As December rolls along, enjoy holiday fun at Chicago French Market, Northbrook Court, and Gorton Community Center. Plus, skate with Santa in your best “Star Wars” gear at Westfield Old Orchard and explore seasonal masterpieces at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago.
Jinglefest
Dec. 16
Chicago
Visit Chicago French Market for cookie decorating, photos with Santa, a Santa Styling Station with Great Clips, a Letters to Santa station, and more.
“Star Wars” Skating with Santa
Dec. 16
Skokie
Excited for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”? Fill your entire weekend with “Star Wars” fun at this Westfield Old Orchard event. Dress as your favorite character for a chance to win prizes, take photos with Santa, and skate! You can bring your own skates or rent a pair.
Holiday Bricktacular
Dec. 16-17
Schaumburg
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago’s holiday celebration is back with holiday-themed LEGO builds and activities like photo opportunities with a LEGO sleigh and a scavenger hunt throughout a winter wonderland. The fun continues next weekend (Dec. 23-24) too.
Gingerbread House Decorating Party
Dec. 17
Lake Forest
Join Gorton Community Center for its first-ever Gingerbread House Decorating Party. Bennison’s Bakery will provide the houses, and your family will be able to sip hot chocolate and listen to holiday music as you decorate.
Chanukah Wonderland
Dec. 17-18
Northbrook
Visit Northbrook Court for a dreidel bounce house, doughnut and cookie decorating, crafts, and more from Chabad Israeli Center and Chabad of Northbrook.
Give Back Opportunity
- The Wild Child Toys in Glencoe is collecting toys to deliver and donate to Northwestern University Settlement House. The store is also offering a 20 percent discount on all toys purchased for the Toy Drive, which continues through Dec. 18.
More from Make It Better:
- The Better Gift Guide
- Chicagoans Share Their Favorite Holiday Traditions
- Here’s the Only Hanukkah Latke Recipe You Will Ever Need
Anna Carlson writes the weekly 5 Things to Do column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of Glenbrook South High School and the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
