Now is the time to sign up for holiday trips

Can't wait to stir up some holiday cheer?

Well, the time to start planning is now.

Holiday outings are being offered by DuPage County park districts with the unanimous recommendation to sign up early. Area parks and recreation departments have reported that many of these trips are filling quickly.

A magical journey to a Fireside Christmas in Fort Atkinson, Wis., has been planned Dec. 9 by Naperville Park District's Lorraine Ouellette, program manager.

This traditional highlight of the Christmas season offers participants food and a professional Broadway production of time-honored favorites. A meal with all the trimmings found only at the Fireside is included.

This trip departs at 11:30 a.m. from the warming house parking lot at the Riverwalk on Jackson, west of West Street, Naperville. The fee is $89 for residents, $96 for others.

Ouellette planned another holiday trip Dec. 20 to the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago for the Joffrey Ballet's "The Nutcracker." This performance features John David Ridge's lavish costumes and Oliver Smith's sets, straight out of a child's dream.

The fee is $69 for residents and $76 for others, with registration recommended as soon as possible.

"Our trips fill really quickly," Ouellette said.

Call her at (630) 848-5000 for details.

The Bloomingdale, Roselle and Medinah park districts have joined together to offer Bavarian Christmas, an About Tours' trip, Dec. 5.

The day will begin with a visit to the ChrisKindlMarket in Daley Plaza and shopping for German hand-crafted items, including ornaments and cuckoo clocks. There's always time for a cup of hot chocolate and the festive atmosphere around the official Chicago Christmas tree.

Then it's on to St. Benedict Church, founded by German Catholics in 1902. This ornate church features beautiful stained-glass windows created in Munich in the German baroque style. Highlighting the church tour will be the Nativity window.

A hearty German lunch at Brauhaus is included in the fee, as well as time to shop at the German deli for ethnic fare and sweet treats.

The trip is planned from 9 a.m. to about 3 p.m., with a fee of $64 for residents and $69 for others. Deadline to register is Nov. 21.

"We provide a variety of trips all year," said Becca Defrancesco, Bloomingdale Park District recreation and facility supervisor.

For details or to register, call any of the three park districts: Bloomingdale, (630) 529-3650; Roselle, (630) 894-4200; Medinah, (630) 893-2560.

While Melissa Adamson, Carol Stream Park District program supervisor, planned several holiday trips, she said many are filled with the exception of the Par-A-Dice Casino and Lights trip Dec. 12.

This trip to East Peoria offers a variety of card games or slots. Participants can also earn double points and half off the buffet. Following a day of gaming, the tour includes the East Peoria Festival of Lights. The trip offers pick up and drop off at the Aldrin and Simkus centers, Central Park and Colony Park complexes. The trip is from 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The fee is $25 for residents and $28 for others. For club members, the fee is $23 for residents and $26 for others. Deadline for registration and fees is Dec. 1, with a valid state ID required.

Another trip offered through Carol Stream is the annual Chicago Holiday Lights and shopping trip Dec. 10. This day trip includes shopping at Water Tower Place and Macy's, with a look at the famous Christmas tree and window displays.

Then there is a sightseeing bus tour past Buckingham Fountain, Millenium Park, Daley Plaza and State Street, with dinner included at the California Pizza Kitchen.

Pick up begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Aldrin Center, then Simkus Center, Central Park and Colony Park complexes. The bus will return at about 9:30 p.m.

The fee is $29 for residents and $32 for others, with payment due by Dec. 1. For specific details on pick-up and drop-off times and locations, call Adamson at (630) 784-6113.