When it comes to sledding, skating and skiing, we’re sorta at the mercy of Mother Nature, but no matter the weather, plenty of cool programs and activities await this winter season.

Get started by checking out these upcoming 10 events, or visit our calendar pages for a full lineup of winter adventures.

Holiday Express
With a nod to the treasured 2004 movie, Holiday Express delivers a real-life, magical experience at Blackberry Farm, including a 10-minute train ride to the virtual North Pole. Festive music, holiday-themed activities and all of the season’s fuzzy feelings await. Don’t wait on grabbing tickets – dates tend to sell out quickly!
When: Thursdays-Sundays in December (through Dec. 19)
Where: Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
Ages: All
Purchase tickets online

Wine and Canvas
Unleash your creative vibes in a casual, social setting at Blackberry Farm. An instructor will guide you through, as you create your own canvas painting. Bring a bottle of wine, snacks and a few friends to enjoy this lively evening.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 8, Jan. 19 & Feb. 23
Where: Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
Ages: 18+
Register online

The Nutcracker
Steppin’ Out Dance Studio presents its adaptation of the enormously popular, two-act ballet. Performed by countless ballet companies, especially around Christmastime, Tchaikovsky’s score has become one of his famous compositions.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 & 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12
Where: Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Avenue, Aurora
Ages: All
Get tickets online

Brunch with the Grinch
Feast not on roast beast, but on a Grinch-themed buffet nonetheless, and enjoy story-time with Cindy Lou Who at the Vaughan Athletic Center. Photo ops abound with one of the season’s most recognizable characters. (We’ll leave it to you to debate Boris Karloff vs. Jim Carrey.)
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora
Ages: All
Register online

Family New Year’s Eve Bash
Know of any kiddos who vow to stay awake til midnight, only to slip into a snooze well before the playing of Auld Lang Syne? They won’t miss the clock strike 12 – noon, that is! – at this Vaughan Athletic Center party, which features inflatables, games, music, a countdown and balloon drop!
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora
Ages: 2+
Register online

FREE Nutrition Seminar Series with AMITA Health
The second in our three-part workshop series guides you through the essential steps of developing a healthy eating pattern that matches your health goals, food preferences, and lifestyle demands. The series is led by Katherine Baunach, AMITA Health Registered Dietitian. Though free, pre-registration is required.
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12
Where: Eola Community Center, 555. S. Eola Road, Aurora
Ages: 11+
Pre-register online

Paint with Pikachu
Gotta paint ‘em all! Head on over to the Vaughan Athletic Center to paint a Pokemon-themed flowerpot to take home. All participants will be treated to a snack and Pikachu himself will be stopping by to see the young artists at work!
When: 10-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora
Ages: 6+
Register online

Frosty Fest
Once the holidays have passed, winter remains – and it’s tough to beat frosted fun at Red Oak Nature Center! Take a self-guided trail hike on our Illuminated Snowflake and Storybook trails, before warming up with hot cocoa and roasted marshmallows around the campfire.
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29
Where: Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S. River Street (Rte. 25), Batavia
Ages: All
Register online

Matilda
Bring the whole family to enjoy our Winter Stage presentation of Disney’s 1996 blockbuster, which tells the story of Matilda Wormwood – a gifted girl forced to put up with a distant, crude mom and dad.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4 & 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5
Where: Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Avenue, Aurora
Ages: All
Tickets on sale in January

Paint Your Pet’s Portrait
Now this is the cat’s meow. Every dog has its day? Regardless, take a midweek paws (sorry) and come join us at Blackberry Farm to create a painting of your pet! Your pet will be pre-sketched from the photo you provide and our talented instructor will walk you through all the steps. Bring a fave beverage and snacks!
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16
Where: Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
Ages: 18+
Register online