Have we recovered from the holidays yet?

This weekends list contains some last chances to see some holiday magic before

it ends for the year! As well as some, back to the usual, fun activities for the fam!

Major Ongoing Events this Week:

 

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights

• “The most wonderful time of the year deserves the most wonderful event of the year. For that, we invite you to join us in celebrating 25 years of ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo. This one-of-a-kind, festive holiday experience offers a free, merry, family-oriented celebration of joy right in the heart of the city.
  ZooLights features hundreds of luminous displays and incredible seasonal activities, all under the glow of 2.5 million lights. We ensure that it will be the hap, hap, happiest season since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kaye.”
• 4:30–9 p.m on November 29, 30, December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31*, January 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest

• “Packed with indoor family fun, Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest is a delightful family tradition featuring 170,000 square feet of attractions, including rides, giant slides, indoor ice skating, and holiday decor that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit!”
• Runs through January 12th!

Jack Frost Winter Village

• Goose Island
• Monday-Friday — 4pm-10pm
• Saturdays & Sundays — 11am-10pm
• “Pile on your favorite stylish parka, bundle up tight and grab your favorite cohorts and head off for some winter days full of cheer. Snack on festive treats from a rotating roster of food trucks and sip a warm hot chocolate or down your favorite boozy cocktail from any of Jack’s three full-service bars. Wander through the 2-acre outdoor site and test your aim at outdoor lumberjack Axe throwing or snap your Holiday Christmas card at one of Jack’s infamous Instagramable photo opps, then stop at one of three Holiday gypsy caravan to meet with a mystical fortune teller and discover your ghost of Christmas Past, Present & Yet to Come Future just like Ebenezer Scrooge!”
• All ages.

Kohl Children’s Museum Habitat Park Lights

• Enjoy the Polar Express train ride through the holiday lights through January 5th!

Toys “R” Us Adventure Chicago

• 830 N. Michigan Ave
• October 24th – January 26th
• “Toys“R”Us and Candytopia are excited to present an all-new, totally immersive, fill-up-your-photo-album super-experience! The Toys“R”Us Adventure is a vast indoor playland that celebrates all the whimsy, silly and FUN of toys. Explore over eight mind-blowing rooms and celebrate play with installations designed around brands you know and love.”

Westfield Old Orchard’s Winter Ferris Wheel

• “You’re invited to take a seat in our very own snowflake and float up above the mall for a unique view across Westfield Old Orchard.”
• Experience through January 19th.

Holiday Flower Show at Lincoln Park Conservatory

• “The Lincoln Park Conservatory’s Show House turns into a Winter Wonderland filled with poinsettias, trees, sparkling lights, and a model trains that traverse through the plantings. This year will feature photos from 1940s through 1960s, celebrating memories of holidays past.”
• Runs through January 5th.

Holiday Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory

• “For over 110 years the Conservatory has been celebrating the holiday season with a colorful and inspired display of plants and flowers.  This year’s show will feature white birch windchimes, burgundy poinsettias, and deep green conifer trees.  Explore the Show House to learn about the Invisible Forces that impact the lives of plants.”
• Runs through January 5th.

Winterland at Gallagher Way

• Wrigleyville’s Winterland event series has a host of family friendly activities for your family. Ice rink, curling & skating lessons, Santa Claus visits, and movie screenings.
• “Skate all winter long underneath the twinkling lights of Winterland at Gallagher Way! The 8,000 square foot ice rink is open to skaters of all ages, every day of the week. Stop by for a couple of laps, check the schedule for a chance to skate with Clark the Cub, rent a skate aid, or arrive in time for select Wednesday figure skating performances.”

Ice Skate in Millennium Park

• November 15th – March 8th, 2020
• Millenium Park, McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
• “Skating is FREE and open to the public. Those skating with their own skates will need to pick up a FREE admission wristband.”
• The Winter Workouts Program will offer free ice skating lessons for all ages and skill levels on select days.
• “DJs spin the music while skaters spin on the ice on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 6-8pm (December 6 & 20, January 3 & 17, February 7 & 21, March 6). Admission is free. Skate rental rates apply.”

