Kid Crazy Holidays and Activities

Kid Crazy Holidays

Looking for the latest and greatest kids’ holiday activities on the North Shore? We’ve got you covered! And, don’t forget to check back because we’re adding events all the time so you have the latest Insider information.

Take out your calendar and a festive marker to fill in these dates:

Parties and Parades

Highland Park:
Event: Reindeer Romp
December 8, 10 a.m.
Location: West Ridge Center
636 Ridge Rd.
847-831-381
Kids can hunt for candy canes, enjoy hot chocolate and get up close with live reindeer!

Northbrook:
Event: Daddy/Daughter Holiday Jewelry Making
Date: November 29. 6:30 - 7:3 0 p.m.
Northbrook Leisure Center, 3323 Walters
847.291.2995
Cost: $35, $40 for non-residents
Here's a chance for Dad and his favorite little girl to spend some quality time together during the holiday season! Glitzy Girlz staff will pull out all the stops with crystals and color to make some of the cutest jewelry and even more important - fantastic memories to cherish!

Glenview:
Event: Holiday in the Park & Parade
Date: Saturday, November 24th at 12 p.m.
Location: Parade starts at Our Lady of Perpetual Help on the corner of Church and Glenview Rds. and ends at Jackman Park
Festivities in the park include a visit with Santa, hayrides, and munching on cookies, hot chocolate and popcorn.

Date: Saturday, December 15th, 12 - 2 p.m.
Event: Meet Frosty The Snowman
Location: Glen Town Center, Navy Park (between Mitchell’s Fish Market and Bravo!)
Come hang out with Frosty at the Glen Town Center - and don’t forget to bring your camera!

Winnetka:
Event: "WINNETKA Winterfest Celebration"
Dates: December 1 - 2
Includes elementary school singing groups along with professional carolers, an open horse and wagon, Mrs. Claus, soothing complimentary refreshments, and a wonderland of unique gifts for the holidays! Treat yourself to unparalleled customer service from friendly, helpful salespeople. Enjoy shopping and fun without the hassle of crowded malls!

Glencoe:
Event: Reindog Parade at Chicago Botanic Garden
Date: December 1, Registration at 11 a.m.
Location: 1000 Lake Cook Rd.
The Chicago Botanic Garden hosts its the fifth annual Reindog Parade. On this day only, dogs are allowed in the Garden. Cleverly costumed canines march the parade route with Santa in the lead carrying a giant bone baton -- to celebrate the holiday season. Reindog festivities include registration from:
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and judging by celebrities from noon to 1 p.m.
The parade steps off at 1:15 p.m., and judges award prizes beginning at 2:15 p.m. Other activities include a visit and photo opportunity with Santa, and demonstrations by dog experts. Free for spectators; $15 parking fee.

Lake Forest:
Event: Christmas Time Holiday Brunch
Location:Deer Path Inn, 255 E. Illinois Rd.
Date: Saturday, December 8, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This festive holiday event is sponsored by the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Junior Women's Club. The event includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and a 9:00 and 11:00 seating for brunch. Games, balloons, crafts and a magician round out the program to delight children throughout the morning; a portrait photographer will also be on hand to capture photo memories of families dressed in their holiday finery.

Advance reservations for brunch and portrait sittings are required. Magic Show Times are 10:00 and 12:00. Ticket cost is $46 for adults and $22 for children under 12. Family portrait sittings are offered for an additional fee. For more information, contact Julie Mangione at 847-235-5333.

All proceeds from the event go to the Lake County Haven, a transitional home that shelters local women and children in need.

Meals With “The Man”

Glenview:
Event: Breakfast With Santa
Date: December 1st, 8th and 15th, 9, 10 and 11:30 a.m - depending on date
Location: 800 Shermer Rd.
847.657.3200
Cost: $13 per person, plus tax and tip
It's a breakfast buffet with the Big Guy! Enjoy a meal with the kids and watch their eyes light up at the chance to break bread with Santa. Call for reservations!

Event: Breakfast With Santa
Date: December 9th, 9 - 11 a.m.
Location: The Glen Town Center, in the space between Jos. A. Banks and Mitchell’s Fish Market on Navy Dr.
847.724.2025
Cost: FREE
Enjoy a special breakfast provided by Eggsperience while visiting with Santa at the Glen Town Center. You’re encouraged to bring your camera and attendees will also receive a special gift. Space is limited, so call for reservations!

