Events Calendar

Low-Sensory Mornings provide exclusive early access to Griffin MSI from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., allowing you to explore with exhibits with modified lighting and sound. Your tickets also include Museum Entry for rest of the day, with most Museum experiences remaining in sensory-friendly mode until noon. See below for program dates and visit details including...

During Wonder Works for Everyone play sessions, the museum opens an hour hourly for an accessible and inclusive environment. Each Wonder Works for Everyone session requires pre-registration for a limited number of families so that we can best prepare the Wonder Works environment for a sensory friendly play session. Regular admission prices will apply, including...

For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Place to Eat with Santa.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and there is no better place to spend it than at NCG Cinemas! ❄️ Bring your friends and family to NCG Cinemas Holiday Film Festival ☃️ starting December 6th. Come see your holiday favorites back on the BIG screen for a limited time 🎟️ Tickets are FREE!...

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR NON-MEMBERS. The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a number of Free Admission Days for Illinois residents each year. Preregistration for nonmembers is required and will extend until the Garden is at capacity; parking fees apply. Visitors can preregister up to two months in advance for free admission days.    For information...

From December 5th to 16th, Wonder Works will transform into a Winter Wonderland. Two special friends will make surprise appearances for hugs and pictures: the Winter Princess and Ursa the Wonder Polar Bear. Story time will be winter themed and we will feature a variety of stations and play materials celebrating the magic of snow...

The Grinch is Back for the Holiday Season! Holiday season means it’s time to hang out with the Grinch! We’re bringing you a special showing of “The Grinch” at Star Cinema. Get your tickets to watch this timeless holiday movie on the big screen and meet the Grinch himself! Tickets are just $7.00 per person....

Watch out as you explore the Conservatory – you may run into a Budding Botanists! on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am to 3:00pm, Nature Educators will provide activities for kids of all ages at our Budding Botanists station. These programs are drop in and no preregistration is required. You can stop by and interact with...

Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district is thrilled to kick off the holiday season with the return of its Chicago Wolves Ice Rink Saturday, November 23. Admission to the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink is free. Guests are invited to bring their own skates or rent skates on-site for $8. The Chicago Wolves Ice Rink will...

This is our most favorite annual event! Ever! And it’s always a big hit. NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! This special Santa visit is for fur babies and their humans ❤️ Pooch parents, bring your cameras and take as many photos with the big man as you’d like. Cost is $10 per family and all proceeds will...

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.

Features donkey rides, Mary, Joseph & Baby Jesus, and the Three Wise Men, among other crafts, activities, music performances and food.  It is a free event; but will also host a Christmas Bake Sale to benefit the youth group. Will be held on Sunday, December 15 from 11am-1pm to include a family-friendly Christmas worship service...

Macerich's Fashion Outlets of Chicago invites visitors to celebrate the holiday season with Santa visits at the shopping center from Friday, November 15 through Tuesday, December 24. While visits with Santa are always free, Fashion Outlets of Chicago will also offer a variety of keepsake photo packages available for purchase. Pet owners can bring their...

Ho Ho Ho, Santa Claus is coming to town! Don’t miss your chance to snap a photo with Santa and share your holiday wish. Visit with Santa on Candy Cane Lane. Don't miss this new tradition while you shop & dine in Downtown Glen Ellyn.   For information on more events like this, check out...

NEW this year, we will be hosting a new free admission day on Sunday, December 8 & 15. Thank you to City of Aurora Youth Services for sponsoring free admission and crafts as part of Jingle Bells & Fire Alarms. Stop in and visit with Rebuilding Together Aurora to learn about their programs and receive...

Miss Adele from Forevermore Dance Studio will come to Wonder Works Children's Museum on December 15 to introduce children to a variety of dance and movement games. The dance class will be from 11am to 11:30am.

Families visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.

Visit Santa at the Main Street Promenade, 55 S. Main Street (corner of Main and Van Buren). Parents can take festive DIY photos while enjoying holiday music from the Chicago Carolers around downtown.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Free Photos with Santa.

The Family Sensory Hour offers the opportunity for children with special needs to use the Kids' Library in a safe and welcoming environment before the Library opens. Live in-person. Registration required.

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.

