Events Calendar
Week of Events
The Polar Express Storytime Train – SOLD OUT
The Polar Express Storytime Train – SOLD OUT
Travel to the “North Pole” to pick up Santa and his friends. They will travel back with us to Geneva and have lunch or dinner at Aurelio’s Pizza. After we eat, every child will have the opportunity to visit with Santa, give him their wish list, and have a picture taken. PLEASE NOTE: Families are...
Pictures with Santa
Pictures with Santa
Santa’s in town! This holiday season, families are invited to capture memories with Santa every Sunday, starting November 27 through December 18 from 11am – 3pm. Little ones are invited to meet Santa, create memories, and capture photos they will treasure for a lifetime. Plus, there will be toy giveaways for the kids, available while...
Ginger Barn Raising
Ginger Barn Raising
REGISTRATION REQUIRED, FEE IS PER FAMILY. Get your own gingerbread barn and start decorating! Enjoy hot cocoa and holiday music, while you and the family decorate yoru gingerbread barn to take home. Start a new holiday tradition! Registration includes your very own gingerbread barn, plus frosting, assorted candies, and cookies for decorating! One registration covers...
Live Nativity
Live Nativity
Come see the Live Nativity and the animals outside then stay for the activities inside. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Churches with a Live Nativity.
Among the Leaves So Green
Among the Leaves So Green
Step back into winter holiday traditions of the 1890s as you tour the farmhouse decked out in all its splendor with antique ornaments, piney boughs, holly, and more. Learn about the importance of “planting” the tree and sprucing up in winter. Help decorate the farm by stringing popcorn and twisting greenery, and join staff around...
Storytime with the Grinch – SOLD OUT
Storytime with the Grinch – SOLD OUT
REGISTER IN ADVANCE Visit with the Grinch and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. There will be story time and photo opportunities. Each registered attendant is also invited to enjoy all Holiday Express has to offer, come early or stay after depending on your ticket time, Holiday Express runs 2-7 pm. You won’t want to miss...
Advent Extravaganza
Advent Extravaganza
ADVENT EXTRAVAGANZA! THIS SUNDAY! DECEMBER 4 AT 4PM! Come One, Come all...invite your neighbors and friends to our Advent Extravaganza when we will light the BIG tree outside, sing carols and sip the best hot cocoa in Western Springs. This is the perfect event to invite others to, sharing the spirit and the light of...
Disney Trivia
Disney Trivia
REGISTER IN ADVANCE Test your knowledge of classics and new favorites in this family-friendly Disney trivia game! Costumes are encouraged! (All ages, preschoolers with a grownup)
Science Explorers
Science Explorers
All that pops, fizzes, and splats! Dress for a mess! All ages; children 8 and under with an adult.
Community Playgroup
Community Playgroup
We’re delighted to welcome the youngest members of our community and their caregiver to our weekly Playgroup at the Irish American Heritage Center. Kids can play together and learn about Irish culture through games, crafts, music and more! Come along to connect with other families in the local Irish community. This is a drop-in group...
Tree Lighting Festival
Tree Lighting Festival
Come make an outdoor tree ornaments and bring your camera to take a photo with SANTA and a special holiday friend! Donate to our local food pantry. Bring one canned food per child. Play indoor games and enjoy dinner, hot beverages and cookies! To Register: Call the Park District and leave your name and the...
Joe Naper’s Discovery Play
Joe Naper’s Discovery Play
This program engages curious pre-school aged children through social engagement and learning. Our Learning Experiences team will guide children and their caregivers through fun activities and explorations. This week's theme is community helpers. Children ages 3-5 and their adults are invited to join Naper Settlement for Joe Naper's Discovery Play! Each session engages curious pre-school...
Holiday Wagon Ride
Holiday Wagon Ride
Get in the holiday spirit by enjoying a wagon ride to look at the neighborhood lights and decorations. Finish off your evening with a craft & a hot beverage.
