Wonderland Express

WHAT: Check out the winter wonderland of twinkling lights at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Outside, 750,000 white lights welcome your family as you walk and view the winter beauty. Inside, the exhibition of miniature trains winds over bridges, under trestles, past waterfalls and through 80 mini-replicas of Chicago’s favorite landmarks. This exhibit is sure to bring out the child in us all.

WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden- 1000 Lake Cook Road- Glencoe Illinois 60022

WHEN: Jan. 2-4

COST: Tickets are $9-$12 for non members

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.chicago-botanic.org/ or call 847-835-5440

Snow Much Fun

WHAT: Tired of freezing outside? Come skate in your socks in the indoor skating rink as you pretend you’re on ice. Show off your fashion style as you dress a snowman in traditional or wacky winter outfits. You can even build a snow fort using ice blocks made from a variety of materials. Come experience indoor frosty fun for the whole family.

WHERE: Chicago Children’s Museum

WHEN: Jan. 2-4

COST: Children under one and members = free, children and adults = $9, seniors = $8

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/snowmuchfun.html

Holiday Message

Enjoy the Chi-Town weather and have a safe, happy holiday. We will return in 2009 with lots of great activities for you to enjoy.

The Day Santa Canceled Christmas

WHAT: Bring the entire family to a fun performance of this Christmas tale courtesy of Studio One Productions. As the tale is told, the world seems to have forgotten about Santa. Feeling unpopular, he decides to let the elves give him a makeover. Will this be enough to get Santa back in gear, or will he cancel Christmas? Time is ticking and the big day is in danger.

WHERE: Chicago Center for The Performing Arts (777 N Green Street Chicago, IL 60622)

WHEN: Dec. 19th COST: $10 per ticket

NEED MORE INFO: Call (312) 437-7373 or visit http://studioonedancetheatre.com

Teddy Bear Tea

WHAT: Bring your child along with his favorite stuffed friend and experience the teddy bear workshop while you meet special guests. Enjoy story telling, holiday world music, and a special holiday tea buffet in true English fashion. To celebrate the holiday spirit of giving, each ticket will go to the purchase of a teddy bear to be donated a group of three local hospitals.

WHERE: The Grill on the Alley at The Westin Chicago (909 North Michigan AvenueChicago, IL 60610)

WHEN: Dec. 20th at 2:00pm – 4:00pm

COST: Ticket prices vary from $27-$45

NEED MORE INFO: Call 312-212-4372 or visit http://www.emeofchicago.com

Santa & Toy Extravaganza

WHAT: Join Loretto Hospital for this fun filled event. It’s their 17th Annual Visit With Santa Toy Extravaganza! All children 12 and under who attend will receive a free toy. More than 2,000 are expected!

WHERE: Columbus Park Refectory - 5701 W. Jackson Blvd Chicago, IL 60644

WHEN: Saturday, December 13th from 10:00am – 1:00pm

COST: Free!

NEED MORE INFO: (773) 854-5063

Drop In Art Day

WHAT: Bring the entire family for a chance to explore their creativity at the Art Center. Drop in for a day of art activities and performances everyone will enjoy. By the way, this drop in art day is free to all!!

WHERE: The Hyde Park Art Center – 5020 S. Cornell Ave. Chicago, IL 60615

WHEN: December 14th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm

COST: Free!

NEED MORE INFO: Call 773-324-5520 or visit generalinfo@hydeparkart.org

Santa Brunch Cruise

WHAT: Enjoy a two-hour holiday Odyssey brunch cruise, complete with all of the trimmings, a bountiful buffet, live entertainment and a visit with Santa! Children can sit on Santa's lap as well as have their picture taken with him on board. You will receive one complimentary photo per family. Additional photos will be available for purchase.

WHERE: Odyssey Cruises is located at 600 E. Grand Ave at Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 7th from 1:00pm-3:00pm (boarding begins at 12:00pm)

COST: $54.90/adult, $27.45/child (age 3-11), infants under 3 are free

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.pyireservations.com/iebms/coe/coe_p2_details.aspx?eventid=40118&oc=10&cc=chicago or call 888-957-2322

A Christmas Carol

WHAT: Enjoy the Charles Dickens classic following the holiday celebration of Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve. Before the show, you can attend the Christmas reception featuring a visit from Santa, hot coco, milk, and cookies. Children will also be given a goodie bag to take home.

WHERE: The Raue Center For the Arts – Crystal Lake, IL

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 6th at 3:00pm (pre-show Christmas reception at 2:00pm)

COST: Show Tickets: $22-$25 (pre-show tickets: $10 for children and $5 for adults)

NEED MORE INFO: Visit http://www.rauecenter.org/whats-on/2008/12/christmascarol/