Happy New Year! 2019 will soon be here! This weekend is the last opportunity to see some of your favorite light displays. There is plenty of fun to be had this weekend!These are my picks and I will probably add a few more as the week goes on. I added a few into next week for the kiddos that are off from school:
Ongoing:
- November 17-January 1 Illumination at Morton Arboretum, interactive light experience in the trees, special events on certain days, see schedule, closed Mondays except December 31, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas, see website for ticketing details -- I recommend reserving tickets in advance!
- Through January 6 All Aglow at Nicholas Conservatory in Rockford, light decor inside and out, regular admission applies
- November 22-January 6 Wonderland Express, Chicago Botanic Garden, see ticketing info and more on website, see landmarks in miniature with holiday glory!
- November 29 Rock'n Lights! Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake, drive through light show of nearly 1000 elements, November 29-December 31; 4:45PM-11PM, currently $16 weekday ticket, $19 weekend, see website for more info and ticket price changes
For the last chance to see holiday lights, check my Impressive Holiday Lights in the Chicago Suburbs post.
Saturday, December 29:
- December 29-30 Great Train Show, Lake County Fair Grounds, Grayslake, 10AM-4PM, $10 on Saturday (good for both days), $9 Sun., cash only at venue, $1 off if purchased online, kids 11 and under are free
- December 29 New Year's Eve Children's Tea, Chocolate Sanctuary, Gurnee, 11AM-1PM, sweet treats and savory delights, kiddie toast, party hats and more, $21 per adult, $12 per child, must make reservation
- December 29-30 Gnome Globes and Gnome Hunt, Morton Arboretum, 11AM-2PM, Children's Garden, hunt for gnomes in the Children's Garden (hunt is free with admission), then create a globe to bring home, globes are $7 pp for members, $10 for non, must purchase ticket in visitor's center, limited number, admission is separate, weather permitting
- December 29 Animal Tracking at Volo Bog, 12:30PM-2:30PM, indoors learn how animals leave tracks, learn to ID scat and more, then go outside and see what you can identify, free
- December 29 Farmhouse Museum Tours: Christmas Memories, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, 10AM-3PM, tours on the hour, blacksmithing demo at 1:30, free
- December 29 Square Dance Into the New Year, The Grove, Glenview, 2PM-4:30PM, all ages, learn to square dance from the Glenview Squares 2PM-3:30PM, 3:30PM-4:30PM experience dancers join in, $5 pp
- December 29, 30 & 31 Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides at Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, 2PM-4PM, $5 pp for passengers ages 5 and up
- December 29 Farmhouse Tour: Living by Lamplight, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, 4PM-4:40PM, learn about how the farm functioned by lamplight and the challenges and benefits of living by the light of the sun and kerosene lamps, free
Sunday, December 30:
- December 30 Farmhouse Museum Tours:Christmas Memories, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, 10AM-3PM, tours on the hour, free
- December 30 Farmhouse Tour: Living by Lamplight, Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago, 4PM-4:40PM, learn about how the farm functioned by lamplight and the challenges and benefits of living by the light of the sun and kerosene lamps, free
Monday, December 31:
- December 31 New Year's Eve Around the World, Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford, 10AM-3PM, use your passport to experience other cultures, see artifacts from other countries, enjoy displays from local groups, hourly countdown, crafts and more, $10 age 13 and older | $9 age 4-12 | $2 museum members | Free for children up to age 3
- December 31 New Year's Eve Celebration at Wilmot Mountain, 4PM-12AM, includes face painting, photo booth, live music, fireworks and more, check website for more info and ticket options
- December 31 Zoo Year's Eve Celebration, Brookfield Zoo, zoo lights begin at 4PM, NYE festivities begin at 6PM, DJ with fun and games, party favors, etc. countdown and confetti cannon at 8PM, zoo is open 10AM-9PM, Adults: $21.95 ($20.95 online), Seniors 65 and Over: $15.95 ($14.95 online), Children 3 to 11: $15.95 ($14.95 online)
- December 31 Winter Carnival New Year's Freeze, Glenview Ice Center, 5PM-7PM, skating, games, crafts, balloon drop, kiddie toast, $8 pp, $4 skate rental
Tuesday, January 1:
**Recommendation: Take a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry to start the new year engaging in hands-on science learning. Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light will still be open so enjoy exploring 50 spectacular trees representing cultures from around the world (open through January 6). Also, don't forget to check out The Science Behind Pixar and Moon Room 1968 which is a super-cool room set up just like one would have looked like when watching the lunar landing. Both exhibits end January 6. The museum is a great option all of break but I think it would be a good New Year activity.
Wednesday, January 2:
- January 2 Nature Scavenger Hunt, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook, 10AM-12PM, free
- January 2 & 6 Hands on History: Curious Clothes, Des Plaines History Center, 1PM-3PM, look at the history of fabrics and clothing including how clothes were made from natural fibers, try on some old fashioned garments and more, for families with kids ages 5-12, free due to generosity of VFW 2992.
Post a Comment