Crete’s beloved annual holiday event is only a few weeks away! The Crete Country Christmas tent, festively named Candy Cane Lane, is on Cass Street, between Main and Wood Streets in the heart of downtown Crete.
Light Up Crete for the Holidays! Make it whimsical, make it classic, use the highest wattage, or create the most animated display – your imagination is limitless! Every decorated entry is eligible for a raffle prize! Winners will be announced by December 30. Lights must be on from 6 – 9 p.m. the entire month of December. Stop by Crete Country Store, 1390 Main Street, and fill out the form to register. Sign up by December 8!
December 5
New this year: Get your favorite holiday pajamas on and head to the Crete Country Christmas tent on Thursday, December 5, from 6 – 8 p.m., to help kick-off the weekend at our brand-new, free, family Waiting for Santa party! There will be a DJ, popcorn bar, and much more!
December 6
Cocoa and Cookie Crawl, on Friday, December 6, from 5 – 7 p.m., at Crete Park on Main. Crawl to the six participating locations for some yummy cocoa and tasty treats! Each business has something different to try in your limited edition 2024 Crete Country Christmas mug; $10 per person! Locations with a liquor license may offer “adult versions” for an extra cost. Pre-Registration for the Cocoa and Cookie Crawl opened on November 15. Only 100 spaces are available!
Visit Santa at the Gazebo by the tent, enjoy an evening hayride, grab dinner from our food vendors, jam the night away to Rocks Off and Hillbilly Rockstarz, and have a drink from Tinseltown Tavern! All purchases at the bar must be made with tickets, which can be purchased in the tent, so stock up to avoid lines later!
December 7
Grinch 5K: Start the morning off with a walk or run at the Grinch 5K! Check-in begins at 7 a.m., with a pre-race warm up and stretch lead by Fitness Premier. Race begins at 8 a.m.
Breakfast with the Grinch: Join all the other Who’s in Whoville for breakfast with the Grinch at the Crete Country Christmas tent. Make sure to bring your camera to snap some pictures of the green man of the hour. Each person eating breakfast must be registered, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Multiple seating from 9-10:30 a.m. are available. Food sponsored by Illinois State Sen. Patrick Joyce
Kris Kringle Market: Get some holiday shopping done at the Kris Kringle Market, at Crete Church, 24755 S. Country Lane, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be lots of awesome vendors waiting for you!
Reindog Contest: Calling all pups! All dogs are welcome to enter! Dress your pooch up and head to the Evil Horse Brewery for this crowd favorite event! Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., with the contest at noon. Awards and Pet Blessings will immediately follow the pet parade. Please note the location change to Evil Horse Brewery!
Parade of Lights: You also won’t want to miss the beautiful Parade of Lights, which begins a 6 p.m. at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and proceeds to Crete Park. Mark your calendars now.