KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Sun, Dec 14: Storytime with the Grinch at Blackberry Farm (Dec 6 SOLD OUT) 2025
Fri, Dec 19: Holiday Express at Blackberry Farm
Fri, Dec 19: The Aurora Festival of Lights
Sat, Dec 20: Candy
Cane Hunt at Kies Recreation Center at Elmhurst Park District
Sat, Dec 20: Ballet Chicago Presents The Nutcracker
Sun, Dec 21: The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party at Chicago Children’s Theatre Wed, Dec 24: Breakfast with Santa at Timber Ridge
Fri, Dec 26: Winter Break Day Camps at Funtopia
Sat, Dec 27: Field Favorites in ASL At the Field Museum Wed, Dec 31: New Year’s Eve at ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Fri, Jan 2: Flick & Float: Finding Nemo at Community Recreation Center- Schaumburg, IL
Sat, Jan 3: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Sun, Jan 4: Lightscape 2025 at the Chicago Botanic Garden |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my own
parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them to
grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd. Chicagoland’s favorite holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever! ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd twinkles with more than 3 million lights, hundreds of nostalgic LED displays, and festive experiences that capture the magic of the season. Step into a world of sparkle and shine as you stroll through the dazzling holiday light tunnel. Take a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel and catch some of the best views of the Chicago skyline amid twinkling lights. Indulge in hot chocolate, snack on fresh churros, or roast s’mores on an open fire. You’ll find Santa Claus in Pepper Family Wildlife Center nightly from 4:30–9 p.m. through December 23. **Due to high guest volumes, we highly encourage you to buy entry tickets in advance. A limited number of tickets may be available for purchase at the gates.** General public ticket onsale starts on Tuesday, October 7 at 10 a.m. CT
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Step into an enchanting 1.3-mile trail of twinkling lights and showstopping displays expertly curated anew each year. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and see the Chicago Botanic Garden glow beyond the expected. Bold. Artistic. Unforgettable. Tickets are on sale now for all. Book in advance and secure your preferred slot; popular dates and times go fast!
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Experience the Magic of Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier! Get ready to relive cherished memories and create magical new moments at Chicago’s favorite indoor holiday experience, complete with dazzling décor, thrilling rides, ice skating, and seasonal fun for all ages. Spot twinkly light displays and playful pops of holiday cheer inside Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, take in the towering 42-foot Holiday Tree, and discover endless ways to play. From heart-pumping rides like the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity to fan favorites like the classic kiddie train, electric bumper cars and the new motorcycle jump, plus bounce houses and slides, there’s something fun waiting around every corner.
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Presented in Symphony Center's intimate Buntrock Hall, Once Upon a Symphony weaves chamber music performed by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with storytelling, sets, costumes and multimedia to create a captivating and magical introduction to live music for children aged 3-5. In the Ugly Duckling, a young duckling is teased for being different. After facing loneliness and other struggles, the duckling matures into a stunning swan, realizing true beauty comes from within. Explore this musical portrait of self-discovery, acceptance and inner strength. Once Upon a Symphony is designed to introduce children ages 3 to 5 to the world of classical music and the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Ignite your child’s imagination with vivid storytelling and small ensemble performances, as well as sets, costumes and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre. Produced and presented in partnership with Chicago Children’s Theatre.
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We’re lighting up the night this holiday season! Returning with a brand new light display, celebrate more than 40 years of Holiday Magic. Now with more than 3.5 million lights, this spectacular interactive display transforms the Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stroll through themed areas featuring giant holiday displays, a maze, tunnels, and animal-themed lights. Experience the magic that has made this event a beloved holiday tradition.
