For a Complete List of Suburban Activities
November & December
Chicago Area Activities
(scroll down for city events)
11/13-11/16, The Greater Chicago
Quilt Exposition
Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center
1551 Thoreau Dr., Schaumburg
(215) 862-5828
www.quiltfest.com
If you love quilting, don’t miss this exciting event. Exhibitors offer
everything you’ll ever need to start a project, which is a good thing because
you’ll get inspired by the gorgeous collection of quilt, wearable, fiber and
textile art.
11/14-11/16, Great American
Cooking Expo
Expo Center Harper College, Building M
1200 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine
www.thecookingexpo.com
If you love to sample, savor and shop, this is the show for you.
Discover today’s best foods, wines, products and ideas, then get inspired by
the area’s top professionals, on hand to show you how to embark on a culinary
adventure. Celebrity chefs include Brian Wright of Rosebud Restaurants, Dave
Samber of Polo Café, Ying Stoller or Ying’s Kitchen and and Ruby Diaz of
Maggiano’s Little Italy.
11/15-1/1/2009, Long Grove Holiday
Festivities
Downtown Long Grove
Robert Park Coffin Rd. and N. Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove
(847)
634-0888
Enjoy the
sights and sounds of the season, channeled from a bygone era. Expect carolers,
the lighting of the holiday tree in Apple Haus Square, visits from Santa, live
reindeer, the sound of chimes and old-fashioned hospitality. And don’t miss the
unique boutiques, galleries and shops for your holiday needs!
11/23, Holiday Walk
MainStreet
Libertyville
133 E.
Cook Rd. (Milwaukee Ave. and Cook Ave.)
(847)
680-0336
Following
the village’s Tree Lighting ceremony, guests can enjoy choral performances, a
stroll through downtown Libertyville’s stores and a preview of holiday decorations.
A visit from Santa Claus might be in store as well!
11/25, Downtown Evanston’s Annual
Holiday Treelighting Ceremony
Fountain Square
Sherman Ave., Davis St. and Orrington, Evanston
Santa Claus himself comes to light up the trees in hip
downtown Evanston.
11/26, Turkey Testicle Festival
Parkside
Pub
11721 E.
Main St, Huntley
(847)
669-8496
Join thousands of partiers for this historic hometown pre-Thanksgiving
tradition of over 20 years, featuring live bands, cold drinks and lots of warm,
hearty food. Yes, the celebration spills over into the street—and yes, turkey
testicles are on the menu. Do you dare?
11/27-1/1/09, Clearbrook’s 4th
Annual Wonderland of Lights
Arlington
Park Racecourse
Euclid
and Wilke Rds., Arlington Heights
(847)
577-HOHO
www.arlingtonpark.com
Drive
through 1.6 miles of animated lights and dazzling holiday displays during this
spectacular holiday light show, open Thursday through Sunday evenings until
12/15 and every night thereafter. $10 per car.
11/28-11/29, Hometown Holidays
2008
Downtown Naperville
55 S. Main St., Naperville
(630)
544-3372
The celebration kicks off on Friday with the Friends of Little Friends
Electric Lights Parade, followed by the Grand Illumination of more than 350,000
lights and a visit from Santa and his reindeer. Throughout the weekend free
trolley rides, carolers and other performers, along with shopping specials
offered by downtown businesses, make this a happening holiday destination.
11/28-12/13, 25th
Annual Dickens of A Christmas Parade and
Celebration
Downtown Wheaton
129 W. Front St., Wheaton
(630) 682-0633
Ring in the holidays starting with the Grand Illumination of the Great
Tree in Martin Plaza at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, 11/28. The Lighted Holiday Parade
follows at 6 p.m., featuring favorite children’s characters and, of course,
Santa Claus. The festival includes horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with
Santa and plenty of fabulous winter fun.
11/28-1/4/09, Wonderland Express
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
(847) 835-5440
www.chicago-botanic.org
Outside, 750,000 white lights illuminate the garden. Inside the
Regenstein Center, a 10,000-square-foot exhibition features 16 classic model
trains that zoom overhead, through tunnels and around famous Chicago landmarks,
all of which are made from natural materials. It’s a lovely winter scene, complete
with gently-falling “snow” and every kid’s favorite, the ladybug train.
