Weekend Windup {Holiday Fun and More in the Chicago Suburbs December 8-11, 2022}

 

Holiday Fun and More in the Chicago Suburbs December 8-11, 2022

Another weekend full of holiday cheer is just about here! Here are my picks for family fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend:

Ongoing

November 11-January 8, 2023 Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden, local favorite holiday light show returns, reserve tickets in advance online

Thanksgiving-New Years Naper Lights, Water Street, Naperville, free

Through January 15, 2023 Sentrock: The Boy Who Wanted to Fly, Elmhurst Art Museum, exhibition includes a mural, video projections, a sculpture, paintings, a life-sized bird house and more about the Bird City Saint character and life about Pilsen artist Joseph Perez, included in regular admission

November 19-January 15 Arcade Age Exhibit, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, learn the history of arcade games and even play some, free

November 18-December 24 Christkindlmarket, RiverEdge, Aurora, Thursdays 11AM-7PM, Fridays, 11AM-9PM, Saturdays and Sundays 11AM-6PM

November 17 - January 7 Illumination at The Morton Arboretum, enjoy a 1-mile walk exploring the trees highlighted with dazzling light and sound displays, nights sell out fast so reserve tickets in advance

Winter Lights at Fabyan Japanese Garden: Enjoy the historic Geneva garden in a new light Fridays and Saturdays,November 25-December 16 and Fridays January 7-28. $8 pp, must register, kids 5 and under are free.

December 2-18 Holiday House Tours, Farnsworth House, Aurora, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 12PM and 2PM, enjoy a 1990's themed holiday in the historic home, $25pp, please reserve tickets

December 1 - December 30 Illuminated, Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, see the gardens under a new light for the holidays, admission fees apply

Festival of Lights Cosley Zoo Wheaton; November 25 -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 Lights Lilacia Park, Lombard, December 3-January 2, enjoy a magical array of holiday light displays throughout the park. Santa visits 6PM-8PM Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Elf hunts and more events, free.

Holiday Magic, Brookfield Zoo will delight visitors in its 41st year of Holiday Magic with more than two million lights, a gnome hunt and more, November 25-27, December 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 26-31, see website for more info on ticketing, times and prices, must reserve tickets. This is the longest running show in the area!

Naper Lights -- Thanksgiving - New Years, enjoy wandering through light displays on Water St.

Ongoing through January 8, 2023 Victorian Christmas at the Clayson House in Palatine treats visitors to a Victorian Christmas display. Hours are Tuesday 9AM-4PM, Thursday 12PM-4PM and Sunday 1:30PM-4:30PM. Admission is free.

Ongoing - January 15 Historic Holiday at the Durkee Mansion in nearby Kenosha will certainly dazzle you. The 1861 mansion is just marvelous decorated to the hilt with Victorian holiday decor. Holiday Tours of Durkee Mansion are also available December 10, 17 and January 7 and 14 10AM-2PM as well as December 11 and 18 and January 8 and 15 1:30PM-4:30PM.

Ongoing - December 30 The Christmas Tree Show at the Lincoln-Tallman House of Janesville is definitely worth the drive. The 1857 mansion absolutely shines with the holiday decors and lights of community-decorated trees. Over 100 trees and holiday decorations adorn the mansion and its grounds. Tickets are $10 per person, $5 per child ages 5-10. Ages under 5 are free. A variety of times are available. Please reserve tickets online.

Ongoing - New Year's House Tours of the Dawes House in Evanston will delight not only with the history of the mansion but also the holiday decor! Afternoon tours are given on various dates during the season, so check the website and reserve a spot. Admission is $10 per person.

Ongoing - New Year's Dickens-Kringle Christmas Village in Antioch will treat you to a variety of Dickens scenes for the holidays. Additionally, visitors will enjoy Kringle's shadowboxes with holiday scenes. This year's exhibit also includes a Christmas tree decorating contest. The event is free and open daily 10AM-8PM at #510 Orchard St. in Antioch.

Thursday, December 8

December 7-11 The Grove Holiday Market, The Grove, Glenview, 10AM-7PM Thurs and Fri, 10AM-4PM Sat and Sun, shop local makers and enjoy holiday lights, $4 pp

Friday, December 9

December 9-24 Christmas Victorian Cottage in Lombard will dazzle visitors with Victorian holiday decor. Tours will be given December 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at a variety of times. Tours are $5 pp for those ages 12+. Under 12 are free. Reserve tickets online.

December 10 Winter Frostival Event, Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 10AM-1:30PM, visit with Santa, hot cocoa and cookie stations, crafts, characters, madrigals and more, free

December 10 Jingle Mingle Holiday Market, The Westin Chicago North, Wheeling, 10AM-3PM, shop 40+ local vendors, free admission

December 10 Rock and Mineral ID Class, Lizzadro Museum, Oak Brook, 10:30AM-11:30AM, for ages 8+, register online

December 10 - 11 Make Glass Icicles/Ornaments, Patterson Glass, Mundelein, $40 flat or twisted, $75 blown, please reserve space

December 10-11 Lego Train Show, Cantigny Park, Wheaton, Sat  9AM-7PM, Sun 9AM-4PM, $5 per car

December 10 Holiday at Grandma's House treats visitors to a holiday from years past in the 1854 Powers-Walker House in Ringwood 12PM-4PM. Visit as 19th century interpreters prepare the house for the holidays. The tree will be decorated with fresh and homemade trimmings. Free.

December 10-11 Christmas in the Valley at the Heritage Farm and Merkle Cabin in Schaumburg is one of my favorite local holiday events. Enjoy a Victorian Christmas and visit the farmhouse as traditional German foods are made. There will be crafts, a bonfire, and more. Father Christmas will visit. The event runs 12PM-4PM. Admission is $3 pp or $12 per family.

December 10  The Heart of the Holidays, Downtown Highland Park, 2PM-4PM, festive entertainment and holiday treats as you explore local businesses, this week features Santa, the elves, gingerbread house making, Hanukkah Harriot, dreidel making, and more

December 10 A Victorian Christmas at the Blodgett House in Downers Grove treats visitors to a beautifully decorated Victorian home. Also, enjoy a luminary walk, carolers, and a campfire. Free. The event runs 3PM-6PM.

December 10 Play A Christmas Carol, Mundelein, Mundelein Village Hall, 4:00pm and 7:30PM, free

December 10 Holiday Window Walk at The Grove in Glenview will dazzle families as they watch scenes of a Christmas of yesteryear through the windows of the Kennicott home. The windows lead up to a Santa scene. $14 per non resident, $12 per resident. Various times must register.

Sunday, December 11

December 11 Our Canine Neighbors, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington, 1PM, outdoor program learning about our canine wildlife, free