Things to Do in Morris IL This November 2026 | Events
Things to Do in Morris, Minooka & Channahon This November (2026)
What is there to do in Morris, IL in November 2026? Quite a bit. The big ones are the 3 French Hens Holiday Market (Nov 13 and 14), the 31st Annual Festival of Trees at the Grundy County History Museum, and Home for the Holidays in downtown Morris (Nov 27 to 29). Nearby, Minooka has a huge choir craft fair and puppy yoga, Channahon has Channaholidays (Nov 22), and Joliet, Plainfield, Wilmington, and Ottawa all light up their trees Thanksgiving weekend.
November is when Morris starts to feel like the holidays. The markets move indoors, Liberty Street gets its lights, and every weekend has something going on. I rounded up what's happening in Morris, Minooka, Channahon, and the towns around Grundy County so it's all in one spot.
Each event has the date, time, place, and links to the organizer's page and event post. Plans can change (hello, Illinois weather), so tap the link before you head out.
November 2026 events in Morris, IL
The Cozy Scoop Mercantile Grand Opening: Friday, November 6
Morris has a new favorite stop on Liberty Street. The Cozy Scoop Mercantile serves ice cream, specialty coffee, handmade gifts, and seasonal home decor, and they're holding their official ribbon cutting and grand opening weekend. I stopped in before they opened, and I'm already planning my next visit.
Where: The Cozy Scoop Mercantile, 809 Liberty St., Morris
When: Ribbon cutting and grand opening Friday, November 6. Regular hours Wednesday through Sunday.
Family Photo Fundraiser: Thursday and Friday, November 5 and 6
The Grundy County Health Department is offering quick 15-minute family photo sessions. You get 5 edited images in an online gallery, and every donation supports services for community members in need.
When: Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6, 3 to 5 PM (15-minute slots)
Cost: $15 minimum donation. Call 815-941-3116 to reserve a time.
Dried Wreath Class: Monday, November 9
Grab a friend, a coworker, or your mom and make your own dried floral wreath at Birdie's Flowers. A relaxed night out and a pretty piece for your front door.
Where: Birdie's Flowers, 408 Liberty St., Morris
When: Monday, November 9, 6 PM
Cost: Message Birdie's to book
Links: Event page
Holiday Fun Crushed Glass Craft & Sip: Thursday, November 12
Happy Daisy Art Studio is hosting a crushed glass resin art night at The Exibit. You'll make your own piece on an 11x14 rustic white frame using provided designs or your own idea. Glass, glitter, and jewelry pieces are supplied, and it's BYOB.
Where: The Exibit Fine Arts Center & Gallery, 315 Bedford Rd., Morris
When: Thursday, November 12, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Cost: $65. Reserve ahead by calling or texting 630-448-2278.
Links: Event listing
3 French Hens Holiday Market: Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14
The 3 French Hens French Country Market moves indoors for its holiday edition at Jennifer's Garden. Expect vintage finds, handmade goods, and holiday vendors, plus live music and a bar with holiday drinks. This is one of the best places around Morris to start your holiday shopping.
Where: Jennifer's Garden, 555 Gore Rd., Morris
When: Friday, November 13, 5 to 9 PM, and Saturday, November 14, 9 AM to 3 PM
Cost: Paid entry at the door
"The Night Before Christmas" Quilt Show: Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14
Pieces From The Heart Quilt Guild hosts a two-day quilt show at First Christian Church, with Roberts Sewing Center on site as a vendor. If you love quilts or just want to see some beautiful handwork, plan a stop between French Hens sessions.
Where: First Christian Church, 455 W. Southmor Rd., Morris
When: Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14, 9 AM to 4 PM
Cost: Entry fee at the door
Links: Event listing
Let's Get Basted Thanksgiving Friendsgiving Wine Tasting: Saturday, November 14
Montage Wine Bar & Spirits brings back its annual Friendsgiving tasting with 20+ wines from several vendors and Thanksgiving-inspired appetizers. You can buy the featured wines to take home that day. Tickets are required.
Where: Montage Wine Bar & Spirits, 307 Liberty St., Morris
When: Saturday, November 14, 4 to 6 PM
Cost: $47.30 per ticket. 21+.
