Christmas Walk

Downtown Geneva | Third Street and James Street

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DATE: December 4-6, December 12-13, and December 19-20, 2020

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DETAILS: Christmas Walk Weekends will consist of different themes each weekend. A light show on the Courthouse lawn will be aglow every evening at 5:00 pm. Every Saturday and Sunday, Santa will ride in a carriage on Third St. from James St. to Crescent Pl. and back at 10 am, followed by reservation-only visits with Santa (see Families on the Fox's VISIT SANTA Page)

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COST: $10 per family for visits with Santa | $15/Table for Cocoa + Carols Under the Tent | $20 per person for the Cocoa Crawl

Reindeer and Santa

Geneva Bank & Trust | 514 W. State Street, Geneva

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DATE:  CANCELLED FOR 2020 DUE TO COVID MITIGATIONS 

DETAILS: Reindeer visit the Geneva Bank & Trust with Santa and Mrs. Claus. 

COST: FREE!

Holiday House TOur

 First Congregational Church | 327 Hamilton Street, Geneva, IL

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DATE:  CANCELLED FOR 2020 DUE TO COVID MITIGATIONS 

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DETAILS: Geneva's annual Holiday House Tour features five architecturally unique homes decked with boughs of holly and festive Christmas décor. Aglow with holiday spirit, you are sure to be inspired. Homes are open 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Friday and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday. Tickets are $35 each and include a traditional holiday tea at the First Congregational Church at 327 Hamilton Street from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm on Friday and 10:30 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday.

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COST: $35/ticket

christmas on the farm

Peck Farm Park  | 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva

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DATE:  CANCELLED FOR 2020 DUE TO COVID MITIGATIONS 

DETAILS: Gather around the fireplace inside the historic Peck House and listen to a story from Mrs. Claus, stay warm outside by the fire in George’s Circle, enjoy Christmas Carolers and ice sculpting in the courtyard, and perhaps meet Santa Claus himself! Food will be available for purchase from The Last Wing. 

COST: FREE!

Exerience the story of christmas

Chapelstreet Church Mill Creek Campus | 1S455 S Mill Creek Drive, Geneva, IL

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DATE: December 11 – 13, 2020 from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

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DETAILS: Enjoy a 30-minute experience that will be fun for the whole family! Journey to Bethlehem with LIVE animals! This FREE & mostly outdoors event requires you to dress accordingly. Masks will be required for the brief time indoors. Registration is required (click link below).

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COST: FREE!

virtual celebration of lights festival

LOCATION: Comfort of your own home watching Batavia Access Television (BATV)

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DATE: Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 5:00p

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DETAILS:  Keep the family tradition of attending Celebration of Lights by viewing the tree lighting ceremony virtually on Batavia Access Television (BATV). Watch from the comfort of your home as the Riverwalk lights up for the first time this holiday season with a message from Mayor Shielke, a 'visit' from Santa Claus, highlights of Christmas Tree Lane presented by Northwestern Medicine's All of Us Research Program, and a message from some special Batavia guests!

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COST: FREE!

holiday homecoming

Downtown St. Charles (Main Street)

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DATES:  November 27, 2020 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm | November 28, 2020 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm

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DETAILS:  Holiday Homecoming 2020 will look very different than years past. The Holiday Homecoming Weekend will include a “Virtual Lighting of the Lights Ceremony” on Friday, November 27th, and on Saturday, November 28, kick-off to the Holiday Tree Trail (display will be up until after Christmas), Small Business Saturday, window decorating contest, ice carving and more!

COST:  FREE!

electric parade

Downtown St. Charles

Main Street Route

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DATE:  CANCELLED FOR 2020 DUE TO COVID MITIGATIONS 

DETAILS:  Holiday Homecoming Electric Christmas Parade ,put on by the St. Charles Alliance, begins at 5:30pm in downtown St. Charles on Main Street between Sixth Street & Fourth Avenue. Get there early to find a spot to watch before it's too crowded.

COST: FREE!

flashlight candy cane search

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center | 3795 Campton Hills Dr., St. Charles, IL

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DATE: December 4, 2020  at 6:30-7pm or 8-8:30pm

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DETAILS:  New Event for All Ages! Did you know that Jack Frost and the Sugar Plum Fairies sneak into the forest at night to play magical games? They are inviting you to come and play tonight! They have hidden sweet treats outside for you to discover. Dress warm and bring your sweet tooth. Advance registration required. Register below.

