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Here’s Your WEEKEND+ for 12/8 to 12/14

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From Suburban Family Magazine: WEEKEND+ for Thursday 12/8 to Wednesday 12/14.

THIS WEEK: Holiday Happenings | Holiday On Stage Performances | Holiday Family Fun Guide |  Fitness Events | Chicagoland Events | Senior Focus | Dining Out

GO TO: Suburban Family’s November + December 2022 issue

Holiday Happenings…

(For this week…12/8 to 12/14)

  • Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt – 12/9. 6-7PM. All ages. Bundle up, grab a flashlight and search for candy canes throughout the forest at Winston Woods Park. Bolingbrook. Bolingbrookparks.org
  • Journey to the North Pole – 12/9. Bundle up for a wagon ride to the North Pole. Sing along with carols and hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. Register. Plainfield. Plfdparks.org
  • Santa Paws – 12/10. 10AM-12PM. Bring your pooch for a photo with Santa. Clayson House Museum and Library, Palatine. Palatineparks.org
  • Merry and Bright: A Victorian Christmas – 12/10. Victorian Christmas traditions, tour of the house and a luminary walk with Victorian-era carolers. Visit with Santa. Register. 3-7PM. Downers Grove Museum. Dgparks.org
  • Holiday Spectacular – 12/10-11. Celebrate the holidays with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Elgin Master Chorale. Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin. Elginsymphony.org
  • Holiday Market –Grayslake Antique and Flea Market – 12/10-11. For times, check zurkopromotions.com
  • Nutcracker Performances – 12/10. 7-9:30PM. Performers will tell the story of the holiday classic. Prisco Community Center, Aurora. Foxvalleyparkdistrict.org
  • Breakfast with Santa – 12/10. Come share a light breakfast with Santa with donuts, fruit, yogurt and coffee. Register. 8:30-11AM. Batavia. Bataviaparks.org
  • Breakfast with Santa – 12/10. Plated breakfast, holiday crafts, music and fun! 9:30-11:30AM. Pre-register. Villa Olivia. bartlettparkdistrict.com
  • Christmas in the Valley – 12/11. 12-4PM. Experience the holiday season as it was in 1880s. Enjoy treats, crafts and beverages around a bonfire. Heritage Farm, Schaumburg. Parkfun.com
  • Breakfast with Santa – 12/11. 8:30-11:30AM. The Howard Leisure Center hosts Santa for breakfast and pictures. Register early. Niles. Niles-parks.org
  • Brunch with Buddy the Elf – 12/11. Join Buddy the Elf for a festive brunch and fun filled activities. 9-10:30AM. Deerfield Park District. Register deerfieldparks.org
  • Iceland Santa Skate – 12/11. Enjoy a family skate with Santa and his elves to holiday music. 2:30–4PM. Iceland, Niles Park District. niles-parks.org.
  • Candy Cane Hunt – 12/10. Bags will be provided for the goodies you find. A visitor from North Pole, too. Check for times. Community Park Bandshell, Lisle. Register. lisleparkdistrict.org

Here’s the full season of Holiday Happenings 

Holiday On Stage Performances…

(For this week…12/8 to 12/14)

James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts…

  • Ruth Page Civic Ballet’s, The Nutcracker … Dec 17 @ 1 and 5 pm

Tickets available online at jlcenter.clcillinois.edu; by phone at 847-543-2300 or at the JLC Box Office, 19351 West Washington St., Grayslake. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. LEARN MORE

“The Sound of Music” at Paramount Theatre…

  • The Sound of Music … Now to January 15, 2023

Tickets start at just $28. Get your tickets today at www.paramountaurora.com.  LEARN MORE

The Genesee Theatre – Waukegan
‘Tis the season for great family entertainment!

