Top 10 Santa Events in Chicagoland and Northern Illinois
Santa at The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in Chicago presented by Harris
Brookfield
Santa at Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield, IL 60513
(708) 688-8000
http://www.czs.org/czs/events
Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways.
Santa at Holiday Magic Days and Hours: 2011
Saturday & Sunday December 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th 4 pm to 9 pm
Please note Santa will not be at Holiday Magic on weekends after Christmas, he is there through Sunday, December 18th.
Admission: Admission to Holiday Magic is $13.50 for adults and $9.50 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Holiday Magic is free for Zoo members. Parking is $9. Photos are available for purchase or you can take your own pictures.
Brookfield Zoo is lit up in a blaze of close to a million beautiful lights during the Holiday Magic weekends when Santa and Mrs. Claus can be found there visiting with children. Besides the old guy , who will be at Candy Cane Corner, just some of the things to see and do include ice-carving demonstrations, live musical performances, the Elf Express mini train, storytellers, costumed characters and magicians. Holiday Magic includes over one-hundred gigantic light displays—and remember you’ll be at the zoo so don’t forget to look for some of your favorite animals! Many of the animal exhibits remain open during Holiday Magic.
Please note on weekends in December there are Breakfasts with Santa at at the Brookfield Zoo for details click on the link above and scroll down to "Brookfield".
Mrs. Claus and Santa at Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Chicago
Santa at The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Presented by Harris
on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago
The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association
625 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 401
Chicago, IL 60505
(312) 642-3570
www.themagnificentmile.com
The Magnificent Mile on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue is a world renowned mile of shopping, hotels, dining, culture and entertainment. Every year in November “The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival®” is one of the premier holiday events in the Chicago area.
Date of Festival - Saturday, November 19th, 2011
Schedule of Events 2011:
11 am - 4 pm Harris Stage, Pioneer Court, 401 North Michigan Avenue - Top musical artists will be performing all day.
5:30 pm - 7 pm From Oak Street to Wacker Drive - Procession down Michigan Avenue when the street comes to life, marching bands, colorful floats and Santa Claus in all his glory.
6:55 pm - The Allstate Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River.
7 pm to 10 pm - Extended shopping hours at many of the Magnificant Mile stores.
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT
When more than a million lights go on on the trees on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago you know the Holiday season is officially under way. While there are so many competing festive happenings to experience all day, don’t forget to take the children to see Santa Claus at his booth in Pioneer Court. You can also catch him meeting with the little ones way up in the John Hancock Observatory.
UL Santa House and Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
in Chicago
Daley Plaza
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 744-3315
www.explorechicago.org/specialevents
Santa House Days and Hours: 2011 November 23rd - December 24th
Wednesday - November 23rd - 6 pm - 8 pm
Thursday - November 24th Thanksgiving Day - 11 am - 4 pm
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays November 25th through December 23rd
11 am - 8 pm—Santa takes a break from 3 pm to 4 pm on these days only
Saturday - December 24th Christmas Eve - 11 am - 4 pm
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - UL is offering free pictures with Santa or you can take your own pictures.
You’ll find jolly old St. Nick in the heart of downtown Chicago in the gaily decorated UL Santa House near the Christmas tree in Daley Plaza. Santa’s house shares the Plaza with the authentic Christkindlmarket, a month long open air traditional German holiday market, where you can enjoy native foods, crafts and shopping from over forty vendors in timber booths. There’s plenty of holiday entertainment and cheer for both adults and children at this winter wonderland.
More information on the Christkindlmarket can be found at their website: http://www.christkindlmarket.com/
UL Santa House at Daley Plaza - photo courtesy Mayor's Office of Special Events
Santa at John Hancock Observatory
in Chicago
875 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(888) 875-VIEW
www.jhochicago.com
The John Hancock Center is located in downtown Chicago’s Michigan Avenue on what is known as the “Magnificent Mile”. The Center is open every day 9 am to 11 pm—the last elevator is 10:30 pm.
Santa Days and Hours: 2011
Open Weekends: November 5th through December 24th -12 Noon to 4 pm
Admission: Tickets are $15 for adults, one child, age three to eleven is free for each paying adult
At almost 1,000 feet over the city the John Hancock Observatory has one of the most spectacular views of Chicago, the surrounding area and Lake Michigan. During November and December, you’ll find the old man with the white beard and Mrs. Claus as well, at their Hancock perch high above the clouds. You’ll also find one of the best model railroad exhibits imaginable. Included in the display is a magical village decked out with beautifully decorated trees, snow covered mountains and numerous trains winding throughout. Special weekend events in 2011 include the kick off, November 5th & 6th with craft time. This is an opportunity for kids of all ages to show their creative side and get into the festive season with crafts on the 94th floor—appropriate for ages five and up. On November 12th & 13th"Cookie Time" is featured, a popular event filled with frostings and decorations. The following weekend, November 19th & 20th you’ll find “The World’s Highest Coloring Competition where the winner will receive a family four pack of Sky High Annual Passes at the John Hancock Observatory. A face painter will be present the weekend of November 26th & 27th to delight the children before they go to visit the big guy.
