Welcome to the Holiday Edition of What’s Happening Around the Fox Valley Park District! If you’re looking to unwind during the hustle ‘n bustle of the season, consider these family-focused events – each trimmed with a generous dash of holiday spirit – and be sure to peep the Events Calendar for a sleigh-full of holiday-themed adventures and activities!
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:
Thursdays, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fridays, Dec. 1 (Special Needs Night), 8 and 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays, Dec. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Blackberry Farm
Ages: All
Wine & Canvas at The Farm
Create personal holiday-themed masterpieces to spruce-up up your home décor, or gift to a special someone on your list. Bring your favorite bottle of wine, snacks and a few friends, as an instructor guides you through your own canvas creation. November’s painting is entitled “Chickadees and Winterberries” and be sure to like and follow Blackberry Farm’s Facebook page where paintings are posted monthly
When: Wednesday, November 15, and Wednesday, December 6, (both from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.).
Where: Blackberry Farm
Ages: 18+ (21+ to consume alcohol)
The Great Gingerbread Bake-Off
Enjoy bonding with the fam and some friendly competition during an extra sweet holiday activity. Families will have 90 minutes to “build” and decorate their best gingerbread house to present to our panel of judges for the chance to take home fun prizes. Registration includes families up to 4 people. Gingerbread kits and all the fixings will be provided. Register by December 7 for discounted pricing!
When: Friday, December 8, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Eola Community Center
Ages: 2+
The Nutcracker
Bring your loved ones to enjoy a true holiday classic, as our Fox Valley Dance Team presents its adaptation of “The Nutcracker” – an enchanting performance right here in Aurora!
When: Friday, December 8 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 9 at 2 p.m.
Where: Prisco Community Center
Ages: All
Holiday Fun with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who
Join the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who for cocoa & cookies, singing and story time, crafts, and a game of Whoville Bingo! Stop by the Vaughan Athletic Center for some festive fun for the whole family!
When: Saturday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center
Ages: All
Splashing with Santa
Swim ‘n splash in the Leisure Pool and hang out 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, December 16, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center
Ages: 2+
New Year’s Beach Ball Drop Pool Party
Let the countdown begin! Ring in the New Year with a ceremonial beach ball drop! Enjoy a night of zipping down the water slides and taking your turn at the floating obstacle course. Enjoy lively music from a DJ, light refreshments and more! Save $2 with early bird registration, price goes up the day of the event.
When: Saturday, December 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center
Ages: 2+
Family New Year’s Eve Bash
For the littler ones (or maybe mom and dad?) who, try as they might, drift off to sleep before the clock strikes midnight, 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: Sunday, December 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Vaughan Athletic Center
Ages: 2+
