High Spirits abound as friends of all ages call out greetings and enjoy surprises around every corner.
Jingle Mingle
November 23, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Burr Ridge Parkway
With a kid’s parade at 6 p.m. and Santa’s arrival at 6:15 p.m., this early kick start looks to be a welcome way to begin Thanksgiving week. There will be children’s activities and ornaments to paint at Color Me Mine along with carriage and train rides.
Clarendon Hills Christmas Walk
December 6
Downtown Clarendon Hills
Things get started at 5 p.m. with Santa and the Elves arriving at the Ken Sloan Triangle at 7 p.m. This is not only the spot to sip cider, greet friends, and stroll through the shops, but also to purchase your luminaria supplies for the season. The Clarendon Hills Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago kicks off their annual sale this evening.
The Nutcracker and Sugar Plum Party
November 30 and December 1
Salt Creek Ballet at Hinsdale Central Auditorium, 5500 S. Grant Street, Hinsdale
Budding ballerinas and their families love interacting with the cast at The Sugarplum Party following the second local performance of the holiday classic. Salt Creek Ballet makes this annual afternoon special and the ideal introduction to a live performance for even very young children. For tickets, call 630-769-1199, or visit saltcreekballet.org.
Polar Express
December 17, 4:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Oak Brook Family Recreation Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook
Sign up for a “train ride” from the Family Recreation Center to meet Santa at the North Pole (Central Park West). Activities will include crafts, a reading of The Polar Express, bounce houses, refreshments, and more family fun. Register through the Oak Brook Park District.
Hinsdale Christmas Walk
December 6, 4 to 8 p.m.
Downtown Hinsdale and Burlington Park
High Spirits abound as friends of all ages call out greetings and enjoy surprises around every corner—a train, a Stormtrooper, Radio Disney, and fresh-baked cookies. Santa’s arrival officially opens Storybook Village, where he and “Cookie,” the gingerbread man, will spend the weeks leading up to Christmas listening to wish lists.
Illustrations by Patricia van Essche