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Step into the magic of Whoville this holiday season! Families are invited to enjoy a whimsical morning filled with Grinchy games, festive crafts, holiday treats, and special photo-ops with both the Grinch and Santa Claus! Meet Cindy Lou Who, design Who-themed keepsakes that may just make your heart grow three sizes. This open-house-style event allows guests to move through activities at their own pace. An adult must accompany each child. Registration is per child; limit two adults per family. Some activities include food - participants with allergies may be exposed to allergens. Children under 2.5 years of age are free to attend with a registered family member, but please note that activities may be geared towards older participants.
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Four adorable Beatrix Potter favorites come to life in this mesmerizing, interactive trunk and puppet show, complete with original music. Storytellers weave Potter’s classic narration with gentle interactive moments, recruiting young watchers to join the adventure. After the show, head to the lobby to play with the puppets, take pictures with the cast, and join fellow Chicago families for a communal holiday party featuring a festive spread of holiday treats!
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Paint 4 flat ornaments with Grinchy! Enjoy holiday refreshments, take pictures with Grinchy, and enjoy this extra special holiday event! Every year this is a HUGE hit - and sells out very quickly!! Grinchy will make his grand entrance at 10:30 am so you will want to arrive on time at 10am so you can get situated and don't miss it!
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Santa is arriving by helicopter at Schaumburg Regional Airport, and you’re invited to give him a warm welcome! While you wait for Santa in the airport’s hangar, enjoy a buffet breakfast or lunch (dependent on the time slot) plus holiday music and crafts. As Santa approaches, the hangar doors will open to watch him land! Santa will disembark from the helicopter; bring your phone or camera to take a photo with him! There is complimentary registration for children ages 2 and younger; all attending family members must register. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the entire event. Doors open 30 minutes before the event start time; please dress for the weather. Seating is first come-first served.
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- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Chicago - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, December 5, 2025 to Sunday, December 7, 2025 (See link for times)
- WPB First Friday in December - Wicker Park-Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, North Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA, Friday, December 5, 2025 (6 pm - 8 pm)
- WPB First Friday in January - Wicker Park-Bucktown
Chamber of Commerce, North Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA, Friday, December 5, 2025 (6 pm - 8 pm)
- SOUTHPORT HOLIDAY STROLL & COCKTAIL CRAWL - Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce, West Addison Street, Chicago, IL, USA, Friday, December 5, 2025 (5 - 9 pm)
- 2025 Snow Much Fun at Westmont Veterans Memorial Park - Veterans Memorial Park, East Richmond Street, Westmont, IL, USA, Friday,
December 5, 2025 (5 - 8 pm)
- Book Builders at Harold Washington - Chicago Public Library, South State Street, Chicago, IL, USA, Friday, December 5, 2025 (10 - 11 am)
- Journey to Bethlehem - Faith United Church of Tinley Park - Faith United Presbyterian Church, 167th Street, Tinley Park, IL, USA, Friday, December 5, 2025 to Saturday, December 6, 2025 (5:00 to 7:30)
- Festival of Lights & Tree Sale at Cosley Zoo 2025 - Cosley Zoo, North Gary Avenue, Wheaton, IL, USA, Friday, December 5, 2025 to Sunday, December 7, 2025 (9 am - 9 pm)
- 2025 Westmont Frosty & Friends Parade - Westmont, IL, USA, Saturday, December 6, 2025 (5 pm)
- Family Story Time at Harold Washington - Chicago Public Library, South State Street, Chicago, IL, USA,
Saturday, December 6, 2025 (10 - 10:30 am)
- North Shore Winter Classic Skating Competition - Centennial Ice Arena, Trail Way, Highland Park, IL, USA, Sunday, December 7, 2025 (8:00 am - 5:00 pm)
- Parachute Play at Harold Washington - Chicago Public Library, South State Street, Chicago, IL, USA, Sunday, December 7, 2025 (3 - 3:30 pm)
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Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Trees in the Chicago area November & December are times of contrast: The gray days outside herald the coming of the holidays, so we make ourselves warm and cozy
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for Chicago is loaded with our traditional 101 ideas for local holiday fun. Santa sightings, Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's
Eve.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Chicago area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Chicago Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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