Santa Claus

Sam Chellino of Crest Hill decorates trees in his yard each holiday season where he encourages residents to leave with their Christmas hopes and wishes.

Joliet police, fire and public works vehicles escort Santa Claus through Joliet before he heads off to the North Pole on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2024.

The city of Joliet will give Santa Claus an official send-off to the North Pole on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.  

Tickets to the concert won’t be sold. They will be exchanged for a generous donation of non-perishable food and/or paper products, which will be donated to Daybreak Shelter in Joliet.

Hawthorn will host “Sensory Santa,” a sensory-friendly opportunity for children with special needs and their families on Dec. 8.

The magic of the season begins with three days of festivities from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.

Families turn out to downtown Joliet to take in an afternoon of festivities for the annual Light Up the Holidays on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.

“Sandwiches with Santa” is a free event from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the WCSC, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling. Executive Director Emily Hammer said this is the center’s first year hosting the event.

Features at the Joliet event include a delicious breakfast, a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and holiday crafts.

Santa’s Arrival celebration will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday Nov. 15, at Hawthorn, a regional shopping center in Vernon Hills.

St. Joseph’s Holiday Craft Fair and Market will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., on Saturday at, St. Joseph’s Park, 700 Theodore St., Joliet. Free parking and admission.

Whether he’s waving goodbye to Joliet children sending him off to the North Pole, collecting Christmas letters from Oglesby youth in the Illinois Valley, running a 5K in Crystal Lake, or visiting swimmers at the Dixon YMCA, it seems Santa is everywhere. Where does he come from?

With Christmas upon us, who doesn’t love a good dose of holiday nostalgia? Looking back at more than a century of holiday history in McHenry County, we share some old front pages and some vintage photographs – the latter courtesy of our local historical societies – that remind us how much has changed, and how much hasn’t: children gathered around trees, light displays in the town square, playing in the snow, the warmth of friends and family. We hope you enjoy looking back on these historic images from around McHenry County. Merry Christmas!

Santa Claus took timeout from his busy schedule Wednesday to visit Lincoln Junior High School in La Salle and serve as the crossing guard for the day and spread holiday cheer to the students .

With the assistance of 35 area donors, nearly $7,000 was raised to benefit six Rock Falls-area families, according to a news release from Rock Falls Police Chief David Pilgrim.

The City of Joliet hosted its annual Santa send-off on Saturday, despite weather that merited help from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Photos from a 2023 evening with Santa Claus at First Christian Church

Mercyhealth Development Foundation has announced it will host a Visit with Santa event from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 19 at Mercyhealth Hospital and Physician Clinic-Crystal Lake, 875 S. Route 31 in the main lobby.

Annual Joliet Santa Send-Off starts at 10 a.m. and winds westward through the city ending at the intersection of Ridge and Caton Farm roads.

There are two seating times available Saturday, Dec. 9, and a visit from Santa Claus is part of the high tea lineup.

Santa Claus dressed runners descended on Crystal Lake to take part in the McHenry County Santa Run For Kids on Sunday morning, Dec. 3, 2023. The annual event raises money for agencies in our county who work with children in need.

Hawthorn, a super-regional shopping center in Vernon Hills, invites pet owners to bring their furry four-legged friends to a special pet photo session with Santa Claus from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4.

Santa Claus, the larger than life gift giver and spreader of holiday cheer, is coming to several DeKalb County communities this week to help children and their families prepare for the holiday season.

The Lighting of the Lights ceremony takes place at 5 p.m. the Friday after Thanksgiving, followed at 5:30 p.m. Saturday by the Electric Christmas Parade.

Hawthorn, a super-regional shopping center in Vernon Hills, will hold a very special Santa’s arrival celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 17.

Polo Christmas Festival organizers say there was a “great turnout” for the fourth annual event, despite the chilly weather.

Meet at Santa's hut inLockport. Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the way.

Dixon Chamber and Main Street to have pictures with Santa

Hugs were plentiful in Forreston when Santa Claus stopped by to visit

The third annual Polo Christmas Festival was held Dec. 4, with various events taking place throughout the day — most of them in or around the city’s downtown.

Santa Claus rode into downtown DeKalb Thursday evening to kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the tree. “I am looking forward to getting presents and giving people presents,” said Marley Clarke, 8, of DeKalb.

Forreston residents have the chance kick off the holiday season with hometown festivities this weekend

The third annual Polo Christmas Festival is scheduled for Dec. 4. Most events take place between 4 and 8 p.m. A few activities take place earlier, and local shopping opportunities are available throughout the day.

Crest Hill branch library to host ‘Christmas in July Book Nook Sale’

Troy students and their families enjoy a drive-thru visit with Santa

Gifts were also provided for children who are in the hospital during Christmas

Community comes out to greet Santa at this socially distant event

Senior Services of Will County hosts festive food distribution to seniors

The community is invited to Santa's small, socially-distant parade

A Geneva boy and girl received a Christmas surprise during their stays at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. Santa paid virtual visits to patients

Santa is still coming to Geneva, he’s just not going to be in his house – he’s going to be in the Geneva Visitor Center

According to a news release, Santa will arrive on a vintage red firetruck on Saturday, Nov. 28, to wave to families as they enjoy holiday shopping