At Macaroni Kid Yorkville - Geneva - St. Charles, we LOVE the holidays! We love everything about them ... driving around looking at light displays, enjoying a good holiday movie as a family, making cookies for friends and family, shopping local for all of our gift giving, going on a neighborhood scavenger hunt, building a snowman, donating toys to kids that are less fortunate, and the list goes on and on. So ... below you will find resources on how you and your family can find your holiday family fun. Be sure to share on social media using #mkygstc, so everyone can see the fun they can be having with their family, too.
Mooseheart's Holiday Lights
November 27 @ 5:00 pm - December 31 @ 9:00 pm
Mooseheart Child City and School, 240 W. James J. Davis Dr., Mooseheart, IL 60539 / (630) 906-3601
Join us for our 11th Annual Holiday Lights display, opening on Friday, November 27th and running 5:00PM-9:00PM nightly through Thursday, December 31st. Holiday Lights at Mooseheart is one of Chicagoland’s largest light displays! The lighted route is approximately 1.8 miles and has more than 80 lighted displays to view. Suggested $20 per car donation.
Updates to this year’s show:
* We will not be having Silly Moose or Count Frosty contests
* Suggested donation per car is $20
* For safety reasons, Santa will not be on campus this year, but be sure to drop off your letter to Santa in the Tommy Moose Mailbox.
For more info, click HERE!
Larsen's Light Show
Christmas Show Runs Nov 28th to Dec 30th / Monday to Sunday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Larsen Family Home, 42W891 Beith Rd., Campton Hills, IL (Elburn)
Keep the show ALIVE and please follow these simple directions, all traffic must enter from Anderson road from route 38 or route 64. NO TRAFFIC WILL BE ALLOWED IN FROM WEST BOUND ON BEITH RD. - PLEASE DO NOT HEAD WEST ON BEITH RD. Please follow directions of traffic controllers, they will guide you into the parking lot. Please keep radio (88.5F) volume down, stay in car, parking lights on and cars RUNNING.
For more info, click HERE!
Aurora Festival of Lights - Phillips Park
November 27th through December 27th / 5 – 9 pm EVERY Day
Phillips Park,1000 Ray Moses Dr., Aurora, IL
Visitors can drive through over a mile of colorful animated displays and brightly lit Christmas trees and enjoy the fun with their whole family! Produced by The Aurora Rotary club in conjunction with the City of Aurora. One of the largest free outdoor holiday light displays in the Chicago area, the Festival of Lights ready for 2020 and its 14th season. This signature winter event is a drive-through of more than a mile of lighted displays, many of which are animated. Free will donation.
For more info, click HERE!
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
November 20, 2020–January 3, 2021
Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte. 53, Lisle, IL
See trees in a different light at a re-imagined Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. Designed with your safety in mind, this year’s new driving experience (30–40 minutes long) features an unparalleled spectacle of color, light, and music you won’t experience anywhere else.
You will be delighted to see returning favorites re-envisioned, including Symphony Woods, Woodland Wonder, and Crystal Promenade, and five newly designed sights displayed along a two-mile road among the Arboretum's magnificent trees. Immerse yourself in a captivating tunnel of lights, an awe-inspiring magical woodland filled with dazzling color and star-like light, and a landscape filled with thousands of lights dancing to a musical soundtrack, all from the warmth of your car.
Also new this year, the exhibition will stay open later, until 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and it will be open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas, in addition to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, as in previous years.Tickets are time and date-specific and must be reserved in advance.
For more info, click HERE!
Goebbert's Winter Light Show
Nov. 20, 2020 - Jan. 3, 2021 / CLOSED Mondays / Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun – 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. / Fri and Sat – 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Normal hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve and Day
Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch, 42W813 Reinking Rd., Pingree Grove, IL (one mile North of Route 72 and two miles South of I90 on Route 47)
Enjoy a gorgeous and fun Light Show from the comfort of your vehicle! We have partnered with Epic Light Shows to bring you a spectacular and amazing light display, set to music and featuring over 1 million lights! Cost is $5/person, $20/car maximum $50/vehicle 10+ Admission for the Light Show can be purchased ahead of time online, or at the entrance. They accept cash and credit cards.
For more info or to buy tickets in advance, click HERE!
Naper Lights
November 14, 2020 - January 1, 2021 / 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Main Street and Webster Street, Naperville, IL
The holidays may look different this year, but in Downtown Naperville, Naperville Sunrise Rotary’s NaperLights holiday display will make the season even brighter as it expands its location along Water Street overlooking the south side of the Riverwalk. Visitors can access the display from the Webster Street covered bridge, Main Street and Webster Street. Strollers can enjoy the outdoors with public parking is available in the Water Street and Municipal Center parking decks. Lights on Water Street tress will be synced to music, as will the arch on the Foyo Plaza, making a drive-through experience for those wishing to stay in their cars. COST: FREE, but donations are accepted!
