Celebrate the 2007 Holiday Season in the Parks
Visits with Santa, Flower Shows & More Make the Season Bright
Release Date: 11/21/07
The Chicago Park District hosts numerous holiday events this winter such as skating with Santa, ornament making, a daddy/daughter dance, and much more. To find out what’s happening this holiday season, click here, call 312-742-PLAY or visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com. Holiday highlights this winter include:
Let It Snow, Let It Grow Holiday Flower Show
• Friday, Nov. 23–Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008
• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily; 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursdays
• Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., 312-746-5100
• All ages, admission free
Celebrate the holidays at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Fir trees decorated in holiday lights hold court surrounded by bold splashes of color from hundreds of poinsettias. Other featured plants include ornamental peppers, plumbago and Jerusalem cherries.
10th Annual Hothouse Holiday Benefit
• Tuesday, Dec. 4, 6 - 10 p.m.
• Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Dr., 312-742-7736
• All ages, $100
Hothouse Holiday is a benefit party to help support the Lincoln Park Conservatory. It features wreath art, a silent auction of wreaths and live auction of works created by some of Chicago’s leading artists, architects and designers. Partygoers will have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet, music and libations.
Bedtime Stories with Santa
• Friday, Dec. 7, 6-7 p.m.
• Brands Park, 3259 N. Elston Ave., 773-478-2414
• Ages 6 & under, parents must accompany child; admission free
Enjoy storytelling with Santa over refreshments.
Winter Flower and Train Show
• Saturday, Dec. 8 – Jan. 6, 2008
• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
• Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Dr., 312-742-7736
• All ages, admission free
Several model trains wind their way through a miniature village set in a field of vibrant poinsettias. The village, comprised entirely of natural materials including willow, spruce and birch woods, features a variety of Chicago-style homes and famous buildings such as the neighborhood bungalow, Chicago Theatre and Chicago Water Tower Place.
Jolly Jingle Jamborees
• Saturday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Hale Park, 6258 W. 62nd St., 773-229-1032, ages 12 and under, admission $8
• Friday, Dec. 14, 6-9 p.m., Scottsdale Park, 4637 W.83rd St., 773-284-1826, ages 12 and under, admission $6
Get your jolly jingles with holiday crafts, entertainment, a sleigh ride and more.
Cocoa with Santa
• Saturday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Armour Square Park, 3309 S. Shields, 312-747-6012
• All ages, admission $5
Guests can get their photo taken with Santa, snack on cookies and hot cocoa, partake in creating arts and crafts, and play games.
Cookies and Juice with Santa
• Saturday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Skinner Park, 1331 W. Adams, 312-746-5560
• Ages 12 and under, admission free, $1 for pictures
Strike a pose with Santa and enjoy games, arts and crafts, bouncing in the inflatable gym, and more.
Winter Wonderland
• Saturday, Dec. 8, 2-6 p.m.
• Mt. Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th St., 312-747-6564
• All ages, admission free
This celebration is presented in conjunction with 19th Ward Alderman Viriginia Rugai and features ice skating, the lighting of the tree, holiday crafts and more.
Breakfast with Santa
• Sunday, Dec. 9, seatings at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
• Cadillac Club at Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.
• Admission is $50 for adults, $25 for children ages 3-12, and free for children ages 3 and under
• Reservations are only available by calling 312-235-7669
Enjoy a four-star brunch during one of the few times when the Cadillac Club’s fine dining is open to the public. Santa and his elves will be on hand. Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould is scheduled to make an appearance, and families can take their picture on the field after breakfast.
Lunch with Santa
• Thursday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake St., 773-287-7658
• All ages, admission $4
This event includes entertainment, a picture with Santa, food, and other various activities.
Dinner with Santa
• Friday, Dec. 14, 6-8 p.m.
• Mozart Park, 2036 N. Avers, 312-742-7535
• All ages, parents must accompany child
• Admission $8, advance ticket sales available in person at Mozart Park
Party with Santa over pizza, games, picture taking and craft making.
Union Park Wonderful Christmas Celebration
• Friday, Dec. 14, 6-8 p.m.
• Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph, 312-746-5494
• All ages, admission free
Ring in the season with songs, dances, games, and more.
Christmas Shows
• Friday, Dec. 14, 6-8 p.m., Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake St., 773-287-7658, all ages, admission $1
• Friday, Dec. 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Bessemer Park, 8930 S. Muskegon Ave., 312-747-6023, all ages, admission free
These dramatic productions are spiced with holiday flavor, music and dance.
Polar Adventure Days
• Saturday, Dec. 15, Jan. 19 & Feb. 23, 12 – 4 p.m.
• Northerly Island, 1400 S. Lynn White Dr., 312-742-PLAY
• All ages, admission free
Visitors will have the opportunity to come face-to-face with live animals, engage in winter activities, watch ice sculpture carvings, enjoy hot cocoa and create nature-inspired crafts. Don’t forget to dress warm for this third annual event.
