The Grayslake Festival of Lights 2026 brings a free afternoon and evening of holiday activities to historic downtown Grayslake, Illinois, on Friday, November 27, from 2 to 7 p.m. The Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce event is in the news because it adds a holiday-themed drone show for the first time, following the parade and tree lighting.

What is new at this year's festival?

The drone show is the addition drawing attention. According to the Grayslake Village Center website, it follows the lighting of the tree and town, which comes right after the parade. The parade steps off on Center Street at about 5 p.m. and includes a marching band. The festival is free to attend, with no separate drone show admission listed.

Read also St. Charles Holiday Homecoming: Parade, Lights, Free Elf

Other activities fill the afternoon and evening:

  • An exhibit of decorated Giving Trees runs from noon to 7 p.m. at the Heritage Center and Museum, 164 Hawley St. Visitors can vote for favorites with $1 tickets, and the money goes to participating nonprofits and the Grayslake Historical Society.
  • Santa Claus poses for photos at the Heritage Center and Museum from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
  • The Grayslake Arts Alliance holds an art show and sale, with a craft for children, from 4 to 7 p.m. upstairs at Village Hall.
  • Visitors can take a horse-drawn carriage ride near Village Hall between 5:30 and 7 p.m.
  • Vendors set up along Center Street, and Village Center shops and boutiques stay open for holiday shopping.

Why you should go

  • The drone show is new this year, so even longtime attendees will see something different after the tree lighting.
  • Admission is free, which makes it easy for families to stop by for part of the afternoon or stay through the evening.
  • Santa photos, a kids' craft and carriage rides give children several things to do in one downtown area.
  • The Giving Trees exhibit at the museum supports local nonprofits through the $1 voting tickets.
  • Vendors and downtown shops let visitors combine the festivities with holiday shopping.

What to know before you go

Festivities run from 2 to 7 p.m. in historic downtown Grayslake, with Village Hall and the Heritage Center and Museum nearby. The festival is free, and the Village Center lists a phone number, 847.223.8515, for more information. The brief does not list parking details, so visitors should check with the organizer. Weather could affect an outdoor drone show; no backup plan is stated.

FAQ

When is the Grayslake Festival of Lights?

It runs Friday, November 27, 2026, from 2 to 7 p.m. in downtown Grayslake, Illinois, the day after Thanksgiving.

How much does it cost?

Admission is free, according to the Lake County visitors bureau. The only listed charge is $1 per Giving Trees voting ticket, which supports local nonprofits.