MARCH OF THE PENGUINS Bird is the word at the Shedd.
Photo: Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium
Yes, sweetie, there is a Santa Claus. But, no, you don’t have to wait in winding lines with screaming rug rats to get the requisite snapshot of Junior with the jolly, fat guy. Bypass the malls and the stifling crowds waiting to see Santa House in Daley Plaza and pay a visit to Kriss Kringle at these not-so-obvious spots. Grandma still gets a picture to show off, and you avoid one more holiday headache.
The Shedd Aquarium
Santa’s no dummy—he’s chilling where it’s nice and frosty with some of the arctic animals at the Shedd. Your little darlings can pose with him against a backdrop of penguins and ice caps—so North Pole!—from 11am to 4pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through January 4. On December 13 and 20, see the Shedd’s 15-minute 4D film Polar Express, plus enjoy cookies, cocoa and craft projects. Free with admission; for info about times and registration, call 312-692-2707 or e-mail groupreservations@sheddaquarium.org. 1600 S Lake Shore Dr, 312-939-2438.
Elk Grove Park District Aquatic Center
We don’t normally get to see Santa in his bathing suit in these parts, but maybe he’ll take the plunge at the indoor Pavilion Aquatic Center from 1–3pm on December 13. The event includes games and food, but a grown-up must register along with kids. $7–$10, call 847-593-2948 for more info and to register. 1000 Wellington Ave, Elk Grove Village.
John Hancock Building
Head 94 stories up for an awesome view of the Mag Mile’s colorful holiday lights. The big guy in red is on hand for photos from 11am to 5:30pm every weekend through December 21. Plus, Mr. and Mrs. Claus host breakfast on December 20 and 21, 9–11am. Kids get free access to the observatory with an adult. 875 N Michigan Ave (hancockobservatory.com). For breakfast resevations call 312-654-5013.
Symphony Center
Sneak in a dose of culture along with your trip to see St. Nick at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s annual Welcome Yule! Holiday concert. The 14th annual family-oriented show includes dancing and a sing-along. Community choirs will sing prior to each performance. Tickets $20–$113. Dec 14 at 1, 4:30pm; Dec 19 at 7pm; Dec 20 at 3pm; Dec 21, 23 at 1, 4:30pm. 220 S Michigan Ave, 312-294-3000.
Grant Park
Claus brings the Mrs. along for Skate with Santa from 7–9pm on December 16 at the Daley Bicentennial Plaza ice rink. Free. 337 E Randolph St; 312-742-7648.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Santa’s got a green thumb—he’s relaxing in the decked-out indoor gardens and treating kids to a look at the supercool Wonderland Express train exhibit and a dinner buffet. $28.95; kids ages 3 to 12 $17.95; kids under 3 free. Dec 11, 16, 18 at 6:30pm. Go to chicagobotanicgarden.org or call 847-835-5440 to make reservations. 1000 Lake-Cook Rd, Glencoe.
North Riverside 6 Movie Theaters
Even cranky kids have a hard time resisting the movies, and a free flick—and visit from Mr. Claus—during the holiday season is a bonus. North Riverside 6 shows the big-screen version of the story about the sleigh-guiding reindeer gratis on December 13 at 10am. Kids are encouraged to come in holiday costumes; St. Nick makes his appearance before the movie. Free. 7501 W Cermak Rd, Riverside, 708-447-1178.