Photo courtesy Arlington Heights Rotary Club
Dates, times & cost for all events listed are subject to change
Arlington Heights
Santa 5K Rotary Run
Arlington Heights Rotary Club
Event location and details can be found on the Rotary Run website.
Santa Event and Hours 2019
Saturday, December 7th, 10 am
Entry Fees: Check website
The Rotary Club of Arlington Heights “Santa 5k Run/Walk is a local tradition. This fund raising event will have over 2000 Santa Clauses running and walking through the streets, something you won’t want to miss. One of the requirements is that everyone who participates wears a Santa outfit, yes that includes a white beard, which they receive before the fun begins. Seeing all those red suits at one time is sure to confuse young children watching the race—how will they ever know who is the real Santa? Anyone interested in being part of this event can find an on-line entry form at the Arlington Heights Rotary site listed above. Also check out their Reindeer Run the same day at 9:30am.
Chicago
Breakfast with Tomten in Chicago
(Sweden's version of Santa)
Swedish American Museum
5211 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 728-8111 ext. 26 reservations required
www.samac.org
Santa Event and Hours 2019
Saturday, December 14th - 9am
Sunday, December 15th - 9am
Admission: $15 for both children & adults - museum members, $20 for non-members and their children - Be sure and bring your camera, there is no photographer on site. Children under one are free. This event can be booked online at the museums website. Note: Pre-paid reservations are required.
Every Christmas Season, The Swedish American Museum hosts a Breakfast with Tomten for children. Enjoy Swedish pancakes, crafts and time on Tomten's lap. Tomten is a mythical creature of Scandinavian folklore and much like Santa Claus is a legend that grew, changed and expanded over time. The modern Swedish version comes from Viktor Rydberg's 1881 poem Tomten, where the Tomte is alone on a frosty Christmas evening pondering life’s universal mysteries. In the poem which was originally published in the Swedish magazine Ny Illustrerad Tidning the Swedish artist, Jenny Nyström created a picture of warm Tomten to go along with Rydberg's poem. He was an old man with a white beard who just happened to wear a red cap. Since that time Tomten has been part of the Swedish Christmas tradition in the same way that Clement Clarke Moore’s, “The Night Before Christmas” has shaped the American legend of Santa Claus. There will be a Swedish pancake breakfast, and of course, a special visit with Tomten at this event as well as dancing around the Christmas tree! Breakfast with Tomten is sold out. If you want to be placed on a wait list please email Stacey Nyman att This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Photo courtesy Swedish American Museum
Santa at Holiday Delight and Kodomo Matsuri
(Children's Festival) in Chicago
Japanese American Service Committee of Chicago
4427 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 275-7212
www.jasc-chicago.org
Santa Event and Hours 2019
Saturday, November 9th: 10 am - 4 pm
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT
East meets West at the JASC’s Holiday Delight and Kodomo Matsuri—Children's Festival. Santa is at this annual festival to see the children, have pictures taken and listen to what they would like for Christmas. At the same time the young ones can experience first hand Kodomo Matsuri, a traditional Japanese children’s festival. Here the kids get to learn about Japanese classical cultural performances and enjoy hands-on craft workshops. This holiday event offers a wide variety of Japanese and unique handcrafted goods and other gift items. You’ll find homemade baked foods and Japanese favorites such as teriyaki beef sticks, sushi and other gourmet delights.
Santa Hustle Chicago 5K
Adrenaline Sports Management
Event begins at: Soldier Field (SE Side)
1410 Museum Campus Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(847) 829-4536
www.SantaHustle.com
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Santa Event and Hours 2019
Saturday, December 7th: Race starts at 9 am
Entry Fees: check website
The Santa Hustle 5K Run & Walk, now in its sixth year is an event you have to see with thousands of Santas running through the streets of Chicago. Participants receive a Santa long sleeved shirt, plus a Santa hat and beard. There are plenty of awards for every age group from kids to adults over 80. New this year is a terrific after the race party at Navy Pier. Register online through the Santa Hustle website.
