Wednesday, November 11, 2026Joliet edition
The weekend list for Joliet parents
Monthly roundup
Updated Nov 11, 2026
10 upcoming family events this month.
Start here
Joliet's holiday tradition since 1976: a family show that brings European folklore to life with stories and music, now in its 50th year.
A drop-in winter evening at Hidden Oaks in Bolingbrook: caroling by the campfire, a lantern-lit trail, hot dogs and s'mores, and holiday nature crafts inside.
Photos with Santa inside the Bird Haven Greenhouse on two Saturdays in December.
Holiday stories, hot chocolate, a photo op and a craft for kids of all ages with an adult.
A new holiday market in City Square with local vendors, seasonal treats, live entertainment, family activities and photos with Santa.
Joliet's holiday tradition since 1976: a family show that brings European folklore to life with stories and music, now in its 50th year.
A drop-in winter evening at Hidden Oaks in Bolingbrook: caroling by the campfire, a lantern-lit trail, hot dogs and s'mores, and holiday nature crafts inside.
Photos with Santa inside the Bird Haven Greenhouse on two Saturdays in December.
Holiday stories, hot chocolate, a photo op and a craft for kids of all ages with an adult.
A new holiday market in City Square with local vendors, seasonal treats, live entertainment, family activities and photos with Santa.
A holiday breakfast with crafts, games and a vendor expo at Nowell Park Recreation Center. Santa photos are available for a small fee.
Kids 3–12 build and decorate a gingerbread house with their family and take it home. One kit per registered child.
A candy cane hunt on the Inwood Park playground for ages 3–10 with family, plus holiday games, challenges and music.
Joliet Police, Fire and Public Works escort Santa on a motorcade through Joliet neighborhoods.
A kid-style countdown to 2027 with music, party favors and a grape juice toast at noon.
FAQ
Our top picks for December 2026: 50th Festival of the Gnomes, Caroling Campfire and So Much S'more, Photos with Santa at Bird Haven Greenhouse, Holiday Cheer at the Library and Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market.
5 events in December 2026 are free, including Caroling Campfire and So Much S'more, Photos with Santa at Bird Haven Greenhouse, Holiday Cheer at the Library and 2 more. For free picks right now, see Free this weekend.
We list 0 family events for Nov 13–15, 2026. See them on This weekend.
Yes. These run for more than a week: Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market (through Dec 19, 2026). Check each listing for open days and hours.
Zippy Guide is the weekend list for Joliet parents: an independent, family-friendly guide for Joliet parents to things to do in Joliet — story times, museums, parks, farmers markets, classes and open gym times. We gather details from organizers' public websites so you can plan your weekend in minutes. We're independent and not affiliated with the organizers listed. Times and prices change, so always verify before you go.
