Charming, Old Fashioned Christmas Ideas in the Chicago Suburbs
Here in the Chicago suburbs, we have such a variety of Christmas celebrations to enjoy including old fashioned Christmas events. While some that I enjoyed pre-pandemic are still on hiatus, there are many that have returned for 2021! Plus, there are some new ones that have started in recent years. Here are eight ideas to enjoy a bit of Christmas past here in the suburbs:
Evanston Made recently crafted a holiday market full of creativity, innovative spark and unique holiday gifts. I visited this week and was pretty impressed with how the market wove together a wide variety of local art for purchase with art experiences. Take a peek inside of this wonderland of inspiration:
Chicago Suburbs Family Fun November 26-28, 2021
Happy Thanksgiving! After enjoying a celebration with family and friends, I know you will be looking for a little fun. Here are my picks for this weekend. Have a great holiday!
Izaak Walton League in Des Plaines maintains a property rich in diverse wildlife nestled along the Des Plaines River. Additionally, the league's clubhouse is a historic home constructed in the 1850's. So, the entire property lends itself to an interesting adventure residents may not realize exists in Des Plaines.
Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs November 19-21, 2021
The weekend is here and we certainly have a lot of fun ahead! Here are my picks for family fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend!
Things Will Be Elfing Amazing in Highwood, Illinois on December 4!
Elves will be returning to Highwood on December 4 for the 3rd Annual Elf Invasion Pub Crawl and Elf Invasion 5K Run, Walk & Stroll. The Elf Invasion Pub Crawl is perfect for adults that would love to have an elfin good time! The new addition of the Elf Invasion 5K Run, Walk & Stroll to the celebration this year opens up this new Chicago suburban holiday favorite up to families as well.
Richard Young Forest Preserve in Yorkville, Illinois welcomed us to a magnificent nature haven full of creek meanders, breathtaking ravines, fall leaves gracefully dropping leaves, mysterious fungus and more. We visited this spectacular preserve for the first time this past weekend and quickly learned that it would become one of our favorites in the region.
Lightscape Dazzles with Elements of Nature, Light and Sound
**Disclosure: I did receive complimentary admission to Lightscape to bring you this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
Lightscape has transformed Chicago Botanic Garden into a triumphant celebration of nature and the arts highlighted through lights, sounds and effects. In its third year, Lightscape charms with several returning favorites, reimagined designs and many new displays. In fact, about eighty percent of the 2021 show includes new light displays. Once again, Chicago Botanic Garden has crafted wonder after wonder along the 1.25-mile trail.
Hiking through the Grasslands and Woodlands of McDowell Grove Forest Preserve
McDowell Grove Forest Preserve in Naperville, Illinois holds 7-miles of trails winding through woodlands, along a river and through the grasslands. The preserve is quite expansive and provides many opportunities for nature adventures.
Chicago Suburban Family Fun November 13-14, 2021
The weekend is right around the corner! The weather does look a bit iffy this weekend. So in addition to these ideas, I also suggest checking out Teresa Parod's garage murals in Evanston! We usually drive through and then head over to a coffee shop and the Evanston Art Center. A nice little adventure no matter the weather! Here are some other ideas:
Twinkling lights are starting to appear! It is time to share my holiday lights list once again! I will be adding to this list as more information becomes available. However, I wanted to share now so that you can nab tickets for our more popular events because they do go fast!
Chicago Suburban Family Fun Events November 5-7, 2021
So glorious that we have so many fall leaves in NOVEMBER! Definitely, get out this weekend to see them! Check the link to my hiking list below if you need ideas! Here are my picks for family fun this weekend in the 'burbs:
Rocky Hiking, River Views and Forest Bathing at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, Delaware
One summer morning treated us to a hike along the rocky trails of Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, Delaware. Hikers at Alapocas Run State Park will discover a divine forest, rocky trails, blue granite cliffs, Alapocas Run, and the Brandywine River.