11/28-12/31, Holiday Mansion Tours
and A Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show
Cuneo Museum & Gardens
1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills
(847) 362-3042
Flowers, garlands and decorated trees add a festive note to the lush
rooms and hallways of the majestic Cuneo mansion. An 18-foot Christmas tree in
the Great Hall, poinsettias and holiday greenery abound during tours, offered
daily and on selected evenings. Outside, holiday decorations and animated
displays will blanket the grounds; people in cars can drive through to view
thousands of twinkling lights.
12/5, Holiday Walk in Forest Park
Madison St., Forest Park
(708)
366-2543
The walk
takes visitors through Madison St.’s
Festival of Windows, showcasing the talents and creativity of local merchants.
It also includes horse-drawn sleigh rides, Santa, a marshmallow roast, face
painting, open houses, music and more.
12/5-12/6, Christmas Walk &
House Tour
Downtown Geneva and Courthouse Lawn
James St. and 3rd St., Geneva
(630)
232-6060
www.genevachamber.com
The
traditional walk begins with a visit from the Swedish symbol of the season,
Santa Lucia, coming by horse-drawn carriage to give out Swedish cookies. Santa
appears to light the tree on the Courthouse lawn and opens his Gingerbread
House, and all day guests can enjoy holiday shopping and dining till late (9:30
p.m.) in historic downtown with plenty of holiday treats to choose from. Five
distinctive homes open their doors for guided tours, and a traditional church
tea and keepsake booklet are included. Cost is $28 per person.
12/6, WinterFest in Downtown Oak Park
Downtown Oak Park
Marion St. and Lake St.
(708)
383-4145
www.downtownoakpark.net
Explore
celebrations and culture from around the world at this cosmopolitan holiday
festival, where select businesses open their doors to offer live performers
from world musicians, marionettes and storytellers. Participate in the
international gourmet cookie/candy walk, have breakfast with Santa or just
enjoy exploring downtown Oak Park.
12/6, Dickens of a Holiday
MainStreet
Libertyville, Cook
Park
133 E. Cook Ave., Libertyville
(847)
680-0336
Carriage
rides, a Children’s Holiday Shoppe at the Libertyville
Civic Center
and a tour of the Cook
Mansion are included in
holiday festivities between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus on a
snow-covered sleigh.
12/6, Winter Parade
Downtown Mount Prospect
Prospect
Ave., Mount Prospect
(847)
392-6000
The
annual parade features live reindeer, marching bands, holiday-themed floats,
choral groups and—of course—Santa Claus.
12/6-12/31, Holiday Magic
Brookfield Zoo
3300 S. Golf Rd., Brookfield
(708)
485-0263
www.brookfieldzoo.org
Brookfield Zoo is a 125-acre environment
complete with wetlands and world-class animal exhibits, open year round. This month, the annual Holiday Magic festival featuring
almost a million lights twinkling around the zoo takes place weekends between
12/6 and 12/21 and then again between 12/26-12/31.
12/6-12/7, Once Upon a Christmas
Lisle Station
Park
921 School St., Lisle
(630)
969-3685
Celebrate
Christmas like they did in the 1800s, with children’s crafts, music, brick oven
baking, model trains, hay rides and Santa at the Depot Museum.
12/6 and 12/13, Victorian Tea
St.
Lawrence Episcopal Church
125 W. Church St., Libertyville
(847)
680-0336
Enjoy a
true Libertyville tradition and a genuine
English tea, complete with finger sandwiches and bite-sized desserts in a
beautiful setting with stained-glass windows. Space is limited
12/7, Polar Express Santa Train
Lisle Metra Station
1000 Front St., Lisle
(800) 733-9811
The annual Polar Express train
leaves from Lisle at 9:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. today. Kids will meet Santa on
board, take a family train ride and participate in lots of fun holiday activities
at Lisle Station Park.
Price is $13 per person.
12/14, Polar Express
Downers Grove
Train Station
Main Street, Downers Grove
(630) 627-6100
Every kid’s favorite Christmas
train is pulling into Downer’s Grove today, when families can board the magical
Polar Express and meet the conductor. A ride to the North Pole, livened by a
reading of The Polar Express, is followed by a visit to Santa’s workshop for
lunch, crafts and games. Santa will tell stories and then holiday songs will be
sung on the ride back to the station.