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COST: $20 for residents, $30 for non-residents PER group of up to four family members

gingerbread house creations

BAKER COMMUNITY CENTER | 101 S 2nd St, St. Charles, IL 

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DATE: Sunday, December 6, 2020 | 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm, 5:00pm

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DETAILS:  Goody gumdrops! Create the ultimate architectural masterpiece while listening to holiday tunes during this fun D-I-Y event. Using a made-from-scratch house frame, graham crackers, frosting and colorful candies, you and your child will be all smiles decorating and celebrating with this holiday tradition. Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Event participation fee includes one large (4 1/2" square by 7" high) house frame, all supplies, decorating space for two people - AND - the best part is you leave the mess! Can't make it in person? Order your Gingerbread House Making Kit online to make at home. Pick up on December 7 from 9am-7pm at Pottawatomie Community Center.

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COST: $25 for 2 people, additional add-on options available

letter from the north pole

POTTAWATOMIE COMMUNITY CENTER | 8 North Avenue, St. Charles, IL 

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DATE: Ongoing, November 23, 2020 - December 9, 2020

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DETAILS:  Ho! Ho! Ho! Add to the excitement of Christmastime’s holiday magic with a letter from Santa Claus, all the way from his workshop at the North Pole. OPTIONAL: Have your child write a letter to Santa. Drop it off to Santa's mailbox at Pottawatomie Community Center or mail to 8 North Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174. Letters from children will not be returned.

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COST: $5 per letter

virtual storytime with santa

Virtual Event from the St. Charles Park District

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DATE: December 23, 2020 | 7pm - 8pm

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DETAILS:  Invite jolly ol’ Santa Claus into your home when you tune in for a special reading of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Grab some milk and cookies before you sit down to enjoy the magical story of the grumpy Grinch with his dog, Max, and his plans to ruin Christmas in Whoville until he meets sweet little Cindy Lou Who. Before Santa goes back to his workshop, sing along to some holiday songs to get him in the Christmas spirit. After registering, you’ll receive an email with a link to the live program.

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COST: $10 per family

candlelight at the inn

Garfield Farm Museum | Garfield Road, La Fox, IL

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DATE: Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, 2020 | 3:00pm - 7:00pm

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DETAILS:  Experience the tradition of winter visits as practiced by families like the Garfield's in their 1846 brick inn. Hospitality, food, music, and a bake sale.

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COST: FREE (but donations accepted)!

living wheaton christmas parade

108 E. Wesley Road, Wheaton

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DATE:  CANCELLED FOR 2020 DUE TO COVID MITIGATIONS 

DETAILS: Join the festivities at this family-favorite kick-off to the holiday season. Santa will once again be in town and riding in the parade.

COST: FREE!

celebrate the season holiday festival

Cantigny Park | 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton

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DATE: December 5, 2020 from 1:00 - 7:00pm

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DETAILS:  Families and children of all ages are invited to Cantigny Park to “Celebrate the Season” from 1 – 7 pm. The park will be decorated for the holidays, and an assortment of activities and offerings are planned to kick off the season in style.

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COST: $5 per car or FREE with donation of a new, unwrapped toy

Naper Lights

Downtown Naperville, throughout the Water Street District and along the Riverwalk

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DATE: Every night from Thursday, November 26, 2020 - January 1, 2021 from 4:00p - 9:00p.

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DETAILS: The event is being sponsored to bring holiday cheer and festivities to our community during the holiday season.

Water Street will be converted into a winter wonderland with a combination of holiday displays and music. There is no charge for visitors to Naper Lights.

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COST: FREE!

naper settlement's yuletide festival

Naper Settlement

523 S. Webster Street, Naperville

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DATE:  CANCELLED FOR 2020 DUE TO COVID MITIGATIONS 

DETAILS: The lighted streets of Naper Settlement are welcome to all families, with family-friendly holiday features including: Hot Cocoa and Mulled Wine Bar | Live Holiday Music and Caroling | Fa La La Lighted Wonderland | Local Crafters | Traditional Holiday Treats …and more! 

COST: FREE!

winter lights

S. Stolp Ave. & E. Downer Pl., Aurora

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DATE:  CANCELLED FOR 2020 DUE TO COVID MITIGATIONS 

DETAILS: The merriest and cheeriest of seasons starts with Winter Lights in Aurora! Join the fun as we kick off the holiday season with pop-up holiday shops, Santa & Mrs. Claus, costumed characters, parade, tree-lighting, award presentations and fireworks, Come make Winter Lights a memory-filled family tradition! Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop at Wyckwood House, 14 W. Downer Pl., Suite 16, for photos after the Winter Lights parade. Guests will enter through Tredwell Coffee next door to see the visiting couple from the North Pole at Wyckwood House.

