Events Calendar

Let's extend the Hanukkah celebrations a little longer this year with jBaby! Join us Sunday, December 17th at Tiny Tots for the best Hanukkah jam session with Mr. Jeremy and a fun popup playdate. If you've never had the opportunity to sing with Mr. Jeremy and your littles, you won't want to miss this! This...

Join us for this fun-filled, FREE family event! All neighborhood NCG locations will be participating and TICKETS ARE FREE! NEW THIS YEAR! In addition to one regular show each day of the festival, there will also be a Sensory Friendly show each day! December 8-10: The Grinch (2018) December 15-17: Elf December 18-24: The Polar...

Mark your calendars, the DuPage Hispanic Alliance is hosting the Midwest's largest artisan Latin American Marketplace at Fox Valley Mall from December 16 to 17. Find authentic, unique and rare items from a variety of countries south of the border. Vendors will be selling everything from hand-crafted clothing, artisan jewelry, bi-lingual literature, mouth-watering pastries and...

This holiday season, bring your family and friends to meet Santa at the Atrium! Enjoy a magical experience and create lasting memories with a free photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Free to attend.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.

Carriage rides are one of our most beloved activities during our Vintage Holidays season. Passengers are invited to sit back and take in the nostalgia of our historic downtown as the clattering of horse hooves lead the way. Ride Dates November 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23...

Meet Santa Claus & Get a Free Toy*! Make lasting holiday memories! Santa’s waiting to say hello and ho ho ho! Bring your little ones for a visit, a photo, & a toy* with Santa Claus. Come to Room 410 Commons Drive, between Sephora and Holm Studio, and start making memories that will last a...

Join skaters from the Bensenville Edge's Learn to Skate and Competitive Figure Skating programs in this fun annual event for the whole family. HOLIDAY ICE SHOW –12:00 pm Show admission includes Skate with Santa after performance $12 General Admission (rental skates $3 if needed) SKATE WITH SANTA-1:30 pm If just attending Skate w/Santa usual public...

Enjoy the sounds of strolling carolers in downtown Downers Grove. Confirm times as schedule varies daily. 

Running November 26 - December 17.    For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.

Pet photos with Santa AND the Grinch at Pet Wants Naperville. Pictures are free. We will also have Chicago Cardio Canine (mobile dog gym) and Barkit-Out (dog trainer) present during the event.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Pet Photos with Santa.

Join us on Sunday, December 17th between noon and 4pm at Center Stage in the Fox Valley Mall. We will have all type of fun activities for your children. Children will have the opportunity to learn about how Las Posadas are celebrated in Latin America. Children will also have the opportunities to break piñatas and...

Join us to celebrate everything Pokémon at our Pokémon Party! Learn the Pokémon card game, enjoy some Pokémon themed crafts and compete in a Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Tournament. Feel free to bring your own Pokémon cards or Nintendo Switch to trade Pokémon with other trainers! Sign up for the tournament at the party, from 1 - 1:30...

Santa has returned to the North Pole to get his sleigh ready for Christmas Day, but don't worry! He'll be back next year from November 25th through December 23rd. He will be there every Saturday and Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of...

Visit Santa in his gingerbread house at the corner of Main Street and Curtiss Street.     For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.

Please join the DPPD Community Concert Band for our annual holiday concert. $10 adults, $8 seniors and students.

Our live nativity tradition continues starting at 3:30PM and — yes! — you will be able to pet the animals. At 4PM, we’ll sing Christmas carols accompanied by a brass ensemble and a volunteer wind band. Email Ray Klemchuk at ray@wscongo.org if you’d like to be a part of the instrumental ensemble on any wind...

Come to Trinity Episcopal in Wheaton and get your family pictures with Santa and spend time together doing crafts and Christmas themed activities. RSVP requested.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.

The Village of New Lenox is continuing its Christmas in the Commons tradition with another year of lights and holiday festivities in the Village Commons. Christmas in the Commons will be taking place on the dates listed below, so be sure to mark your calendars! Events are free with no admission ticket required.  The incredible...

Enjoy Lombard Park District’s annual holiday lights display in Lilacia Park! Charming holiday displays illuminate the park 4:30-10pm daily with magical light shows, tree decorations, a gingerbread house and so much more! Youngsters can visit with Santa Claus, enjoy a spectacular show with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and visit with their favorite holiday characters....

Calling all dog lovers! Get ready for some tail-wagging fun. Starting on June 5, we’re thrilled to announce that Mondays will be designated as “Paws in the Park Days” (excluding holidays like Labor Day and Indigenous People’s Day). So, grab your four-legged companion, hop in the car, and get ready for some Barks and Recreation...

