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PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: Forest Preserves of Cook County Calendar of Events and Activities 12/16/2025-1/12/2026
Please check the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s website for updates and changes.
Tuesdays, 12/16 & 1/16; 10:30am─12:30pm
Cozy Campground Book Club, Camp Reinberg, Palatine
Join this camping themed book club. Registration required. Please visit the website.
Tuesday, 12/16 through Sunday, 1/4; 4:30pm─9pm
Lightscape, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Patrons can enjoy bold, artistic and unforgettable displays that are expertly curated each year at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate and step into an enchanting and showstopping 1.3-mile trail of twinkling lights. Registration required. The cost may vary based on timeslot, age, and day of the week. For more information, please visit the website.
Wednesday, 12/17; 10am
Woodpecker Walk, Spears Woods, Willow Springs
Patrons can search for woodpeckers and learn about their role in our local ecosystems with a naturalist. A Binocular supply is limited and must be returned after the hike. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Thursday, 12/18; 1pm─3pm
Natural Garland Workshop, Palos Park Woods-North, Palos Park
Drop-in and create your own natural garland around a campfire. The program will meet at Grove 1. Supplies will be provided. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Thursday, 12/18 through Sunday, 12/21; 3pm─9pm
Holiday Magic, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
We are lighting up the night this holiday season! We are celebrating more than 40 years of Holiday Magic with a brand-new light display. Patrons can experience the magic that has made this event a beloved holiday tradition. The spectacular interactive display transforms the Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland with more than 3.5 million lights. Patrons can stroll through themed areas featuring giant holiday displays, a maze, tunnels, and animal-themed lights. Registration required. The cost may vary based on timeslot, age, and day of the week. For more information, please visit the website.
Thursday, 12/18; 4pm─8pm
Winter Open Climb, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
Patrons can scale Camp Sullivan’s indoor climbing wall. Registration required. Participants must weigh over 40 pounds and sign a waiver. Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Accessible equipment will be available. For more information, please visit the website.
Friday, 12/19; 6pm─9pm
Winter Solstice Night of Lights, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Celebrate the shortest night of the year! Enjoy a bonfire and a self-guided walk along our candlelit paths. Registration required. Please call (847)381-6592.
Saturday, 12/20; 9:30am
Conserving Birds: One Cup at a Time, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us and learn about the Smithsonian’s Bird Friendly Coffee program and how shade grown coffee benefits bird populations. Bird-friendly coffee will be provided. For more information, please call (708)839-6897.
Saturday, 12/20; 9:30am─11:30am
Clear the Trails, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
You can’t make snow, but you can help brush back trails to get them ready for ski season. Registration required. Ages 16 and up. This program will be offered if there is no snowfall. Please call (630)257-2045.
Saturday, 12/20; 10am─12pm
Winter Solstice Day: Paper Snowflake Making Workshop, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Drop-in and celebrate the winter solstice by participating in fun activities, both inside and out, including an outdoor bonfire. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Saturday, 12/20; 12pm─2pm
Winter Solstice Day: Indigenous Storytelling and Reflection from American Indian Center, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Drop-in and celebrate the winter solstice by participating in fun activities, both inside and out, including an outdoor bonfire. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Saturday, 12/20; 2pm─4pm
Away from the Sun, Caldwell Woods, Chicago
Drop in and celebrate the beauty of winter solstice with nature walks, crafts and warm drinks. For more information, please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Saturday, 12/20; 3pm─7pm
Solstice Celebration, Camp Shabbona Woods, South Holland
Join us and celebrate the shortest day of the year. The activities will include seasonal craft making, guided walks and warming up by the bonfire with refreshments. For more information, please call (708)868-0606.
Sunday, 12/21; 9am─12pm
Restoration Day and Solstice Bonfire, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Patrons can help remove invasive species then enjoy snacks around a brush-piled bonfire. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. Ages 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Equipment will be provided. Please visit the website.
Sunday, 12/21; 9:30am─11:30am
Clear the Trails, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
You can’t make snow, but you can help brush back trails to get them ready for ski season. Registration required. Ages 16 and up. This program will be offered if there is no snowfall. Please call (630)257-2045.
Sunday, 12/21; 1pm─3pm
Science of Snow, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Drop in and discover the science of snow and create your own snowflake. This program is presented by Anna Villanyi's Snowflakes and more. For more information, please call (847)381-6592.
Sunday, 12/21; 5pm─7pm
Winter Solstice Celebration, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Celebrate the Winter Solstice by connecting with nature on the longest night of the year! Patrons can enjoy the winter night by taking a peaceful, self-guided stroll along the serene Farm Pond Trail. Patrons can relax around a crackling bonfire with s'mores and hot cocoa. Registration required. Patrons should bring a reusable mug to reduce waste. Please call (708)839-6897.
Tuesday, 12/23; 10am─3pm
Fun with Fossils, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Drop in and learn all about fossils, make a replica fossil and peruse some of our best fossils. Ages 4 and up. For more information, please call (708)366-6530.