COST: FREE!

Elburn Christmas stroll

Main Street, Elburn

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DATE:  CANCELLED FOR 2020 DUE TO COVID MITIGATIONS 

DETAILS: The annual Christmas stroll is held the Friday after Thanksgiving. Many businesses remain open for the event that starts at 6 p.m. and lasts until 8:00 p.m. Be sure to stop by to see some guy in a red suit at the library. This event is also sponsored by the Elburn Chamber of Commerce.

COST: FREE!

dickens in dundee

West Dundee Village Hall | 102 S 2nd St, West Dundee

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DATE: December 4 - 5, 2020 | Friday from 6p - 10p | Saturday from 10a - 4p 

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DETAILS: The weekend kicks off each year on the first Friday in December, with tree lighting ceremonies in both East and West Dundee. Residents and visitors stroll through downtown East and West Dundee to see local merchant's windows "come alive" during Living Windows. Saturday begins with the cornerstone event: the Spirit of Christmas Parade. The parade begins at Second Street in West Dundee and travels across the Main Street Bridge into East Dundee, ending near the Dundee Township Visitors Center (The Depot) on River Street. Other popular events include Gingerbread House Making, Festival of Trees, Santa's Petting Zoo and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus himself!

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COST: FREE!

Winterfest at randall oaks zoo

Randall Oaks Zoo | 1180 S Randall Rd, West Dundee, IL 

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DATE: December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 2020 | 12pm - 6pm

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DETAILS: It’s the most magical time of the year! Experience the zoo all dressed up in holiday lights! *Holiday Lights and Decorations *Santa Visits - 1:00-4:00 pm (socially distanced) *Bonfire *Holiday Treats for Sale Reservations must still be made online before your visit, and times are available every 20 minutes from 12:00 to 5:00 pm with a maximum of 18 people per time slot.

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COST: $3.75 per resident | $4.50 per non-resident | Children ages 1 and under: FREE | Randall Oaks Zoo Members: FREE | United States Military with ID: FREE

downtown oswego christmas walk

Main Street, Oswego

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DATE: Friday, December 4, 2020 from 5:00p - 8:30p

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DETAILS: The Oswego Christmas Walk will have plenty of cheer but will look different this year! We're working hard to bring you a safe but joyous event. You can expect a festival of sights, sounds and smells featuring one-way foot traffic --- a stroll down Main Street -- through downtown Oswego with fewer crowd gatherings but all the same joy of the season.

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COST: FREE!

silent light parade

Main Street, Oswego

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DATE: Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 6:00p

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DETAILS: Watch Oswego's favorite tradition, the Silent Light Parade of Emergency Vehicles, from a safe social distance as it winds through a longer parade path around downtown Oswego. ​ The route steps off from Old Traughber, heads east on Franklin Street, turns left onto Garfield Street, left onto Jefferson Street, left onto Main Street, and left onto Tyler Street, ending at Tyler and Washington Street.

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COST: FREE!

gingerbread drink + decorate to go

Prairie Point | 313 E Washington Street, Oswego, IL

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DATE: Registration deadline is Wednesday, December 9. Kits will be available for drive thru pick up at Prairie Point from 4:30-6:30pm on Tuesday, December 15.

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DETAILS: Take a gingerbread break this holiday season. Enjoy an evening of candy coated creative exterior decorating with friends or enlist the family to help. Each registration includes a gingerbread house kit with foundation base, icing, and candy décor, a “holiday spirit” (one can of House Wine Red Blend or Sauvignon Blanc), chips and salsa from Pearce’s restaurant to enjoy while you work, and a disposable table cloth for easy clean up.

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COST: $25 resident, $35 non-resident

holiday express

Fox Bend Golf Course | 3516 US-34, Oswego, IL

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DATE: Time slots available from December 10 – December 13 from 4:00p - 8:30pm

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DETAILS: All Aboard for Winter Wonderland! This year’s Holiday Express Journey will see a few changes, but the enchantment remains. Participants will reserve spots for small group trips that are 10 minutes apart. Kiddos of every age will be magically transported to Mrs. Claus's Cookie House to enjoy coffee and cocoa from The Village Grind and cookies made from scratch in Pearce's kitchen. Winter Wonderland also includes a visit with Frosty, Santa’s Mailbox, a quest for sneaky elves, and most importantly, a seat in Santa’s sleigh for a heart to heart talk with Santa himself.

