Lemont Downtown Winter and holiday events
Anyone who spends a few minutes in our town during the holiday knows that it has everything required of a picturesque Hallmark movie town. We have friendly locals that always know your name, delicious restaurants with food made for sharing and seats that invite you to stay awhile, and holiday lights through every walkable corner.
While you’re off, creating your own charming holiday scenes, we recommend checking out a few of these upcoming events. We’ll be updating this page all season long so be sure to check back for more events and details closer to the date and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Save the Forge, Make a Wreath
Saturday, November 20th at 10AM | SIGN UP
Did you know Buckthorn is the most invasive species at The Forge? Help save the Forge at this close-of-the-season event and make a fabulous holiday wreath for your home. The Forge will supply the buckthorn, spray paint, and various other supplies but feel free to bring along your favorite holiday trinkets to personalize your wreath! Crafters of all ages are welcome!
Lighting Up Lemont
Friday, November 25th - Tuesday, January 31st | Learn more
Wake up from your turkey-induced coma and step into a brightened Lemont Downtown. Our annual lighting display kicks off on Friday, November 25th, and runs throughout the holiday season. Bring your kids to experience the magic or take a few Instagram photos for the feed. This event is sponsored by Citgo and the Village of Lemont.
Ornament Walk
Saturday, November 26th from 4PM - 7PM | Sign Up
Hosted by Mabel’s Market this new holiday event and celebration of small businesses will include live music, holiday tarot readings and fortune tellings, seasonal beer tastings, a hot chocolate station, and a fire pit. Shop at your leisure and collect all 8 Lemont Downtown ornaments honoring a few of our favorite shops.
Letters to Santa
Friday, November 25th - December 16TH
Make sure the big guy knows exactly what is on your list this year thanks to Pawlak Properties. Write a letter to Santa and drop it off at mailboxes that head straight to the North Pole. Find your North Pole mail service at the corner of Schultz and Freehauf and Lemont Public Library.
Holidazzle-home decorating contest
Thursday, December 1ST - December 20th |Learn more
Deck the halls with boughs of holly and maybe put out a few string lights, too! The annual holiday decor contest kicks off on Thursday, December 1. Register your home with Lemont Parks and have a chance to win big before the holidays. Winners will be announced on December 21.
12 Days of Christmas Poster Giveaway
Thursday, December 1ST- December 22nd | Learn More
Shop small this Holiday season and take home a piece of Lemont with your purchase. During the month of December, select businesses will be given a Limited Edition full-size print of the Lemont Downtown postcard art that captured the hearts of so many. Follow along on social
Hometown Holiday
Saturday, December 3 From 3PM - 7:30PM | Learn More
Get a start on your holiday shopping and kick off the season with Letters to Santa, cookie decorating, a ride on the Ferris wheel, live music, food trucks, the annual tree lighting, and get your picture taken with Santa. Help Santa out by donating new, unwrapped toys, and gently used coats, hats, and gloves for Tractor for Toys from 5PM-7PM.
14th Annual Frigid 5K through Centennial Park
Sunday, December 4th at 8:00 AM | Sign Up
Bundle up for a chilly run through the park in your ugliest Christmas sweaters and holiday gear. Awards will be given for best in age, best in men, and best in women. After the race, enjoy hot chocolate, refreshments, and more. Register early to save.
Holiday open house + Christmas choir concert
Sunday, December 4th at 1:30 PM - 4PM| LEARN MORE
Sing along to your favorite Christmas songs, listen to live performances, and take a few photos with Santa during this charming afternoon event at the Lemont Historical Society and Museum.
WIN A WAGON OF HOLIDAY CHEER
TBD | lemonthistory.org
Join the fundraiser for the Lemont Historical Society and Museum and win a red wagon filled with drinks and treats from around town. Brought to you by Smokey Row Antiques, this event is the perfect reason to stop by and check out all of the unique holiday trinkets and treasures.
Christmas Holiday hay rides | Learn more
December 10th + 11th & December 17th + 18th
While you wait for Santa’s sleigh, grab a seat on the tractor-pulled hay rides throughout Lemont Downtown. Enjoy rides every weekend from 5:30-7:30PM.
Pet Pawrade
Sunday, December 11th | rsvp your pup
Bring out your furry friends for a paw-some parade around town in their best holiday gear. Bring your buddy to General Fry's Landing on Front Street for a selfie station hosted by Pawlak Properties! The ugly sweater stroll heads east on Front Street at 1PM, turns at Stephen Street, and finishes at Budnik Plaza where we will have PRIZES for the Ugliest Sweater and Most Merry pet!
The Forge fat tire bike race
Saturday, January 14th | Register
Race into the new year during the 2nd Annual Fat Tire Race & Tour at the Forge in partnership with The Bike Hub. Riders will take to the snowy terrain and complete a long or short ride. Save money by registering early.
LHG Test Kitchen Week
Week of January 14-22, 2023 |Learn More
Find food reimagined at this Restaurant week like no other. Be the first to try new dishes and rate them according to your taste buds. Check back throughout the holiday season to learn which restaurants are participating and check out their menus.
Lemont Annual Ice Fest
Saturday, January 21st, 2023 | Details coming soon
Embrace the snow and ice in Lemont Downtown and bring the whole family to view live ice carvings, take hay rides around town, and get a final look at the Lighting Up Lemont displays. You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind event!
Parking in Lemont Downtown
For all events in and near Lemont Downtown, be sure to check the event website for street closures, parking information and availability.