photo credit: flickr
17th Annual Christkindlmarket
Tues, Nov 20 thru Christmas Eve Mon, Dec 24, Daley Plaza
Experience a traditional German Christmas at the 17th Annual Christkindlmarket, inspired by the famous Nuremberg Christmas market dating back to 1545. Presented by the German American Services, Inc., this outdoor market offers exquisite handmade gifts, unique ornaments, rare European fabrics and textiles and the opportunity to devour-German delicacies like brats, goulash, potato pancakes, cookies and Gluhwein (a warm spiced wine) For Christkindlmarket hours, visit www.christkindlmarket.com
UL Santa House
Tues, Nov 20 thru Christmas Eve Mon, Dec 24, Daley Plaza (Santa's visiting hours vary)
A photographer is on duty and visitors can download their free photos when they visit the UL website, www.safetyathome.com. However, you may use your personal camera.
Wreathing of the Lions - Art Institute
Fri, Nov 23, 10A, 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL , (312)443-3600
Celebrate the start of the holiday season with this Chicago family favorite as the lions are adorned with traditional evergreen wreaths! After the wreathing, families are invited in to make wreaths of their own.
Lincoln Park Zoo ~ ZooLights
Fri, Nov 23–Jan 6, from 5–9P
Join LPZ for the brilliance of this annual fun, free, family-oriented holiday celebration, featuring luminous displays and holiday-season activities throughout zoo grounds. We’ll flip the on switch for the free holiday fun on Fri, Nov 23. Afterward, ZooLights will shine each Friday–Sunday until December 26, at which point the lights will stay on nightly until January 6. (Santa heads back to the North Pole after December 23, however.) http://www.lpzoo.org/events/calendar/zoolights
Lighted Holiday Parade Downtown Wheaton
Fri, Nov 23, 6P, 129 W Front St., Wheaton, IL, 630-682-0633
The 29th Annual Lighted HolidayParade will mark the beginning of the Christmas celebration in downtown Wheaton. Your entire family will enjoy seeing Santa's arrival to town and the tree lighting ceremony, as well as taking horse-drawn carriage rides. Merchants will offer special deals as Christmas carolers serenade you and usher in the Christmas spirit! http://downtownwheaton.com/calendar-of-events/
Aurora Festival of Lights Phillips Park
Fri, Nov 23–Wed, Dec, 26, 5–9P, 615 S Smith Blvd, Aurora, IL FREE
Take a drive through a winter wonderland of animated displays, lighted tunnels, a forest full of lights and so much more! http://aurorafestivaloflights.com/
Santa's Reindeer at Chalet Garden Center
Fri, Nov 23–Sun, Dec, 16, 3132 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, 847-256-0561
Santa's reindeer are collecting all wish lists! Bring your wish list to Chalet by Sunday, December 16th and the reindeer will be sure to get it to the North Pole for Santa. www.chaletnursery.com/events-schedule.cfm
Joliet's Light up the Holidays Festival
Fri, Nov 23, 116 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, 815-723-1800
Ice Sculptures, games, crafts, tree lighting, parade, movies and more.
5:15P Tree Lighting, Van Buren Plaza, Downtown Joliet
Welcome in the holiday season with Mayor Tom Giarrante and the Joliet City Council, along with USF as they light the city’s Christmas tree.
5:30P Light Up the Holidays Parade
Get your spot along the streets and settle in for a lighted parade of wonder and magic. Featuring area bands, floats, organizations and more! You won’t want to miss the Grand Marshall – USF’s mascot Bernie the Saint Bernard.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show
Fri, Nov 23- Mon, Dec 31, 6-10P, 1350 N Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, $5-$10, (847)362-3042
Drive through the grounds of the Cuneo Estate are covered brightly lit figures of animals, elves and characters from children’s stories. The holiday display is a delightful family outing or romantic date.