Ice Skate at Maggie Daley Park

• The skating ribbon at Maggie Daley park is now open!
• “In the heart of downtown Chicago, with the City’s skyline as a backdrop, a ribbon of ice winds through a rolling landscape providing an ice skating experience unlike any other. The skating ribbon is dramatically different from typical civic ice rinks, creating a multi-sensory activity that is integrated into the landscape. Skaters can experience “alpine in the city” as they lace up their ice skates and follow a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink. Complementing the ribbon are places to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and rent skates.”
• Admission is free unless renting skates.

Ice Skate at The Peninsula Sky Rink:

• “Surrounded by Chicago’s skyscrapers and twinkling lights, the rink is tucked into a pine tree winter wonderland and bathed in festive music and snowflake lighting.”

Parkway Bank Ice Skating

• Rosemont
• Bring your skates and skate for FREE! Rentals for $8!

Visit the Giant Christmas Tree at the Museum of Science and Industry

• “It began in 1942 with a single tree. Today, the Museum’s beloved annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. On the weekends, you can also enjoy live holiday performances. It’s the one-of-a-kind experience that brings a whole world of holiday joy under one roof.”

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

• November 23, 2019–January 5, 2020
• “See trees in a different light at Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. Be surrounded by color as you walk a one-mile paved path amid interactive lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Enjoy seasonal music, marvel at ever-changing, captivating lighting designs, and warm up by a crackling fire with a cozy drink or roast marshmallows for s’mores. In this unparalleled spectacle of color, light, and sound, you will be awed and delighted to see returning favorites and surprising new sights, including Tree Fascination–a brilliant digital projection of immersive color and pattern on a grove of Eastern white and Scots pine trees. Illumination will highlight the many gifts of trees: natural beauty, increased feelings of peace and calm, homes for wildlife, and the air we breathe.”

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

• November 22nd – January 5th
• “You’ll wander into a festive world of wonder and light. Along a mile-long path, the night comes alive with color, imagination, and sound, from a playful choir of singing trees to a spectacular waterfall of light. At times, you’ll find yourself in the center of it all — stepping inside a cathedral of golden light, walking down an avenue of luminous linden trees, moving through colorful ribbons of light.”

Goebbert’s Winter Wonderland Light Show

• Friday, November 22, 2019 through Sunday, January 5, 2020; Tuesday – Sunday (closed on Mondays)
• “We have new songs, new structures and new designs for the 2019 Winter Season – the show is also 50% longer! Just as a reminder, all of our farm activities are closed during the winter. The only activity on the farm is the drive through Light Show.”

Morton Arboretum Gnome Hunt

• Daily November 2019 through March 2020
• “The animals may be hibernating, but we still have gnomes. Can you find all of the gnomes hiding in the Children’s Garden?“

Morton Arboretum Winter Play

• Daily from 11 am – 3 pm through March 2020
• “Join us in the Children’s Garden for winter time fun! We’ll set out activities to complement the day. Activity may include painting snow or building a fort. Whatever it may be, you’ll find all the tools you need to have some frosty fun.” 

Lombard Holiday Lights

• Lights are on daily in Lilacia Park, 4:30-10:00 pm through January 5.

City of Chicago Christmas Tree

• The tree will be up until January 6th.
• Millennium Park’s Wrigley Square, Michigan Ave. & Randolph St.

 

FRIDAY

 

11:00 AM: Musical Storytime with Farmhand- Mr. Scott!

•  The Book Cellar
•  “Miss Jamie: Planting Seeds Through Song! Miss Jamie from the Farm takes young kids and their families on an imaginative musical adventure to her “farm,” where they learn values like hard work, healthy eating, and being kind to animals and each other. With the help of farm animal puppets and songs both familiar and new, Miss Jamie’s Farm kids music show will leave everyone stomping their boots and hollering for more fruits & veggies!” 
•  Note that this story time will feature Mr. Scott.

11:00 AM: Arbor Reading Adventures

• Sterling Morton Library at the Morton Arboretum
• “Join us in the Sterling Morton Library for this popular and interactive story time! We’ll read stories, make a craft and then head out on the grounds for an adventure walk. Themes change weekly.”
• Stop by the visitor center to register in person on the day of the program.
• $4 member / $5 non member. Cost does not include Arboretum admission.