Photo courtesy Santa Hustle
Flossmoor
Santa at Christmas at the Brewery
Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
1035 Sterling Avenue
Flossmoor, IL 60422
(708) 957-2739 while reservations
are not required, they are recommended
Santa Event and Hours 2019
Sunday, December 15th - 3:30pm to 8 pm
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT Normal dining prices apply
While we don’t think you’ll find Santa downing any brews—he sticks to his milk and cookies—you’ll find him at the Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery with his elf, Jingles for a great evening of holiday fun. “Christmas at the Brewery” is an annual event that offers diners free carriage rides through the downtown streets of Flossmoor. The kids get free pictures with the ol’ guy, with plenty of time to let him know what they would like to find under the tree.
Photo courtesy Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
Oak Park
Breakfast, Lunch and Tea with Santa at the Elizabeth F. Cheney Mansion in Oak Park
The Cheney Mansion
220 North Euclid
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 383-2612
For additional information click on this LINK
Santa Event and Hours 2019
Saturday, December 7th - Times - 9am - 10:30am
Admission: Check website for prices and registration details
Want to go to a Santa event that offers something different for the kids? Take them to a Breakfast, Lunch or Tea with Santa at the Elizabeth F. Cheney Mansion in Oak Park. Designed by the architect Charles E. White, Jr. in the style of a gracious old English Country home, it is located in the historic district of Oak Park. This is a good chance to see how the “upper crust” lived in past times and experienced Christmas. The event includes live music, as well a model train layout. Of course you will meet with Santa in very elegant surroundings. It would be appreciated if you would bring a children's toy or gift which will go to a local charity.
Photo courtesy Oak Park Park District
Palatine
Photos with Santa on a Harley in Palatine
City Limits Harley-Davidson
2200 North Rand Road
Palatine, IL 60074
(847) 358-2112
www.citylimitshd.com
Santa Event and Hours 2019
Sunday, December 15th, 2019 - Times11 am to 3 pm
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT
Has Santa traded in his sleigh and reindeer for a Harley? Come in and bring the kids to see the Big Old Guy and find out. He will be will be in Palatine where children get a free photo on a Harley. There will be small Christmas stockings with sweets for the young ones, hot cocoa, cookies and hot apple cider for mom and dad.
A future Harley rider is checking Santa out
St. Charles
Sing Along With Santa Steel Beam Theatre
111 W. Main Street
St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 587-8521
www.steelbeamtheatre.com
For additional information or to purchase tickets online click on the above link.
Show Dates Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th 2019
Show Times check with the box office
Admission: check with the box office
The well anticipated Sing Along With Santa, directed by Madeline Franklin, is a delightful experience for the entire family! Children of all ages are encouraged to fill out a Santa "wish list", they're invited not only to sing along to holiday favorites, but join the cast on stage for select songs, for great photo and video opportunities! Best of all Santa will visit with each child and present them with a gift at the end of the show!
Graphic Courtesy Steel Beam Theatre
Santa Arrives on a Sled Pulled by Huskies for Woodland Santa’s Holiday Workshop in St. Charles Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in the James O. Breen Community Park
3795 Campton Hills Road
St. Charles, IL 60175
(630) 513-4399
www.stcnature.org
Sunday, December 1st, 2019
Times: 10am to 11:30am - Santa arrives at 10:15 am
Admission: $5 per child residents; $8 non-residents
Here’s an event that is a little offbeat and unusual. What happened to Santa’s reindeer? Cheer as Santa arrives, pulled by dashing huskies, then you can spend some time helping him get ready for his upcoming Big Day. Write a letter to Santa, make an ornament, enjoy reindeer games and have your picture taken with the Big Guy himself! Breakfast snacks included. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Advance registration required.
Photo courtesy St. Charles Park District
Please note—all of the above events are subject to change without notice
