Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 11-12, 2021
Another festive holiday weekend is upon us! There are plenty of great events this week -- take a peek at my picks:
Ongoing
October 13 - January 2, 2022 Par Excellence Redux: The Back 9, Elmhurst Art Museum. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience an interactive exhibit created by local artists. In honor of the original Par Excellence exhibit at The School of the Art Institute, local artists have created 9 unique mini golf holes that you can actually play! To enjoy this exhibit, you do have to reserve a tee time. Please see website for more information and how to book your time.
Through January 2 Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden November 12-January 2; Lightscape returns to Chicago Botanic Garden fusing old favorites, reimagined displays and new show stoppers! The gentle amble through stunning designs. Tickets are on sale now, but will go fast. So, purchase them soon!
Through January 9 Let It Shine Drive Thru Light Show in Northbrook, Schaumburg and Aurora, November 12-January 9; light installations synchronized to music, $29.99-$39.99; fast pass can be added on for $20; see website for more information and tickets. Tickets are only available online.
Throeugh January 2 Santa's Rock N Lights, Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake, drive through light show of nearly 1000 elements, November 19 - January 2; 5PM-9:30PM see website for more information and to purchase tickets. Tickets may be purchased online only
Through January 2 Illumination Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, November 20-January 2. This year's event will use lights, motion and sound to highlight nature on a one-mile paved path. Visitors can warm up at bonfires and in the concession tent. Days vary. See website for schedule and to purchase tickets. They do sell out for this event, so snag tickets soon!
Through January 2 Winter Magic, Will Hills Golf Course, Northbrook, drive-through light event, November 20-January 2
Through New Year Holiday Lights in North School Park, Arlington Heights
Ongoing - December 19 Edith Farnsworth Holiday House Tour, Aurora, enjoy a 1955 holiday adventure, tickets are $25 pp, register online, tix do sell out
Festival of Lights Cosley Zoo Wheaton; November 26 -December 30 (closed Christmas Day), fresh Christmas trees and garland for sale, light displays will decorate the zoo, see website for more info, event is free and donations are very much appreciated.
Holiday Festival of Lights, Phillip's Park Zoo, Aurora, Northern Illinois' largest drive-thru display, November 26 - December 26 free but donations accepted.
Naper Lights -- downtown Naperville 4PM-10PM
Willow Creek Wonderland Walk, South Barrington, 10 miles of lights on 55 structures, free but you must register, December 1-24, closed Mondays
Reindeer Road, Naperville, December 1-24, $10 per car, drive-thru
Check out my piece on Holiday Lights in the Suburbs Including Home Displays
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| The Oompa Loompas and Willy Wonk will be visiting Beanstalk Toys in Highland Park on December 11! Image courtesy of Beanstalk Toys. |
Saturday, December 11
December 11 Merry & Bright: A Victorian Christmas. Visit Blodgett House in Downers Grove for a Victorian-era Christmas. The house will be decorated and visitors will enjoy a luminary walk. Warm up by the fire while listening to Victorian carolers. View trees decorated by the community. The event runs 3PM-6:30PM with time slots. $10 pp, or $15 per non resident. Must register.
December 11 Revive Handmade Markets, Rolling Green Country Club, Arlington Heights, 10AM-2PM, shop local makers in a festive atmosphere
December 11 Winter Wonderland, Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, Hoffman Estates, 10AM-3PM, story time, sleigh rides, carnival games and more, free
December 11 & 12 Make Glass Ornaments or Icicles at Patterson Glassworks, Mundelein, 10AM-4PM, $35-$65, reservation suggested
December 11 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Beanstalk Toys, Highland Park, 10:30AM-1PM, the store will recreate a scene from Willy Wonka. Visitors can meet Willy Wonka and an Oompala Loompa. There will be a chocolate fountain, cotton candy machine and more, the event is free. From now until December 10 receive a free Willy Wonka Bar when spending $25 or more at Beanstalk Kids, Sprout Kids, Wild Willow, Central for Women, Central for Men and Harper+Ash.
December 11 Cookie and Cocoa Crawl, Ravina District, Highland Park, 11AM-2PM, enjoy picking up delicious cookies and sipping cocoa at different stops at district businesses, bring along a bag to collect your cookies, Sally's Nuts will be serving candy canes and hot cocoa with all of the fixings, free event, Ravinia Brewing will also have a gingerbread house making event which is $40 per family-- reservations are recommended for gingerbread house making.
December 11 Dig Into Fossils, Lizzadro Museum, Oak Brook, 2PM-3PM, $10 pp, $5 for kids, $8 seniors, register online
December 11 Winter Bonfire, Camp Dan Beard, Northbrook, storytelling, stargazing, a bonfire and more, must register for a time
Sunday, December 12
December 12 Christmas in the Valley: from 12PM-4PM, Volkening Heritage Farm in Schaumburg will be inviting the community to an old fashioned Christmas on the farm. This event has long been one of my favorite in the suburbs! Enjoy the farmhouse pipe organ playing holiday music and meet Kris Kringle! Cookies will be baking in the oven and the tree will be trimmed. Admission is paid at event -- $3 pp or $12 per family.
December 12 Christmas Past, Sandridge Nature Center, South Holland, 11AM-3PM, visit the pioneer cabins and play with pioneer toys, see what is cooking on the open fire and more, free
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