  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer … Dec 8 @ 6:30pm
  • The Magic of the “Nutcracker … Dec 21 and 22 @ 6:30 pm

The Genesee Theatre: 203 N Genesee Street, Waukegan, IL. Online: www.geneseetheatre.com. Box office: (847) 263-6300. LEARN MORE

“Home for the Holidays” celebration at Rialto Square Theatre

  • The Midtown Men – Stars from the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys … December 10 @ 8 pm
  • Joliet American Legion Ban Concert … December 11 @ 2 pm
  • Alton Brown Live: Beyond the Eats – The Holiday Variant … December 1 @7:30 pm

Visit www.rialtosquare.com/holidays to learn more about their lineup. LEARN MORE

Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts…

  • The Nutcracker …. Dec 9, 10, 11

For tickets and additional information, visit prairiecenter.org or call 847-895-3600. The Prairie Center is located at 201 Schaumburg Ct. in Schaumburg. Don’t wait to buy tickets — performances sell out quickly! LEARN MORE

Celebrate the Holidays at Drury Lane
Where the most wonderful time of year ‘dazzles’

  • “Elf – The Musical … Now to Jan 8, 202
  • A Christmas Carol … Now to Dec 30

For all your holiday season fun go to www.drurylane.com LEARN MORE

The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University…

  • Air Play April 22 @ 2 pm

Tickets are available at CenterTickets.net or at (708) 235-2222.  LEARNMORE

 

The Dancing Horses Theatre
Enjoy the spectacular Christmas show

Costumes, music, and lights all grace the stage of this 90-minute performance. It’s all about magic and family entertainment. It is a “must see” if you are looking for a unique destination!

Located at 5065 Highway 50 in Delavan, Wisconsin. For more information and tickets call 262-728-8200 or visit our website at www.thedancinghorses.com LEARN MORE

Overshadowed Theatrical Productions presents …

  • Miracle on 34th Street … Now to Dec 17
  • The Wizard of OZ … Jan 20, 2023 to Feb 4, 2023
  • Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” … Mar 10, 2023 to Apr 1, 2023
  • Singin’ in the Rain … July 7, 2023 to July 29, 2023

Tickets $14 to $22. Call 630-634-2100. Overshadowed.org. Playing at 900 Foster Ave, Medinah, IL 60157 LEARN MORE

Go to the full On Stage article

The Official “Holiday Family Fun Guide”

(For this week…12/8 to 12/14)

We understand how important holidays can be, so we’ve gathered these wonderful events and attractions of places to go and things to do to add to your ‘must do’ celebrations. Enjoy!

Here’s the full Holiday Family Guide article

Sonny Acres Farm
Santa’s Workshop has moved from the North Pole to West Chicago! Sonny Acres Farm is open for their annual Winter Wonderland  through December 18. Fun for all ages, holiday happenings include a light show experience, photos with Santa, fresh cut Christmas trees, handmade wreaths, hot cocoa creations & more. Located at 29W310 North Avenue, West Chicago, IL. 630-231-3859. For a full lineup of events, hours and activities, visit www.sonnyacres.com.  LEARN MORE

Oswego Holiday Express
Enjoy the tradition this holiday season! All aboard to kiddos young and old, as the Oswegoland Park District presents the Oswego Holiday Express. Trips depart Santa Station the weekend of December 9-11 for the North Pole. Put on your pajamas, don your warmest apparel, and head to the top of the world on a magical journey. Mrs. Claus will greet you, you’ll enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and meet Santa! Visit PlayOswegoland.org to register.  LEARN MORE

Bensenville Park District
The Bensenville Park District offers many family activities to make your holiday season merry and bright. Adopt a snowman to decorate and display at Fischer Farm during the month of December or enjoy ice sculptures and holiday crafts before warming up around a bonfire with hot chocolate and treats taking a photo with Santa, and listening to festive music at Fischer Farm. Enjoy Breakfast with Santa at White Pines Golf Club Saturday or Sunday, December 17-18. Learn more about these activities and more at www.BvilleParks.org.  LEARN MORE