 

1:30 PM: Beni Cwiakala Demonstration (Master Chef Junior Season 6 Winner)

•  Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn
•  “We are so pleased that Beni will be joining us on Friday, January 3, 2020 at 1:30PM. Beni will be making a pumpkin tart, taking questions, and signing “MasterChef Junior Bakes!” which will be available for purchase that day thanks to our new partner, Bookie’s.”
• Event is included in admission cost.

2:45 PM: Family Open Gym

• Prairie Gymnastics Club in Batavia
• Family Open Gym is for all ages!
  Ages 1-17 – $5.00
  Adults and children under 1 – Free
  Cash Only

 

SATURDAY

 

9:00 AM: Learn To Skate at Gallagher Way

• “Learn to skate every Saturday or Sunday until you’re gliding like a pro! Beginning January 4, 2020, guests three years of age and older can learn to ice skate during small, private group lessons. The hour-long, six-week classes will run through February 9.
• Both Saturday and Sunday classes are available from 9 – 10 a.m. or 10 – 11 a.m. Participants will learn basic skills like two-foot turns and skating forward, while more advanced skaters will learn forward and backward crossovers and edge work.”

10:00 AM: Dino Day

• Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
• “Drop-in at the Museum and learn more about fossils with hands-on acitivies! See and touch real fossils, put together 3-D puzzles of dinosaur bones, and make your very own fossil imprint to take home! A drop-in game with prizes will be offered throughout the day!”

10:00 AM: Cold Blooded Weekends with the Chicago Herpetological Society

• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
• 10 am – 3 pm
• “Get up-close to a large collection of reptiles and amphibians during this immersive experience provided by the Chicago Herpetological Society”

10:00 AM: PeeWee’s Playhouse: Saturday Cartoon Brunch

• Carbon Arc Bar
• “Every weekend morning Carbon Arc Bar & Board takes over Theater 1 of the Davis Theater and shows cartoons! We serve brunch at the bar/restaurant. Using our direct-connect to the theater your children can hang and watch cartoons while you enjoy some delicious grub & drinks! The shows start by 10:00AM and end at 1:00PM on Saturdays and 12:00PM on Sundays. For anyone caught between end of cartoon and end of brunch they will continue to play in the Dining Room of the restaurant.”
• Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 2PM.
• Reservations are encouraged

10:00 AM: Doulas and Donuts

• Oak Park
• “Meet our amazing team while learning more about pregnancy, birth and babies! Also learn about the role that a doula could play in birth and postpartum. Enjoy donuts, bagels, snacks & beverages. Please RSVP to this free event!”

10:00 AM: Holiday Bricktacular

• Legoland in Schaumburg
• “Build holiday memories during December & January in our mind-bopping, winter wonderland! Your little LEGO® lovers will have festive FUN FUN FUN all season with holiday activities.”

10:00 AM: Oscar Mayer Weinermobile at Mariano’s Arlington Heights

• “The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is coming to Arlington Heights! Come join the “hot doggers” for pictures with the wienermobile!!!

10:00 AM: Family First Saturdays at the Shedd

• “On the first Saturday of January, join us for a deep dive into the world of aquatic life! At this Family First Saturday, you’ll learn about our feathered friends through hands-on activities, games, crafts and time behind the scenes with Shedd’s animal experts. This program includes aquarium admission, so afterward your family can continue to explore!”

11:00 AM: Drag Queen Story Hour

• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
• “Back by popular demand! Join us for a fun-filled singalong story time with our friends from Kiki Queens.”

11:00 AM: Juicebox Concerts

• Garfield Park Conservatory
• 11 am – 11:45 am
• “With engaging music and dance in a kid-friendly setting, the FREE admission Juicebox programs are geared toward the stroller set and enjoyable for the whole family. Children will experience a diverse range of artistic and educational presentations, with hosts regularly inviting youngsters to move, dance and interact with performers.”

12:00 PM: Fiddleheads

• Garfield Park Conservatory
• “Join us most weekends for activities and projects that get kids and grown ups wondering about the plants and the natural world. Come visit on Saturday or Sunday in the colder months to get a dose of the tropics and keep kids connected to nature throughout winter.
• Each week we provide a different science-based activity, like tinkering with plants and blocks, playing games, participating in collaborative art projects, and exploring plants around the world.”

