Brookfield Zoo Annual Holiday Magic
The holiday season officially begins this month and Chicagoland families, get ready! 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.
Sugar Skull Workshop
When: Nov. 2-3
Where: North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W. Cermak Road, North Riverside
Cost: Free
Kids will receive tools and help to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos by making a sugar skull. Professional designers will be on hand.
Dino Works!
When: Nov. 8-10
Where: Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park
Cost: Free with museum admission
Kids can play with toy dinosaurs, explore real dinosaur fossils, collect fossilized teeth, do Dinosaur Art Work, find dinosaurs hidden throughout the museum and more.
Beauty and the Beast
When: Begins Nov. 13
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: Begins Nov. 15
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.
Model Railroad Madness
When: Nov. 16
Where: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst,
Cost: Free with museum admission
Drop in at the Education Center to meet local model train enthusiasts and collectors from Chicagoland T-Trak. See their innovative track layouts and learn about the hobby and how model trains work. All ages welcome.
Festival of Lights Tree Lighting
When: Nov. 16
Where: The Promenade Bolingbrook, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook
Cost: Free
Visit with Santa and enjoy holiday activities before the lighting of the tree. Activities include cookie decorating, ornament making, costume character meet & greet, balloon artists and more. Tree lighting begins at 6:15 p.m.
Illumination: Tree Lights
When: Begins Nov. 23
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.
The Polar Express
When: Nov. 24 & 30
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.
Naper Lights
When: Begins Nov. 26
Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
Cost: Free
Experience a magical holiday lights celebration, presented by The Sunrise Rotary Club of Naperville.
Gingerbread Festival
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 1
Where: Downtown Downers Grove, 933A Curtiss Street, Downers Grove
Cost: Free
The event includes Gingerbread Storytime, tree lighting ceremony, Gingerbread Man Hunt, Gingerbread House Contest, visits with Santa in his Gingerbread House and more.
Brookfield Zoo Annual Holiday Magic
When: Begins Nov. 30
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).
Winter Lights Holiday Walk
When: Nov. 22
Where: Water Street Mall, 24 E. Downer Place, Aurora
Cost: Free
Enjoy a holiday parade ushering in Santa and Mrs. Claus. It's followed by a grand fireworks display along the banks of the Fox River. The twinkling lit streets of downtown Aurora will also be filled with costumed characters, festive photo-ops and much more.
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