In addition to Santa visits the John Hancock Observatory also hosts six "Breakfasts With Santa" on weekends in December. For details see the "Meals with Santa" listing and scroll down to "Chicago".
Santa at John Hancock Observatory
Santa at Lincoln Park Zoo
in Chicago
2200 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
www.lpzoo.com
Lincoln Park Zoo is located off Lake Shore Drive at the Fullerton Parkway exit, just minutes north of downtown Chicago. From I-94, exit at either Fullerton Parkway or North Avenue and go east.
Santa Days and Hours: 2011
• Friday, November 25th to Sunday, November 27th: 5 pm to 9 pm
• Friday, December 2nd to Sunday, December 4th: 5 pm to 9 pm
• Friday, December 9th to Sunday, December 11th: 5 pm to 9 pm
• Friday, December 16th though Friday, December 23rd: 5 pm to 9 pm
Note—while Santa won’t be there after December 23rd ZooLights festivities runs nightly from Dec. 16th through January 1st until 9 pm.
(closed December 24th & 25th)
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - admission to the Lincoln Park Zoo is always free, including visits with Santa, photos are available for purchase or you can take your own pictures. Paid parking is available for $17 or $19.
Tell Santa your wish list as lions and tigers watch. Come see the jolly old guy at Lincoln Park Zoo which transforms into a dazzling wonderland with a series of free seasonal festivities. Enter a winter wonderland illuminated by more than two million lights at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Charter One. This holiday classic has become one of the Windy City’s must-see seasonal events. Watch live ice carving then get out of the cold and into the climate conditions found in Africa, Asia, South America and Australia at the Regenstein Small Mammal Reptile House. Animal exhibits stay open late as guests roam the beautiful grounds, prepare family crafts and enjoy the zoo’s incredible animals immersed in an atmosphere unlike any other.
Santa at Lincoln Park Zoo
Santa at Navy Pier in Chicago
Family Pavilion Stage
(West End of Pier close to Imax)
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 606011
(312) 595-7437
www.navypier.com
Santa Days and Hours 2011:
Saturday, November 26th. Guests are invited to Navy Pier’s Grand Staircase on Dock Street to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus. Festivities get under way with a fireworks display at 5 p.m., marking Santa’s arrival by boat. Santa and Mrs. Claus will dock near the Ferris Wheel where they will receive a rousing welcome. Next is a fantastic fireworks display on the Grand Staircase and over Lake Michigan. This ceremony officially kicks off the holiday season at Navy Pier.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at Navy Pier
Starting Sunday, November 27th, Santa and Mrs. Claus can be found on the Family Pavilion Stage, where families and the kids will find them for photos and wish lists right through Christmas Eve.
Santa will be available for photos and wish lists:
November 27th - December 15th, 2011
Friday through Sunday: 11 am to 7 pm
Monday through Thursday: 11 am to 4 pm
Saturday, December 24th, 2011 (Christmas Eve) 11 am to 3 pm
Admission: Admission to Navy Pier is free and visits with Santa only is a
FREE SANTA EVENT.
There is a professional photographer at the event who charges for photos, however you are allowed to take your own pictures if you don’t wish to purchase photos.
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
In addition to Santa Claus at Navy Pier, 2011 is the 11th anniversary of Winter WonderFest which runs from December 2nd through January 8th at Festival Hall.
Dates: December 2nd - January 8th, 2011
Times December 2nd - 17th: Sunday -Thursday 10 am – 5 pm;
Friday & Saturday 10 am – 10 pm
Times December 18th - January 8th: Sunday -Thursday 10 am – 5 pm;
Friday & Saturday 10 am – 10 pm
Special Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve: Saturday, December 24th 10 am to 5 pm
Christmas Day: Sunday, December 25th CLOSED
New Years Eve: Saturday, December 31st 10 am to 8 pm
Location: Navy Pier Festival Hall A & B
Winter WonderFest admission is free. Ticket purchase required for rides and attractions. This is a great place for the kids to enjoy indoor fun and entertainment including ice skating, rides, along with spectacular Christmas lights and trees throughout.
Santa’s home at Navy Pier - photo courtesy
Mayor's Office of Special Events
Santa Claus on the CTA Holiday Train
Chicago Transit Authority
567 W. Lake Street
Chicago, IL 60661
1-888-968-7282
Note: For detailed schedule for the Holiday Train check the CTA website: http://www.transitchicago.com/holidaytrain/
Santa Schedule on the CTA 2011:
Friday, November 25th through Tuesday, December 22nd 2011
Holiday Schedule 2011:
Note: The specific times the trains will be running are not yet available:
The days the CTA Holiday Trains will operate are:
· Green Line: November 25, 26 and 30
· Orange and Brown Lines: December 1-3
· Pink Line: December 7
· Blue Line: December 8-10
· Red Line- December 14, 16, 17 and 20
· Purple Line: December 15, 17 and 21
· Yellow Line: December 22
Admission: Normal fares apply—there is no premium to ride on the Holiday Train
- There is no photographer on the CTA trains so be sure and bring a camera.
