Enjoy winter with new experiences to make your season bright! From cultural opportunities through food and festivals, to adventures in the arts, to exploring new areas and shops, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a round-up of five activities this weekend that we think you will love!
Noon Year’s Eve!
Head to the Oakton Community Center with the whole family to ring in the new year a little early! A DJ will be spinning fun tunes for a dance party, and little ones can get their face painted to celebrate 2023. Don’t miss the big balloon drop at noon for a grand new year’s cheers!
Date: December 30
Time: 10:00AM
Cost: $13+
Location: Emily Oaks Community Center, 4701 N Oakton St
More info: skokieparks.org
Art for A Cause
Take in some art before ringing in the new year by checking out this incredible exhibit of photographs by Ukrainian photographers. Here Comes the Sun showcases these photos alongside other beautiful visual art by American artists. Donations from the exhibit will be sent to orphans in Ukraine, so support this cause and these important artists.
Date: Open through January 21
Time: Open During Gallery Hours
Cost: Free
Location: Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St
More info: evanstonnow.com
Hunt for Gnomes
Spend your time off outside hunting for gnomes! There are 26 hidden gnomes across the Emily Oaks Nature Center along the trail. Bundle up for this fun scavenger hunt and snag a Build-A-Gnome kit from the nature center before you head home to kick off the new year.
Date: Runs through January 8
Time: 8:00AM – 4:30PM
Cost: Free
Location: Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St
More info: evanstonnow.com
New Year’s Eve Bash at the Children’s Museum
Times Square has nothing on the Kohl Children’s Museum this year! This rip-roaring NYE party is fun for the whole family with a concert, DJ, jugglers, crafts, and so much more. Don’t miss the “midnight” confetti drop to kick off 2023 in style with fun and laughter.
Date: December 31
Time: 8:30 – 11:00AM and 1:00 – 3:30PM
Cost: $23+
Location: Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd
More info: kohlchildrensmuseum.org
Illuminate the New Year
Light up the library and the sky at New Year’s Luminaria! Pick up a paper lantern and write your well wishes on it before safely lighting them outside. No better way to kick off 2023 than spending it sending love and good thoughts into the world with your community!
Date: January 1
Time: 5:00 – 10:00PM
Cost: Free
Location: Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave
More info: evanstonnow.com
