For Cre Walls, director of the Sand Ridge Nature Center, the holidays in the Forest Preserves of Cook County are more than a season โ theyโre a chance to reconnect with family. Walls, a dad himself, loves exploring some of the more than 350 miles of trails in the Preserves and huddling up to a bonfire with his 8-year-old son.
โWeโve gotten so into hiking,โ Walls says. โThe cool thing about walking on a trail in the wintertime is what youโre hearing, like the crunching snow. And seeing the beauty of the snow. Thereโs so much to explore.โ
From holiday lights to crafting and even snowshoeing, a variety of December 2024 activities throughout the Forest Preserves are ready to brighten your familyโs holidays.
๐ Festive holiday lights in nature
Two of natureโs most dazzling displays are right here in the Forest Preserves!
- Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe: Stroll this 1.3-mile display of lights until Jan. 5, 2025. โItโs just an amazing experience,โ Walls says, filled with sculptures, arches and even a โglow boothโ for photos. Watch for themes, like โugly sweater nightโ on Thursdays, and enjoy refreshments for purchase along the way. $19-$39/tickets
- Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo: Chicagolandโs longest-running light fest is packed with over 2 million LED lights and 900 decorated trees till Dec. 31, 2024. Explore two new themed areas โ Candy Cane Lane and Sparkling Coast โ and be sure to visit Santa at the Pavilions till Dec. 22. $21-$35/tickets
๐ฅ Warm up at winter bonfires
โOur bonfires are about 8 feet tall and 12 feet wide,โ Walls shares. โTheyโre a very beautiful sight.โ Visit this cozy, roaring spectacle at Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland on Dec. 14 from 3:30-7 p.m.ย
Watch for additional activities like crafts, stargazing and nature walks. โThereโs also a fire pit nearby for roasting sโmores,โ says Walls.
โ๏ธ Celebrate the winter solstice
Hot drinks, storytelling and more are in store for the longest night of the year at the Preservesโ nature centers. โItโs a time for everyone to come together,โ Walls adds, โno matter their background.โ
- Winter Solstice Night of Lights, Dec. 20, 6-9 p.m. at Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington: Take an evening walk along candlelit paths. Time slots are available.
- Winter Solstice Day, Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m.-noon at Thatcher Woods in River Forest: Enjoy Indigenous storytelling and songs presented by the American Indian Center. Activities include snowshoeing (conditions permitting), tracking and shelter building.
- Winter Solstice Event, Dec. 21, 1:30 p.m. at River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook: Expect some winter-themed activities that uncover natureโs secrets.
- Winter Solstice Celebration, Dec. 21, 5-7 p.m. at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs: Nestle up by a bonfire, have sโmores and hot cocoa and explore the Farm Pond Trail on a self-guided walk.
โค๏ธ Family-friendly holiday fun
Throughout the month and during holiday break, also try these kid-friendly activities:
- Owl Prowl (Dec. 13): Join a nighttime adventure at Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington.
- Cozy Crafting (Dec. 22): Create festive crafts at Sand Ridge.
- Winter Nature Days (Dec. 28-29): Dive into outdoor exploration at River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook.
- Hygge Hangout (Dec. 31): Embrace the cozy Danish tradition at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs.
โท๏ธ Other winter adventures
At his very own Sand Ridge, which is one of six nature centers, Walls adds, youโll find scenic trails ranging from 15-minute strolls to 1.5-mile treks, perfect for spotting deer and snowy landscapes. โWalking in winter builds body heat and clears your mind โ itโs like meditation,โ Walls says. Or try:
- Cross-country skiing at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center (in Lemont), featuring groomed trains and beginner lessons
- Sledding at various locations, as long as thereโs at least three inches of snow (bring your own sled), including:
- Caldwell Woods in Chicago
- Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center in Chicago
- Swallow Cliff Woods-North in Palos Township
- Westchester Woods in Proviso Township
Whether itโs roasting chestnuts or snowshoeing in the woods, thereโs something for everyone at the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Plus, all that activity along those trails is a big bonus.
โIt does something to you mentally and physically,โ Walls says. โMake sure you also take a deep breath and inhale some of that chilly air. Trust me, itโs so beneficial for you.โ
For a complete list of holiday activities, visit the Forest Preserves of Cook County website to join the fun. Note that while most activities are free, registration may be required.