Don't miss your chance to take your picture with the one and only Santa Claus and give him your list! Visitors can meet the North Pole's most famous resident for FREE at Santa's House. Santa's House will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm from November 30th - December 22nd. Visitors can...

Experience model trains depicting the famous Polar Express from Chicago T-Trak, a group of railroad modelers that run N-scale trains on modular layouts. No Registration required.

Celebrate the wonder and joy of the holiday season with holiday crafts, stories, and more! Learn how reindeer shoes are made with a special story-time and demonstration by the blacksmith at the forge. Create your own holiday crafts to take home in the Meeting House. Listen to holiday stories in the museum’s one-room Schoolhouse. And...

We are thrilled to partner with the Maywood Park District to host the Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s Ujamaa Kwanzaa Festival! This exciting event will take place on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Maywood Park District, located at 921 S. 9th Ave, Maywood, IL, from 1:00 PM to...

The Random Ringers Handbell Choir return for their annual holiday performance! The 11-member ensemble will perform secular, poplar, and classic holiday music on 5 octaves of Schulmerich Handbells and Malmark Handchimes.

Join thousands of people who have made our Live Nativity experience a family Christmas tradition. Walk through the joy and wonder of the true Christmas story as your family is guided through five scenes with recorded narration, special effects, and live actors and animals. This is a free event that takes between 20-30 minutes to...

All Are Welcome! Free Family Event! You will be able to visit the interactive town of Bethlehem. In Bethlehem, you will be able to taste foods from the time period & make crafts to take home. Next you will listen to the story of Jesus's birth. Then you will visit the outside manger, where you...

Travel through the multiverse of Dungeons & Dragons on an amazing journey to stop a famous D&D villain. Participants can choose a pre-made character at their first session or contribute their own character to join the fun.

Join us for an uplifting choral holiday show! We will be performing festive and familiar songs of the season, along with a few audience sing-a-longs! Visit the "Take Note" Facebook page for complete details!

Enjoy Christmas Hits of the Holidays with Great Moments in Vinyl Take a break from the holiday hubbub and enjoy one of the best things about Christmas: the music! This is your chance to relive some memories as Great Moments in Vinyl pays tribute to The Hits of the Holidays…featuring songs from holiday TV specials,...

Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.

Enjoy an afternoon of winter S.T.E.A.M. activities with the West Suburban Chicago Section of the National Council of Negro Women. Ages 6-11 with a caregiver.

Experience a bit of nostalgia as The Chris White Trio performs Vince Guaraldi’s complete A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack.

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. Saturday, November...

Come experience the Nativity recreated with real people and live animals! Presentations at 4:00 and 5:00pm. Also enjoy warm refreshments, a festive gazebo, and an indoor display of Christmas trees decorated by "Heralds of Hope" in our community - local service organizations who give hope and support. Seating available for persons with disabilities. Parking entrance...

The Village of La Grange Park made Santa's Nice List again this year! Santa may be super busy preparing for the big day but he decided to pay us a visit for the Village's Santa Parade on December 15 starting at 4:30 p.m. He can't get to every street in the Village, so please see...

Enjoy Lombard Park District’s annual holiday lights display in Lilacia Park! Charming holiday displays illuminate the park 4:30 – 10:00 pm 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...

Take your family on a Christmas adventure through a luminary-lit forest trail. Navigate your way to Bethlehem in search of Baby Jesus. Along your journey, you will interact with townspeople, shepherds, angels, and wise men as you hear the story of Christmas.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of...

DuPage Children’s Museum is dedicated to being an accessible, inclusive environment for children to thrive through extraordinary learning experiences. Adaptive Play Time provides a modified environment for play and learning for children and their caregivers. This program is intended for families with disabilities, on the autism spectrum, and/or sensory processing disorders.

From December 5th to 16th, Wonder Works will transform into a Winter Wonderland. Two special friends will make surprise appearances for hugs and pictures: the Winter Princess and Ursa the Wonder Polar Bear. Story time will be winter themed and we will feature a variety of stations and play materials celebrating the magic of snow...

Explore hands-on activities with your little one and mingle with other caregivers during this special play group. Enjoy different play experiences at each session! For ages 0-5; siblings welcome. Caregiver required.

Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 1 - November 26, 2024: Tuesdays and Thursdays December 2 - December 24, 2024: Mondays and Tuesdays January 3 - February 27, 2025: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

Macerich's Fashion Outlets of Chicago invites visitors to celebrate the holiday season with Santa visits at the shopping center from Friday, November 15 through Tuesday, December 24. While visits with Santa are always free, Fashion Outlets of Chicago will also offer a variety of keepsake photo packages available for purchase. Pet owners can bring their...

Namaste! Come downward dog with us twice this month during Yoga for children with Miss Kelly. We'll be doing lots of fun animal poses as we learn about how to move our bodies using yoga! Much gratitude to Kelly McCreary for her yoga introduction for children. We're so grateful for a grant from Oak Park...

Are you yeti for some winter reading fun? Join us for a Yeti-themed celebration as we welcome our furry friend back to the Library ahead of the Winter Reading Program! Enjoy exciting stories, games, and a special Yeti craft to take home.

Let's do Lego! Use the library's Lego collection to build whatever you'd like! We'll have some building prompts and activities but let your imagination be your guide. This is a drop-in event. Feel free to stop by between 3pm and 6pm to participate.

We’ve reserved special times for your furry friends to join in your family photos with Santa. Monday, December 2 from 4 - 7pm Monday, December 9 from 4 - 7pm Monday, December 16 from 4 - 7pm Each pet will receive a free holiday toy, bandana and treats. While supplies lasts. Pets must be leashed...

Drop in for a movie, and we'll serve hot cocoa! All ages are welcome, children 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Movie: The Polar Express (2004, Rated G).

Enjoy the classics of modern cinema on the magnificent two-story screen at Paramount Theatre…for the incredibly low price of just $1 per ticket! Buy tickets at the door. Cash only ($20 bills or less). Concessions available for purchase. Credit/debit cards accepted at concessions. Movies and showtimes are subject to change. Please check back here for...

Bring your best dance moves to this storytime full of our favorite songs. TR Limit: 15. Free tickets distributed 30 minutes before the program on a first-come, first-served basis at the Youth Services Desk. TR = Ticket registration. Sessions beginning at 10:00am and 11:00am.

Illinois residents receive free admission on Tuesdays.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

That big guy in the red suit gets all the love, help make the Grinch’s heart grow 3 sizes and bring your furry family member for doggie pictures with the Grinch at the Barking Lot located at the Itasca Softball Complex on 650 N. Rohlwing Road. Bring your camera and capture the moment. This is...

Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 1 - November 26, 2024: Tuesdays and Thursdays December 2 - December 24, 2024: Mondays and Tuesdays January 3 - February 27, 2025: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

Nature stories, crafts, and activities.  Children ages 3 to 6 with adult.

Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds from the residents of Misericordia – Heart of Mercy.

Macerich's Fashion Outlets of Chicago invites visitors to celebrate the holiday season with Santa visits at the shopping center from Friday, November 15 through Tuesday, December 24. While visits with Santa are always free, Fashion Outlets of Chicago will also offer a variety of keepsake photo packages available for purchase. Pet owners can bring their...

Our Illinois Resident Free Days include access to all open animal and permanent exhibit and seasonal Stingray Touch. Take a deeper look at our current available exhibits here. We offer several reservation options for Free Days. For those who prefer to plan ahead, online ticket reservations are available with a $5 convenience fee per order....

Join us for a Grinch themed holiday event, including crafts, treats, and a special guest!

Bring your own Pokemon cards, battle at our Pokemon Go gym, or bring your Nintendo DS to play with other trainers! No registration required. Ages 7 and older.

Mayor Serpico is proud to bring some extra holiday cheer to our community this season! Join us on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, for a magical evening—the annual Christmas Lights Parade with Santa! Starting at 6:00 PM, the parade will light up the streets of our village as Santa spreads joy throughout the community bringing neighbors...

Bring your imagination and create with Legos. Limit: 25. TR = Ticket registration. Free tickets distributed 30 minutes before the program on a first-come, first-served basis at the Youth Services Desk.

Free Wednesdays are the perfect opportunity for you to explore our general admission exhibitions with your family or a group of science-loving friends. Adventure through the wilderness on a desert safari, explore ancient civilizations, and come face-to-face with prehistoric creatures— all in one place. The Field Museum has so much to explore, you’ll need more...

