Parades, Holiday Events Worth Checking Out

Festival of Lights Parade

Where: The parade will kick off at City Hall in Crystal Lake, go west on Woodstock Street, south on N. Caroline Street, east on Crystal Lake Avenue, north on Grant Street, east on Woodstock Street and south on Williams Street. The Downtown Crystal Lake website has a map of the parade route.

When: Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. 

Cost: Free

What's Happening: There will be over 50 parade entries, including decorated floats, marchers, music , and, most importantly, Santa Claus himself finishing off the parade in a horse-drawn sleigh. Following the parade, Santa will light the downtown Christmas Tree and visit with children "at his house in Brink Street Market," according to the Downtown Crystal Lake website. 

Where: , 600 Harvest Gate in Lake in the Hills

When: 6 pm. on Dec. 2. Trees will remain decorated and on display through Dec. 22. 

Cost: Free

What's Happening: Don't miss Santa's festive arrival to Lake in the Hills during the annual Festival of Trees event on Dec. 2 at the LITH village hall, 600 Harvest Gate.

As in year's past, Santa will arrive on a fire truck to the event at 6 p.m.

A lighting ceremony will follow of the several Christmas trees that line the sidewalk in front of village hall during the holiday season and are sponsored and decorated by area organizations and businesses.

The trees will remain on display through Dec. 22. You can "vote" for their favorite tree by placing a non-perishable good — which will be donated to area food pantries — under your favorite tree. 

Santa will remain on hand following the lighting ceremony to enjoy a snack with local kids, for photo opportunities and to hear what gifts everyone is hoping to get from him this Christmas. 

Holiday Rock on the Fox 

Where:  , 201 N. Harrison St. in Algonquin

When: Dec. 3 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Cost: Free

What's Happening: The festivities will kick off with the annual community tree lighting ceremony and "candy cane hunt" at Riverfront Park. Santa and his friends will be at the event to meet with children. And bins will be set up at the event for donations of non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys. All donations will go to Algonquin charity groups and to assist area families in need this holiday season. 

Christmas on the Square

Where: James C. Dhamer Town Square, on Coral Street in Huntley between Woodstock and Church streets

When: Dec. 3 from noon to 5:30 p.m.

Cost: Free admission. Items available for sale. 

What's Happening: There will be several events and items for sale during this year's Christmas on the Square in Huntley. There will be a craft fair, a library book sale, free kids' craft area, free hayrides, caroling, entertainment and a "live nativity" performed in front of . The holiday lights parade will start at 3:30 p.m., followed by the lighting of the holiday tree and free pictures with Santa. 

Where: Starts at  and will continue south on Church Street to Main Street to Woodstock Street, turning right on Coral Street to go north and disperse from there. 

When: Dec. 3 at 3:30 p.m. 

Cost: Free

What's Happening: . The parade will conclude with the arrival of Santa. First and second place awards will be given in the following categories: best of theme, best float and showstopper. Those interested in participating in the parade can contact Barb at 847-515-5262 or bread@huntley.il.us. 

Where: Downtown Cary

When: 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 4

Cost: Free

What's Happening: The event, hosted by the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Cary, features one of McHenry County’s largest holiday parades, followed by a number of free downtown activities for local families. 

In its 15th year, the is the kick off to the local holiday season. 

The event begins with a parade down W. Main Street starting at 1:00 p.m. involving nearly 1,000 parade participants including local businesses, community groups and organizations and local boy and Girl Scout troops. 

Following the parade at 2:00 p.m. there will be a number of free activities including horse-drawn sleigh rides, a Holiday wagon ride, a children’s petting zoo, pony rides, and performances by local school children. Santa will be visiting with local children at Cary Travel Express, located at 9 Jandus Road, until 3:30 p.m. 

Parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras for photos. There will also be a special appearance by Christmas Elves Wally and Victor from Those Funny Little People. All events are free to the community and paid for by generous local business sponsors. 

Great food and refreshments are available during the event at The Budda Bean, Galati’s Pizza & Pasta, Orchard Prime Meats & Wine Shoppe Tapas Calpe, Cary Pub and The Tracks Bar & Grill.

Parade application forms are available at the Chamber’s website at www.carygrovechamber.com. Final parade applications will be accepted until Nov. 23.