Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 22-25, 2023}

Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 22-25, 2023

Happy Winter Solstice! Merry Christmas! Happy weekend! I hope you are having a wonderful season. Here my picks for fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend -- remember some events will be wrapping up!

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 6 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

November 24 - December 23 Christmas in Woodstock featuring nostalgic activities including horse drawn carriage rides certain nights and performances of White Christmas at the Opera House. See schedule.

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.

December 1-23 McCormick House and Garden: Lights and Music at Cantigny Park features dazzling light displays throughout the garden. The first floor of the historic McCormick Mansion will be decorated. New ice rink. Pop-up attractions certain days. $10 parking, $15 per adult, $5 per child. Tuesdays-Saturday. Tickets available online.

Through December 26 Christmas Holiday Lights Tour in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, December 12-26. Pull up Pleasant Prairie's online map of dazzling home holiday light displays, sip some hot cocoa and enjoy a holiday light tour. Vote for your favorites! Winners will be announced on December 30. This is a free, fun and festive tour!

Schaumburg Holiday House Decorating Contest & Tour through December 24

Carol Stream Holiday Lights Decorating Contest through December 24

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

Friday, December 22

December 22-24 House Tour: Winter Holidays in the 1890s, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, 10AM-4PM, learn how families trimmed the tree, exchanged gifts, prepared food for the holidays, and more, suggested donation $5

Saturday, December 23

December 23 Horse-drawn Carriage Rides, Woodstock, 2PM-4:30PM

December 23 Historic Holiday at the 1861 Durkee Mansion in nearby Kenosha dazzles when it is decorated to the hilt with Victorian holiday decorations. Please see website for more details.

December 23 Horse-drawn Carriage Rides in Long Grove, $15 pp, please pre-register

Christmas

December 25 Free Admission at Morton Arboretum, Illumination will be closed