Join us for a low sensory morning event for guests with disabilities and Veterans. Guests will explore our exhibits and experiences in a relaxed and accepting environment with their family members and companions. Exclusive access for registrants 9-10am. Tickets include museum admission for the day. Exhibits and experiences modified to be low sensory until noon....

The Museum offers free days to Illinois residents throughout the year, including commemorative days like Presidents’ Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Fourth of July. Upcoming 2024–25 Illinois resident FREE days include: December 18; January 20–24, 28–31; February 4–7, 11–14, 17, 18–21, 25–28   For information on more events like this, check out our...

Wednesdays are Free Admission Days sponsored by RBC Wealth Management.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

Visit the Bookmobile to check out items, pick up your holds and return borrowed materials.

DuSable Museum of African-American history is free to Illinois residents to visit on Wednesdays. We also give free admission to military and to first responders. That means Police, Fire, EMT’s. With valid ID.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

Macerich's Fashion Outlets of Chicago invites visitors to celebrate the holiday season with Santa visits at the shopping center from Friday, November 15 through Tuesday, December 24. While visits with Santa are always free, Fashion Outlets of Chicago will also offer a variety of keepsake photo packages available for purchase. Pet owners can bring their...

A Charming European Market Experience in the Heart of Chicago Immerse yourself in the magic of this European-style market on the Magnificent Mile™. Discover a delightful array of unique finds from local artisans and vendors. Stroll through charming stalls brimming with handcrafted treasures, delectable treats, and vintage delights. Savor the flavors of international holiday favorites...

The Adler is excited to announce that we will be free for Illinois residents (with proof of residency) every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm (our new Wednesday hours.) Stop by after work or school, or for date night and enjoy everything the Adler has to offer at night, for free as part of our Illinois...

Wild Wednesdays are back for the season at Garfield Park Conservatory! Join Family Programs staff outdoors in Play and Grow Garden for free, drop-in activities, such as fort building, bug hunts, chalk drawing, and more! Find us every Wednesday evening from 4:00-7:30 pm. Just head outside through our Desert House doors and follow the giant...

Discover a world of captivating middle grade and teen books to enjoy over winter break! Not sure how to find the perfect read? We'll share our favorite resources to help you choose the best books for your interests. Plus, you can sign up for our Winter Reading Program while you're here and unlock fun challenges...

Drop by the library and build with LEGO. Each Wednesday we will have a different LEGO challenge you can try, or build whatever you want!

Snow came early in Firefly Grove this year so Spark the Firefly gets to experience her first snow day! Join Spark as she learns all about snow, hibernation and exciting winter activities like sledding and ice skating. Spark’s Snow Day includes puppets, original music, interactive movement and lots of winter fun for families!

Santa will be at the Usher Park Gazebo. Please bring your camera to capture this special moment and pick up a holiday token. We will be collecting new toys for Toys for Tots for the Marine Corps Reserve and non-perishable food items for the Itasca Food Pantry. Santa will be at Usher Park on: Saturday,...

Dynamic session promoting child and grownup bonding through creating, singing, playing, and sharing stories together. After the story session, enjoy milk and cookies followed by open play. Twenty name tags (children only). For kids of all ages and their grownups.

Cozy up at storytime to celebrate the warmth, sparkle, and togetherness that makes this time of year so special. Best for ages 8 and younger with an adult. Children will love the snowy stories, rhymes, and songs that celebrate the season's many holidays. We'll also have tons of fun with themed activities, games, and a...

Join us for a fun, seasonal-themed bingo session! Play alongside friends and family for a chance to win fun prizes! For families. Register to save your spot but walk-ins are welcome if there is space to accommodate. Please register your group under one name and add any other attendees as guests.

Children and their caregivers are invited to hear stories and songs in Ukrainian, enjoy games and a craft. December Theme: Christmas Дітей та їхніх вихователів запрошують послухати історії та пісні українською мовою, насолодитися іграми та рукоділлям. Тема грудня: Різдво

In this monthly program, geared for 3-5 year olds, we’ll explore the natural world through a variety of activities specific to the theme of the month. Sessions include a combination of stories, nature hikes, songs, games, or crafts. A parent or caregiver must accompany child.

