As the holidays get closer and the weather gets colder, you don’t need to travel far to feel festive. Lockport and Homer Glen have plenty of fun, cozy and affordable winter activities that students, families and friends can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for something chill or something super seasonal, here are some of the best things to do this December:
Downtown Lockport’s historic movie theater, The Roxy, is the perfect winter hangout. Tickets are usually only $3–$5, and the whole place has a nostalgic, cozy vibe. On Dec. 14, they’re showing “The Polar Express” at 3 p.m. and “Holiday Inn” at 6:30 p.m.
But The Roxy isn’t just for movies; there’s live music, free dance lessons, open mic nights, and even magic shows. It’s a great spot for a cheap after-school plan or weekend outing. And after the show, the downtown holiday lights make the whole area feel extra magical.
If you want a classic winter activity, ice skating is perfect for a night out, a casual hang, or even a low-key winter date. While the Summit Ice Center is temporarily closed, nearby rinks like Arctic Ice Arena (Orland Park) and Canlan Sports (Romeoville) are great alternatives. You can rent skates, and since it’s indoors, you don’t have to freeze while you skate.
Downtown Lockport stays decorated all season, even after the tree lighting. It’s a great place to take photos, grab hot chocolate, or just walk around with friends. Many of the local shops have unique gift ideas and festive window displays, and even just browsing makes it feel more like the holidays.
Dellwood Park is one of the prettiest spots in the area year-round, but it becomes especially charming during the holidays. The park paths are great for a winter walk, and the giant hill makes a great spot for sledding. It’s a nice break from being indoors and a great place for holiday photos and fun.
If you want to give back this season, look for Giving Trees or Angel Trees around Lockport and Homer Glen, in places like Walmart, village halls, and local churches. You can pick a tag and buy a gift for a child or family in need. It’s a simple way to make a real impact.
The Lockport Township Park District has a ton of seasonal events:
- Dec. 6: Breakfast with Santa & the Grinch
- Dec. 6: Jingle Bell Jam concert featuring American Pie
- Dec. 19: Swimming with Santa
- Throughout December: “Santa on Your Driveway,” where Santa visits your house with lights, music, and a big “HO, HO, HO!”
Homer Glen also has plenty going on, especially on Dec. 6 at Heritage Park, park lighting at dusk, letters to Santa, photos with Santa, a fur-ever tree, reindeer and elf characters, tractor rides, live music, food vendors, and hot cider.
The Homer Library has holiday crafts, cookie decorating, Santa visits, and DIY gift nights throughout the month, most of which are free or super cheap. They’re great for younger siblings or a fun, calm evening activity.
If you want something simple and low-budget, you can just drive around nearby neighborhoods and look at all the festive Christmas lights. You can find many extravagant locations nearby on social media, like Facebook or TikTok. Driving around with your friends, some hot chocolate, and Christmas music makes for a fun night.
However, staying in can still be fun. Try a Christmas movie marathon, baking cookies, decorating gingerbread, or doing a Secret Santa with friends. You don’t need to go anywhere to make it feel festive.
From sparkling lights and ice skating to movie nights and holiday events, there’s a lot to do right here in Lockport and Homer Glen. Whether you’re hanging out with friends or spending time with family, these local activities make it easy (and affordable) to celebrate close to home.
