Weekend Wind Up {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs November 24-26, 2023}

Happy weekend! Lots of fun is certainly popping up here in the Chicago suburbs! Here are my picks for fun this weekend:

Ongoing

February 4-December 23 Viking's Voyage, Geneva History Museum, learn about the history of the replica Viking ship in Geneva which started as an attraction at the World's Columbian Exhibition in 1893, $5 per adult, $2 kids and seniors, free for members, closed Sundays and Mondays

September 9 - January 7 Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dreamworld, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, creatures from Mexican folklore that are composites of multiple animals, free exhibit

September 9 - January 7 Picasso 50 Years Later, Elmhurst Art Museum, works by Picasso and his contemporaries, with admission

Lightscape Returns to Chicago Botanic Garden!!! In its fifth year, Lightscape is set to dazzle us again! I just visited for a preview this week and the displays are more magical than ever plus the engaging illuminated trail is longer! Be sure to pick up your tickets soon. Lightscape runs November 10 - January 7.

November 17 - January 6 Willow Hill Lights, Northbrook

November 17 - December 31 Christmas Lights Show, Sonny Acres Farm, West Chicago

November 17-December 24 Christkindlmarket Aurora, Thursdays 11AM-7PM, Fridays & Saturdays 11AM-9PM, Sundays 11AM-4PM, special hours Thanksgiving 11AM-3PM, December 18-20 11AM-7PM, Christmas Eve 11AM-4PM

November 18 - January 8 Illumination: Treelights at the Morton Arboretum, enjoy a 1-mile hiking path where you will see the Arboretum's trees highlighted with lights and music as you have never seen them before, see website for more details and tickets

November 24-December 25 Aurora Festival of Lights, 5PM-9PM, free holiday light drive through at Phillips Park

November 24-December 30 Festival of Lights and Tree Sale, Cosley Park Zoo, Wheaton, 9AM-9PM, 9AM-12PM December 24, December 25 closed, free admission during event -- donations appreciated

December 2-January 1 Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park

Fall is for hiking! Check out my Chicago Suburban Hiking Recommendations for ideas. 

Friday, November 24

November 24 Tree Lighting in Lake Forest, festivities start at 1PM with a screening of Home Alone, check schedule for kids activities, dance performance, and more

November 24 Elk Grove Village Holiday Tree Lighting, festivities start at 4PM, live music, tree lighting at 5:30 pm, fireworks, free hot cocoa and cookies

November 24 Arlington Heights Tree Lighting, North School Park, 4:30PM

November 24 Wheaton Christmas Parade, 6PM, followed by tree lighting

November 24 Libertyville Tree Lighting and Holiday Walk, 6:30PM-8PM

November 24 Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, Antioch, 6:30pm

November 24 Holiday Parade of Lights, Naperville, 7PM

Saturday, November 25

November 25 Fox Lake Festival of Lights, 3PM-8PM, see schedule for winter market, tree lighting and more

November 25 Holiday Fest, Highwood, 4PM-6PM

November 25 Holiday in the Park and Parade, Glenview, 4PM-6PM

Sunday, November 26

November 26 Waterfowl Walk, West Branch Forest Preserve, West Chicago, 8:30AM-10:30AM, must register, ages 12 and up, under 18 with an adult, $5 pp

November 26 Holidays in Downers Grove, carolers, horse drawn wagon rides, decorated windows and more in Downers Grove, see website for times