6 Can’t-Miss Holiday Celebrations That Will Make Your Spirits Bright

Too often we can become overwhelmed by the holiday season — so many gifts, so many parties — when really this should be a time to enjoy with loved ones and reflect on another year gone by. If you’re looking for fun things to do with family and friends this season, check out these events. You’ll be able to decorate your own gingerbread house (without worrying about clean up!), enjoy a holiday tea, and more.

For more info on what to see and do on Chicago's North Shore visit our detailed Calendar of Events and follow our Facebook page. 

Dec. 7: Gingerbread Jubilee   
Change things up a bit this year and decorate a gingerbread barn at Historic Wagner Farm (1510 Wagner Road, Glenview). As you place gumdrops and licorice perfectly on your barn, enjoy holiday music, hot chocolate, and cookies. Registration (per barn) is required, and up to six family members can decorate a barn. Children 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Gingerbread Jubilee, Historic Wagner Farm, Glenview

Dec. 8: Red Invitation Sale 
Whether you're finishing, or just starting, your holiday shopping, don't miss this annual event where local stores will offer discounts, gift wrapping, and more fun throughout Downtown Winnetka, Hubbard Woods, and Northfield. Not only will you find something unique for everyone on your list, but you'll also feel good about supporting local businesses. Participants include Mattie M (990 Green Bay Road, Winnetka), Skandal (907 Green Bay Road, Winnetka), The Book Stall (811 Elm St., Winnetka), and Maze Home (735 Elm St., Winnetka).

Dec. 11: Gingerbread House Workshop 
Don't let the holiday season pass you by without decorating a gingerbread house, and the best way to do it is by having someone else handle cleanup! The Winnetka Park District is hosting this workshop for kids ages 4-10 (or 3 and younger with an adult, although it's recommended that adults stay and participate no matter their child's age) at its Administrative Office's Community Room (540 Hibbard Road, Winnetka). This is a great way to let your kiddos show off their creativity while also enjoying fun time together during the holiday season.

Dec. 12: Main-Dempster Mile Holiday Treat Walk 
Discover new favorite local businesses during this second annual event, which takes place along Evanston's Main-Dempster Mile. Participating shops will offer holiday treats and tickets are free. Participants include FEW Spirits (918 Chicago Ave., Evanston), Ten Thousand Villages (915 Chicago Ave., Evanston), Booked (506 Main St., Evanston), Cultivate Urban Rainforest & Gallery (704 Main St., Evanston), and Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop (711 Main St., Evanston).

Main-Dempster Mile Holiday Treat Walk, Evanston

Dec. 14, and Dec. 24: Santa Scavenger Hunt
Westfield Old Orchard (Skokie Blvd. and Old Orchard Rd., Skokie) is a must-visit destination when it comes to holiday shopping, but you can also win when you find Santa at this shopping center. All you have to do is follow @WestfieldOldOrchard on Instagram, where you'll find clues on the dates above. Once you find Santa, you'll receive a prize.

Santa Scavenger Hunt, Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie

Dec. 15: GHA Holiday Tea
Feeling fancy? Grab your girlfriends, or the ladies in your family, for a three-course high tea at The Grove's Historic Kennicott House (1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview). You'll enjoy tea along with sandwiches, scones, and sweets — the perfect way to relax in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season. Proceeds will benefit the Grove Heritage Association (GHA), which supports this National Historic Landmark in Glenview.

 

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