For more info, click HERE!
Rich Harvest Farms' Christmas Lights Display
November 25 - Decemeber 31, 2020
Rich Harvest Farms, 7S771 Dugan Rd., Sugar Grove, IL 60554
One of the Top 100 U.S. golf courses is transformed into a winter wonderland every holiday season. From November 25 to December 31, Rich Harvest Farms will be glowing with the lights of over 40 different illuminated displays. Starting with the little red school house near the Granart and Dugan Road Roundabout, all the way to St. Katharine-Drexel Catholic Church, the one-mile drive down Dugan Road in Sugar Grove will take you through a veritable winter wonderland filled with all sorts of surprises. A dolphin jumping out of a pond, a reindeer taking flying lessons ... you never know what you might see!
Holiday Magic @ Brookfield Zoo
Holiday Magic 2020 Dates
Friday through Sunday, November 27-29
Wednesday through Sunday, December 2-6, 9-13, & 16-20
Saturday through Thursday, December 26-31
*Reserve your timed tickets and parking here.
Holiday Magic 2020 Hours
3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.*
*Please note that the zoo will not be open to guests prior to 3:00 p.m. on Holiday Magic days.
Bright Lights. Magical Nights. Holiday Magic. Now in its 39th year, visit Chicagoland’s largest and longest-running lights festival featuring over a million twinkling LED lights!
Know Before You Go
Brookfield Zoo is following guidelines from the state of Illinois. To ensure social-distancing, advance admission and parking tickets are required. Reservation times will be available in 20-minute increments. Tickets must be reserved at CZS.org/Tickets. All admission and parking tickets must be secured by both zoo members and guests prior to arriving. Those who are not familiar with the zoo's current protocols, it is recommended to review them at CZS.org/KnowBeforeYouGo.
For more info or to buy tickets, click HERE!
Lehnertz Avenue Christmas Display
Open 7 days a week from Dec. 13, 2020 until Jan. 2, 2021
Lehnertz Ave. Christmas Display, 720 Lehnertz Ave., Aurora, IL
What a year it has been!! So happy to know there's one Christmas tradition that has ALWAYS accommodated social distancing!! Lehnertz Ave. will absolutely be open this year! They will be setting up the weekend of 12/4. The blessing of the crib will be 12/13 and from that evening until 1/2 we will be lit and open 7 evenings / week.
For more info, click HERE!
ZooLights @ Lincoln Park Zoo
Select Dates from November 21, 2020 - January 3, 2021 / 4pm - 10pm
2001 North Clark Street • Chicago, IL 60614 / 312-742-2000
The most wonderful time of the year deserves the most wonderful occasion of the year, so celebrate the holidays at ZooLights Presented By ComEd and Invesco QQQ! This one-of-a-kind, festive holiday experience offers a merry, family-oriented tradition in the heart of the city.
ZooLights will feature hundreds of luminous displays and incredible seasonal activities, all under the glow of millions of illuminated lights, plus reduced capacity admission to keep your family safe.
For more info or to buy tickets, click HERE!
Holiday in the Park Lights! @ Six Flags - Gurnee
Select Days November 27 - December 30
Six Flags, 1 Great America Way, Gurnee, IL
IMPORTANT: ALL VISITORS (INCLUDING PASS HOLDERS AND MEMBERS) WILL NEED TO MAKE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS PRIOR TO VISIT. If you need to make a reservation or change an existing reservation, please visit their reservations page.
Holiday in the Park returns as a walk-through light extravaganza along with shows, holiday-themed photo ops, and delicious treats. The third season of Holiday in the Park returns November 27 as a re-imagined experience featuring over 2.5 million dazzling lights plus entertainment. While our world-class rides will not be open during Holiday in the Park Lights, we’ve planned some exciting holiday experiences you and your family will enjoy.
For more info, click HERE!
Holiday Lights Festival - Romeoville
December 4, 2020 - January 15, 2021
Village Hall, 1050 W. Romeo Rd., Romeoville, IL / 815-886-7200
Celebrate the holiday season at Romeoville’s Village Hall with the warm glow of lights & many displays! The grounds of Village Hall & the Police Department will be decked out & twinkling along Grand Blvd., making it a drive-thru experience you won't forget! (Drive-thru participation only)
For more info, click HERE!
Worth a little drive ...
