New Year’s 2023  WEEKEND+ for Thursday 12/29 to Wednesday 1/4.

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Holiday Happenings

• New Year’s Beach Ball Drop Pool Party –12/30-31. 6-8PM and 11AM-1PM.  Ring in the new year with a beach ball drop countdown. Waterslides, splash zone, music and more. Vaughan Athletic Center, Aurora. Foxvalleyparkdistrict.org
• Concert Radiance NYE Concert – 12/30-31. 8PM. See web page for list of performers. Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake. radiancemke.com
• Noon Year’s Eve Ball – 12/31. Noon Year’s Eve toast, DJ and dancing, snacks a craft and a family photo. Registration required. 10:30AM-12:30PM. Barringtonparkdistrict.org
• Happy Noon Year – 12/31. Kids will enjoy games, music, balloon drop and sparkling grape-juice toast. 11AM-12:15PM. Pre-registration is required. Community Rec Center. Wheeling. wheelingparkdistrict.com
• Bubble Bash – 12/31. Explore hands-on exhibits, and count down with confetti, bubbles, and more. DuPage Children’s Museum. Naperville. dupagechildrens.org
  

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More Chicagoland Events…

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

• 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
• MUSEUM Spirito Men’s Choir – 2PM. Spirito Men’s Choir perform several pieces and include a brief discussion with each selection. Lizzadro Museum. Oak Brook. Lizzadromuseum.org

Holiday On Stage Performances…

“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

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

Rialto Square Theatre

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

Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts…

For tickets and additional information, visit prairiecenter.org or call 847-895-3600. The Prairie Center is located at 201 Schaumburg Ct. in Schaumburg. 

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 …

• 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

Special Section: Senior Focus

The Official “Holiday Family Fun Guide”

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

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

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

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

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     ENJOY NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH THE FAMILY AT WHIRLY BALL NAPERVILLE

Ultimate New Year’s Eve Adventure at SAFARI LAND.
Package 1 ($30) includes buffet, raffle ticket, favor bag and $10 game card. Package 2 ($40) everything in Package 1 PLUS Unlimited Rides. 5 – 9 PM. 701 W. North Ave., Villa Park. Register in advance. 630-530-4649. www,Safarilandfun.com

Sonny Acres Farm
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

Bensenville Park District
Learn more about our activities and more at www.BvilleParks.org.  

Celebrate the Holidays in Tinley Park
Tinley Park is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays!  Learn more at TinleyPark.org/SpecialEvents.  

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

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

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. 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

Make Arlington Heights Your Holiday Destination!
Arlington Heights is the place to be this holiday season!  For more information, please visit www.DiscoverArlington.com  and Facebook.

Abbey Farms
Visit www.AbbeyFarms.org for all the details!  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

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!

• Funtopia Naperville located in Westridge Court • 2639 Aurora Ave, Naperville • 630-718-4327. Naperville.funtopiaworld.com
• Funtopia Glenview located in The Glen Town Center • 2050 Tower Dr, Glenview • 224-432-5435. Glenview.funtopiaworld.com  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
For a complete list of Holly Days activities, please visit www.hollydaysfestival.com or by calling (630)963-5252.  LEARN MORE

Naperville Garden Club
Visit the Club’s website: www.napervillegardenclub.org

Here’s the full Holiday Family Guide article

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