The Winter Tree Lighting Festival was introduced in 2024. It is a combination of the Village’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony which has been held on the first Friday of December for over 20 years, and Winterfest started by MCC in December 2022, on the day after the Tree Lighting. The two events have now merged into one event on the first Saturday of December at Courtland Commons Park on Courtland and Seymour Streets.

The Winter Tree Lighting Festival opens with Santa’s Cottage. Musical entertainment, featuring school choirs and local musicians, opens at 3 pm. Other activities include Kiddy Train Rides, Ice Sculpting, Disney Princesses, story-time, letters to Santa, a Kris Kringle Market, kids’ games, kids’ crafts, food vendors, hot chocolate and treats provided by the Mundelein Park and Recreation District, the Mayor’s Seasonal Message, the Mundelein Queens, Lighting of the Village Holiday Tree, Fireworks, and a second session of Santa’s Cottage following the Fireworks.

The Winter Tree Lighting Festival is a partnership between the Village of Mundelein, Mundelein Community Connection and the Mundelein Park and Recreation District.