Santa Express – SOLD OUT
Santa Express – SOLD OUT
Celebrate the holiday season with a train ride with Santa that includes a story, holiday music, and treats. Each paid child receives a small gift from Santa and a goody bag. General admission sales begin at 8A on October 18. Pricing: $20 per person Tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. All...
Santa’s Dinner Dash
Santa’s Dinner Dash
ADVANCE REGISTRATION STRONGLY RECOMMENDED Twas' weeks before Christmas and all through the town park district elves are scurrying around. Planning and preparing family dinners with care You will see Santa while driving through there. Pizza and cookies are yummy to eat give Santa a smile and receive a sweet treat! For information on more...
Make Reindeer Food
Make Reindeer Food
Come to the museum to create your own batch of Reindeer food! Get yourself ready for the holiday.
Santa Express – SOLD OUT
Santa Express – SOLD OUT
Celebrate the holiday season with a train ride with Santa that includes a story, holiday music, and treats. Each paid child receives a small gift from Santa and a goody bag. General admission sales begin at 8A on October 18. Pricing: $20 per person Tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. All...
School-Age Social Hour
School-Age Social Hour
School-aged children from 2nd-5th grade will get the chance to socialize with each other while enjoying activities focused on reading, science, math, art, and more. Whether your child attends public school, private school, or home-school, they're sure to make new friends and learn something new! This program is limited to 10 children. No registration is...
Chicago Toy and Game Fair
Chicago Toy and Game Fair
Join us for the 20th annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG) this holiday season, the largest gathering of toy and game enthusiasts, inventors and brands in North America. People of all ages will converge on the Donald E. Stephenson Convention Center in Rosemont on December 10 & 11. Plus, to celebrate our 20th year,...
Explore Elmhurst Holly Trolley
Explore Elmhurst Holly Trolley
All Aboard the HOLLY TROLLEY! Explore Elmhurst Express Trolley is back for the holidays! The City of Elmhurst is excited to announce the Explore Elmhurst Trolley is back for the holiday edition “Holly Trolley” on Saturdays November 26 through December 17 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The trolley will follow the same route as...
Holiday Pop-up
Holiday Pop-up
Come make holiday crafts with us plus The Grinch, Frosty, and Rudolph will be here visiting. The first 100 children to attend will receive a free cup of hot cocoa and cookie. Held inside the space next to C'zar Salon and Mago.
Stairs, Stories & S’mores
Stairs, Stories & S’mores
Join us for stair climbing, story trail, sledding, snowshoeing, s’more making and more. Sledding and snowshoeing available weather permitting. Drop-in.
Brunch with Buddy the Elf – SOLD OUT
Brunch with Buddy the Elf – SOLD OUT
REGISTER IN ADVANCE This event will be held at the Vaughan Athletic Center! Families can enjoy a special holiday brunch with the Grinch. Feast on a Grinch-themed buffet along with story-time with Cindy Lou Who and a craft. Don’t forget the camera for pictures with the Grinch! All ticket sales are final.
Ornament Decorating
Ornament Decorating
The holidays are approaching, time to get your tree ready with some freshly made ornaments! Each child will leave with ornaments they made themselves to bring the holidays home!
Design Your Own Gingerbread House
Design Your Own Gingerbread House
From the Driehaus to your own (gingerbread) house, let the art, architecture, and design of the late 19th century inspire your creativity. Intended for families and groups of up to four people per house, this workshop will surprise and delight with a deluxe and delicious craft experience. Discover your inner Louis Sullivan, the master of...
