Enjoy a number of holiday performances in Elgin, Schaumburg and St. Charles this holiday season.

"A Carpenters Christmas" features classics like “Merry Christmas Darling,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and more holiday favorites from The Carpenters’ two iconic Christmas albums.

Check out the shows and live performances at venues like the Rialto Square Theatre, Woodstock Opera House, Raue Center for the Arts, Egyptian Theatre and more!

This exhilarating concert experience marries rock favorites from iconic bands such as Metallica, Pink Floyd and Evanescence with beloved traditional carols, popular classical pieces and holiday standards.

The event, which starts with caroling at 6:30 p.m. and the Messiah at 7 p.m., is both a community celebration of the start of the holiday season and a fundraiser for local charities.

Visit these spectacular light shows and displays, as well as holiday markets, this Christmas season.

The free performances will include holiday hits with the joyful harmonies of the Andrews Sisters.

Tree-lightings, parade and festival about this holiday season in the McHenry County area, starting right after Thanksgiving and through Christmas.

Woodstock's annual Lighting of the Square is set for Friday, Nov. 28.

The Festival of Lights Parade is Friday, Nov. 28.

The annual Christmas Tree Walk, opens Friday, Nov. 28, following the Lighting of the Square.

Downtown Crystal Lake kicks off its holiday events season of “Hallmark-like vibes and small town charm” Friday with its annual nighttime parade and the return of a beloved popcorn shack.

The market will feature treasures and treats from more than 40 local artisans, makers and small businesses.

Families can meet Santa's reindeer and get photos with the magical animals at the Christmas Town event, which runs through Dec. 23 on select dates.

Celebrate the holidays with friends and family at these favorite bars and taverns in northern Illinois.

Check out these theaters across northern Illinois that are bringing holiday classics like "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol" to life this season.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 5 p.m., greeting children near the Santa Hut on Benton Street.

Hear hits like "Hotel California," "Take it Easy," "Life in the Fast Lane" and many more Eagles hits at the Nov. 29 concert.

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, Nov. 27 in 2025. Make your dinner reservations now and leave the cooking and clean up to someone else!

Make plans to spend a day exploring the historic city of Galena during the holiday season.

'It's a Wonderful Christmas Carol' runs on select dates through Nov. 30 at the Woodstock Opera House.

Here are the winners for the best coffee shops in the Best of the Fox, Best of the Illinois Valley, DeKalb County's Finest and Sauk Valley Favorites contest.

“A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol” will run Nov. 21–Dec. 7 at Raue Center for the Arts in downtown Crystal Lake.

Woodstock native Daniel Rausch will perform with The 4 C Notes at the Opera House on Saturday, Dec. 6.

This festive spin on the Tony-nominated hit brings together four legendary voices – Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley – for a one-of-a-kind holiday jam session at Sun Records.

"Exes of Christmas Past" was filmed mostly in Woodstock, with some scenes shot in Lake County. The film is making its streaming debut.

The Milwaukee County Zoo's brilliant holiday display, Wild Lights, returns Nov. 21.

Huntley will open its retail incubator, Shops on Main, on Saturday with 10 small retailers selling everything from clothing to candy to kitchen gadgets and pastries.

Stroll along the downtown area’s Treat Trail and marvel at the decorated windows while sipping hot cocoa and seasonal treats.

810 Billiards & Bowling is expected to open in early 2026.

The Frostmoon Faire is Saturday, Nov. 15 at The Dole in Crystal Lake. The McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes Holiday Market runs on Saturdays through Dec. 6.

Check out this list of national chains and locally-owned restaurants offering specials to service members on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Fans will sing and dance along to chart-topping hits, including “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” “Love Story” and many more.

The Holiday Trolley Adventure will feature free carousel rides, a Christmas courtyard and a concert from the Rock-aFire Explosion animatronic band.

Explore the fine wines of Italian winery Tenuta Luce as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

The historic Dole mansion will host the first Indoor Winter Market for the season on Sunday, Nov. 9.

Led by ESO Music Director Chad Goodman, the concert features works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Clara Schumann, and Felix Mendelssohn.

Dolores Catania, star of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” and Sonja Morgan of “The Real Housewives of New York City” will host a live, no-holds-barred conversation.

National Sandwich Day is Monday, Nov. 3 Check out these award-winning sandwich shops in DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties, Illinois Valley and Sauk Valley.

Check out this list of the best bakeries and donut shops in DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties, the Sauk Valley and the Illinois Valley.

Make the end of summer more memorable by planning a getaway at a unique resort or bed & breakfast in northern Illinois

Woodstock's Halloween on the Square Trick-or-Treating is 4-5 p.m. Friday, while Crystal Lake's Halloween Handout is 3-5 p.m. Friday.

In addition to his acclaimed acting career, Daniels is also a celebrated singer-songwriter.

The band is touring to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its debut album 'Sparkle and Fade.'

Check out these delightfully frightening haunted houses in northern Illinois, guaranteed to bring the scares this season.

Guests will hear accounts of unexplained occurrences experienced not only by the Grams family, who own the museum, but also by employees and visitors over the decades.

Check out these award-winning pizza places in Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties, as well as the Sauk Valley and Illinois Valley, to celebrate National Pizza Month during October.

Installation is underway on "Whorled," by local Artist Bobby Joe Scribner at the Lake Avenue/South Street/Madison Street roundabout.

Enjoy trick-or-treating in McHenry and Crystal Lake, while the McHenry County Historical Society & Museum presents 'Murder and Mayhem: The Stories of Historic Murders in McHenry County" on Friday.

Hear the timeless music of The Beatles, Wings and Paul McCartney during this tribute concert on Friday, Oct. 24.