The magic of winter is upon us and, with it, comes a blizzard of holiday-themed events and other seasonal programs offered by the Fox Valley Park District. For a full lineup of winter adventures, visit our calendar pages. For starters, consider these 10 events when filling in your calendar.
Holiday Express
Bring the family for a magical and memorable experience – just like visiting the North Pole! Blackberry Farm is a winter wonderland amid thousands of twinkling lights, festive holiday decorations and happy holiday music. Take a ride on the Holiday Express train – a charming tour around scenic Lake Gregory – and enjoy a hay wagon ride, too. Enjoy crafts, a reindeer food bar, story readings of holiday classics a special visit with Santa.
When: Thursday-Sunday, December 5 through December 22.
Where: Blackberry Farm – 100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora
Ages: Open to everyone (ticket required for ages 2Y and up)
Purchase tickets online
Brunch with the Grinch
Sled on over to the Vaughan Athletic Center, where families can enjoy a special holiday brunch with the Grinch. Feast on a Grinch-themed buffet, along with story-time with Cindy Lou Who and a craft. Don’t forget the camera!
When: Saturday, December 7 – 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center – 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora
Ages: 2Y & up
Register online
The Nutcracker
Join us at Prisco Community Center, when our Steppin’ Out Dance Studio presents the beautiful ballet that has been a holiday classic for generations. At a Christmas Eve party, Clara is given a nutcracker doll that leads her into a dream world. Join us for a modern take on this family friendly classic.
When: Friday, December 13 (7 p.m.), Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15 (2 p.m.)
Where: Prisco Community Center – 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Ages: All ages
Register online
Breakfast with Santa
Join us for a morning of celebration with Santa Clause! Parents and children will enjoy breakfast, make a craft keepsake, and have the opportunity to talk and take a picture with Santa.
When: Saturday, December 21 – 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Prisco Community Center – 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Ages: 1Y & up
Register online
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Visit Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival, including one million twinkling lights, a talking tree, skating rink, carolers, ice carvers and more. Registration fee includes admission, snacks and transportation.
When: Saturday, December 21 – 4 to 9 p.m.
Where: Pick-up at Prisco Community Center – 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Ages: 5Y & up
Register online
Family New Year’s Eve Bash
Help ring in 2020 at a family-friendly hour! Partygoers can bounce in inflatables, play games, participate in interactive entertainment and dance to music! There will be a countdown and balloon drop at noon. Pre-registration by noon on December 30 includes admission, party favors, and a snack.
When: Tuesday, December 31 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora
Ages: 2Y & up
Register online
An Enchanted Afternoon Fit for a Princess
Join Elsa, Anna, Belle, Ariel, and Moana for an enchanted afternoon of games, activities, and a deliciously dainty dessert. Dress up in your favorite princess outfit and join us for this special event ‘fit for a princess’. Register by Jan. 4 for discounted pricing!
When: Saturday, January 11 – 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Rd., Aurora
Age: 2Y to 9Y
Register online
Daddy/Daughter Winter Wonderland Dance
Daddies and daughters will dance, make a craft, take pictures, and have fun with characters from ‘FROZEN’ as they enjoy an evening at the Winter Wonderland Dance! Price is per person and includes delicious refreshments.
When: Friday, January 17 – 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Ages: All are welcome
Register online
Turtle-y Awesome Super Bowl Prediction Party
Learn about box turtles – where they live, what they eat and their survival adaptations! Enjoy light refreshments, a few games and watch our turtle ambassadors predict the winner of the Super Bowl!
When: Saturday, February 1 – 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S. River St. (Rte. 25), Batavia
Ages: 5Y & up
Register online
FREE Family Fun Fair
Join us for some family fun! We will have entertainment, games, program demonstrations, inflatables, food and raffles!
When: Saturday, February 15 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora
Ages: All are welcome