Celebrate the Holidays in Tinley Park
Tinley Park is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays! The Village  will host a holiday show featuring the Trans-Infinity Orchestra from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Learn more at TinleyPark.org/SpecialEvents.  LEARN MORE

Volo Museum
For over 60 years, the world-famous Volo Museum’s 45 exhibits and 10,000 mechanical marvels guarantees to have something rare and amazing for everyone. Spend the day with hundreds of rotating classic cars, modern muscle cars and Hollywood vehicles, Jurassic Gardens indoor dinosaur experience, a hand-carved 1928 carousel hall, ice cream parlor, military museum, Disney display and one of the largest antique malls in the midwest. There’s no place like Volo Museum in the world! Open daily 10 am to 5pm. Visit www.volofun.com. 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo, IL.  LEARN MORE

Ottawa, IL – Pick Us!
Nestled along the Illinois and Fox Rivers is a picturesque town with snow covered trees and hundreds of sparkling Christmas lights, Ottawa, Illinois.

  • Chris Kringle Market –  Dec 9, 10, 11; Dec 16, 17, 18

Spend a day wandering through the charming downtown with store fronts beckoning you to come inside.  Déjà vu and Heartland by Hand offer colorful décor and unique gifts, while Jeremiah Joe’s will warm you with a delicious hot cocoa.  Enjoy the murals and art interspersed throughout downtown, as you make your way to The Beach House for dinner. We look forward to seeing you! PickUsOttawaIL.com  LEARN MORE

Lighting Up Lemont
Come brighten up your holiday season and stroll all around our historic downtown during “Lighting Up Lemont.”  Your holiday photo spot from Now to Jan. 31. Our dazzling holiday displays are nestled throughout our family-owned shops, restaurants, taverns, and brewery. It’s the perfect place to capture your holiday photos and magical moments. We can’t wait to see you in Lemont Downtown this holiday season! “Lighting Up Lemont” is sponsored by our Main Event Sponsor Citgo, the Downtown Merchants Association and the Village of Lemont.  www.lemont.il.us/Holiday | @lemontdowntown | www.lemontdowntown.com  LEARN MORE

Visit Kenosha
Planning at getaway to the Kenosha Area? Visit Kenosha is excited to offer universal gift cards for use at many of our partner locations. Powered by Yiftee and processes as a Master Card, these digital gift cards are easy to use and can be printed or conveniently accessed on your mobile device. Enjoy the fabulous shops, restaurants, and attractions in the Kenosha Area with a Visit Kenosha gift card. Purchase gift cards and see accepting venues at:  www.VisitKenosha.com/Swag  LEARN MORE

Make Arlington Heights Your Holiday Destination!
The Holiday Season is wonderful in Arlington Heights with some of Chicagoland’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment for the whole family!  It all starts with our spectacular annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 25th and continues with Small Business Saturday on November 26th.  Come out and shop at independent and national retailers in our award-winning Downtown.  With great shopping, entertainment, and events, Arlington Heights is the place to be this holiday season!  For more information, please visit www.DiscoverArlington.com  and Facebook.  LEARN MORE

Abbey Farms
Abbey Farms has everything you want for the holidays! Purchase a Pre-Cut tree, or cut your own! We have garland, swag and a host of greenery as well. Bring home an old-fashioned treat from our bakery – choose from pies, apple crisp or our award-winning donuts. Reserve a time to visit Santa, then stay to dine in The Emporium Cafe, either inside or on our patio by the fire! Or shop a wide range of gifts in our 6,000-square-foot farm store – from incredibly tasty specialty food items to unique home goods to one-of-a-kind vintage items and crafts. We’re dog-friendly, so bring ‘em along! Visit www.AbbeyFarms.org for all the details!  LEARN MORE

Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm
Bring the family for a magical and memorable experience – just like visiting the North Pole! Blackberry Farm is a winter wonderland amid thousands of twinkling lights, festive holiday decorations and happy holiday music. Take a ride on the Holiday Express train – a charming tour around scenic Lake Gregory – and enjoy a hay wagon ride, too. Back in the historic pioneer village, you’ll enjoy crafts, a reindeer food bar, story readings of holiday classics at the one-room schoolhouse and…a special visit with Santa. 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. 630-892-1550. Tickets go on sale. www.blackberryfarm.info/holiday-express/  LEARN MORE

Golf Center Des Plaines
Golf Center Des Plaines, ranked one of the Top 50 Ranges in the country, is Chicagoland’s premier year-round practice facility. Golfers of all levels enjoy lighted and heated hitting stations with automatic ball tee-up; a fully-lighted 9-hole course; 1-1/2 acre short-game area; restaurant, pro shop, and PGA level lessons by GolfTEC. For every golfer a Gift Certificate is the perfect option. For the serious golfer, our Unlimited Driving Range Membership is this year’s most popular gift. Located at 353 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016. 847-803-GOLF (4653) www.GolfCenterDesPlaines.com  LEARN MORE

 

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
Stepping into LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago is like you’ve just jumped into the biggest box of LEGO bricks ever! With over 3 million LEGO bricks under one roof and 2 stories of EPIC LEGO play, what will you discover? To see what else we have to offer, check out www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago/! Be sure to buy tickets online to guarantee your entry. Located at 601 N. Martingale Road, STE 130 Schaumburg, IL 60173.  LEARN MORE

Winter Lights at Central Park
Enjoy a 1/2 mile walk through the beautifully lit Central Park! Discover dancing trees, inspirational signs, colorful rainbow arches, cascading snowflakes, and musical hearts throughout this scenic walk. This walk is FREE to the community. The Winter Lights at Central Park will take place through January 8, 2023, every evening from 4:30-9:30 PM.  Oak Brook Park District. www.obparks.org  LEARN MORE

Christmas Town at Summerfield Zoo
An amazing opportunity to make Christmas memories! Visit Santa’s Reindeer Barn with Santa’s entire sleigh team of live reindeer. Visit with Santa Claus (times available on website). Kids will earn an official stable elf diploma! Reindeer flight school training sessions. Lots of magical photo opportunities! Grab a delicious snack at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen Snack Shop. Visit the Flying Reindeer Gift Shop for ALL of your Christmas shopping needs! Admission is $15 per person. 3088 Flora Rd.  Belvidere, IL.  Visit www.summerfieldfarmandzoo.com for more information and tickets!  LEARN MORE

Apple Holler
Pick your own memories at Apple Holler orchard, family farm and sleigh ride winter wonderland! Enjoy great comfort food touched by the magic of apples at the Red Barn Restaurant, Bakery Café, Cider Bar and Farm Store. Four seasons of family fun for visitors to enjoy all year long! Apple Holler is the ideal rustic wedding venue located between Chicago and Milwaukee, WI, right off of I-94 at Exit 337, simply follow the signs to the FUN! (5006 S. Sylvania Ave. Sturtevant, WI 53177) Call (262) 884-7100 or visit www.appleholler.com for further information.  LEARN MORE

WhirlyBall Naperville – Eat. Drink. Game ON!
Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, an anniversary, a team-building event, or a holiday party, WhirlyBall Naperville has you covered for non-stop fun! In addition to WhirlyBall, there’s a multi-level LaserTag arena, eight bowling lanes, a four-lane VIP private bowling suite, and HyperBowling. Offering a relaxed yet elevated dining experience featuring fresh takes on classic American fare, an expansive collection of 24 rotating craft beer selections, and refreshing signature cocktails. Reserve your space today! WHIRLYBALL NAPERVILLE, 3103 ODYSSEY CT, 630-932-4800, www.WhirlyBall.com/Naperville  LEARN MORE

Spend your Holiday in Naperville
Holidays are meant for gathering, celebrating, and connecting over great meals.  Whether you want intimate fine dining or an outing with a group, make this holiday season memorable by dining in Naperville!  With over 300 restaurants to choose from, Naperville has options for a fun and festive holiday gathering suited for family, friends, kids or a work group.  For more ideas, get your free Naperville Dining Guide, go to www.DineNaperville.com, or reach us at 866-996-2737.  LEARN MORE

