Enjoy winter at its finest by visiting Chicago Southland these two holiday weekends. Whether you wish to enjoy Winter Break indoors (click here for 5 family-friendly suggestions) or want to check out events while visiting family and friends in Chicago Southland, you will find it
Just Beyond the City Limits.

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Eat, Drink & Be Merry! 

Friday, December 23rd 
LUNCH WITH THE GRINCH
Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe
6501 West 79th Street, Burbank
708-229-8700
The classic animated version of the Grinch all day and of course bring your cameras because the Grinch is surprisingly photogenic! Reservations are highly suggested, as they will fill up fast! It’s their busiest event of the year!
12-5PM

Explore Nature

Saturday, December 31st
A BIRD THE PRESERVES EVENT: IRRUPTION!
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Every few winters, the Forest Preserves experience a bird invasion. Come learn about snowy owls and other birds and why these avians of the arctic pay us such rare visits. #birdthepreserves
1:30-2:30PM

Family Fun

Friday, December 23rd - Saturday, December 24th & Friday, December 30th - Sunday, January 1st
WINTER WONDERLAND ICE RINK
Centennial Park
15600 West Avenue at Fun Drive, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
Skaters with their own skates may use ice rink daily beginning at sunrise. Rink closes when warming house closes. Warming house / skate rental hours are subject to change.
F 4-9PM; Sa (12/24) 10AM-2PM; Sa (12/31) 10AM-4PM; Su (1/1) 10AM-4PM

Friday, December 23rd
GIRLS ONLY PAJAMA PARTY
Central Park Building
15601 South Central Avenue, Oak Forest
(708) 687-7270
Girls will have fun by playing games, doing crafts, polish their nails, make a snack and watch a movie! Bring a sack lunch. Age 5-10 years.
10AM-2PM

Friday, December 30th - Saturday, Dec. 31
HOLIDAY MAGIC
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield
(708) 688-8000
Start a new family tradition at Chicagoland's largest holiday lights festival featuring over one million twinkling lights, animated light displays and a laser light show! Many of the indoor exhibits will be open for viewing favorite animals, including the newest, Great Bear Wilderness. Plus, there is a special dolphin show each evening at 6:30 p.m. In addition, the zoo restaurants and food stands will be open with full menus and holiday treats, and gift shops will have hundreds of unique items for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones. Enjoy a full schedule of nightly music and entertainment in the Pavilions. Outside enjoy nightly ice carving and an amazing magic show. Then step inside the Holly Jolly Theater and enjoy performances by local choirs and many more holiday themed performances.
10AM-9PM; Festivities begin at 4PM

New Year's Eve

Ongoing
NOON YEAR'S EVE
Homewood Auditorium
2010 Chestnut Road, Homewood
(708) 798-3000
Bring the family out to ring in the New Year with a countdown and balloon drop at the stroke of noon! Enjoy treats and activities! Free
10:30AM-1PM

Saturday, December 31st
MASQUERADE BALL
Dolphin Lake Clubhouse
2700 West 183rd Street, Homewood
(708) 957-0300
The biggest New Year's Eve Party in town! Come dressed to impress at this formal masquerade ball. DJ, appetizers and open bar. Tickets can be purchased at the Goldberg Center, Irwin Center or call 708.957.0300. Ages 21+, $80 per person.
8PM-1:30AM

Saturday, December 31st
NEW YEAR'S EVE KIDS' COUNTDOWN & SKATE
Ice Arena
9320 South Kenton Avenue, Oak Lawn
(708) 857-5173
Music provided by our DJ services. Admission: $9
11AM-1:30PM

Saturday, December 31st
NEW YEAR'S AT NOON
DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago - Alsip
5000 West 127th Street, Alsip
(708) -389-1003
SPECIAL CELEBRATION FOR SENIORS! Luncheon followed by a Champagne Toast and festive party favors at noon, dancing and live entertainment with all the classic hits! $45
11AM-3PM

Shopping

You’ll want to explore all of the “SHOPPERTUNITIES” in Chicago Southland.

Friday, December 30th
JERRY ROSSEN PUBLIC AUCTIONS
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(708) 997-0245
Auctions will include antiques, collectibles, furniture and more!
6PM

If you’re planning further ahead, please check our calendar of events.

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