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10/3-11/16, Chicago Humanities Festival
Venues
throughout Chicago
(312) 661-1028
www.chfestival.org
This 19th
annual event focuses on the future of Chicago
with its Daniel Burnham-inspired theme, “Thinking Big.” Topics such as city
planning, global poverty, culture and human rights are covered through
exhibitions, lectures, literary readings and dramatic productions like “The
Great Gatsby” and “Gilgamesh.” Notable thinkers, writers and other luminaries
host around 115 different festival programs.
10/23-11/2, Chicago International Children’s Film Festival
1517 W. Fullerton Ave. and theaters throughout Chicagoland
(773) 281-9075
cicff2008.org
Around 25,000 kids and adults come to screen a unique collection of over 200 live-action and animated films from 40 countries, ranging from shorts and TV series to documentaries and child-produced works. This is the only children’s film festival to be an Academy Awards qualifying festival, and kids can vote for their favorites. Expect around 150 celebrities and filmmakers to be on hand as well.
10/29-11/9, Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema
Theaters throughout Chicagoland
(847) 675-3378
www.chicagofestivalofisraelicinema.org
Israel's
vibrant society is revealed through the universal language of cinema.
This showcase for the country's thriving film industry includes
award-winning feature films, documentaries and family-friendly movies
with English subtitles.
11/3, Dia de los Muertos (Day of
the Dead)
Dvorak Park and Casa Aztlan
1119 W.
Cullerton and 1831 S. Racine
(312)
226-7767
11/14-1/4/09, Christmas around the
World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry
57th St. and Lake Shore Dr.
(773)
684-1414
Come for
a time-honored celebration that features over 50 trees and displays decorated
by Chicago’s
ethnic communities, reflecting holiday traditions from all over the globe.
Holidays of Light, a sister display, magnificently recognizes holidays that
celebrate light or enlightenment, such as Diwali and Hanukkah. Additional festivities
include ethnic musical performances and storytellers.
11/22, The Magnificent Mile Lights
Festival and Parade
Michigan Ave. between Oak St. and the Chicago
River
(312)409-5560
www.magmile.com
The
festive lighting of over a million bulbs along verdant North Michigan Avenue provides a radiant
beginning to the holiday season in Chicago.
A fireworks show over the river follows, and the traditional parade features
favorite Disney characters. Start your holiday shopping here!
11/24-1/4/09, Star of Wonder
Adler
Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
(312)
922-STAR
The story
behind the Star of Bethlehem is beautifully told in the museum’s longest
running sky show, a favorite Chicago
holiday custom. Various theories about the significant celestial event are
offered.
11/27, McDonald’s Thanksgiving
Parade
State St. between Congress and Randolph
(312)
781-5681
Take the
family out to experience the fabulous floats, giant helium balloons,
award-winning marching bands, unique performance groups and talented equestrian
units that make up Chicago’s
spectacular holiday parade. Local and national celebrities will be on hand as
well.
11/27-12/24, Christkindlmarket
Chicago
Daley Plaza
Washington
& Dearborn
Sts.
(312)
744-3315
www.christkindlmarket.com
Every
year, Daley Plaza becomes transformed into a German
marketplace to reflect the joy and warmth of the holiday season. The
marketplace, filled with red and white-crested huts overflowing with curios,
chocolates, toys, ornaments and more, attracts locals and tourists alike for
hand-crafted items and traditional Christmas cheer from over 50 vendors. Santa
Claus keeps a house here too.
11/28, Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
Daley Plaza
Washington
& Dearborn
Sts.
(312)
744-3315
In the
midst of all the holiday cheer taking place now at Daley
Plaza comes a long-treasured Chicago tradition: the
lighting of the city’s 80-foot-tall official Christmas tree. Mayor Daley, Santa
Claus and other special guests will be on hand to celebrate the season. Program
begins at 4:30 p.m.; lighting takes place at 5 p.m.
11/28-1/4/09, ZooLights
Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 N. Cannon St.
(312)
742-2000
This
annual holiday celebration transforms Chicago’s
free zoo into a winter wonderland glowing with over two million lights. It’s
also chock full of seasonal activities such as ice carving, visits with Santa
and a water laser show. Animal exhibits stay open late.
11/28-12/19, Caroling at Cloud
Gate
Millennium Park
55 N. Michigan Ave.
(312)
201-8847
Near the
public art piece Chicagoans fondly call “The Bean,” you’ll be able to hear a
variety of choral groups and join in on a holiday sing-along every Friday. This
is a melodic tradition you won’t want to miss!