Winter Wonderland
• Saturday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park, 312-746-5962
• All ages, admission free
A plethora of activities await including photos with Santa, games, a horse-drawn sleigh ride, the senior bake-o-rama, bingo, a petting zoo, and crafts. Enjoy refreshments while a DJ keeps the party going.
Holiday Festival
• Saturday, Dec. 15, 6-9 p.m.
• Brainerd Park, 1246 W. 92nd St., 312-747-6027
• All ages, admission free, $2 for photo with Santa
This holiday party features entertainment, craft making, games and more.
Made in Rogers Park
• Saturday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave., 773-262-8605
• All ages, admission free
Jewelry, textiles, pottery, soaps and paper products are some of the unique items available for purchase. All items are hand made by artists and artisans who live or work in Rogers Park.
Winter Solstice Festival
• Saturday, Dec. 15, 6-9 p.m.
• North Park Nature Village Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., 312-744-5472
• All ages, admission free
Celebrate the winter solstice by tasting chestnuts roasted on the open fire, making edible ornaments for preserve animals, listening to seasonal music, and strolling along the nature center’s trails. Stay for an original shadow play as a bonfire illuminates characters on a 50-foot screen.
WVON Pre-Kwanzaa Fest
• Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 15-16, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
• South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., 773-256-0149
• All ages, admission free
WVON 1450 AM presents this year’s official Chicago Kwanzaa kickoff event, a two-day community festival featuring a marketplace, workshops, awards and speakers. Attendees also can visit a food court, stop by the gift making pavilion or check out the performance stage featuring community musical acts and theater groups. Vendors will sell books, artwork, beauty supplies, clothing and more.
Winter Craft Workshop
• Monday, Dec. 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, 312-742-7726
• Ages 5 & under, child must be accompanied by an adult, admission $5
Families get creative at the annual winter craft workshop.
Skate with Santa
• Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7-9 p.m.
• Daley Bicentennial Plaza, 337 E. Randolph St., 312-742-7648
• All ages, admission and skate rentals free
Ice skate with Santa under the city’s lights.
Ornament Making
• Tuesday, Dec. 18, 4:30 p.m., Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton, 312-746-5363, ages 6-12, admission free
• Thursday, Dec. 20, 5-7 p.m., Shabbona Park, 6935 W. Addison, 773-685-6205, admission $5
Families have the opportunity to create ornaments for their holiday tree.
Christmas Chocolate House Creations
• Wednesday-Thursday, Dec. 19-20, 6-9 p.m.
• Eugene Field Park, 5100 N. Ridgeway Ave., 773-478-9744
• All ages, child must be with adult
• $20 per house
Parents and children get their creativity flowing as they create a holiday chocolate house out of delicious ingredients.
Christmas Showtime
• Wednesday, Dec. 19, 4 p.m.
• Cornell Square Park, 1809 W. 50th St., 312-747-6097
• Ages 6-12, admission free
Enjoy refreshments while viewing classic holiday movies including Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Roller Skate with Santa
• Thursday & Friday, Dec. 20 & 21, 6:30-9 p.m.
• Margate Fieldhouse, 4921 N. Marine Dr., 312-742-7522
• All ages, admission $5 and includes roller skate rental
Lace up and get funky indoors with Santa.
Christmas Craft
• Friday, Dec. 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, 312-742-7726
• Ages 3-5, child must be accompanied by an adult, $5 per person
Make holiday crafts to keep or to give as gifts.
Father/Daughter Holiday Dance
• Friday, Dec. 21, 6-9 p.m.
• Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton, 312-746-5363
• Ages 5-12, children must be accompanied by an adult, $5 per couple
Enjoy refreshments, creating arts and crafts, dancing and socializing with friends at the father/daughter dance.
3-on-3 Holiday Hoops Tournament
• Thursday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Brooks Park, 7100 N. Harlem Ave., 773-631-4401
• Ages 9-14, admission $5
Work off the holiday meals by competing in this basketball tournament.
Mayor Daley’s Holiday Sportsfest
• Friday-Sunday, Dec. 28-30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr., 312-744-3315
• All ages, admission free
The largest indoor playground returns to Chicago and gives youngsters a chance to move around no matter the weather outside. Wresting, tumbling, table tennis and gymnastics join a roster of team sports such as volleyball, soccer and floor hockey to fill a million square feet with fun.
Rockin’ New Years
• Monday, Dec. 31, 1 & 3 p.m.
• Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, 312-742-7726
• All ages, admission $5; advanced reservations are required
Families enjoy an early countdown to 2008 with pizza, soft drinks, noise makers, party hats and a clown rock and roll band.
Three Kings Day Celebration
• Sunday, Jan. 6, 3-6 p.m.
• Humboldt Park, 1440 N. Sacramento Blvd., 312-742-7549
• Ages 12 and under, admission free
Celebrate the twelfth day of Christmas with a community parade and toy giveaway for children.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529