Enjoy preschool stories, puppet plays and songs with our newest partner, Chick-fil-A. (Ages 2–6 with an adult)

We are pleased to offer weekly Donation Days—every Thursday the museum is open—for Illinois residents. Illinois residents can enjoy free admission during these Donation Days, or support us with a $10 suggested household donation at the time of admission. Illinois residents can reserve their Donation Day tickets online or in person.   For information on...

Cozy up at storytime to celebrate the warmth, sparkle, and togetherness that makes this time of year so special. Best for ages 8 and younger with an adult. Children will love the snowy stories, rhymes, and songs that celebrate the season's many holidays. We'll also have tons of fun with themed activities, games, and a...

Stop by to make a simple craft with your child. Each week explores a different topic to spark your child's creativity and curiosity. Ages 3-7. While supplies last. Drop in.

Grab a scavenger hunt and explore the sights and sounds of Caldwell Woods.

Join us for an adventure in nature through movement, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult.

Join us for a nature-based art activity. Ages 3-6 w/adult.

Macerich's Fashion Outlets of Chicago invites visitors to celebrate the holiday season with Santa visits at the shopping center from Friday, November 15 through Tuesday, December 24. While visits with Santa are always free, Fashion Outlets of Chicago will also offer a variety of keepsake photo packages available for purchase. Pet owners can bring their...

Celebrate Hanukkah with us in this special storytime!   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Hanukkah Events.

Come and view the beautiful holiday decorations at Cheney Mansion. A suggested $2 donation or non-perishable food item is requested for entry. This is a drop-in program.

Celebrate the wonder and joy of the holiday season with holiday crafts, stories, and more! Learn how reindeer shoes are made with a special story-time and demonstration by the blacksmith at the forge. Create your own holiday crafts to take home in the Meeting House. Listen to holiday stories in the museum’s one-room Schoolhouse. And...

Learn how to groove to Latin American, hip hop, and pop music! Kids should wear gym shoes to dance safely. For grades K – 5 with an adult.

You bring the presents, we've got the wrapping! Dive into our supply of wrapping paper, bows, and ribbon to decorate the gifts you're going to give this season. Also learn how to make your own gift boxes with CreativeBug. No registration required. This is a drop-in event. Feel free to stop by between 4pm and...

An open gaming club, with snacks! Come play retro and new video games. Sometimes even board or card games! Every other Thursday from 5-6:30 pm.

No snow outside? No problem! Enjoy an hour of snowball fighting indoors. Ages 6-10 years old. Registration required.

Zapraszamy na opowieści, piosenki i rękodzieło w języku polskim i angielskim. Enjoy stories, songs and a craft in Polish and English.

¡Sumerja a sus hijos en un nuevo idioma o aumente la fluidez durante este divertido programa lleno de historias y rimas en español! Immerse your kids in a new language or increase fluency during this fun program full of stories and rhymes in Spanish!

Travel through the multiverse of Dungeons & Dragons on an amazing journey to stop a famous D&D villain. Participants can choose a pre-made character at their first session or contribute their own character to join the fun.

Drop-in activities recommended for ages 3-5, with a participating adult. Pop by the Library for a playful morning of popular activities!

Hopscotch, balance beam, and more are set up for you to explore.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and there is no better place to spend it than at NCG Cinemas! ❄️ Bring your friends and family to NCG Cinemas Holiday Film Festival ☃️ starting December 6th. Come see your holiday favorites back on the BIG screen for a limited time 🎟️ Tickets are FREE!...

Start your Friday morning off at the library with a fun storytime all about animals. A new animal each week! Some bilingual Spanish.

Macerich's Fashion Outlets of Chicago invites visitors to celebrate the holiday season with Santa visits at the shopping center from Friday, November 15 through Tuesday, December 24. While visits with Santa are always free, Fashion Outlets of Chicago will also offer a variety of keepsake photo packages available for purchase. Pet owners can bring their...

Mark your calendars for two visits from Miss Molly and her ukulele this month! Come sing and dance while Molly plays songs such as If You're Happy and You Know It. Miss Molly's visits are such a special treat. We're so grateful for a grant from Oak Park Township and River Forest Township Youth Services...