Join us for this fun-filled, FREE family event! All neighborhood NCG locations will be participating and TICKETS ARE FREE! NEW THIS YEAR! In addition to one regular show each day of the festival, there will also be a Sensory Friendly show each day! December 8-10: The Grinch (2018) December 15-17: Elf December 18-24: The Polar...

Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 3 – November 23, 2023:  Tuesdays and Thursdays December 4 – December 19, 2023: Mondays and Tuesdays January 2 – February 29, 2024:  Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

It's almost the shortest day of the year! Learn about midwinter festivals and activities from around the world as we get ready for the winter solstice on December 21.

This is Christmas, this is Christmas, Christmas, Christmas...Come join us for a cozy movie night of The Nightmare Before Christmas! There will be popcorn, hot chocolate, and cookies to munch on.

All ages. Registration not required. See popular, award-winning animated features on the big screen and enjoy freshly-popped popcorn just like at the movies! November: Little Mermaid (2023) December: Home Alone

Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 3 – November 23, 2023:  Tuesdays and Thursdays December 4 – December 19, 2023: Mondays and Tuesdays January 2 – February 29, 2024:  Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

Join us for this fun-filled, FREE family event! All neighborhood NCG locations will be participating and TICKETS ARE FREE! NEW THIS YEAR! In addition to one regular show each day of the festival, there will also be a Sensory Friendly show each day! December 8-10: The Grinch (2018) December 15-17: Elf December 18-24: The Polar...

Celebrate Mo Willems newest Pigeon book with a holiday storytime and craft. All Ages. Sign-up begins two weeks prior to each date.

You are invited to sing, dance, and celebrate Chanukah at Music & Memories with JUF Young Families! We look forward to making new friends with a concert and song session. Kiddos 5 and under with adult guardian are welcome to attend!   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Hanukkah...

Celebrate Christmas with us in this special Storytime! (All ages, preschoolers with an adult)

BINGO! is what you would yell if you win at this fun family night of Bingo. Bring your gandma, your children, the whole family! Everyone is invited for a night of playing Bingo and getting a chance to win some fun prizes. Family Bingo will be hosted in our Youth Services area on the second...

Have fun and learn Spanish through stories, songs and games. This storytime is presented in English and Spanish, so beginners are welcome. Recommended age: 3-7 years.

Drop-in event for children 2 and older, with a participating adult. We'll twirl like snowflakes to our favorite tunes in a library winter wonderland.

Join us for this fun-filled, FREE family event! All neighborhood NCG locations will be participating and TICKETS ARE FREE! NEW THIS YEAR! In addition to one regular show each day of the festival, there will also be a Sensory Friendly show each day! December 8-10: The Grinch (2018) December 15-17: Elf December 18-24: The Polar...

Celebrate Mo Willems newest Pigeon book with a holiday storytime and craft. All Ages. Sign-up begins two weeks prior to each date.

Join us for this fun-filled, FREE family event! All neighborhood NCG locations will be participating and TICKETS ARE FREE! NEW THIS YEAR! In addition to one regular show each day of the festival, there will also be a Sensory Friendly show each day! December 8-10: The Grinch (2018) December 15-17: Elf December 18-24: The Polar...

School is out! Join us for fun and adventure during winter break. Snowshoeing hikes, tracking, shelter building and other winter activities.

Let's welcome back the sun today on the winter solstice. Together we'll enjoy music and a story, and we'll hand-roll beeswax candles to cheerfully light the short days of winter. On December 21, we are at the point in earth's journey around the sun where we see the least amount of sunlight, even though we're...

Celebrate the season and experience all that Aurora has to offer when visiting the Christkindlmarket. The Aurora Regional Fire Museum will offer FREE admission on Thursday evenings from 4-7pm as part of our extended hours November 17 - December 23.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free...

Let’s light up this dark night with stories and a craft!

Are you a fan of Calico Critters or other fuzzy critters? Join us for some critter fun! There will be fun activities, snacks to eat, and Bingo with many prizes to win! Ages 3-8 with a caregiver. Registration required.

Celebrate the longest night of the year with hot chocolate and story time about animals in winter. Be sure to bring a plush-animal friend to snuggle with. Pajamas are encouraged! After story time, participants will make a craft, explore real furs, and learn how animals survive winter.

Participate in the Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt for a night full of indoor crafts, cookies, and hot cocoa. The event will conclude with an outdoor hunt for candy canes under the moonlight. Don't forget to bring your own flashlight or headlamp. Prizes will be awarded to those who find the special candy canes. The event...

REGISTER IN ADVANCE Chase away the dark and cold with a blazing bonfire celebration at Isle a la Cache! Cozy up around the flames with hot cider while listening to the ancients’ stories of the loss and rebirth of the sun. Discover how they partied, feasted and honored their way through the season. Learn how...