The Celebration of Lights - Rotary Park in LaSalle
November 16, 2020 - January 1, 2021
Rotary Park in LaSalle, East 5th Road & North Rt 6, LaSalle, IL 61301
I can personally vouch that this is worth the road trip down to LaSalle ... it's a great drive-thru light display!
The Celebration of Lights season is finally here! Hours will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on weekdays and Sundays as well as from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and the week of the Christmas holiday. The display is free to view, but donations are welcomed in order to ensure the display can continue and grow into the future! Come see the brightest Celebration yet at Rotary Park in LaSalle!
One of the largest (and brightest) Christmas celebrations in North Central Illinois is back and bigger than ever! LaSalle's Celebration of Lights will be held from Nov. 16 through New Year's Day at Rotary Park!
It's about an hour from Yorkville; just off of IL-39, very easy to get to. FREE (but donations appreciated).
For more info, click HERE!
(Please Note: For other smaller light shows/displays found in various neighborhoods, see the Macaroni Kid Yorkville - Geneva - St. Charles calendar.)
Snapshots with Santa - Batavia (SOLD OUT!)
December 5, 2020 / 8:00am - 11:30am
Batavia Depot Museum | 155 Houston Street, Batavia, IL
Schedule your visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy a socially-distant visit and photo with Santa at the Batavia Depot Museum caboose. Each family will receive a photo and an ornament. Dress for the weather! Additional photos will be available for download through the Batavia Park District website. Families must register for a time slot and can arrive at any time within the time slot. $25 per family.
Celebration of Lights Festival - Batavia
December 1, 2020 / 5pm - 7pm
Peg Bond Pavillion at the Batavia Riverwalk
FREE hayrides with food or $1 cash donation (proceeds directly benefit the Batavia Food Pantry), FREE roasted chestnuts, family photo opportunity at the main stage of Peg Bond Center, holiday craft activities inside City Council Chambers, old fashioned ornament making for all ages at the Depot Museum, visit Santa at the Peg Bond Center warming house and receive a treat from Santa (children under 10 while supplies last), Christmas Tree Lane - 25 holiday tress are decorated by local organizations and businesses, and more! FREE!
For more info, click HERE!
Live Reindeer @ Geneva Bank and Trust
December 5, 2020 / 9:00am - 12:00pm
Geneva Bank and Trust, 514 W. State Street, Geneva
Visit with the Reindeer at Geneva Bank and Trust. FREE!
Christmas on the Farm - Geneva (CANCELLED!)
December 14 / 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva
Gather around the fireplace inside the historic Peck House and listen to a story from Mrs. Claus, stay warm outside by the fire in George’s Circle, enjoy Christmas Carolers and ice sculpting in the courtyard, and perhaps meet Santa Claus himself! Food will be available for purchase from The Last Wing. FREE!
Santa's House in Downtown Geneva
Saturdays and Sundays, December 5 - 20, 2020 / 10:30am – 3:30pm
Geneva Visitor Center | 10 S. Third Street, Geneva
Children are able to speak to Santa behind glass from 10:30 am-3:30 pm. To encourage social distancing and discourage crowds, register below to see Santa, no exceptions. Wave to Santa from 10-10:30 am each Saturday and Sunday through December 20 riding in the carriage on Third Street. $10/family. Spots are limited to see the jolly old elf.
For more info, click HERE!
Woodland Santa Outdoor Adventure - St. Charles
December 6, 2020 / 10:00am - 11:30am
Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Drive, St. Charles
Take a short hike winding through the woodlands of Hickory Knolls. Along the one-way trail, play a festive game and make a holiday ornament at the activity stations. Warm up at the campfire and enjoy a special treat. Santa is making a trip all the way from the North Pole to the woods of Hickory Knolls with his favorite husky dog to take a picture with your family next to the glowing fireplace at the outside pavilion. Dress for the weather. Trails are not stroller friendly. $10 per person(R), $15(NR), advanced registration required.
For more info, click HERE!
Santa on the Plaza - St. Charles
Saturdays, November 28, December 5, 12, 19 / 1:00pm - 4:00pm
First Street Plaza in Downtown St. Charles
DETAILS: Santa’s House will be on the First St. Plaza every Saturday with limited hours, starting November 28 from 1pm-4pm. The house will be set up so Santa will be socially distant from visitors, still allowing for a photo to be taken. There will also be a mailbox set up for children to leave their letters for Santa. FREE!
For more info, click HERE!
Santa on the Farm - Aurora
December 6, 13, 20, 2020 from 8:30am - 9:30am
Abbey Farms. 2855 Hart Rd, Aurora
Socially Distanced Visit with Santa! You must have an appointment to visit us this year!!! Reserve a picnic table outside on the lawn (Limited Availability) and let Santa come to you! All members at table MUST be from the same group/family if masks are taken off.Everyone in your party receives: a gift from Santa, half-dozen donuts, hot chocolate, and a socially distanced visit with Santa! $19.99 per person (each person requires a ticket.)