OH NO! MISSING ELVES!! All of our 100 Elves are missing! Can you help us find them? Registration Required* / ¡OH NO! LOS DUENDES!! ¡Faltan todos nuestros 100 duendes! ¿Nos ayudas a encontrarlos? Se requiere registro*

Celebrate the wonder and joy of the holiday season with holiday crafts, stories, and more! Learn how reindeer shoes are made with a special story-time and demonstration by the blacksmith at the forge. Create your own holiday crafts to take home in the Meeting House. Listen to holiday stories in the museum’s one-room Schoolhouse. And...

Make LEGO robots, create stories, and build amazing creations. Drop in. Program Room.

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 20: 4, 5, & 6 pm Outdoor, kid-friendly free event, ample parking available.   For information on more events like...

Santa Send-Off in #Bolingbrook! With his reindeer resting up for the big night, we're sending Santa off in style via HELICOPTER from Clow International Airport in Bolingbrook! But first, we will be driving his sleigh through town! A detailed route map will be published. In addition, as always I'll have the SANTA GPS LIVE TRACKER...

Build a LEGO dreidel, learn the game, compete in dreidel challenges.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Hanukkah Events.

Attention all Harry Potter fans! Drop by anytime between 4pm- 6pm for a special event dedicated to all things Harry Potter. Whether you’re eager to talk about your favorite characters or share what you love most about the series, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow fans. You can participate in fun, interactive...

Explore our hands-on STEAM activities alongside your kids! This program will take place in the Children's Services Department. Drop in.

Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district is thrilled to kick off the holiday season with the return of its Chicago Wolves Ice Rink Saturday, November 23. Admission to the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink is free. Guests are invited to bring their own skates or rent skates on-site for $8. The Chicago Wolves Ice Rink will...

Take your family on a Christmas adventure through a luminary-lit forest trail. Navigate your way to Bethlehem in search of Baby Jesus. Along your journey, you will interact with townspeople, shepherds, angels, and wise men as you hear the story of Christmas.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of...

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. Lean how...

Enjoy Lombard Park District’s annual holiday lights display in Lilacia Park! Charming holiday displays illuminate the park 4:30 – 10:00 pm 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...

Bundle up and belt out songs in celebration of Chicago’s diverse holiday traditions in Millennium Park’s Wrigley Square on Fridays, December 6, 13, and 20. Each week features a local Chicago choral group leading guests and families in song. Sing-alongs begin at 6pm. The Holiday Sing-Along is made possible by the Millennium Park Foundation with...

Holiday cookies are yummy treats that bring smiles and sparkle to the season! Perfect for sharing, gifting, or nibbling on while you wait for Santa, holiday cookies make the holidays extra sweet! Stop in and decorate your very own cookies! No registration required!

Merry Grinchmas! Step into the enchanting world of Whoville at our Grinchmas Craft Party. Throughout the event, you’ll have the chance to unleash your creativity at various crafting stations where you can make unique holiday decorations and keepsakes that embody the spirit of the Grinch. Engage in a variety of exciting games that will keep...

Get ready for a mind-blowing science show that will leave you in awe! Watch as we create foggy dry ice storms and make giant beach balls​​​​ float in mid-air. Be amazed by sizzling, shivering scissors and special bubbly showers that will spark your curiosity and excitement. Grades K-5. Participants should pick up a numbered entry...

Celebrate the longest night of the year! Choose a timeslot to walk along our candlelit paths.

All ages. Enjoy a family-friendly movie in the Poet Tree Corner on the second floor. (Titles subject to change. Check back here for any updates.)

Bring your family-building skills to Kids Landing during our Saturday Stay and Play! Your family will enjoy an endless variety of play patterns like construction, pretend play, role-playing, and inventing your own games while exploring our Library. Most importantly, you will be deeply engaged and active and have hours of fun with your and other...

Winter weather got you feeling blocked in? Then join us for our Block Party! Build with Big Blue Blocks, Soft Blocks, Lego Duplos, and more!

Aurora Noon Lions Club provides free vision screening for children. Primarily aimed at 6 months to 6 years old although useful up to age 16. According to the American Public Health Association, about 10% of preschoolers have eye or vision problems. The screener is meant for early detection of the following eye disorders but not...

Get into the holiday spirit with a free holiday film at Lake Theatre, horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit with Santa, and hot cocoa throughout the district! 9am – Free holiday film at Lake Theater 11am-2pm – Enjoy horse drawn carriage rides departing from Marion Street 11am-3pm – Stop by a participating business for a free...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and there is no better place to spend it than at NCG Cinemas! ❄️ Bring your friends and family to NCG Cinemas Holiday Film Festival ☃️ starting December 6th. Come see your holiday favorites back on the BIG screen for a limited time 🎟️ Tickets are FREE!...

