Celebrate the Holidays with District Traditions

Catch the holiday spirit by joining the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County at a number of events and programs.

 

·         Holiday Sweets, Nov. 28 and 29, 12:30 ‒ 3:30 p.m., Kline Creek Farm. Learn how to make bright, colorful hard candies, and take home recipes to start your own holiday tradition. Programs begin on the half-hour. All ages. Free. Registration not required. For more information, call 630-876-5900.

·         Christmas Memories House Tour, Dec. 3 ‒ Jan. 5 Thursdays ‒ Mondays 10 a.m. ‒ 4 p.m. on the hour, Kline Creek Farm. Enjoy the historic 1890s farmhouse decked in festive greens, savor the aroma of holiday treats and see the table set for company. All ages. Free. Registration not required. For more information, call 630-876-5900.

·         Talons and Claus, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. ‒ 3 p.m., Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Have your picture taken with Santa and his wildlife friends during a holiday open house. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides will be available (weather permitting) and free refreshments, and then shop at Willowbrook’s wildlife-themed gift shop. All ages. Free admission. $10 per photo. Registration not required. Call 630-942-6200 for more information.

·         Christmas on the Farm, Dec. 5 and 6, 1:30 ‒ 3:30 p.m., Kline Creek Farm. Celebrate a Victorian Christmas. Visit the animals in winter, enjoy hot spiced cider and carols by a warming fire, and admire the farmhouse decked in garlands and greens. Stop in the visitor center to take your picture with Santa in his sleigh. All ages. Free. Registration not required. For more information, call 630-876-5900.

·         Music at Mayslake: Elmhurst College Jazz Band, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m., Mayslake Peabody Estate. Enjoy a night of merriment and holiday favorites. Ages 10 and up with an adult. $25 cabaret seating; $20 general admission; $18 seniors, students and groups of six or more. Purchase tickets online or at 630-206-9566.

·         Holiday Market, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. ‒ 6 p.m., and Dec. 13, 10 a.m. ‒ 4 p.m., Mayslake Peabody Estate. Find original gifts for friends and family from a wide variety of quality artisan goods. Part of the proceeds benefit the restoration of historic Mayslake Hall. All ages. Free admission. Registration not required. For more information, call 630-206-9566.

“Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and join us as we celebrate the holiday season by connecting to nature,” said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for 100 years. More than 4 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube pages.