If a visit to Aurora during the holidays isn’t part of your holiday tradition yet, pencil in a trip for 2023! To put together a weekend of merriment, choose to attend one of these special events and then add visits to the season-long events, all happening in or near Aurora.
Season-long events in Aurora
November 17th – December 24th, Thursdays – Sundays
Free admission
Did you know Christkindlmarket Chicago actually has three locations – and one of them is RiverEdge Park in Aurora? Nominated one of the top 10 Holiday Markets by USA Today in 2021 and named after the Christkind, who is the German Bearer of Gifts, Christkindlmarket is a traditional European outdoor market that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Wander through the market while sipping mulled wine or hot chocolate, snacking on pierogies and crepes, and browsing for gifts from pottery to felt ornaments.
November 24th – December 25th, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Free admission
Fire up some holiday tunes on the radio, put the kids in their pajamas, pick up a cup of hot chocolate for the road, and drive to Aurora’s Phillips Park for one of the largest free outdoor drive-through holiday light displays in Northern Illinois. Delight at the twinkling snowflakes above the trees and sing along with the 20-foot singing and dancing Christmas tree!
November 30th – December 17th, days and times vary
Tickets: $10
Bring the kiddos for a visit to see Blackberry Farm transformed into the North Pole, complete with thousands of twinkling lights, festive holiday decorations, happy holiday music, rides on the Holiday Express train and a hay wagon, crafts and stories, a reindeer food bar, and of course, a special visit with Santa.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
November 8th, 2023 – January 24th, 2024
Tickets: Starting at $28
Audiences will follow young Charlie Bucket, his Grandpa Joe and four other Golden Ticket winners on a private tour of eccentric “Candy Man” Willy Wonka’s magical and mysterious chocolate factory. Bring the family for a holiday outing at Paramount Theatre, where the Grand Gallery will be transformed into a holiday wonderland including a two-story, Wonka-themed Christmas tree.
Second City’s Holiday Revue What the Elf
November 17th – December 23rd
Tickets: $42
Chicago’s famed improv and sketch comedy troupe brings side-splitting, holiday-themed laughs to the Copley Theatre.
If you’re looking to plan a trip that will bring all-ages joy to everyone in your group, check your calendar and schedule a trip to Aurora for the holidays...book your perfect hotel stay today with Hampton Inn & Suites Aurora!
The hotel offers elegantly decorated, comfortable accommodations to suit every visitor’s need. For a romantic getaway for two, consider the King Suite with bar sink and under-counter refrigerator, or choose the Kids Suite for the family, complete with bunkbeds and a Playstation 4! The indoor pool, whirlpool and kiddie pool will please everyone, as will the delicious breakfast “on the house.” No time to sit for breakfast? No problem – the friendly front desk staff has you covered with “on-the-run” breakfast bags to take with you.
For those who are traveling to and from “the other big city” in Illinois, the hotel is conveniently located close to I-88 with easy access to Chicago.
