Crystal Lake Park District notes

Crystal Lake Park District The park district office is at 1 E. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake, 60014. For information, call (815) 459-0680.

Holiday fun in December has been a long-standing Crystal Lake Park District tradition. Kids and their families have a variety of holiday programs to choose from. There is sure to be something for everyone in the Crystal Lake Park District busy December calendar.

Letters to Santa: It's the park district's holiday gift to the community's children, a tradition for more than 20 years helping Santa write letters to all his fans.

Send us your child's letter by Dec. 15, plus a stamped, self-addressed envelope and we will send you a reply a few days before Christmas. Send letters to: Santa, c/o Crystal Lake Park District at address above.

North Pole calling: It's part of the magic of Christmas -- a phone call from Santa Claus himself, and if Santa Claus is really busy there could be a few surprise calls from Mrs. Claus.

This year, Santa will be calling park district boys and girls from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday. Register for this free program by filling out an information sheet in advance. Pick one up at the park district office, address above. Deadline is Thursday.

Christmas Bedtime Stories: Kids, wear your PJs and bring your favorite stuffed animal and blanket for a magical night of Christmas songs and stories with Mrs. Claus. Juice, milk, and cookies will be served and, who knows, maybe Santa will stop by! Please pay for additional siblings. Must be at least two years old.

Event is scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5, 7, 12 and 14 at the Rotary building, 431 N. Walkup Road, Crystal Lake.

Program fee is $17; or resident fee $11.

Breakfast with Santa: Sponsored by the Crystal Lake Park Foundation. Breakfast will be served at 10 a.m. Dec. 15 at Park Place, 406 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake

Fee is $10 for children and $12 for adults. Includes traditional hot breakfast, goody bag and balloon. Don't forget your camera.

Tickets are available at Crystal Lake Park District office, address above. For details, call (815) 459-0680, Ext. 228.

Holiday Drop and Shop Days: Moms and Dads can finish their holiday shopping without the kids. Kids will enjoy a day at Regional Sports Center with Coach Paul and staff playing games. Those attending the full day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will receive lunch.

The Regional Sports Center, is at 1310 Ridgefield Road in Crystal Lake.

Half-Day program fees and dates are: $40 regular fee, resident discount fee is $30. Times are 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 17, 18, 19 and 20.

Full day program fees and dates are: regular fee is $60, resident discount fee is $50. All meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17, 18, 19 and 20.

Regional Sports Center NYE Lock-In: Parents can enjoy their New Year's Eve outing and let the kids, ages 8 to 14, enjoy their own party. Drop off by 8 p.m. Dec. 31 and pick up from 8 to 9 a.m. on Jan. 1. Movies, food, drinks, games, sports, entertainment and a midnight party are all included in the fee. Bring your sleeping bag, extra money for the vending machines.

Regular fee is $85, resident discount fee is $75.

Regional Sports Center is at 1310 Ridgefield Road in Crystal Lake.