There’s nothing quite like Plainfield at Christmastime. The big tree glows on the Village Green, the shops along Lockport Street sparkle, and there’s hot cocoa around every corner. We’ve lived here our whole lives, and these are the traditions, treats and twinkling spots our family loves most.
Here’s your guide to a merry Plainfield season.
Plainfield Holiday Traditions
Grinchmas on the Green
The Grinch and Santa light the big tree at Village Green Park while families enjoy cocoa and cookies. It’s usually held the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Insider tip: Arrive early for photos with the Grinch!
Heart of Christmas Downtown
On tree lighting night, downtown Plainfield comes alive with hayrack rides, Santa visits, crafts and treats from local shops.
Insider tip: Wear boots and bring a mug for cocoa.
The Creche Lighting
The Plainfield Lions Club lights its historic Nativity scene at Plymouth Congregational Church after a community carol sing-along with local madrigal singers.
Insider tip: Head inside early for the carols.
Shop Small Saturday
Downtown boutiques, gift shops and cafes roll out holiday specials the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Insider tip: Start with a latte at Krema Coffee House, then shop!
Can’t-Miss Holiday Lights Near Plainfield
- Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum (Lisle): Nov. 14, 2026 through Jan. 2, 2027. It’s a glowing walking trail through the trees, with an aurora-inspired light canopy new this year. Buy tickets early for the best price.
- Festival of Lights at Phillips Park (Aurora): a mile-long drive-through display with animated scenes. Go on a weeknight to skip the line.
- Light Up the Holidays (Downtown Joliet): Friday, Nov. 27, 2026. A festival and parade kick off the season.
- Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: a zoo-wide light show with holiday music and seasonal treats.
- The Village Green tree: It glows all season long in downtown Plainfield. It’s the perfect spot for your family photo!
Where to See Santa
- Breakfast with Santa: The Plainfield Park District hosts pancakes, crafts and a visit with Santa in early December. It sells out, so register early!
- Letters to Santa: Kids can write their wish lists downtown during Heart of Christmas.
- Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops (Bolingbrook): photos with Santa plus holiday games and crafts. Reserve a photo time online.
Holiday Ice Skating Near Plainfield
- Eaton Preserve (Plainfield): a free outdoor rink on 135th Street. Bring your own skates, because there are no rentals.
- Prairie Park (Oswego): outdoor skating plus a sledding hill. A green flag means the ice is open!
- Centennial Park and Wolf’s Crossing Park (Naperville): lighted outdoor rinks
- Inwood Ice Arena (Joliet): indoor public skating all winter, with skate rentals
Outdoor rinks open when the weather allows, so check before you go.
Cozy Coffee, Treats and Festive Eats
- Krema Coffee House: our go-to for a holiday latte downtown
- Hazel Marie’s: the sweetest little scoop shop in town
- Gallaher Sourdough: homemade organic sourdough, perfect for holiday dinners
- Milette’s Cakes: custom cakes for holiday parties
- HopScotch and Vine: breakfast, brunch and dinner on Lockport Street
- Aurelio’s Pizza: holiday party fuel. Tell them Mike sent you!
- Southern Belle’s: a cozy holiday brunch
Festive Date Night Ideas
- NWB Next Whiskey Bar: cozy cocktails in Plainfield
- Opera House Steak & Seafood: steak, seafood and cocktails in a restored historic downtown building
- Wine & Cheese by TCC: sip, snack and grab a bottle for every holiday party
- IllumiBrew at The Morton Arboretum: a 21+ night at Illumination on Nov. 13
Shop Small in Plainfield
- Downtown Plainfield: boutiques, gifts and holiday decor along Lockport and Des Plaines Streets
- The Tawny Tortoise: floors of gifts and specialty foods
- Plainfield Florist: wreaths, poinsettias and centerpieces
- Christkindlmarket Aurora: a German-style holiday market, opening Nov. 20
Winter Wonder Walks
- Downtown Plainfield at dusk: See the decorated shops and the Village Green tree.
- Lake Renwick Preserve: The heron rookery area is open from mid-August through February.
- DuPage River Trail: miles of paved trail for a crisp winter walk
From Our Kitchen to Yours: Gingerbread Cookies
Our free holiday guide includes our favorite gingerbread cookie recipe. It’s a classic molasses, ginger and cinnamon dough with royal icing for decorating, and it makes about 24 cookies.
Insider tip: Beat the icing until stiff for outlines, then thin it with a few drops of water to fill in. Let the cookies dry overnight before stacking.
A Perfect Plainfield Holiday Weekend
- Friday night: dinner downtown, then a neighborhood lights drive
- Saturday: lattes at Krema, Shop Small downtown, skating at Eaton Preserve, then Illumination at night
- Sunday: brunch at Southern Belle’s, cookie decorating at home, and pizza from Aurelio’s with a holiday movie
Download Our Free Holiday Guide
Get the full 16-page Unwrapping the Holidays in Plainfield guide. It includes a printable holiday bucket list, the full gingerbread recipe and insider tips for every spot.
Thinking About a Move in the New Year?
Winter is one of the smartest times to buy or sell. Buyers are serious, there’s less competition, and you’ll be settled before spring. We’d love to help you plan your next move.
Michele Morris Realty
Michele Morris, Managing Broker/Owner · Amanda Albrecht, Broker
Text 815-715-5904 · Office 630-669-4469
info@MicheleMorrisRealty.com
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Plainfield tree lighting?
Grinchmas on the Green is usually held the Saturday after Thanksgiving at Village Green Park. Check the Plainfield Park District for this year’s date and time.
Where can I see Christmas lights near Plainfield, IL?
Popular options include Illumination at The Morton Arboretum, the Festival of Lights in Aurora, Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo and the Village Green tree in downtown Plainfield.
Is there ice skating in Plainfield, IL?
Yes. Eaton Preserve on 135th Street has a free outdoor rink when the weather allows. Inwood Ice Arena in Joliet offers indoor skating all winter.
Where can kids see Santa near Plainfield?
Try Breakfast with Santa through the Plainfield Park District, Letters to Santa downtown, or Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Bolingbrook.