Trails Entertainment Centers
Trails Entertainment Centers offers three amazing venues – Enchanted Castle Family Entertainment Center in Lombard, which is an all-indoor facility, and Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Centers located in Burbank and Joliet, which feature both indoor and outdoor attractions. Each location offers a unique variety of games, miniature golf, go-karts, amusement rides and other special attractions. Special discounted rates are available for birthday parties, group outings and corporate picnics & events. For more information visit www.trailsfunparks.com.  LEARN MORE

Celebrate with Funtopia!
Our parties make you move! The most Fun & Active Birthday Party experience guaranteed!

“Jingle all the way to Downtown Wheaton” this holiday season!
The festivities begin November 25th with Nights of Lights in Adams Park followed by the Downtown Wheaton Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. The fun continues through December with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, strolling carolers, family movie night, a festive trolley, and more! And don’t miss the 25 Days of Christ-mas, featuring exclusive deals from your favorite shops. Visit www.DowntownWheaton.com for more de-tails.”  LEARN MORE

Forest Preserve District of Kane County ~ Explore galore!
Need a change of scenery? Visit Creek Bend Nature Center located at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles. There’s plenty to see and do – both inside and out!

The next time you stop-in for a visit, Creek Bend Nature Center will look a little different as a new tallgrass prairie exhibit has been installed! Crawl through the new fox den. Learn all about oaks. See what the Fox River could look like below the surface. View bison specimens in our prairie wild exhibit. Enjoy scavenger hunts, hikes and scheduled nature programs. At Creek Bend Nature Center, there are things to explore galore!

Creek Bend Nature Center is open: Mon. – Thurs. 10AM. – 4PM. Sat. – Sun. Noon – 4PM. Mark your calendar: Maple Sugaring Days – March 4-5 from noon – 3PM. LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. 630-444-3190.
www.kaneforest.com  LEARN MORE

Kidzmax
Kidzmax is Chicago’s newest one-stop shop for quality, recycled products your kids and teens will love to wear year-round. At kidzmax.com, you’ll find an amazing selection of clothing, outerwear, footwear, equipment, and much more, at up to 80% of retail prices. Original tags are on over 80% of the products, and the prices can’t be beat. Go to kidzmax.com today, and see why Chicago moms have given www.kidzmax.com a 4.9-star Google rating.  LEARN MORE

Holly Days in Westmont
Westmont’s annual Holly Days is back! The holiday fun begins December 2, and will include our Holly Days Food Drive, Holly Days Giving Tree, Frosty & Friends Parade, Business Decorating Contests, Letters to Santa, and more! For a complete list of Holly Days activities, please visit www.hollydaysfestival.com or by calling (630)963-5252.  LEARN MORE

Downtown Elgin
Downtown Elgin kicks off the holiday shopping season with a Holiday Cheers beverage crawl at 20+ locations around downtown Elgin on November 26. Shop on Small Business Saturday while enjoying holiday-themed beverages in a custom, insulated cup. We will also have a limited-edition hand-created mug from Downtown Elgin business, Steep N Clay. Enjoy Hot Cocoa, Warm Apple Cider, Ponche Navideño, Mint Mochas, and more! Also, look for 15 beautifully decorated windows featuring holiday artwork in downtown storefronts. Roaming entertainment, Santa, Holiday Pop Up Markets (December 2, 9, and 16), and more are also in the works! www.downtownelgin.com/hollydays-sponsorship  LEARN MORE

Scene 75 Entertainment Center
Scene75 is Chicagoland’s brand new indoor amusement park and entertainment center! Located at 460 South Weber Road, Romeoville, IL, and offers fun for all ages. With 14 outstanding attractions, 150+ arcade games, an eatery and sweetshop, Scene75 is your go-to venue for a memorable day out with the family or birthday celebration! Boasting a massive 135,000 sq ft of fun, Scene75 Chicagoland is now the largest indoor entertainment center in the state of Illinois! www.Scene75.com  LEARN MORE