Links: Ticket listing
31st Annual Festival of Trees: now through Saturday, November 28
The Grundy County Historical Society & Museum fills the museum with decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces every year for its biggest fundraiser. Everything is up for bid in an online auction. New this year: a Holiday Market at the museum the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Where: Grundy County History Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris
When: On display now through Saturday, November 28. Holiday Market Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28.
Cost: Free to look. Auction bids and raffle tickets optional.
Links: Event page
Home for the Holidays: Friday through Sunday, November 27 to 29
This is the weekend I look forward to all year. The City of Morris and the Morris Restaurant & Retail Association put on a lighted holiday parade, carriage rides, visits with Santa and his reindeer, the Festival of Trees, and free kids' events. New this year is The Plaza on Wauponsee, a food truck rally with Home Alone-themed music.
Where: Downtown Morris
When: Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29
Cost: Free to attend
Links: Event page
Santa at Sweet Tooth Candy Co.: Friday, November 27
Before the parade, stop into Kevin and Tarra's Sweet Tooth Candy Co. for ice cream, homemade fudge, caramel corn, and a photo with Santa right inside the store. This stop is part of the Sleigh Ride to An Evening with Santa weekend from Santa Claus is Coming to Grundy County.
Where: Sweet Tooth Candy Co., 108 W. Washington St., Morris
When: Friday, November 27, 3:30 to 5:30 PM
Cost: Free to stop in. Treats for purchase.
Black Friday Tote Bag Giveaway and Holly Jolly Sip N' Stroll: Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28
On Black Friday, the Morris Restaurant & Retail Association hands out a limited number of tote bags filled with discounts from downtown shops and restaurants. On Small Business Saturday, buy a keepsake mug and stroll downtown sampling hot cocoa, cider, and other warm drinks. Mug sales support local scholarships.
Where: Downtown Morris
When: Friday, November 27 (tote bags, go early) and Saturday, November 28 (Sip N' Stroll)
Cost: Tote bags free while they last. Mugs sold in limited numbers.
Links: Event page
November 2026 events in Minooka, IL
2026 MCHS Fall Craft Fair and Raffle: Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8
The Minooka Community High School Choir Boosters host their 27th annual craft fair, now in the new MCHS Field House. Expect 150+ vendors and crafters, concessions, a vendor item raffle, and their famous Basket Raffle. Basket drawings start at 2:30 PM Sunday, and every dollar of profit supports MCHS choir students.
Where: MCHS South Campus Field House, 26655 W. Eames St., Channahon
When: Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8, 9 AM to 3 PM
Cost: $3 per person (ages 12 and up). Cards accepted with a service fee. Paid admission before 2 PM Sunday includes one free basket raffle ticket.
Links: Event page
Paws & Poses: Sunrise Yoga w/ Wags 2 Wishes: Sunday, November 8
This one is close to my heart. Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue is hosting gentle yoga surrounded by adoptable puppies, followed by 30 minutes of puppy play time. All ages and skill levels are welcome, morning drinks and light bites are included, and all proceeds go to the rescue. There are only 50 spots, so register early.
Where: 949 Bell Road, Minooka
When: Sunday, November 8. Yoga 9 to 9:30 AM, puppy play time 9:30 to 10 AM.
Cost: Registration required through the event page. Bring your own mat or towel.
Links: Event page
November 2026 events in Channahon, IL
Gobble Wobble 2026: Friday, November 6
The Channahon Park District gives kids a chance to burn off some energy before Thanksgiving with age-group foot races on the indoor track.
Where: Heritage Crossing Field House (indoor track), Channahon
When: Friday, November 6. Ages 3 to 5 at 6 PM, ages 6 to 9 at 6:30 PM, ages 10 to 13 at 7 PM.
Cost: $15 residents, $20 nonresidents, per child
Links: Event page
Yoga and Hike: Sunday, November 8
The Forest Preserve District of Will County pairs an all-levels yoga session with a hike on paved and natural trails at Four Rivers. If it's cold, yoga moves indoors to the Grand Hall. Bring a mat, water, and warm layers. Ages 14 and up, and anyone under 18 needs an adult with them.
Where: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W. Walnut Ln., Channahon
When: Sunday, November 8
Cost: Registration required
Links: Registration page
K-Pop Night 2026: Friday, November 13
A free family movie night from the Channahon Park District featuring K-Pop Demon Hunters. Bring snacks and dress in your best K-pop style. Kids need to come with an adult.
