Waukegan is Getting in the Holiday Spirit

As Waukegan heads into the official start of the holiday season, let’s look at all the festivities this year and ways your family can still have a festive holiday, even during financially challenging times.

November

This Sunday, November 19, La Canona is collaborating with Community Outreach, and Conchita Custom Creation is hosting a free turkey giveaway from 11 am to 3 pm. La Canona is located in Waukegan at 50 S. Green Bay Road.

The Genesee Theatre is home to “A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage” on November 19, starting at 4 pm. The historic Genesee Theatre is in beautiful downtown Waukegan at 203 North Genesee Street. Tickets for this event can be purchased here.

La Canona also hosts Mikey’s 5th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for seniors living in Zion, North Chicago, and Waukegan on Wednesday, November 22, from 10:30 am until 2 pm. The event will have live music. Remember to bring a form of ID to prove your residency.

December

Waukegan’s Kris Kringle Artist Market 2023 is Saturday, December 2, from 1 pm to 8 pm at the Waukegan Public Library. It’s a perfect opportunity to get some holiday shopping done early and to support local entrepreneurs. The Waukegan Public Library is located at 128 North County Street.

December 2 is Waukegan’s Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. To kick off the Christmas season, you can join Mayor Ann Taylor and Waukegan’s elected officials and staff as they light this year’s Christmas tree at Jack Benny Plaza, 140 North Genesee Street. The event starts at 5 pm.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is at the Genesee Theater on December 2 at 6:00. Tickets and info can be found here. The show features great costumes, production, and electrifying feats. This magical show features one thrilling act after another, performed to the festive music of your favorite holiday songs and carols.

The Dandelion Gallery and Studio at 109 South Genesee Street is hosting a Mosaic Ornament Gift Making Workshop on Sunday, December 3. The event is from noon to 2 pm. Registration is required by December 1. Info and registration can be found here. This event is open to ages four and up.

The Waukegan Holiday Tour of Homes along Sheridan Road is Saturday, December 9, from 3 pm until 7 pm. This is a self-guided tour of selected holiday-decorated homes. For more information or tickets, click here.

Waukegan Township is hosting its Annual Holiday Celebration for Seniors at the Patricia A. Jones Center at 414 South Lewis at 1 pm on December 15. This event has entertainment, prizes, and food. More information is available at WaukeganTownship.com.

Miracle on 34th Street is coming to the Jack Benny Center for the Arts from December 15-December 17. For show times and tickets, visit the Waukegan Park District website. The Jack Benny Center for the Arts is at 39 Jack Benny Drive.

The Waukegan Park District is hosting Holiday Spectacular at the Belvidere Recreation Center on December 16 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. Participants can celebrate winter holidays from around the world and participate in crafts and activities. Waukegan Watch News also hears that Santa Claus may also be visiting. Make sure to register early here. The Belvidere Recreation Center is at 414 South Lewis Avenue.

Last but not least, The Magic of the Nutcracker is at the Genesee Theatre this year on December 22, starting at 6:30 pm. This event features more than 100 performers, stunning sets, elegant dancers, and Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music, which will make the 35th-anniversary show a joy for audiences of all ages. Enjoy this dazzling production with your family, and consider making it a holiday tradition! Tickets can be purchased here.