1:00 PM: Flurry Days – Dogsled Demo at Kohl Children’s Museum

• Glenview
• “Meet and greet some hardworking (and sometimes adoptable!) dogs who love their job pulling sleds! Hear a short presentation about how dogsleds work and then watch these happy canines run through the trails of Habitat Park! Program free with Museum admission.”

1:00 PM: Skate With Spiderman

• Rocket Ice Skating Rink, Bolingbrook
• “Public ice skating at Rocket Ice Skating Rink provides a great opportunity for the whole family to get out on the ice together. It is a fun setting for beginners to give skating a try in a relaxed environment. The music rocks and the mood is friendly, so come out and join the fun!”

2:00 PM: Meet Anna and Elsa in Barrington

• The Arboretum of South Barrington
• “The Ice Rink is still open at The Arb. Tina Bree from the Morning Show will be out from 2-4pm with friends, Anna and Elsa from Frozen! Bring the kids to take pics and ice skate too.”

2:00 PM: Goldfish Elmhurst 3rd Birthday Bash

• “Goldfish – Elmhurst is turning 3 and we want EVERYONE to come celebrate!” This is a FREE event so bring a friend!

2:00 PM: Oscar Mayer Weinermobile at Mariano’s Palatine

• “The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is coming to Palatine! Come join the “hot doggers” for pictures with the wienermobile!!!

5:00 PM: Flurry Days: Kids Train Rides Through Habitat Park

• Kohl Children’s Museum
• “Join us on our own polar express kiddie train through the magnificent holiday lights of Habitat Park! $4 additional ticket includes train ride, glow-in-the-dark bracelet and hot chocolate! Museum admission required; extended hours until 7 p.m.! No advance tickets needed; purchase tickets at the Museum’s ticketing desk when you arrive.”

SUNDAY

 

10:00 AM: Care Bears: Sunday Morning Cartoon Brunch

• Carbon Arc Bar
• “Every weekend morning Carbon Arc Bar & Board takes over Theater 1 of the Davis Theater and shows cartoons! We serve brunch at the bar/restaurant. Using our direct-connect to the theater your children can hang and watch cartoons while you enjoy some delicious grub & drinks! The shows start by 10:00AM and end at 1:00PM on Saturdays and 12:00PM on Sundays. For anyone caught between end of cartoon and end of brunch they will continue to play in the Dining Room of the restaurant.”
• Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 2PM.
• Reservations are encouraged

10:30 AM: Visit With Ariel at It’s A Girl Thing

• Geneva
• “Come and spend the morning with one of our favorite princesses, Ariel! She will dance, play games, and sing some beautiful songs with all of her new friends! Everyone will decorate a fun craft and enjoy some yummy treats!”
• Call 630-234-2000 to reserve your spot!

11:00 AM: Beat Kitchen Winterfest

• Wendy & DB & The Band
• Music For New People
• Jodi And The Jigglejam Band

11:00 AM: Secret Agent Storytime

• Wicker Park
• “Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to sing, dance, read books, and make crafts with Agent Zach and your friends, parents, and siblings on the first Sunday of every month at the Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co. This event is free and open to the public. Recommended for junior agents ages 0-4 and their families.”

12:00 PM: Fiddleheads

• Garfield Park Conservatory
• “Join us most weekends for activities and projects that get kids and grown ups wondering about the plants and the natural world. Come visit on Saturday or Sunday in the colder months to get a dose of the tropics and keep kids connected to nature throughout winter.
• Each week we provide a different science-based activity, like tinkering with plants and blocks, playing games, participating in collaborative art projects, and exploring plants around the world.”

5:00 PM: Flurry Days: Kids Train Rides Through Habitat Park

• Kohl Children’s Museum
• “Join us on our own polar express kiddie train through the magnificent holiday lights of Habitat Park! $4 additional ticket includes train ride, glow-in-the-dark bracelet and hot chocolate! Museum admission required; extended hours until 7 p.m.! No advance tickets needed; purchase tickets at the Museum’s ticketing desk when you arrive.”

 

Happy Adventuring!