Where: Heritage Crossing Field House, Channahon
When: Friday, November 13, 6 PM
Cost: Free
Links: Event page
Community Cares Week: November 15 to 21
An easy way to give back before the holidays. The Channahon Park District teams up with local outreach programs to collect non-perishable food, gently used clothing, household goods, and hygiene products.
Where: Drop-off boxes at Arrowhead Community Center and Heritage Crossing Field House, Channahon
When: Sunday, November 15 through Saturday, November 21
Cost: Free (donations)
Links: Event page
Channaholidays: Sunday, November 22
Channahon's holiday kickoff from the Village of Channahon, the Channahon Park District, and Three Rivers Public Library. There's a visit with Santa (with a complimentary photo), Christmas train rides, face painting, balloon art, letters to Santa, holiday story time, the Madrigals, and the Village Christmas Tree Lighting.
Where: Channahon Village Hall, 24555 S. Navajo Dr., Channahon
When: Sunday, November 22, 2 to 5 PM
Cost: Food and drinks available for purchase
Links: Event page
November 2026 events in Coal City, IL
8th Annual Holiday Hustle: Sunday, November 29
A charity fun run through Coal City to close out Thanksgiving weekend. Every runner gets a commemorative t-shirt, a finisher's medal, and a swag bag.
Where: Babe's Tap, 755 S. Broadway St., Coal City
When: Sunday, November 29, 11 AM (packet pickup at 10 AM)
Cost: $35 early registration, $40 standard and walk-up, $25 youth (ages 5 to 17)
Links: Event page
November 2026 events in Braidwood and Wilmington, IL
Countryside Village Annual Holiday Open House & Outdoor Market: Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8
Countryside Village kicks off the holidays with a decorated Christmas storefront and an outdoor pop-up market with 40 local artisans, gourmet food vendors, and food trucks on Saturday. The Coal City High School Madrigals sing from 10 to 11 AM Saturday, and Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM. Both days include a free gift for the first 25 customers, seasonal dip and wine samples, and raffle baskets.
Where: Countryside Village, 1540 N. Division St., Braidwood
When: Saturday, November 7, 9 AM to 5 PM (outdoor market 9 AM to 2 PM), and Sunday, November 8, 10 AM to 4 PM
Cost: Free to attend
Links: Event page
2026 Wilmington Chamber Christmas Parade: Saturday, November 28
The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce hosts its hometown Christmas parade down Ryan Street to Water Street, with Santa at the end. This year's theme is "Stars, Stripes, and the Mother Road," a nod to Route 66 running right through town.
Where: Downtown Wilmington
When: Saturday, November 28, 5 PM
Cost: Free to watch
November 2026 events in New Lenox, IL
Christmas at the Field: Saturday, November 14
Chicago Street Markets and the Francis Field Youth Foundation host a festive holiday market with handmade gifts, seasonal decor, treats, and unique finds from local makers. A good early start on your holiday list.
Where: Francis Field, 801 E. Francis Rd., New Lenox
When: Saturday, November 14, 10 AM to 4 PM
Links: Event page
November 2026 events in Plainfield, IL
Handmade Holiday Market at St. Mary Immaculate: Saturday, November 14
More than 70 crafters selling handmade gifts and decor, plus concessions and a bake sale. Proceeds benefit St. Mary Immaculate students and teachers.
Where: St. Mary Immaculate, 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield
When: Saturday, November 14, 9 AM to 2 PM
Cost: $3 admission, cash only
Links: Event post
A Very Merry Market: Sunday, November 22
Chicago Street Markets and Sanctuary Events host a one-day indoor holiday market with a curated lineup of local vendors selling holiday decor, treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts. There's a full bar and food while you browse, so it makes a fun outing with friends or a cozy date.
Where: Sanctuary Events, 24216 W. Lockport St., Plainfield
When: Sunday, November 22, starting at 11 AM
Cost: $5 admission at the door (cash, Venmo, or PayPal)
Links: Event page
Grinchmas on the Green: Saturday, November 28
Downtown Plainfield's tree lighting from the Plainfield Park District. Free hot cocoa and cookies start at 4:30, Santa and the Grinch arrive at 5, the big tree lights up at 5:15, and photos in Whoville follow at 5:30.