Since the weather outside is frightful, but warm drinks are so delightful, we know just the place for you to go! We're hosting a hot chocolate tasting in partnership with Pilot Pete's Coffee. Mingle with the community as you sample different gourmet hot chocolates - all hand-crafted by Pilot Pete's. You can also enter a...

Talented singers from Jefferson Junior High will take the Woodridge Library by storm for a festive 30-minute performance. Join the chorus students for cookies and hot cocoa after the finale. No registration this year. General admission seating.

Come celebrate the holiday season with us and get cozy with a cup of hot cocoa. We will learn how winter holidays are observed all over the world, make a nice craft to take home, and have cute props to take lots of holiday pictures. Get ready for lots of holiday fun!

Join us for this fun-filled, FREE family event! All neighborhood NCG locations will be participating and TICKETS ARE FREE! NEW THIS YEAR! In addition to one regular show each day of the festival, there will also be a Sensory Friendly show each day! December 8-10: The Grinch (2018) December 15-17: Elf December 18-24: The Polar...

Admission is free for Illinois residents on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays), November 27–December 22, 2023, as well as January 8–March 22, 2024. If you reserve your free tickets online in advance, your resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. If you’re unable to reserve tickets in...

Search for hundreds of hidden candy canes, create a candy cane-inspired craft project, and enjoy story time before heading outdoors for the hunt. In case of inclement weather, the hunt will be held inside at the recreation center. In addition to the regular candy canes, there will be special candy canes that lead to an...

Do you love the Narwhal and Jelly comics? Are waffles your super weakness? This is the party for you! We'll celebrate this super series with games, crafts, and more.

Meet and mingle with sheep, goats, alpacas, and the other animals along with Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus, at the live outdoor nativity—and hear the Christmas Story. The Live Nativity will take place: Friday, December 22: 4, 5, & 6 pm Outdoor, kid-friendly free event, ample parking available.   For information on more events like...

With his reindeer resting up for the big night, we're sending Santa off in style via HELICOPTER from Clow Internationl Airport!! Estimated time of departure: 7:30pm To make sure you are able to see Santa, we've also added more stops along his route through town! (Full Route) Village of Bolingbrook Town Center Woodview Elementary School...

Join us for this fun-filled, FREE family event! All neighborhood NCG locations will be participating and TICKETS ARE FREE! NEW THIS YEAR! In addition to one regular show each day of the festival, there will also be a Sensory Friendly show each day! December 8-10: The Grinch (2018) December 15-17: Elf December 18-24: The Polar...

Bring the family and enjoy a trail hike with a naturalist. Weather dependent.

One of our most popular events is back for the holidays! 💚A personalized visit with Santa 🎄30 minutes of holiday cheer to get everyone in the spirit, right from the comfort of your home! This is will be a photo opportunity like no other. Let the magic of the North Pole come to you! ⛄Our...

Carriage rides are one of our most beloved activities during our Vintage Holidays season. Passengers are invited to sit back and take in the nostalgia of our historic downtown as the clattering of horse hooves lead the way. Ride Dates November 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23...

This holiday season, bring your family and friends to meet Santa at the Atrium! Enjoy a magical experience and create lasting memories with a free photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Free to attend.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.

Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Downtown Wheaton this holiday season, and they want to see you! This is the perfect time to take a picture with Santa and even check if you made the nice list this year.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places...

Santa has returned to the North Pole to get his sleigh ready for Christmas Day, but don't worry! He'll be back next year from November 25th through December 23rd. He will be there every Saturday and Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of...

Join Kids' Library staff on the Elmhurst Holly Trolley for a rollicking seasonal storytime! The ride will begin at the trolley stop on the corner of York and Park.

All are welcome to this special event outside in the side yard of the church. Hear the story of Jesus, meet some real animals, and enjoy hot cocoa & cookies inside the church! Children under age 12 will be given a small gift. Merry Christmas!   For information on more events like this, check out...

The Village of New Lenox is continuing its Christmas in the Commons tradition with another year of lights and holiday festivities in the Village Commons. Christmas in the Commons will be taking place on the dates listed below, so be sure to mark your calendars! Events are free with no admission ticket required.  The incredible...

New for the winter season! Navy Pier’s free dazzling Award-Winning fireworks display will now feature Saturday shows this winter! Get cozy on the Pier and enjoy the spectacular winter display. WINTER FIREWORKS SCHEDULE Saturday, November 25 at 9PM Saturday, December 2 at 9PM Saturday, December 9 at 9PM Saturday, December 16 at 9PM Saturday, December...