Greenleaf Ave, Island Lake, IL 60042
Information: Details
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
Flurry Fest
Date: Friday, December 8, 2023
Time: 5:15 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Information: Details
Santa Visit at the Northern Illinois Fire Museum NFP
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: 9114 Virginia Road, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Information: Details
Cookies with Mr. & Mrs. Claus
Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Information: Details
Lakemoor
Visit with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Start Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: 28581 W IL Rte 120, Lakemoor, IL 60051
Information: Details
Marengo
Marengo Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: 132 E Prairie St, Marengo, IL 60152
Information: Details
More festive fun? See all of our holiday guides!
McHenry
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
Port Barrington
Annual Village Santa Parade & Party
Date: Sunday, December 17, 2023
Time: 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
Location: 69 S Circle Ave, Port Barrington, IL 60010
Information: Details
Richmond
Richmond’s Christmas of Yesteryear Celebration
Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: 10308 N Main St, Richmond, IL 60071
Information: Details
Richmond’s Cocoa Walk Weekend
Date: Saturday & Sunday, December 9 – 10, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: 10307 US-12, Richmond, IL 60071
Information: Details
Ringwood
Visit Santa at the Village Hall
Date: Saturday, November 25, 2023
Time: 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: 6000 Barnard Mill Rd, Ringwood, IL 60072
Information: Details
Spring Grove
Merry and Bright in Spring Grove
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: 8105 Blivin St, Spring Grove, IL 60081
Information: Details
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Wonder Lake
Christmas at the Lake
Date: Saturday, December 2,, 2023
Start Time: 1:00 pm
Location: 7602 Hancock Dr, Wonder Lake, IL 60097
Information: Details
Woodstock
Lighting of the Square
Date: Friday, November 24, 2023
Start Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Van Buren St & Dean St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Information: Details
Annual Woodstock Christmas Parade
Date: Sunday, November 26, 2023
Start Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Van Buren St & Dean St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Information: Details
Cookies and Churros with Santa
Date: Sunday, November 26, 2023
Start Time: 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: 240 N Throop St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Information: Details
Breakfast with Santa
Date: Sunday, December 10, 2023
Time: varies (see Details below)
Location: 406 Clay St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Information: Details
Santa Hut
Date: December 1 – 23, 2023
Times: varies (see Details below)
Location: 151 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.