www.vernonhills.org/special_events/WinterWonderland.asp
Holiday Walk
Fri., Nov. 23, 5:30P, Downtown Glen Ellyn, 400 N. Main St., Free | 630-469-0907
The annual winter festival features a tree-lighting ceremony, free kids' movies, window decorating contests, visits with Santa and more. The event concludes at 9P. http://business.glenellynchamber.com/events/details/holiday-walk-340
Sing-A-Long Sound of Music
Fri., Nov. 23 - Sun, Nov. 25
Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Lake View, $773-871-6604
A special Thanksgiving weekend screening of the classic 1965 film starring Julie Andrews features onscreen lyrics so everyone can chime in. The event begins with a vocal warmup and includes props and a fancy-dress competition. Showtimes are 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m., 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday. 12.50-$15; $8-$9 for kids ages 12 and under www.musicboxtheatre.com/events/sound-of-music-2012
St. Charles Holiday Homecoming & Electric Christmas Parade
Fri & Sat, Nov 23 & 24, 11 S. Second Street, St. Charles, IL , 800-777-4373
Make plans to attend the 2012 Holiday Homecoming's Lighting of the Lights and Electric Christmas Parade, November 23 and 24, in beautiful, historic Downtown St. Charles. This two-day event is filled with free activities that are sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
2nd Annual Downers Grove’s Gingerbread Festival & Visit with Santa
Fri, Nov. 23 - Mon, Dec 31, Downtown Downers Grove, Main & Curtiss St., Free | 630-725-0991
Downtown Downers Grove is offering something for all ages to enjoy: Gingerbread Story-time, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Gingerbread Man Hunt, Gingerbread House Contest, visits with Santa in his Gingerbread House, Small Business Saturday, Gingerbread Boy and Girl perusing town, and Complimentary Carriage Rides.
Breakfast With Santa
Sat., Nov. 24, 9A, St. Mary Immaculate Church, 15629 S. Rt. 59, Plainfield, $5, 630-885-6449
Have pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee and have your family picture taken. Color Me Mine and Cathy's Sweet Creations offer holiday activities for an additional cost.
Santa at Woodfield Mall
Now thru Mon, Dec 24 - 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL, 847-330-1537
This holiday season take an enchanted journey into a magical world at the Ice Palace. This immersive winter wonderland features a soaring 22’ dome, a magical snow and light show and amazing polar footage from BBC Earth. Santa is available during all mall hours & generally breaks* for milk and cookies from 12-12:30P & 6-6:30P. Sign Language Santa, Grand Court Thurs, Dec 6 12:30P-9P. http://www.shopwoodfield.com/santaphotos
Pretend You're On Ice! & Snow Much Fun!
Now thru Sun Nov. 25 - Chicago Children's Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. @ Navy Pier
Free with museum admission, $11-$12 | 312-527-1000
Build snow forts, throw snowballs and ice skate - all indoors - at this daily winter tradition at the museum beginning on Nov 7. Celebrate winter with CCM and experience Snow Much Fun! Skate in your socks, build ice forts and start a friendly snowball fight. No mittens required to enjoy these winter pastimes!
www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/index.php/calendar
Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light
Now thru Sun, Jan 6, Museum of Science & Industry, 5700 S Lake Shore Dr. Chicago (773)684-1414
The Museum halls will be decked, holiday singers and dancers will fuel the festivities, and the sparkle of dozens of decorated trees will greet you at the annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/christmas-around-the-world/
Millennium Park Ice Rink Opens
Now thru mid-march 2013, Millennium Park, FREE
It's time to lace up and get out on the ice! Skate in the heart of downtown; skate rental available for $10. www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/dca_tourism/mccormick_tribune0.html
'The Polar Express' Breakfast at The Shedd
Sat, Dec. 8, 15 & 22, 8A-11A, Shedd Aquarium, $44.95; $34.95 for kids 3-11 | 312-939-2438
For a super holiday treat, register for one of our Shedd holiday breakfasts, featuring The Polar Express 4-D Experience and our new aquatic show, A Holiday Fantasea! First, you’ll enjoy a buffet. Then it’s “All aboard!” for a private viewing of the 15-minute The Polar Express 4-D Experience, followed by a drawing for special prizes. Your holiday fun continues with a visit to Shedd's children's exhibit, the Polar Play Zone, where you can meet Santa, have your photo taken with him and receive a gift, and finish your special day with reserved seats to A Holiday Fantasea. www.sheddaquarium.org
