Holiday Walk
A Little Holiday Magic Around Every Corner
All Season Long – Stroll through downtown McHenry and find festive surprises, unique gifts, and special holiday deals. Your next favorite find might be just around the corner! During the event you can download our holiday map and enjoy special deals 11/20/26-11/22/26
A Night to Light Up the Season
November 21 2026 | 3400 Pearl Street McHenry IL 60050
4:30 PM | Holiday Caroling
Join the McHenry High School Vocal Warriors as they lead us in festive holiday carols.
5:00 PM | Holiday Light Switch-On
Join the City of McHenry for the big moment as they flip the switch and light up the park with thousands of twinkling holiday lights! Thanks to McHenry Parks and Recreation Department for all of their hard work hanging the lights and decorating the downtown area!
During the day you can join us from 12:00–4:00 PM for Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides, Santa, Crafts & Kids’ Activities
Living Windows & Cocoa Crawl
Friday November 20
Sponsored by AteaCo Coffee and Tea
Between 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Downtown storefront windows transform into festive scenes filled with holiday charm during Living Windows. Purchase a Cocoa Crawl mug and sip your way through downtown while enjoying hot cocoa samples and holiday treats at participating businesses.
Polar Express Pub Crawl
Saturday November 21
All Aboard! Buy a ticket to this fun town-wide event going on between 6:00 pm-10:30pm. Enjoy creative drink specials and a chance to win raffle items donated from the bars and restaurants participating.
Festival of Trees
November 20 – December 27
17 businesses will be on display
Come see holiday trees specially decorated by local businesses and vote on the best tree by dropping off a non-perishable food item or toiletries under your favorite!
Located at the McHenry Parks and Recreation Department 3636 Municipal Dr, McHenry, IL
Letters to Santa
November 20-December 12
Sponsored by Northwest Herald
Drop your letters to Santa in our magical mailbox that brings them to the North Pole. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and Santa will write you back!
Located at Neumann Park 1246 N Green St, McHenry IL 60050
Free Sleigh Rides
Saturday November 21
Sponsored by Buss Ford Lincoln
From 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, take a ride around Veterans Park (3400 Pearl St, McHenry, IL 60050) in our horse drawn sleigh! Must be in line by 3:30 PM to guarantee a ride.
Veterans Park Fun
Saturday November 21
Come visit Santa under the gazebo between 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Home Depot will be setup handing out Kids Build-It Kits. Kids’ games and craft activities will also be provided by McHenry Area Chamber members.
Mission: Elf Project
November and December
The Mission: Elf Project invites kids and families to help spread kindness, joy, and connection throughout our community. Through simple acts of cheer, McHenry’s elves show that small moments can make the season brighter for everyone.
Holiday Market
November 14, 21, 28 and December 5
Join us at the Riverwalk District for 4-weeks of themed holiday cheer. Shop at our 10 Riverwalk Shoppes & 10+ market vendors in Miller Point Park, eat at a food truck & enjoy entertainment in the gazebo. Every week there is a new holiday theme!
Located at McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes 1202 N. Riverside Drive
Toys for Tots Parade
Sunday November 22
Route: Kane Street to Green Street to Pearl Street to Riverside Drive to Broad Street
Enjoy the holiday themed floats and motorcycles as we kick off the Toys for Tots giving season. Participants are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy that will be collected at the park and along the route. This event is hosted by the McHenry Parks and Recreation Department.
