Whether you are looking for some Christmas fun with the family or ways to give to others this holiday season, the list of events below will offer you that and much more this winter. 

Christmas  

  • On Monday, Dec. 23, Robert’s Westside hosts “Bowling with Santa.” The Christmas-themed event invites participants to come in their best Santa outfit or holiday attire and to spend the afternoon with holiday cheer and bowling. Robert’s Westside has rented out Circle Lanes from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees who purchase a ticket, either individually or as a group, will have access to two games, the show rental, pizza and use of any pool tables. The check-in process begins at Bobby’s at 1:30 p.m. and continues to 2:30 p.m. The groups will then travel to Circle Lanes, located at 7244 Circle Ave., at 2:45 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person or $175 for a team of five people, and the tickets can be purchase at https://robertswestside.com/listing/bowling-with-santa/. Families are invited to this event, but people under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 
     
  • One of the best ways to spread Christmas cheer is sharing it with others. This holiday season you can support others by donating food to the Forest Park Food Pantry. Presented by the Forest Park Firefighters Local 2753, this holiday food drive supports neighbors in the community with access to healthy food. The food drive runs through Tuesday, Dec. 24 and is located at 7625 Wilcox St. You can check this link for which items are most needed. 
     
  • Those looking for a festive hands-on activity to share with family or friends, might consider the Christmas event at Unity of Oak Park, 405 N. Euclid Ave. on Sunday, Dec. 22 beginning at 10 a.m. It includes a Sunday service followed by gingerbread house decorating. Those attending will also receive a visit from Frosty the Snowman for photos. Snacks will be provided as music plays in the background. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday sweater. The event is free, but there is a suggested donation of $10 per person or $25 for a family. The festivities conclude at 12:30 p.m. 
     
  • Did you know that Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival is only a short drive away from Forest Park? If you’re looking to stand in awe of over two million bright LED lights in a winter wonderland, then make your way to Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic. This event includes an opportunity to meet Santa, a holiday market, holiday treats and beverages, and a gift shop. If you have been to the Holiday Magic exhibit before, you may want to check out Brookfield Zoo’s two new themes lighting areas at the zoo. Brookfield has transformed the Wild Encounters pathway into a Candy Cane Lane, and a Sparkling Coast theme is on display from the living coast area. The zoo will also be offering seasonal animal experiences and attractions that will be available for purchase. The light festival is running on specific dates and times which can be found at this link. https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/holidaymagic Please refer to Brookfield Zoo’s website for tickets. 

Winter 

  • If you eagerly awaiting Chicago’s next big snowfall for sledding, you want to plan a trip to Oak Park soon, as there are three notable hills for sledding. The first is at Field Park, which is located at 932 Division St., and the second is at Taylor Park, which is at West Division Street. For younger children, there is much more beginner-friendly sledding hills at Euclid Square at 705 Fillmore St. If you do not have a sled, you may be able to borrow one that has been left by others in the “sled library” at either Barrie Park or Taylor Park.  

Hanukkah 

  • For families celebrating the eight-day Hanukkah (which whatever way you spell it means dedication in Hebrew), there are several options. On Wednesday, Dec. 25, the Chabad Jewish Center of Oak Park will host a Chanukah Festival at 4 p.m. The festival will include a grand menorah lighting, a kosher Chinese dinner, latkes, sufganiyot (deep-friend donuts), and a magic show featuring hypno-magician Jeffrey Powers. People who are interested in attending the festival must RSVP at this link. https://www.oakparkjewish.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/6190896/jewish/Chanukah-Family-Festival.htm The address for the event will be provided upon reservation. 
  • The Chabad Jewish Center of Oak Park is offering free menorah kits for Hanukkah. People interested should fill out a form at this link to order their kit, which can be picked up at the Chabad Jewish Center or delivered to your home for $5 fee. The Chabad Jewish Center is at 711 South Blvd. Suite 5.  

Kwanzaa 

  • The Oak Park Public Library will host a Kwanzaa celebration at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 30. Attendees will learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa and be immersed in music, art, and community spirit. This Black American Harvest celebration features dancing, drumming, poetry, and storytelling. All are welcome to attend. The library is located at 834 Lake St. In Oak Park. Register: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/hold-82752