Fleetwood Roller Rink – Summit
Fleetwood Roller Rink (established 1957) is a family-owned business. Our venue hosts public skating, birthday parties (our specialty) privates and fundraisers. We promote family fun for all ages plus for “health sake, roller skate” Come visit us and join in our fun.  Instruction available every Saturday at 1 pm   Check for our ongoing specials and public skating times. Located at 7231 West Archer Ave., Summit. 708-458-0300. www.fleetwoodrollerrink.com  LEARN MORE

2022 Cup of Cheer™
The Cup of Cheer™ House Walk, Holiday Market and Tea is the Naperville Garden Club’s major fundraiser. The proceeds fund scholarships and Club programs. Tickets allow entry to four area homes decorated for the holidays and a holiday market and tea located at the Naperville VFW. Tickets are $55 for December 1st and $40 for December 2nd. More information and ticket sales through the Club’s website: www.napervillegardenclub.org. Or call Barbara at 630-650-4405.  LEARN MORE

Here’s the full Holiday Family Guide article

Fitness / Race Events

(For this week…12/8 to 12/14)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

  • Deer Park Cocoa Classic 5K. Deer Park.allcommunityevents.com
  • Viking Dash Trail Run. 2-Day Event. Crystal Lake. vikingdashtrailrun.com
  • USole December Trail Challenge. Palos. universalsole.com
  • Jingle Bell Run. Chicago. arthritis.org

Here’s the full list of Fitness Events for Nov + Dec

Special Section: Senior Focus

 

 

 

 

More Chicagoland Events…

(For this week…12/8 to 12/14)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

  • TEENS Super Smash Bros Tournament – Test your skills in a round robin play format that includes a bracket finish. Prizes. All players are required to wear a face covering. Fountain View Recreation Center, Carol Stream. csparks.org
  • ART 3D Art Takes Center Stage – 11/18-12/30. The Art Center Highland Park features the work of three talented artists/designers in 3 galleries. Highland Park. Theartcenterhp.org
  • EXHIBIT Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond – Join Nature Cat and his friends on their outdoor adventures. Kohls Children’s Museum. Glenview. kcmgc.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

  • FAMILY MCA Family Day: Uplift – 11:30AM-3PM. Enjoy free family day along with performances and workshops, designed and led by Chicago artists. Museum of Contemporary Arts. Chicago. Visit.mcachicago.org
  • FAMILY LEGO Train Show – 12/4-5. Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club presents the group’s largest annual show. Snacks and drinks available for purchase. Visitors to the show are encouraged to bring a new and unwrapped toy for the Marine Toys for Tots. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. cantigny.org
  • CRAFTS Art and Market Aurora ~ Sat. 11/19 | Dec 10 and17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Society 57 featuring a special Sugar Skull City market on Nov 5. Aurora. Enjoyaurora.com

DECEMBER 11

  • FAMILY LEGO Train Show – 12/4-5. Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club presents the group’s largest annual show. Snacks and drinks available for purchase. Visitors to the show are encouraged to bring a new and unwrapped toy for the Marine Toys for Tots. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. cantigny.org
  • CRAFTS Last Chance Craft Fair – 12/11-12. Art and Craft Fair with over 175 booths. College of DuPage Athletic Arena, Glen Ellyn. craftproductionsinc.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

  • CRAFTS Last Chance Craft Fair – 12/11-12. Art and Craft Fair with over 175 booths. College of DuPage Athletic Arena, Glen Ellyn. craftproductionsinc.com
  • OUTDOORS Two-Hour Forest Therapy Walk – Experience a series of guided, gentle invitations to open the senses, cultivate presence and invite healing interactions between people and the natural world. Register. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. Mortonarb.org             

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