Vintage Holidays

Vintage Holidays

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Historic downtown Long Grove invites you to rediscover the magic of the holidays this season. Vintage Holidays in Long Grove is what the classic holiday small town experience is all about—quaint shops, old-world charm, and family memories. Organized by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, Vintage Holidays 2024 will feature:

Light up Long Grove and Holiday Kick-off

Discover why Long Grove was named as one of the “10 best Christmas towns in America” by FOX News. On Friday, November 22, 6–8 pm, we welcome you to join our historic downtown business district as we light up town for the holiday season.

  • Stores open late for holiday shopping
  • Enjoy festive lights, window displays and more at individual businesses and throughout town
  • Illuminated photo stations around town
  • Visit with Santa (schedule of locations TBD)
  • Bridge Lighting at 7:30 pm with guest appearance by Village President, Bill Jacob

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Carriage rides are one of our most beloved activities during our Vintage Holidays season. Passengers are invited to sit back and take in the nostalgia of our historic downtown as the clattering of horse hooves lead the way.

Ride Dates
November 23, 24, 29, 30
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22

Ride Fees
Reservations are $15 per seat (ages 5 and under ride free on an adult’s lap). 

Registration
We are again offering pre-registration for our 10-seater carriage. Please sign up at the link below and have the waiver filled out before your ride is to begin. You will need to bring your waiver with you to your ride*.  


*Rides may be cancelled due to inclement weather for the safety of the horses and our guests. If this should happen, refunds will be issued for reservations.


Santa in the Village

Santa will be visiting with children and spreading joy throughout the holiday season on the days and times listed below*:

November 29, 12-4 pm
November 30, 12-4 pm
December 1, 12-4 pm
December 7, 1-4 pm 
December 14, 12-4 pm
December 21, 12-4 pm
December 22, 12-4 pm

Free Pictures with Santa
Saturday, December 7
1-1:45 pm and 2:15-4 pm
Covered Bridge Park
No reservations needed. First come, first served.

*Schedule subject to change.


Caroling Around Town

Visitors who stroll historic downtown Long Grove during Vintage Holidays will not only enjoy the sights but the sounds of the holiday season too, with festive holiday carolers setting the tone. We are excited to again welcome our amazing carolers to the Village of Long Grove this season. The following groups will be out and about on the days below* bringing additional holiday cheer and wonder to the visitors of downtown.

December 7, 11-3 pm: Tom Clark Carolers

December 7, 3-4:30 pm: Palatine High School

December 14, 11-1 pm: Barrington High School

December 14, 1-2 pm: Stevenson High School

December 15, 11-2 pm: Buffalo Grove High School

December 22, 11-1 pm: Barrington High School

*Schedule subject to change.


Merchant Specials and Promotions

Many merchants in historic downtown Long Grove will be adorned with holiday decorations, and be offering special merchandise, seasonal food, drinks, and more throughout the holiday season. 

For a list of businesses in town, visit these links:

Restaurants & Nightlife

Shopping & Gifts

Services & Personal Care

Visit their websites or follow them on their social media channels for current holiday offerings and promotions.


Sip, Shop and Dine Holiday Gift Promotion

To thank our patrons for supporting our historic downtown Long Grove businesses, we are again offering a FREE Gift with Purchase promotion.

Collect receipts that total $150 (pre-tax and tip) from historic downtown Long Grove shops and restaurants, dated November 22–December 24 and redeem them for a FREE Gift at our Visitors’ Center, located at 145 Old McHenry Rd.

Choose from:

  • Long Grove Campfire Mug
  • Scented Votive candles
  • Scarves 
  • Candy 
  • Long Grove Covered Bridge Fleece Blankets
  • Long Grove Holiday Tote Bag
  • Long Grove Mini Campfire Mug Ornaments

Gifts available while supplies last. Redeem your receipts early for the best gift selection.