The Ten Hotel Gurnee Hosts Inaugural Festival of Trees
November 5, 2025
Family Holiday Season at The Ten Hotel is that moment when the holidays truly begin… is here. It’s in the warm, festive glow that welcomes you the second you step through our doors.
This December, The Ten Hotel transforms into a wonderland for families across Lake County, and every single one of our core events is completely free.
From the first sparkling tree to the final snowy stroll in January, we’ve curated a season of simple, joyful moments. So, gather the kids, the grandparents, and all your holiday cheer. We’ll handle the magic.
Step into a breathtaking forest of imagination! Wander through a glittering gallery of trees, each uniquely decorated by the creative small businesses that make our community special. This is a free, self-guided experience perfect for a slow weekend morning, a festive Friday evening, or a post-breakfast outing.
Select weekends are packed with extra-special, free activities. These are the can’t-miss dates for the full holiday experience. A delicious, optional brunch at Limoncello is available for families wanting to make a full day of it. Everyone deserves free family holiday events in Gurnee, even if you’re visiting from a nearby town.
Friday, December 27:
• Festival of Trees: 4 PM – 8 PM
Train Arrival: Estimated 5 PM
Holiday Concert: 5:15 PM
Join us for one of the most spectacular holiday events in Lake County! The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train makes its triumphant return to Gurnee.
• Viking Park: 4374 Old Grand Ave
• Viking Middle School: 4460 Old Grand Ave
• Warren Township High School: 500 N O’Plaine Rd
We will be collecting non-perishable items for the Northern Illinois FoodBank.
Raised more than $9M & 3.9M pounds of food since 1999.
Full schedule: cpkcr.com/en/community/HolidayTrain
• Parking: Ample and free
• Fully warm & indoors, stroller-friendly
• Optional brunch at Limoncello
• Gala on December 4 is private; public events begin December 5
We’ve designed every detail to let you relax and savor the season. Leave the planning and cleanup to us, just bring your family and your sense of wonder. This is more than an event; it’s a chance to create the memories that last a lifetime.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
Q: Are the holiday events at The Ten Hotel really free? A: Yes! The Ten Hotel hosts completely free family holiday events throughout December 2025, including our Festival of Trees (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) and Santa visits with hot cocoa and carolers. We’re also helping promote the CPKC Holiday Train community event on December 9, which stops right near our location.
Q: When is the Festival of Trees at The Ten Hotel? A: The Festival of Trees is open Fridays from 4-8 PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 8 AM-4 PM throughout January 31st. 2026. It’s a free, self-guided experience featuring uniquely decorated trees by local small businesses, perfect for families to enjoy at their own pace.
Q: When does the CPKC Holiday Train arrive in Gurnee? A: The CPKC Holiday Train arrives on December 9, 2025, at 4460 Old Grand Avenue at approximately 5 PM, with free concerts by American Authors and Pynk Beard starting at 5:15 PM. This is the only stop in Illinois for the 2025 Holiday Train. Parking is available at Viking Park, Viking Middle School, and Warren Township High School.
Q: When can families get hot cocoa at The Ten Hotel? A: Free hot cocoa stations are available on Sundays when Santa and the carolers are scheduled. Check our event calendar for specific dates and times.
Q: What free holiday activities does The Ten Hotel offer families in Lake County? A: The Ten Hotel offers free admission to the Festival of Trees (Fridays 4-8 PM, Saturdays & Sundays 8 AM-4 PM), complimentary photos with Santa on select Sundays, live carolers, hot cocoa stations, Santa’s Winter Wonderland Market, and the CPKC Holiday Train celebration on December 9, 2025 – Illinois’ only stop.
Q: What should I bring to the CPKC Holiday Train event? A: The CPKC Holiday Train event is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations or monetary donations for the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Stop by The Ten before or after the train arrives to explore our Festival of Trees displays and warm up indoors. Since 1999, the Holiday Train program has raised over $26 million and collected 5.4 million pounds of food for communities across North America.
Our Address
6161 W Grand Ave, Gurnee,
IL 60031
Tel: (847) 336-6300
sa***@**********ee.com