Add a dash of adventure to your season’s festivities by checking out holiday events and activities across the Fox Valley Park District! Peep a few stocking stuffers below to get you started and be sure to visit the Events Calendar for a full lineup of holiday-themed fun!
Fall Craft Fair
Shop local this holiday season from more than 30 crafters at Prisco Community Center! Spruce up your home décor, or get a head start on your holiday shopping — admission is free! (Note: Please access Illinois Avenue/Prisco Center from Lake Street on the west side of the Fox River. Due to an event on the Fox River Trail, Illinois Avenue will be closed at Broadway.)
When: Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Prisco Community Center
Ages: 18+
Holiday Express
Blackberry Farm transforms into a winter wonderland amid thousands of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and happy holiday music. Take a ride on the Holiday Express train and hop aboard the hay wagon, too. Back in the historic pioneer village, enjoy stops at the North Pole Oasis (Santa sighting!), Candy Cane Village, Little Elf Shoppe, Sugar Plum Playland, Gingerbread School House and more!
When: Friday, Dec. 6 (Special Needs Night), 13 & 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Blackberry Farm
Ages: All
Sugar Plum Fairy Tea
Dress in your holiday best and kick off the season in style at an elegant tea party. Enjoy delectable treats from the Land of Sweets, holiday music, crafts, entertainment, and photo opportunities with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker dancers! (Both child and adult need to register.)
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Prisco Community Center
Ages: 2+
The Great Gingerbread Bake Off
Bond with the fam and partake in some friendly competition during an extra sweet holiday activity. Families, you’ll have 90 minutes to “build” and decorate your best gingerbread house to present to our panel of judges for the chance to take home fun prizes. Registration includes families up to 4. Gingerbread kits and all the fixings will be provided. Register by December 4 for discounted pricing!
When: Friday, Dec. 6, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Eola Community Center
Ages: 2+
Splashing with Santa
Swim ‘n splash in the Leisure Pool and chill with the jolly old elf before he trades his snorkel for his sleigh! A party host will assist in taking photos at “Santa’s Surf Shack,” Santa’s elves will lend helping hands as children make a holiday craft to take home, and guests will receive a “Splashing with Santa” magnetic picture frame!
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center
Ages: 2+
Holiday Fun with the Grinch & Cindy Lou Who
Hang out with everybody’s favorite holiday humbug-turned-hero and his sweet little sidekick for cocoa & cookies, singing and story time, crafts, and Whoville Bingo! Stop by the Vaughan Athletic Center for some festive fun for the whole family.
When: Saturday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center
Ages: All
Family New Year’s Eve Bash
For the little party animals who fall just a few hours short of ringing in the “real” New Year, this mid-day celebration guarantees no one will miss any of the excitement! Bring the family to enjoy inflatables, crafts, games, a DJ and – of course – the balloon drop at noon sharp!
When: Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center
Ages: 2+