Where: Village Green Park, 24121 W. Chicago St., Plainfield
When: Saturday, November 28, 4:30 to 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Links: Event page
November 2026 events in Joliet, IL
Rialto Square Theatre shows in November
The historic Rialto Square Theatre in downtown Joliet has a full November lineup:
Cinderella (United European Ballet Company): Tuesday, November 3, 7 PM
Little River Band: Saturday, November 7, 7:30 PM
The Mavericks: Sunday, November 8, 6 PM
Deana Carter: Friday, November 13, 7 PM
Blippi Live: Sunday, November 15, 2 PM
A Motown Christmas: Tuesday, November 17, 7 PM
Christmas Vacation screening and conversation with Chevy Chase: Friday, November 20, 7:30 PM
Where: Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
When: See dates and times above
Cost: Ticketed
Links: Rialto Square Theatre website
RECYCLER (ZZ Top Tribute) & FACE VALUE (Genesis/Phil Collins Experience): Friday, November 20
Two tribute bands in one night at the Joliet Area Historical Museum indoor auditorium. These shows often sell out, so registering ahead is a good idea.
Where: Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet
When: Friday, November 20, 7 PM (doors at 6:15 PM)
Cost: Ticketed. Register online or call 815-723-5201.
Links: Event page
Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade: Friday, November 27
A full day downtown from the Joliet City Center Partnership with a North Pole Market, North Pole Park, and horse-drawn carriage rides, wrapping up with the tree lighting, parade, and fireworks.
Where: Downtown Joliet
When: Friday, November 27, festival starts at 10 AM, parade and fireworks in the evening
Cost: Free
Links: Event listing
November 2026 events in Ottawa, IL
The Ottawa Downtown Association has a full holiday lineup this year. All of it is on their Holiday Happenings 2026 page.
Midnight Shopping: Saturday, November 21
Late-night holiday shopping in downtown Ottawa.
Where: Downtown Ottawa (listed venue: Fresh Prints)
When: Saturday, November 21, 9 PM to midnight
Links: Event page
Chris Kringle Market: Friday through Sunday, November 27 to 29
An outdoor holiday market with wooden huts, gifts, hot cocoa, and treats. It returns December 4 to 6.
Where: Jackson Street, downtown Ottawa
When: Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29
Links: Event page
Wreath-Making Workshops: Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28
Make your own holiday wreath right at the Chris Kringle Market.
Where: Ottawa Chris Kringle Market, Jackson Street
When: Friday, November 27, 1 to 3 PM, and Saturday, November 28, 11 AM to 1 PM
Links: Friday workshop · Saturday workshop
2nd Annual Santa Shuffle 5K: Saturday, November 28
A festive holiday 5K run and walk.
Where: 270-298 Albin Stevens Dr., Ottawa
When: Saturday, November 28, starting at 7 AM
Links: Event page
Candy Cane Lane Window Decorating Contest: November 27 to December 24
Downtown storefronts go gingerbread-themed, and you vote for your favorite by scanning the QR code in each window.
Where: Downtown Ottawa
When: November 27 through December 24
Cost: Free
Links: Holiday Happenings page
Worth the drive
The Rustic Fox Holiday Weekend: Friday through Sunday, November 6 to 8
The Rustic Fox kicks off the season with First Look shopping on Friday, an outdoor market with 80+ pop-up vendors on Saturday, and Santa on Sunday.
Where: The Rustic Fox, 1790 Towne Center Dr., North Aurora
When: Friday, November 6, 10 AM to 6 PM. Saturday, November 7, 9 AM to 3 PM (outdoor market). Sunday, November 8, 10 AM to 6 PM (Santa 12 to 3 PM).
Cost: Free to attend
Links: Event page
Want the full November local events guide?
This post covers the highlights, but I put together a full November 2026 Local Events Guide every month with every event I could find around Morris, Grundy County, Will County, and LaSalle County.
If you'd like a copy, you can download here with every holiday market, festival, and community event across all four counties, dates and links included, if you want the whole list in one place.
And if you're out and about thinking about a move to Morris or Grundy County, or wondering what your home might be worth in today's market, I'd love to help. Reach out anytime through my email [email protected] or send me a text at 815-693-5757.
— Christy Schmaedeke, your local real estate agent in Morris and Grundy County 🐾
