Ice skating in Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park through Jan. 25

Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district has been transformed again this winter with the opening of the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink in late November. The family-friendly rink is surrounded by a spectacular display of more than 80,000 holiday lights. Admission is free, and you can bring your own skates or rent skates on site for $8. The rink will be open through Jan. 25. A detailed schedule of ice skating hours is available at Rosemont.com/thepark

Lightscape returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden

Embrace the spirit and beauty of the season at Lightscape, an expertly curated 1.3-mile trail with twinkling lights and eye-popping displays in the Chicago Botanic Garden, running nightly through Jan. 4. Jingle Jam Family Nights are Dec. 16, 17 and 18, where kids can grab a s’mores kit and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Snow Queen and other friends along the illuminated trail. On Dec. 4 and Jan. 2, enjoy a festive, adults-only vibe complete with specialty cocktails.

Insider’s tip: Head up to the Botanic Garden earlier in the day to experience the tranquility of the 385 acres of nature, as well as the indoor garden displays and flower and plant exhibits. The Chicago Botanic Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe. Tickets are on sale now at ChicagoBotanic.org/lightscape

Holiday events with the Park Ridge Park District

** Yoga Uncorked — Holiday Edition

Thursday, December 11 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Join the Park District for all-levels yoga, followed by delicious light appetizers and wine tastings provided by Patina Wine Bar & Bistro Park Ridge. This special holiday edition class will end with a soothing sound bath to amplify your experience. Registration deadline at PRParks.org is Tuesday, Dec. 9.

** You’ve been Grinched

Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Thursday, Dec. 11 from noon-2 p.m.
Grinch your family, friends and neighbors with a surprise at-home candy cane hunt. The Grinch’s assistants will hide two dozen candy canes and a sprinkling of smaller candy canes in the front yard and leave a fun sign on the door. Grinching happens on Wednesday, Dec. 10 or Thursday, Dec. 11 between the hours of noon-2 p.m. for a fun afternoon or after-school/work surprise. Open to Park Ridge homes only. Registration deadline is Monday, Dec. 8. PRParks.org

** Santa’s Mailbox

Santa’s Mailbox returned to Maine Park in November. Children who drop off their letters will receive a reply from Santa. (Postage is covered by Santa.)
How to participate: Create your own letter, pick up a form at the Maine Park Leisure Center front desk, or download a ‘Letter to Santa’ form.
Drop off your letter in Santa’s Mailbox, located in the Maine Park lobby area by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 to ensure Santa has time to write back.
Remember to include your full name and address.

** Grinch candy cane hunt

Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley Street
Ages 3-10
Step into Whoville for a mischievous holiday adventure. Join the Park District for a whimsical, Grinch-themed candy cane hunt filled with holiday cheer, giggles and maybe a little Grinchy mischief. Hidden throughout the park (or inside due to weather), candy canes of all shapes and sizes await discovery — but beware because the Grinch has snuck in and swapped some of them for silly surprises. Keep an eye out for the sneaky Grinch himself, as he loves to stir up fun! The hunt starts at 10:10 a.m. sharp. Register at PRParks.org

** Swim with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 20 from 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Centennial Fitness Center, 1515 W. Touhy Ave
Ages 3-13
Santa is spending an afternoon relaxing at the Centennial Fitness Center Pool relaxing his big day. Join up to swim, sing holiday songs and play reindeer games. If your child cannot swim, a parent will need to be in the water with them. Open swim admission is included in your registration fee, so make sure to stay and enjoy. Register at PRParks.org

** Skate with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 21 from 1-2 p.m.
Oakton Sports Complex, 2800 Oakton Street
Time to skate with Santa and his elves. Complimentary candy canes for all kids who attend, and all skaters will be entered into a drawing to win two tickets to a Chicago Wolves Hockey game. Pre-registration is not required.
$7 for public skate admission and $4 for skate rental.

** Winter Wonderland on Ice holiday recital

Sunday, Dec. 21 from 2:10-4:40 p.m.
Oakton Sports Complex, 2800 Oakton Street
Join the Park District for a special holiday skating showcase, as a host of talented skaters weave through a winter wonderland of performances. Each routine features a combination of the skills learned and practiced throughout the year. Bring your family and friends to the rink and get into the holiday spirit with a can’t-miss show for all ages. Admission is $10 per person, paid at the door.

** New Year’s Eve Around the World

Tuesday, Dec. 30 from 10:30 a.m.-noon
Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley Street
Ages 3-10 with an adult
Experience the excitement of New Year’s Eve around the world with your family, all without leaving Park Ridge or staying up late. Explore cultural traditions, make crafts and enjoy snacks and drinks inspired by global flavors. Games, music and entertainment take place throughout the event. The celebration ends with noise makers, hats, beads and a traditional New Year’s Eve balloon drop. Register at PRParks.org

Christmas at Cantigny through Jan. 4

Explore a dazzling array of experiences as you meander through half-mile, fully ADA- and stroller-accessible path that features music-orchestrated light shows, festive decorations and a towering 28-foot Christmas tree. Christmas at Cantigny continues to add interactive elements, more illuminated gardens — including a new Northern Lights display in the Rose Garden — and new surprises around every corner. Two new theme nights, A Wickedly Popular Christmas, and Lights, Camera, Action! will feature different light shows and soundtracks on select nights.

Holiday gifts and exclusive Cantigny merchandise will be available in the new Noël Shop, located on the first floor of McCormick House. Running through Jan. 4 and located at 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton. Cantigny.org

The Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show returns to Rosemont Jan. 28-Feb. 1

The Chicago area’s largest and longest-running annual boating event returns to Rosemont’s Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center this winter, showcasing hundreds of new boats from the region’s top dealers, along with show-exclusive deals, the latest boating accessories, marine electronics and on-the-water essentials. Bumper boats, an immersive beach club, paddlefish pool, educational seminars and a trout pond combine to make the show a family-friendly adventure.

Insider’s tip: The Boat Show is bringing back its 5 After 5 deal on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, offering discounted admission after 5 p.m. Located at 5555 N. River Road in Rosemont. ChicagoBoatShow.com

Park Ridge Writers Group Feb. 11 at the Park Ridge Public Library
Do you want to write? Do you need a creative jumpstart to finish a piece? Join the Park Ridge Public Library’s writing group for positive critique and support from other writers. Don’t delay, as registration is limited to 20 people. This program will be held in-person in the third-floor meeting room from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11. ParkRidgeLibrary.org