Macerich's Fashion Outlets of Chicago invites visitors to celebrate the holiday season with Santa visits at the shopping center from Friday, November 15 through Tuesday, December 24. While visits with Santa are always free, Fashion Outlets of Chicago will also offer a variety of keepsake photo packages available for purchase. Pet owners can bring their...

Kids are invited to spend the morning with snacks and a movie. December 21: Inside Out 2 January 18: Despicable Me 4

Join us for these free family movies throughout the months on November and December at Glen Art Theatre!

Watch out as you explore the Conservatory – you may run into a Budding Botanists! on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am to 3:00pm, Nature Educators will provide activities for kids of all ages at our Budding Botanists station. These programs are drop in and no preregistration is required. You can stop by and interact with...

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...

Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district is thrilled to kick off the holiday season with the return of its Chicago Wolves Ice Rink Saturday, November 23. Admission to the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink is free. Guests are invited to bring their own skates or rent skates on-site for $8. The Chicago Wolves Ice Rink will...

A rhythmic endeavor around the world, salsa borrows a little from all and gives back to all. Get ready for a fun and educational dance journey throughout Latin America. TR From Cuba, to Puerto Rico, to Panama, to New York, Salsa borrows a little from all and gives back to all. Touching on historical and...

Santa is coming to Hinsdale, and he’s ready to hear all your holiday wishes! Bring the whole family to Burlington Park for a magical visit with Santa—completely FREE! Dates & Times: Saturday, December 7 (as part of Hinsdale for the Holidays) Saturday, December 14 & December 21 (Hosted by the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce) Time:...

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 Claus is coming to town! Don’t miss your chance to snap a photo with Santa and share your holiday wish. Visit with Santa on Candy Cane Lane. Don't miss this new tradition while you shop & dine in Downtown Glen Ellyn.   For information on more events like this, check out...

Come hang out at the library and play with toys, games, and more. It will be fun for the whole family!

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.

Don't miss your chance to take your picture with the one and only Santa Claus and give him your list! Visitors can meet the North Pole's most famous resident for FREE at Santa's House. Santa's House will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm from November 30th - December 22nd. Visitors can...

Join the library and enjoy a newer released movie. B.Y.O.S. -Bring your own snacks! Times posted and movie ratings may vary.

The HO Gauge Model Train is operated by the DuPage Society of Model Engineers on the third and fifth Saturday of each month. The model features a detailed layout that covers 2,000 feet of track and highlights some of DuPage County’s railroads and landmarks in a landscape that blends fact and fantasy.

Celebrate the shortest day of the year and unlock winter’s secrets.

Grab the family and have a library movie afternoon! Feel free to wear comfy clothes, bring a comfy blanket/pillow, and enjoy a showing of The Polar Express (2004, G). Everyone will get a jingle bell to bring home.

Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.

Let's make Chanukah extra special this year with a cozy crafting party. This family event will feature age-appropriate craft stations to create unique holiday keepsakes or gifts. Chanukah tunes, treats and jBaby friends will create the perfect festive atmosphere. Event is geared for kids 0-2, but all ages are welcome.   For information on more...

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. Saturday, November...

Take your family on a Christmas adventure through a luminary-lit forest trail. Navigate your way to Bethlehem in search of Baby Jesus. Along your journey, you will interact with townspeople, shepherds, angels, and wise men as you hear the story of Christmas.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of...

Celebrate the longest night of the year with a bonfire and self-guided walk along our Farm Pond Trail. S’mores and hot cocoa provided.

Enjoy Lombard Park District’s annual holiday lights display in Lilacia Park! Charming holiday displays illuminate the park 4:30 – 10:00 pm 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...

Navy Pier’s dazzling, award-winning fireworks show is back at Light Up The Lake, offering a spectacular display for all to enjoy! Also, join us for two exciting new holiday-themed drone shows this winter season! Winter Schedule > Saturday, November 30 at 9PM (Fireworks Show) > Friday, December 6 at 9PM (Drone Show) > Saturday, December...