For more info, click HERE!
Socially Distanced Santa Drive-Thru - Yorkville
Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5, 2020 / 3pm - 9pm
Kendall County Fairgrounds, 10826 State Route 71, Yorkville, IL
Come out and get your wishes and letters straight to the jolly man himself, SANTA! Enjoy the magic of the season socially distanced, but still just as special! Here is what you can look forward to: *Each day Bristol Kendall Fire Department will officially open the gates to Santa and drive our top ticket seller to be the first to visit with Santa! *As you drive in with your family through the beautiful Kendall County Fairgrounds Carolers, Yorkville's Friendly Fox, fun hand-outs from holiday friends as well as the twinkle of Holiday lights will sure to keep your family entertained as you wait for turn to visit with Santa in the comfort of your own vehicle! *Once you reach Santa, roll down your windows enjoy your visit and then pose for a complimentary Socially Distanced Santa 2020 photo to be downloaded after the event. $20 per car.
(The Bristol-Kendall FD will be collecting unwrapped toys, coats, hats, and/or gloves for the Kendall Co. Community Food Pantry.)
For more info, click HERE!
Virtual Visits With Santa For Yorkville Residents
The Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department is offering a safe and interactive way for families to visit with Santa this year as in-person visits aren't in the works due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. For $15 a family, all family members will get a 15-minute private, virtual visit with Santa to share your wish lists. Registration is online for 15-minute visit time slots between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Dec. 4 and Dec. 11.
According to the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department, visit spaces are limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis, so don't wait to register online.
For more info, click HERE!
Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops and Santa's Wonderland at Cabela's - Bolingbrook and Hoffman Estates
Daily from November 7 - December 24, 2020
Bass Pro Shops, 709 Janes Avenue, Bolingbrook, ILand Cabela's, 5225 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL
By popular demand, both stores continue the tradition in a safe and responsible way. Families who visit Santa receive a free 4x6 studio-quality photo, as well as a free digital download that can be shared on social media. Additional photo packages are also available for purchase and print instantly at the store. Registration is required and is available up to 7 days in advance. FREE! Additional photo packages available for purchase.
For more info, click HERE for Bass Pro Shops and HERE for Cabela's!
Breakfast with Santa / 3:11 Project Fundraiser - Aurora
December 7, 2020 / 8:30am - 11:00am
Luigi's Fun Center, 732 Prairie Street, Aurora, IL
Pancake breakfast with bacon, juice, coffee, and fruit. Games! Crafts! Prizes! A visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, AND a photo by a professional photographer! A visit with the one and only Princess Elsa! Luigi's Pizza and Fun Center will also have their game room open at regular price! $7 for individual tickets / $25 for families of four or more.
For more info, click HERE!
This year things are so different in so many ways, but one of my family's biggest goals is to try to keep it as normal as possible despite the major shift in how things are being done. Two things that we have always enjoyed doing with our girls is Bucket Lists and Scavenger Hunts. Whether we are driving around to the local light displays or just walking around the neighborhood, it's always fun for everyone to have things to find from a list of Scavenger Hunt items. And, having a Bucket List helps me as a busy mom plan out fun adventures for some family fun during the holidays. Below are this year's Bucket List and Scavenger Hunt I plan using and will hopefully help you find your holiday family fun as well. (*Mom Hack: Laminate these and use a dry-erase marker, so you can use them on multiple family fun trips through various neighborhoods.)
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*Click on image to download a PDF version.
Another thing I like to do during the holidays is have the girls make handmade gifts for our family and friends or just use as decorations in our own home. So, I always decide on a few projects and then have the materials on hand when we need an activity on a cold, snowy day or just a lazy Sunday afternoon. Below are a few of this years projects we plan on making as gifts and decorations.
(Click Image to See Instructions for Each Craft)
Homemade Birdseed Ornaments  | Snow Slime |
Make Your Own Snow Globe  | Fingerprint Christmas Tree  |
 | Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses  |
*All crafts were found on Pinterest and are saved in the Mac Kid Board titled Christmas!
I come from a family of many amazing cooks - aunts, uncles, and cousins through many generations. So, when the holidays come around we go all out for meals and even gift giving. There are several family-favorite recipes that we have that make great homemade holiday gifts for neighbors, teachers, friends, the mailman, etc. Below are 4 of my favs that are super easy to make, but will keep your gift recipients looking forward to them for years to come.
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*Click on image to download PDF version of recipe card.