Glencoe:
Event: Supper With Santa
Date: Thursday, December 20
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd.
Cost: Adults, $28.95; Kids 3 - 12, $17.95; 0 - 2 are free
It's a dinner buffet with the big guy! Your dinner ticket also gains you exclusive access to the Garden's WonderLand Express exhibit. Call ahead for reservations.

Northbrook:
Event: Breakfast With Santa
Date: Saturday, December 8, 9 a.m.
Location: Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave.
Fees: $10 for residents, $15 for non-residents

Skokie, Northbrook:
Event: Macy’s Breakfast With Santa
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, November 24 through December 16. Call 1-800-206-1995 for your closest locations available dates and times.
Location: Old Orchard Shopping Center, Northbrook Court
Cost: $16 per person, $12 for children under 10.
Enjoy holiday stories, entertainment and a yummy breakfast with Santa himself. Doors open at 8:45 a.m., with breakfast at 9 a.m. Reserve your tickets early by calling 1-800-206-1995. Seating is limited, and remember to bring your camera for photos with Santa.

Lake Bluff:
Date: Saturday, December 8, 8 - 11 a.m.
Location: Grace United Methodist Church, 244 E. Center Avenue in Lake Bluff.
For more information, call 847-234-4150.

Evanston:
Event: Santa Sightings
Date: December 8th and 9th, 12 - 4 p.m.
Location: Sherman Plaza passageway between LA Fitness and Barnes and Noble
Cost: FREE
Bring your camera along to catch that special moment with your kids as they whisper into Santa's ear. you'll even get a free goodie bag, with coupons to use while downtown shopping.

Tree/Menorah Lightings

Highland Park:
Date: November 17, 2:30 - 5 p.m.
Location: Port Clinton Plaza
Enjoy holiday festivities on Port Clinton Plaza such as the HPHS marching band, tree lighting, caroling, sleigh rides and watch Santa arrive on a fire truck. Port Clinton Square is located at Central between First and Second Streets, in downtown Highland Park.

Evanston:
Date: November 20, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Fountain Square in Downtown Evanston

Lake Forest:
Date: Friday, November 23, 4:45 p.m.
Location: Western Ave. at the Depot Building, west of the railroad tracks.
Caroling and music by Lake Forest High School choristers begins at 4:45 p.m. The lights are set aglow at 5:15 p.m. Western Avenue, between Deerpath and Westminster, will be closed to traffic from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For children and the young-at-heart, there will be a special visit by Santa Claus along with hot chocolate, donuts and cider.

Glencoe:
Date: Friday, November 23, 5 p.m.
Location: Corner of Park and Vernon
The official beginning of the holiday season in Glencoe is Friday afternoon, November 23, the day after Thanksgiving. Join your friends and neighbors as the community gathers at 5:00 p.m. in front of the holiday tree at Park and Vernon for the official tree lighting. Santa will join the festivities via a ride in a fire truck to the big tree, refreshments will be provided by several Glencoe merchants and the Department of Public Safety and the Chamber of Commerce will provide entertainment. Come join this annual tradition!

Gift Shopping Events

Lake Forest:
For Children Only! Holiday Shop
Date: Wednesday, December 5
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Gorton Community Center presents its annual holiday shop where children can shop for their families, friends and teachers in a special shop where gifts supplied by local merchants are all priced $10 and under. "Elves" help the little shoppers and the "Granny Wrappers" of Lake Forest Place wrap each gift. Parents and siblings can share refreshments in the "parents lounge".

For children 10 and under. No admission charge. Advance reservations not required. It is suggested that children age 5 and under come from 1-3 p.m., when the shop is less busy.

Gorton Community Center
400 E. Illinois Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-234-6060
www.gortoncenter.org

Letters To Santa

Northbrook:
Events: Residents can write to:
“Santa Claus”
c/o Northbrook Park District Leisure Center
3323 Walters Ave. Northbrook, IL 60062
There’s a mailbox also outside Leisure Center for your convenience. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope - letters must be received by Dec. 14. Include your phone number if you‘d like a call to your kids! Calls from Santa to kids made week of Dec. 17 after 4 p.m.

Phone Calls From Santa

Glencoe:
Glencoe Park District has Santa ready to telephone all of his Glencoe friends! He will make a personal call to any child on Monday or Tuesday afternoon, December 3 or 4. To arrange for a call, please fill out a Santa phone flyer at the Park District office AFTER NOVEMBER 5 and BEFORE 5 pm on NOVEMBER 28.