Every Christmas season The Chicago Transit Authority gives the citizens of the windy city a marvelous gift—the CTA Holiday train. This spectacular and beautifully lit up train with Santa and his elves, runs on different CTA routes from Friday, November 25th through Tuesday, December 22nd, 2011. The six car train can be seen coming from a long way off, with thousands of brightly colored lights festooning the cars. The interiors of the cars are gaily decorated with a plethora of multi-colored lights, garlands and red bows with poles wrapped to resemble candy canes. Santa arrives in dramatic fashion, on a sleigh in an open flatbed car in the middle of the train—which has been outfitted with reindeer, Christmas trees and luminous shining lights. As the train pulls into a station Santa can be seen greeting the children and boarding passengers and of course ho ho hoing!
The CTA Holiday Train
Elmhurst
Santa at Special Kids Holiday Event
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
Time: 3:30 pm - 8 pm
Sponsor: Special Kids Day Events
Event at: Wilder Mansion
211 Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
www.specialkidsday.org
For additional information:
(630) 530-7700
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT
Every year since 1990, on the first Wednesday in December about four hundred special needs children, with physical and developmental disabilities, and families are treated to a delightful afternoon and evening where they get to bond with Santa Claus. The children have their picture taken, receive specially selected and appropriate toys, enjoy cookies and ice cream and activities such as face painting, visits from clowns and other performers and activities. This event that has been growing in size and popularity every year.
photo courtesy Special Kids Day Events © 2010
Naperville
Santa at Riverwalk in Naperville
Naperville IL 60540
(630) 848-5000
www.napervilleparks.org
Santa House location
Jackson Ave. & Webster St.
(along the Riverwalk)
Santa House Days and Hours 2011:
Fridays December 2nd, 9th & 16th - 5 pm - 8 pm
Saturdays December 3rd, 10th & 17th - Noon - 6 pm
Sundays December 4th, 11th & 18th - Noon - 6 pm
Thursday December 15th - 5 pm - 8 pm
Monday through Thursday December 19th - 23rd - 2 pm - 8 pm
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - Photos are available for purchase in the Santa House or you can take your own pictures.
Naperville residents and families from surrounding communities flock to the little red, white and green house at the Riverwalk every December. This is where they will find Santa ready to meet the little ones and listen to their Christmas wishes.
Every year two favorite events are Special Needs Nights and Pet Night.
Special Needs Nights at Santa House, an evening for children with special needs and their families, will be held on Monday, December 5th through Thursday, December 8th from 5 pm - 8 pm Visits are arranged by appointment to ensure a minimal wait time and an enjoyable experience for the entire family. Reservations, which are required, can be made by calling 630-848-5000. Please note that space is limited.
Pet Night at Santa House, presented by Naperville Animal Hospital, will be held on Thursday, December 1st from 5 pm - 8 pm This is your chance to make your dog or cat part of the family holiday celebrations this year. Santa has a treat for each pet. Reservations also are required for this event. Please call 630-848-5000 to reserve your space.
Santa’s House in Naperville
Wheaton
Santa at the Annual Dickens of a
Christmas Celebration in Wheaton
Friday November 25th through Saturday, December 17th
Downtown Wheaton Association
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 682-0633
www.downtownwhwaton.com
Note—the celebration runs through December 24th
however Santa will be there only through December 17th.
Santa Downtown Days and Hours 2011:
Open Saturday’s only starting November 27th
through December 18th, 2011.
Saturdays - 10 am - 1 pm
Admission: FREE SANTA EVENT - There is a photographer at the Santa site and there is a charge for photos. Please note, personal cameras and photos are permitted.
Santa and Mrs. Clause arrive in Wheaton on Friday, November 25th in grand style starting at 5 pm with Christmas Carols in Martin Plaza. At 5:45 the mayor throws the switch illuminating the great tree. Next there is a spectacular lighted holiday parade, with dazzling floats and storybook costumed characters. Kids can ride the Little Obie locomotive which can be found at the Wheaton Post Office. Many of the merchants will be offering goodies as well as plenty of holiday hospitality for both children and adults. After the parade, horse drawn carriage rides through downtown are available (for a fee) and again on Saturdays through December 17th. Children who want to meet with Santa will have to wait until the next day—visits with the old guy and Mrs. Clause start Saturday, November 26th and for the following three Saturdays. For additional information go to the "Santa Houses" page and scroll down to "Wheaton".
Please note—all of the above events are subject to change without notice