Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 29, 2023 - January 1, 2024}

 

Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 29, 2023 - January 1, 2024

I hope that you have a very Happy New Year! A lot of holiday shows are ending this weekend, so make sure you catch the ones going before they are gone. Here are my picks for family fun this weekend:

Ongoing

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

Through January 7 Kids and Students have free admission to the Illinois Holocaust Museum. Please see website for further information.

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 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 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

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.

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

Saturday, December 30

December 30 Winter Play Day, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington, 1PM-3PM, activity stations to discover seasonal nature, indoor and outdoor, free

Sunday, December 31

December 31 Magical New Year, Skokie Public Library, 11:45AM-1PM, countdown and magic show, ticketed, tix available in library at noon

December 31 Square Dance Into the New Year, The Grove, Glenview, 12PM-2PM, ages 10+, $5 advanced registration, $7 at the door

December 31 Family Hike and Campfire, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon, 1PM,  register by 12/30, free

Monday, January 1

January 1 New Year's Gratitude Hike, LeRoy Oakes, St. Charles, 9AM-11AM, free, registration required

January 1 Refresh and Invigorate - Stillman New Year's Walk, Stillman Nature Center, Barrington, 10AM-11:30AM, ages 10 and up, free