Five Things To Do in the Northern Suburbs: Dec. 19–21, 2025

Winter weather has arrived! Layer up, follow the holiday lights, and catch a few can't-miss events this weekend.

Dig through retro finds at Illinois Vintage Fest.
Illinois Vintage Fest takes over the Lake County Fairgrounds with a large-scale indoor market dedicated to vintage clothing, accessories, home goods, and collectibles. Vendors span multiple eras and styles, making it easy to browse everything from worn-in denim and band tees to retro décor and hard-to-find statement pieces. Dig through racks, discover unique finds, and spend the day browsing.

Date: Dec. 20–21
Time: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake
More Info: lcfairgrounds.com

Spend the afternoon at Hanukkah Fun and Latkes.
Skokie Park District hosts this family-friendly Hanukkah celebration centered on hands-on activities, traditional food, and lighthearted competition. The afternoon includes a dreidel tournament, menorah-building stations, and a kosher meal featuring latkes, along with additional crafts to keep kids engaged throughout the program.

Date: Dec. 21
Time: 12–2 p.m.
Cost: $22+
Location: Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
More Info: skokieparks.org

Catch the final weekend of the 23rd Annual Winter Arts & Craft Expo.
The Evanston Art Center's Winter Arts & Craft Expo wraps up its run this weekend, bringing together more than 150 artists under one roof. The long-running show features original handmade work across mediums including ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, photography, painting, and mixed media, making it one of the region's most comprehensive craft events. With its final days approaching, this is a last chance to browse a wide range of high-quality work, meet artists in person, and pick up distinctive pieces before the expo closes for the season.

Date: Dec. 19–20
Time: Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central St., Evanston
More Info: evanstonartcenter.org 

Visit a beloved local tradition at Santa's Cottage.
Mundelein's Santa's Cottage marks its final day of the season, offering families a chance to experience one of the village's most enduring holiday traditions. Built in the early 1990s by local volunteers, the cozy, standalone cottage was designed to give children a quieter, more personal visit with Santa. Operated by Mundelein Community Connection and supported by dozens of local businesses and volunteers, the cottage has become a fixture of downtown life. 

Date: Dec. 20
Time: 12–3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Village Plaza, 300 Plaza Cr., Mundelein
More Info: mundeleincommunityconnection.org

Spot local wildlife at Bird Count & Bingo.
Heller Nature Center blends outdoor exploration with a bit of friendly competition during this guided bird walk paired with a game of bingo. Participants survey feeders and trails alongside staff while tracking species spotted in real time, marking them off on bingo cards as the count unfolds. Each completed bingo earns an entry toward bird-themed prizes.

Date: Dec. 20
Time: 10–11 p.m.
Cost: $14
Location: Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd., Highland Park
More Info: pdhp.org