Counting down to Christmas: Where to see Santa and lights this weekend
Take advantage of the weekend before Christmas to see Santa, enjoy holiday lights and attend a winter festival in the suburbs.
Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Tree Sale: Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, lights on at 3 p.m. through Dec. 30 at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. See thousands of twinkling lights in an animal-themed display and browse Christmas trees for purchase. Free admission. www.cosleyzoo.org.
Wonderland Express: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, through Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Marvel at festive displays of miniature trains and Chicago-area landmarks. $13; $10 seniors and kids 3-12; $20-$25 parking per vehicle. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org.
Christkindlmarket: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec, 21-22; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Enjoy outdoor holiday shopping and try German specialties. Free admission. (312) 494-2175 or christkindlmarket.com/naperville.
Naperville Santa House: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 22-23, on the Riverwalk, Jackson Avenue and Webster Street, Naperville. Free; photos $8 or two for $15. www.napervilleparks.org/santahouse.
Illumination: Timed tickets available for slots from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, and Wednesday through Monday, Dec. 26-31; sold out Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 22-23; at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Outdoor light exhibit transforms trees along a one-mile path surrounded by 50 acres of trees. In addition, visitors can see five sculptures in the Crown of Light experience. The arboretum features entertainment on some days as well as concession tents. Tickets cost $18-$23 for adults and $12-$15 for kids. mortonarb.org.
Mooseheart Holiday Lights: 5 to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31 along the Mooseheart campus, off Route 31, just south of Batavia. One of the largest shows in the Chicago area, it features about 80 displays on a 1.8-mile route. Admission is cash only: $10 for cars; special rates for buses. Santa visits from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 22-23, at the field house. Hot cocoa, cookies, crafts and more are free while you wait. Proceeds benefit Mooseheart Child City and School. www.moosecharities.org.
Santa's Rock n Lights show: 5 to 10 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31 at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Drive through the fairgrounds to check out thousands of twinkling lights. $25-$35. santasrocknlights.com.
Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 21-23 at Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave., Lombard. Visits with Santa and train rides, more activities on different nights. Free admission. lombardparks.com.
Swimming with Santa: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at Olympic Indoor Swim Center, 660 N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights. One last chance to see Santa before the holiday season. Swimming, treats, a craft, holiday music and more. For ages 3 to 9. Swimmers must be accompanied by an adult. $10-$15. www.ahpd.org.
Holiday in the Park: 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, and 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, then open daily from 2 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Dec. 26-30, and 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee. Check out light shows, enjoy a holiday revue, visit with Santa and other holiday characters, see more than 2 million LED lights, make s'mores over open fire pits and take a spin on the rides. $77.99; $57.99 for those under 48 inches tall. (847) 249-1776 or sixflags.com/greatamerica.
Holiday Magic: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 22-23, and Wednesday through Monday, Dec. 26-31, at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Now in its 37th year, this is the Chicago area's largest and longest-running lights festival. Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus through Sunday, Dec. 23. See website for admission prices and hours. www.czs.org/holidaymagic.
Geneva Commons: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at Geneva Commons, 602 Commons Drive, Geneva. Greet Santa as he strolls through the shopping center from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and visit Santa's Station from 2 to 5 p.m. near Learning Express Toys for a photo opportunity. Treats for all kids who visit Santa. Free. shopgenevacommons.com/portfolio-items/here-comes-santa-claus/.