LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Residents can begin registering on Wednesday for the park district's fall recreation programs, featuring everything from youth activities and dance classes to family-friendly holiday events.
The Fall 2026 brochure, which is currently available to peruse online, includes dozens of programs as well as special holiday events.
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Here are five events that stand out:
- North Pole Express Train Ride (Dec. 5): Families can board a holiday-themed train to the North Pole, meet Santa Claus and enjoy a festive experience departing from the Libertyville Metra Station. Registration is required for all participants, including adults and infants. There is a delayed registration for this event, which will begin on Oct. 7 at 8 a.m. for residents and Oct. 9 at 8 a.m. for all people, including non-residents. Visit libertyville.com/departments/recreation/index.php to register.
- Donuts with Santa (Dec. 13): Children can visit with Santa, receive a special gift from the North Pole, make reindeer food and enjoy donuts and hot cocoa with their families. Registration is required.
- Puzzle Palooza (Nov. 8): Teams of two or four will race to complete the same 500-piece jigsaw puzzle, making this a fun challenge for puzzle enthusiasts ages 12 and older. Registration is required.
- Max's Doggie Grinchmas (Dec. 10): Dog owners can bring their furry friends to meet the Grinch, pose for holiday photos, create a custom doggie treat bag and make a keepsake paw-print ornament. Registration is required.
- Tasty Thursday Finale (Sept. 10): The annual community event returns this fall as one of the brochure's featured special events, offering another opportunity for residents to gather before the holiday season. The finale will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 at Riverside Park, 700 Riverside Drive. There will be food trucks, live music, tethered hot-air balloons and a caricature artist at the event.
Here is a look at more community events:
- Sept. 13: Tea-Rex Grandparent Date: A dinosaur-themed event for grandparents and grandchildren.
- Sept. 25: Mom and Son Dance: An evening of music, dancing and memories.
- Oct. 17: Halloween Express Train: A festive fall train ride for families.
- Oct. 25: Trunk or Treat: A non-candy trick-or-treat event featuring decorated vehicles.
- Nov. 8: Puzzle Palooza: Teams race to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle.
- Nov. 25-Dec. 18: Letters to Santa: Kids can send their wish lists to the North Pole.
- Nov. 27: Cook Park Tree Lighting: Kick off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting ceremony.
- Dec. 5: North Pole Express Train: A holiday train ride to meet Santa.
- Dec. 10: Max's Doggie Grinchmas: Holiday fun for dogs and their owners.
- Dec. 12: Santa Parade: Santa makes his annual appearance through the community.
- Dec. 13: Donuts with Santa: Families can enjoy donuts, cocoa and a visit with Santa.
The Fall 2026 brochure also includes swim lessons, early childhood programs, youth and adult classes, dance offerings, facility rentals and other seasonal activities. Registration for residents opens Aug. 5, and many of the most popular programs are expected to fill quickly.
For the full fall brochure, visit here.