Arthur Christmas Free Family Holiday Movie
Arthur Christmas Free Family Holiday Movie
Sponsored by The Law Offices of Lofgren & Wentworth, P.C., Movies begin at 10:30am, At Glen Art Theatre (540 Crescent Ave. Glen Ellyn)
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Join us every Saturday at 11 am for cartoons and cereal! Each month, we'll be watching something different: September: School House Rock November: Children's cartoons (TBD) December: Short films for children
Sip, Snack and Shop – Holiday Hot Chocolate Bar
Sip, Snack and Shop – Holiday Hot Chocolate Bar
We’re spreading Holiday cheer! Join us for our Holiday Sip, Snack & Shop Hot Chocolate Bar on December 10 (11am-2pm) and enjoy - A FREE gift for the first 100 guests - Hot chocolate with festive toppings and Holiday treats - Special treats for pups, too all FREE & Santa approved! We hope to see...
Visit with Santa
Visit with Santa
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED Candy, crafts, photos with Santa. Pre-registration is required. Pet photos with Santa begin at 2:00pm. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.
Downtown Holiday Trolley
Downtown Holiday Trolley
New this year to coincide with Christkindlmarket at RiverEdge Park, Aurora Downtown will feature a Downtown Holiday Trolley on Saturdays from noon to 3:30 p.m. from November 19 to December 17. The trolley, generously sponsored by Invest Aurora, will make four stops while making a loop through downtown Aurora, beginning and ending at Aurora Transportation...
Learn to Curl
Learn to Curl
REGISTER IN ADVANCE Come out to the Polar Plaza in downtown Glen Ellyn and learn about the sport of curling from the Windy City Curling Club. You will learn how to throw a stone, sweep the ice, and basic strategy to get you started. Curling is fun for all ages and no experience or skates...
Open House with Santa at the Museum
Open House with Santa at the Museum
Join Ms. Laura for fun stories at the Bolingbrook Historical Museum Holiday Event. You can also tour the museum, have some refreshments, and take photos with Santa. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.
Santa at the Gazebo
Santa at the Gazebo
First two Saturdays in December at Millennium Plaza from 1 to 3 p.m. Take a photo with Santa Claus! Photos will be available for digital download after the event. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.
Crafting with Belle
Crafting with Belle
Crafting has never been more fun! Join us at the museum to craft with a very special guest, Belle!
Merry and Bright A Victorian Christmas
Merry and Bright A Victorian Christmas
Get in the holiday spirit here at the Downers Grove Museum! We invite you and your whole family to learn about Victorian Christmas traditions, tour the holiday decorated Victorian Blodgett House and visit with Santa. Stroll the park on a luminary walk, view holiday trees decorated by the community and warm up around a campfire...
Willowbrook Happy Hour
Willowbrook Happy Hour
REGISTER IN ADVANCE Join us for an after-hours tour of the center’s ambassador animals. During this quiet, small-group experience we’ll deliver their dinners, discuss their stories, and share how we care for these wild residents. Ages 5 and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person. Register online or at 630-942-6200.
Polar Express Train – SOLD OUT
Polar Express Train – SOLD OUT
Chris Van Allsburg’s bestselling book, “The Polar Express” comes alive with the story, food, and song at the Fox River Trolley Museum. The Polar Express Event will include a trip on the train with the storytelling of “The Polar Express” story, a chance to see Santa, a special Polar Express cookie, and hot chocolate goodie...
Live Nativity
Live Nativity
Live animals, pony rides, hot cocoa, music, and snacks. Please consider bringing canned goods for the local food pantry. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Churches with a Live Nativity.
Bonfire and S’mores
Bonfire and S’mores
2 Bonfire locations with S'more kits to purchase, displays open to the public, and visit with Santa. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.
We do our best to provide comprehensive, accurate and useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from press releases, websites, signs around town and word of mouth. However, details change and people make mistakes, so please confirm the details before you go. Kidlist is not responsible for any problems that occur while participating in activities listed on this site.
Submit an Event
Click on the button above to submit an event to the Kidlist calendar. We welcome everyone to submit events, given that they are family-friendly, free and/or drop-in, and are local for families in the west and northwest suburbs of Chicago. All submitted events are reviewed by the Kidlist team.