The Northwest Illinois Calendar
What’s Happening
Festivals, concerts, markets and main-street traditions across all four counties.
DixonHolidayBender Barnwood's Christmas in the WoodsNov 14 – Nov 15Bender Barnwood · DixonBender Barnwood’s Christmas in the Woods brings three days of holiday shopping to Dixon, November 13-15. Visitors can browse handmade gifts and décor from Bender Barnwood and participating crafters and vendors.
OregonHolidayVintage Ceramic Christmas Tree Painting Class4:00 PM – 6:00 PMCin’s Treasures Ceramics & Art Studio · OregonCin’s Treasures Ceramics & Art Studio hosts a Vintage Ceramic Christmas Tree Painting Class in Oregon on November 14. Participants can choose their colors and paint a nostalgic holiday decoration, with all supplies included and no experience necessary.
AmboyHolidayChristmas in the Cabin9:00 AM – 7:00 PMAmboyChristmas in the Cabin in Amboy features handmade Santas, snowmen, angels, grapevine trees, and other holiday creations, November 18 to 21.
Rock FallsHolidayHometown Holidays in Rock Falls5:00 PM – 8:00 PMDowntown Rock Falls · Rock FallsThe Rock Falls Chamber's holiday walk fills downtown with decorated shops, music, food, activities and Santa, plus a candle-lighting ceremony and a $1,000 cash drawing.
SavannaHolidaySavanna Festival of Trees5:00 PM – 8:00 PMSavanna Museum & Cultural Center · SavannaSavanna’s Festival of Trees brings decorated Christmas trees to the Savanna Museum & Cultural Center, opening November 27 during the downtown Christmas Walk.
LanarkHolidayLanark Lighted Parade & Tree Lighting6:30 PMDowntown Lanark · LanarkLanark starts the holiday season the night after Thanksgiving with a lighted parade, music and the lighting of the town Christmas tree.
DixonLive MusicThe Prophecy Show: A Holiday Rock Spectacular7:30 PMThe Dixon: Historic Theatre · DixonA touring tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra opens the Dixon Theatre's holiday season the night after Thanksgiving.
OregonHoliday40th Oregon Candlelight Walk3:00 PM – 8:00 PMDowntown Oregon · OregonOregon’s Candlelight Walk celebrates its 40th anniversary on November 28 with horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa visits, holiday shopping, family activities, and a community tree lighting.
DixonArts & TheaterKrampus at the Dixon Theatre7:30 PMThe Dixon: Historic Theatre · DixonAn evening screening of the 2015 holiday horror-comedy Krampus, rated PG-13, at the Dixon Theatre.
SterlingHolidayDillon Home Christmas ToursDec 2 – Dec 30Dillon Home Museum · SterlingChristmas tours of Sterling's Dillon Home Museum on select December days, including evening self-guided hours Dec. 11 and 12.
SterlingArts & TheaterDress in Green: The Grinch at the Sterling Theater6:00 PMSterling Theater · SterlingDowntown Sterling's movie house shows the 2018 animated Grinch for one night, and everyone's invited to come dressed in green.
Mount CarrollHolidayFeaturedMount Carroll Christmas Walk & House Tour Weekend4:00 PM – 7:00 PMCarroll County Courthouse Square · Mount CarrollA holiday weekend in Mount Carroll’s historic downtown: Santa at the district library, a community tree lighting on the courthouse square, a tour of decorated homes and an indoor holiday market.- SterlingHolidaySights & Sounds Holiday Kickoff and Tree Lighting5:00 PM – 8:00 PMLibrary Plaza · SterlingDowntown Sterling launches the holidays on the first Friday of December with Santa’s arrival, the Library Plaza tree lighting at 5:30, horse-and-carriage rides, live entertainment and late-night shopping.
FultonHolidayFulton Christmas Walk5:00 PM – 7:00 PMDowntown Fulton · FultonAn evening holiday stroll through downtown Fulton, organized by the town's Christmas Walk Committee.
DixonHolidayDixon Christmas Walk5:00 PM – 8:00 PMDowntown Dixon · DixonExperience the magic of Dixon's Annual Christmas Walk on Friday, December 4, from 5–8 p.m.! Enjoy the Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa, festive music, street performers, and holiday shopping in charming downtown Dixon. Bring the family and celebrate this beloved small-town holiday tradition!
OregonArts & TheaterGlass Workshop: Christmas Ornament10:00 AM – 12:00 PMColiseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana · OregonMake your own fused-glass Christmas ornament in a two-hour hands-on class with instructor Valerie Butcher at the Coliseum Museum in Oregon.- FultonHolidayChristmas in the Canyon12:00 PM – 6:00 PMWierenga’s Heritage Canyon · FultonFulton’s recreated 1800s settlement in the canyon fills with costumed reenactors, carols in the log church, a working blacksmith, lantern light along the paths, and Santa in the ironworks shop.
DixonLive MusicDixon Municipal Band Winter Concert7:00 PMThe Dixon: Historic Theatre · DixonDixon's community concert band plays its annual winter concert of seasonal music at the historic Dixon Theatre.
For organizers
Add an Event to the Calendar
Hosting an event in Carroll, Lee, Ogle & Whiteside counties? Submit it for the calendar.