What's more exciting for a kid than meeting Santa Claus?

If you want to get a photo you'll cherish or give your child a shot to tell Santa what he or she wants for Christmas, here's where you can find the big guy around Darien and Woodridge this holiday season.

Hover over a snowflake on the map to see Santa's location, and click on the snowflake for more event details. You can also view them here: 

FRIDAY, NOV. 30

The Woodridge Area Chamber of Commerce puts on the annual tree lighting at 6 p.m. in the Seven Bridges shopping center. The evening will begin with the lighting of a large tree at the north end of the Seven Bridges development, in front of Cabana Charlie’s at 6315 Main St. Holiday lovers of all ages are invited to come out to visit with Santa and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies – and plenty of holiday music and cheer. 

SATURDAY, DEC. 1

St. Scholastica Parish, 7720 Janes Ave. in Woodridge, will get a visit from Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Get a photo with Santa at Main and Curtiss streets in Downers Grove between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 2

The Darien Chamber of Commerce concludes Darien Days with a holiday business expo and tree lighting at Lace School, 7414 S. Cass Ave in Darien. Santa will also be at the event, and there will be gifts, games and prizes.

Kristina’s Cafe, 5130 Main St. in Downers Grove, will host Breakfast with Santa from 11 a.m. to noon. Reservations required; call 630-724-0300. Pinecone Cottage Tea House and Catering, 1029 Burlington Ave. in Downers Grove, will also host Breakfast with Santa from noon to 1 p.m. Reservations required; call 630-963-913).

Get a photo with Santa at Main and Curtiss streets in Downers Grove between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 3

Drop off a form with the Woodridge Park District by the end of Dec. 3, and your child will receive a special letter from Santa in the mail. Download the form on the Woodridge Park District website. 

FRIDAY, DEC. 7

Cancer Smashers hosts its annual Christmas party at the Darien Swim and Recreation Club, 1001 Hinsbrook Ave. Doors open at 6:30 and Santa and Mrs. Claus will come by around 7 p.m. The Cancer Smashers will also be collecting gifts for sick children at the Chicago Children's Hospital. RSVP by emailing bethtischler@comcast.net. 

Have pizza with Santa at the Darien Park District! Make crafts, play games and jump in a bounce house. Weather permitting, there will also be an outdoor candy cane hunt. Register at darienparks.com. 

SATURDAY, DEC. 8

Visit the businesses in Darien's Chestnut Court, located near Lemont Road and 75th Street, for shopping and holiday fun. Santa will be there, and there will be treats, face painting, carolers and a wind ensemble. Participating merchants will also offer special discounts. 

Get a photo with Santa at Main and Curtiss streets in Downers Grove between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Ave. in Downers Grove, is sponsoring a breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost is $13. Santa arrives at 9:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 15

Faith Church, 432 59th St. in Downers Grove, puts on a free breakfast with Santa that also features crafts, sing-a-longs and more. 9 a.m. to noon. 

THROUGH DEC. 24

Visit Santa and get a free 4x6 photo at the Bass Pro Shop in Bolingbrook. 

Do you have a visit from Santa coming up? Add it to our Downers Grove events calendar, and include a link in the comments section below.

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