Weekend Windup: {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 17-18, 2022}

Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 17-18, 2022

It may be dreary out but there is plenty to do this weekend. All this dreariness is inspiring me to write something about all of the color you can still see in winter forests sometime soon. I particularly love to stand in the middle of pine stands this time of year and just enjoy the green. My favorites are at Cuba Marsh in Barrington/Deer Park area if you are looking for one. Here are my picks for this weekend:

Ongoing

November 11-January 8, 2023 Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden, local favorite holiday light show returns, reserve tickets in advance online

Thanksgiving-New Years Naper Lights, Water Street, Naperville, free

Through January 15, 2023 Sentrock: The Boy Who Wanted to Fly, Elmhurst Art Museum, exhibition includes a mural, video projections, a sculpture, paintings, a life-sized bird house and more about the Bird City Saint character and life about Pilsen artist Joseph Perez, included in regular admission

November 19-January 15 Arcade Age Exhibit, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, learn the history of arcade games and even play some, free

November 18-December 24 Christkindlmarket, RiverEdge, Aurora, Thursdays 11AM-7PM, Fridays, 11AM-9PM, Saturdays and Sundays 11AM-6PM

November 17 - January 7 Illumination at The Morton Arboretum, enjoy a 1-mile walk exploring the trees highlighted with dazzling light and sound displays, nights sell out fast so reserve tickets in advance

Winter Lights at Fabyan Japanese Garden: Enjoy the historic Geneva garden in a new light Fridays and Saturdays,November 25-December 16 and Fridays January 7-28. $8 pp, must register, kids 5 and under are free.

December 2-18 Holiday House Tours, Farnsworth House, Aurora, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 12PM and 2PM, enjoy a 1990's themed holiday in the historic home, $25pp, please reserve tickets

December 1 - December 30 Illuminated, Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, see the gardens under a new light for the holidays, admission fees apply

Festival of Lights Cosley Zoo Wheaton; November 25 -December 30 (closed Christmas Day), fresh Christmas trees and garland for sale, light displays will decorate the zoo, see website for more info, event is free and donations are very much appreciated.

Holiday Lights Lilacia Park, Lombard, December 3-January 2, enjoy a magical array of holiday light displays throughout the park. Santa visits 6PM-8PM Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Elf hunts and more events, free.

Holiday Magic, Brookfield Zoo will delight visitors in its 41st year of Holiday Magic with more than two million lights, a gnome hunt and more, November 25-27, December 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 26-31, see website for more info on ticketing, times and prices, must reserve tickets. This is the longest running show in the area!

Naper Lights -- Thanksgiving - New Years, enjoy wandering through light displays on Water St.

Ongoing through January 8, 2023 Victorian Christmas at the Clayson House in Palatine treats visitors to a Victorian Christmas display. Hours are Tuesday 9AM-4PM, Thursday 12PM-4PM and Sunday 1:30PM-4:30PM. Admission is free.

Ongoing - January 15 Historic Holiday at the Durkee Mansion in nearby Kenosha will certainly dazzle you. The 1861 mansion is just marvelous decorated to the hilt with Victorian holiday decor. Holiday Tours of Durkee Mansion are also available December 10, 17 and January 7 and 14 10AM-2PM as well as December 11 and 18 and January 8 and 15 1:30PM-4:30PM.

Ongoing - December 30 The Christmas Tree Show at the Lincoln-Tallman House of Janesville is definitely worth the drive. The 1857 mansion absolutely shines with the holiday decors and lights of community-decorated trees. Over 100 trees and holiday decorations adorn the mansion and its grounds. Tickets are $10 per person, $5 per child ages 5-10. Ages under 5 are free. A variety of times are available. Please reserve tickets online.

Ongoing - New Year's House Tours of the Dawes House in Evanston will delight not only with the history of the mansion but also the holiday decor! Afternoon tours are given on various dates during the season, so check the website and reserve a spot. Admission is $10 per person.

Ongoing - New Year's Dickens-Kringle Christmas Village in Antioch will treat you to a variety of Dickens scenes for the holidays. Additionally, visitors will enjoy Kringle's shadowboxes with holiday scenes. This year's exhibit also includes a Christmas tree decorating contest. The event is free and open daily 10AM-8PM at #510 Orchard St. in Antioch.

December 12-26 Christmas Holiday Lights Tour in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, December 12-26. Pull up Pleasant Prairie's online map of dazzling home holiday light displays, sip some hot cocoa and enjoy a holiday light tour. Vote for your favorites! Winners will be announced on December 30. This is a free, fun and festive tour!

Saturday, December 17

December 17 - 18 Make Glass Icicles/Ornaments, Patterson Glass, Mundelein, $40 flat or twisted, $75 blown, please reserve space

December 17 Family Holiday Party, Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst, 1PM-4PM, hands-on art activities, make a papel picado, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, Santa visits at 2PM, included in regular admission

December 17 Button Making Pop Up, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 11AM-2PM, free, stop by to make your own button gifts and wrapping

Sunday, December 18

December 18 Whoooo Are The Owls in Your Neighborhood?, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook, 1:30PM, free, learn about the owls that live in the area and meet a special friend

December 18 Willowbrook Happy Hour, Glen Ellyn, 3:30PM-4:30PM, visit as resident animals receive their dinners, learn how animals are taken care of at the wildlife center, $5 pp, please register

December 18 Winter Solstice Celebration, Elgin Public Museum, Lords Park, Elgin, 5:30PM-8PM, learn about winter solstice celebrations, holiday singers, crafts and more, $5 adults ($3 for members), kids 3-12 $3 --free with members, under 3 free