Tuesday, 12/23; 11am─2pm
Winter Exploration Day, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Patrons can enjoy snow shoeing, nature hikes, art making, campfires and more. Snowshoeing depends on the weather and snow depth. For more information, please call (224) 763-4317 or visit the website.
Saturday, 12/27; 8am─10pm
Feeder Watch and Origami, Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland
Participants can observe bird feeders while making nature-based origami. Registration required. Participants are encouraged to provide their favorite plant and animal at registration. Please call (708)868-0606.
Saturday, 12/27; 9am─11am
Winter Nature Days, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Drop in for fun nature activities! The activities include pinecone bird feeders, walking sticks and more. This program is intended for families. For more information, please call (847)824-8360.
Saturday, 12/27; 9am─11am
Wild about Play, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Are you ready to craft, create, and unleash your wild side? Drop in and take on the challenge! Participants can design enrichment items that will spark joy for our amazing ambassador animals. Supplies and materials will be provided. For more information, please call (708)839-6897.
Sunday, 12/28; 1pm─3pm
Winter Nature Days, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Drop in for fun nature activities! The activities include pinecone bird feeders, walking sticks and more. This program is intended for families. For more information, please call (847)824-8360.
Tuesday, 12/30; 10am─2pm
Winter Play Date, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Drop-in for indoor and outdoor family fun! The activities will include a self-guided activity station and learning through play. For more information, please call (847)381-6592.
Tuesday, 12/30; 4pm─8pm
Kwanzaa Celebration, Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion, Chicago
Join us and celebrate community, honor Pan-African heritage, and embrace the seven principles of Kwanzaa. This program is presented with Light of Loving Kindness. For more information, please call (224) 763-4317 or visit the website.
Friday, 1/2; 10am
New Year’s Resolution Walk, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Patrons can fulfill your resolution of being more active by taking a brisk guided walk on our trails. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. Please call (708) 366-6530.
Saturdays & Sundays 1/3 through 1/31; 9am
Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lessons, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Patrons can learn how to ski with a certified Professional Ski Instructor of America. Registration required. Ages 12 and up. The cost is $20 per person. This program depends on snow depth. Please visit the website.
Saturday, 1/3; 5pm─7pm
Winter Owl Hike, Palos Park Woods-North, Palos Park
Be on the prowl for owls during this 3-mile night hike in the woods. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Sunday, 1/4; 1pm─2:30pm
Family Winter Scavenger Hunt and Campfire, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Enjoy a self-guided scavenger hunt for signs of animals and plant life. Then, relax around a campfire with snacks. This program is intended for families. For more information, please call (708) 366-6530.
Wednesday, 1/7; 6pm─8pm
Night Fitness Hike, Sauk Trail Woods-Central, South Chicago Heights
Join us on a 3.4-mile night hike. For more information, please visit the website.
Thursday, 1/8; 10am & 2 pm
Wellness in the Woods: A Fresh Start Walk, Caldwell Woods, Chicago
Embrace the New Year and your well-being! Join us for a guided walk, then warm up with hot tea. Registration required. Please call (773)758-8899 or visit the website.
Thursday, 1/8; 4pm─8pm
Winter Open Climb, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
Patrons can scale Camp Sullivan’s indoor climbing wall. Registration required. Participants must weigh over 40 pounds and sign a waiver. Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Accessible equipment will be available. For more information, please visit the website.
Friday, 1/9; 5pm
Evening Owl Prowl, Thatcher Woods, River Forest
Join us on a 3-mile hike. For more information, please call (312)533-5751.
Friday, 1/9; 6:30pm
Planetary Painting, Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington
Patrons can view the night sky, learn about celestial myths, and paint a planetary acrylic masterpiece with instruction. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. Please call (847)381-6592.
Saturday, 1/10; 6:45am
Sunrise Hike, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Lemont
Join a naturalist to experience the stillness and peace of a winter sunrise. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. This program will be offered if there is no snowfall. Please call (630)257-2045.
Saturday, 1/10; 8:30am
Bird and Bagel Bird Walk, Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest
Participants can observe bird feeders while noshing on bagels followed by a guided walk. Registration required. This program is led by John Elliot from Chicago Bird Alliance. Please call (708)366-6530.
Saturday, 1/10; 10:30am─12:30pm
Winter Trails and Camp Fire Details, Camp Sullivan, Oak Forest
Enjoy a short hike, watch a campfire building demo, and relax on the fireside with hot beverages and s’mores. For more information, please visit the website.
Sunday, 1/11; 6:45am
Sunrise Hike, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs
Join us for an early morning hike to witness the beauty of a new day. For more information, please call (708)839-6897.
Sunday, 1/11; 12pm─2pm
Conservation at Home: Seed Swap, River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Participants can bring and/or take seeds home at this free swap. Experts will be available for advice. Registration required. Ages 13 and up. Please call (847)824-8360.
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