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COST: $15 for resident, $25 for non-resident

holiday in the grove

Community House, 141 S Main St., Sugar Grove

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DATE:  CANCELLED FOR 2020 DUE TO COVID MITIGATIONS 

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DETAILS: Tree lighting, breakfast with Santa, pictures with Santa, a sweet shoppe from Mrs. Claus, vendor + craft fair, crafts at the elementary school, library activities, and several shops participating in fun activities on "Candy Cane Lane"!

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COST: FREE!

an almost winter day

Panton Mill Park | South Elgin, IL

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DATE: Saturday, November 21, 2020 | 4pm - 6pm

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DETAILS: This year’s An Almost Winter Day celebration will be a DRIVE-THRU ONLY event. Planned livestream available as well at HERE

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COST: FREE, but registration is required for photo with Santa

winter wonderland

Fulton Street and Spring Street, Elgin​

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DATE:  CANCELLED FOR 2020 DUE TO COVID MITIGATIONS 

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DETAILS: Holiday Craft Market, Food Trucks, Live Music, Carriage Rides, Live Nativity, Petting Zoo, free kids activities, Pictures with Santa, AND MUCH MORE!

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COST: FREE!

holly days drve-thru

Tracy Place & Warren Ave, Warrenville, IL

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DATE: December 4, 2020 | 6pm - 7pm

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DETAILS: We have a revised our traditional Holly Days event to follow the current IDPH/CDC guidelines. The evening will begin with a Facebook Live City Tree Lighting and Greeting from the Mayor & Santa @ 5:30P. Then pack up the family and join us for a Holly Days Drive-Thru! Along the way enjoy the trees decorated by local business and groups and: * Professional Carolers * Children’s Craft To Go (Limited to the first 200 guests) * Hot Cocoa & Cookies To Go (Limited to the first 400 guests) * Santa in the Inflatable Snow Globe No pre-registration necessary. Everyone must remain in their car during the event.

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COST: FREE!

second annual flight deck the halls

Flight Deck Bar & Grill | 1207 W Gurler Road, Rochelle, IL

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DATE: December 6, 2020 | 11am - 5pm

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DETAILS: Fun for EVERYONE!! Christmas holiday meals @ Flightdeck 11-5 Holiday shopping with crafts, treats, and activities for the kids Holiday spirits and hot chocolates Holiday music echoing the halls and......PHOTOS with SANTA from 12pm to 3pm with Lifeworks Photography Studio!

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COST: TBD

christmas-themed virtual trivia

Virtual Event from the Barltett Park District

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DATE: December 17, 2020 | 6pm

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DETAILS: Get your family and friends together virtually and join brain power to answer Christmas themed trivia. Register by December 14th at bartlettparks.org ID#: 31500-08

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COST: $20 per team of up to 6

december to remember, drive-in movie experience

Mount Prospect Ice Arena | 1501 Feehanville Dr, Mt Prospect, IL

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DATE: December, 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 | Multiple time slots per day

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DETAILS: This December come with family or friends in a safe and social distance for a fun and new experience. Our December to Remember drive-in movie experience is located at the Mount Prospect Ice Arena parking lot. While here you will enjoy a holiday movie and visits from our elves and SANTA. Our Billy Bricks On Wheels 2 food truck will be onsite for your convenience to purchase beverages & food before and during the show.

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COST: $60 per car

christmas around the world + holidays of light at MSI Chicago

Museum of Science + Industry | 5700 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

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DATE: November 13, 2020 - January 3, 2021 | 9:30am - 4:00pm, see website for date exceptions

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DETAILS: This year will be no different. Except, of course, this year has been different. That’s why Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light are adapting so you can enjoy the spectacle with the comfort and space you need. We're keeping it smaller, with daily attendance limits set well below requirements, and timed tickets for fast, contactless entry and reduced crowds. Our centerpiece holiday presentation—a dazzling forest of decorated trees and displays—has a new, more spacious footprint for easier exploration. Just the beginning of how we prioritize your safety and comfort at MSI. When you’re ready to celebrate, MSI has your space for the holidays. (Nearly a half-million square feet of it.) But with tickets being limited, it's not too soon to reserve your preferred date.

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COST: $21.95 for Adults, $12.95 for children 3-11