Holiday Express Train at Blackberry Farm
The holiday season is in full swing! We've picked 12 events in the Western Suburbs not to miss this month, including family-friendly performances, free things to do and more. Check out our calendar to find more local events near you. Also, find out the best things to do in the city, North/Northwest Suburbs and South Suburbs.
Holiday Express
When: Dec. 5-22 (Select dates)
Where: Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
Cost: $5
See Lake Gregory and Blackberry Farm in all its holiday glory amid the twinkling lights and songs of Christmas. Back in the village, enjoy storytelling of the classics, festive decorations, reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides and a visit with Santa.
Brunch with the Grinch
When: Dec. 7, 14
Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cost: $38 adults, $33 ages 4-11, $5 3 and under
Enjoy a special holiday brunch with the Grinch. Feast on a Grinch-themed buffet along with a viewing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The Grinch will make an appearance.
The Polar Express
When: Dec. 13, 14, 15, 24, 28-29
Where: Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. LaFox St. (Ill. 31), South Elgin
Cost: $35-$50
Chris Van Allsberg's best-selling book comes alive, including a visit from Santa and a small present for all aboard. Trains board from the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve picnic grove, on Route 31. Advance purchase of tickets required.
Santa Visit at FireZone
When: Dec. 14
Where: FireZone, 1100 National Parkway, Schaumburg
Cost: $15 kids, $10 adults in advance
Enjoy pictures with fire fighting Santa, holiday treats, crafts, a free Christmas fire helmet, a fire fighter gear demo and bring a toy to donate to the toy drive.
Lego Train Show Party
When: Dec. 14-15
Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cost: Free with $5 parking; parking is free with new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
Guests can enjoy the Lego Train Show without lines and meet the creative builders from the Northern Illinois Lego Train Club.
Musical Brunch with Santa
When: Dec. 15
Where: Fitz's Spare Keys, 119 N. York St., Elmhurst
Cost: $20
Enjoy a musical brunch with Santa featuring live Christmas music, meet and greet with Santa as well as a buffet.
Aurora Festival of Lights
When: Through Dec. 26
Where: Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Dr., Aurora
Cost: Free; donations accepted
Drive-through more than one mile of spectacular lighted displays, many of which are animated and are illuminated by tens of thousands of bulbs.
Bubble Bash: A Kid-Friendly New Year's Eve
When: Dec. 31
Where: DuPage Children's Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville
Cost: $25, $20 member
Families can spend time together creating lasting memories, taking part in special activities, grooving to live music, exploring the Museum’s hands-on exhibits, and counting down to Noon.
Brookfield Zoo Annual Holiday Magic
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield
Cost: Free with zoo admission
The zoo will be lit with more than one million twinkling LED lights as guests enjoy caroling to the animals, professional ice carving demonstrations, light shows, and special visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus (through Dec. 17).
Illumination: Tree Lights
When: Through Jan. 5
Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Cost: $13-$23 adults, $7-$15 children
Illumination brings lights and nature together to transform a wintertime walk in the woods into an awe-inspiring experience. Walk a mile-long path to marvel at trees illuminated in colors and interact with lighted trees that respond to voice or touch.
Beauty and the Beast
When: Through Jan. 19
Where: Paramount Arts Centre and Theatre 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
Cost: Tickets start at $34
One of Disney’s most beloved animated films comes to life on stage with all the enchanted castle characters in a holiday extravaganza that will thrill, entertain and amaze young and old alike. Recommended for ages 5 and older.
Mary Poppins
When: Through Jan. 19
Where: Drury Lane Theater Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
Cost: Tickets start at $30
Based on P.L. Travers' books and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's award-winning musical is an enchanting show containing unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft that will appeal to theater fans of all ages.
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