12/1-12/19, City Hall Holiday
Concert Series
City Hall
121 N. LaSalle
St.
(312) 744-3315
Deck the halls when this lunchtime series of classic holiday
tunes shows off the talents of local children all over the city. Each weekday a
different school choir (as well as a couple of adult ones) will perform right
in the lobby of City Hall to add some cheer to your day.
12/2, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Daley
Plaza
Washington & Dearborn
Sts.
(312) 744-3315
Come for the noon lighting of the enormous official
Christmas tree, right smack in the middle of the holiday celebration in Daley Plaza.
12/4-12/7, One of a
Kind Show and Sale
Merchandise Mart, 8th Floor
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 527-4141
Visit this one-stop holiday shopping site to get the most
unique gifts in town. High-quality work from fine artisans make this a truly
special shopping event—and you can meet the craftspeople as well. From art to
fashion to edibles, it’s all here. The Artist Project will be displaying and
selling art in all media at the same time; one ticket gets you into both shows.
12/5-1/4/09, Bank of America Winter
Wonderfest
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand
Ave.
(312) 575-PIER
This ninth annual event has become a favorite holiday
tradition, in which Navy Pier gets transformed into a winter wonderland with
hundreds of lushly decorated trees, sparkling lights and holiday decorations.
Go ice-skating or in-line skating, play large-scale inflatable games, enjoy the
bungee run or use the slides. Santa and his toy-making elves listen to kids’
wishes at Santa’s Holiday
Village. Non-stop
entertainment is provided and admission is free.
12/6, 63rd
St. Holiday
Parade
63rd
St. from Tripp
Ave. to Oakley
Ave.
(773) 436-1000
Join this exciting 29th annual neighborhood
procession at 1 p.m. The Jesse White Tumblers, the Medinah Clowns, marching
bands, horses and much more will entertain about 25,000 spectators.
12/6-12/7, Bucktown Holiday Art Show
Holstein
Park Fieldhouse
2200 N. Oakley
Ave.
(312) 742-7554
Around 100 exhibitors will present a variety of hand-made
creations, from pottery and photography to jewelry and clothing. Shop for your
one-of-a-kind gifts here.
12/7, Chicagoland
Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade
Western Ave.
from 83rd St.
to Foster Ave., W.
to Troy St.
(773) 866-TOYS
Anyone bringing a toy and a motorcycle can participate in
this 28-year-long tradition, enjoyed by kids of all ages!
12/9, 27th
Holiday Treasure Hunt and Tea Party
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan
Ave.
(312) 575-8000
Kids between the ages of 4-10 and their parents can enjoy
this holiday treat at one of Chicago’s
most highly regarded attractions. A party follows tea time and a sticker-book
treasure hunt. Make art to take home, too. Reservations are required; event
takes place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Through 12/24, Visit
with Santa Claus and Friends
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand
Ave.
(312) 595-PIER
Come to the Family Pavilion for a visit with Santa Claus,
Mrs. Claus and the elves. They’re at Navy Pier every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(and from 11-3 p.m. on 12/24).
12/27-12/29, Mayor Daley’s Holiday
Sports Festival
McCormick Place Halls A & B
2301 S. Martin
Luther King Dr.
(312) 744-3315
Join 85,000 others engaging in sports all weekend long.
Expect an adult fitness area, baseball, a 50-yard dash, a skate park for
blading and biking, air hockey, football, chess, a tot’s zone, bowling, shotput
demonstrations, table tennis tournaments, fishing ponds, wrestling, a giant
slide, cheerleading clinics, open courts of volleyball and basketball—any sport
you can imagine, you can play. The Harlem Globetrotters make an appearance on
12/29.
12/31, New Year’s Eve
Fireworks
Grant Park’s Buckingham Fountain
Jackson Dr.
& Columbus Dr.
(312) 744-3315
The festivities start at 10 p.m. with music, and the Chicago sky explodes with
light and sound at 11:40 p.m. after a countdown. If you’re anywhere in the
area, check it out—the reflection of the lights in Lake
Michigan makes this huge fireworks display an especially gorgeous
celebration.
For additional information on city-sponsored festivals and events, go to the City of Chicago's Web site at http://www.cityofchicago.org.