Holiday Light Show and Shopping
Our first stop is in Theresa, Wisconsin to visit Widmer’s Cheese and Confections by Joel. Widmer’s Cheese Cellars settled in the heart of one of the richest cheese making areas in America more than 80 years ago. There will be a 15 minute video, possible tour depending on what needs to be made, free samples and cheese makers can answer your questions upon request. Chocolate is a specialty for blind entrepreneur, Joel Bernhard, owner of Confections by Joel. He started making candy back in 1999, selling to friends and neighbors but as word spread about his delicious chocolates he expanded to an old general store which is over 100 years old, with original tin ceilings and hardwood floors. Next stop is Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
The Back Porch – KICKOFF PARTY!
BPD - Langendorf Park 235 Lions Drive, Barrington, IL, United StatesCome see what the hype is all about! The Back Porch is a vibrant community of adults (over 50), focused on a happy, active lifestyle. Join other adults in exploring a variety of pursuits, from casual happy hours to fine dining, musical entertainment and theater, as well as group activities, sports and much more. Join the fun and let the journey begin! There’s never been a better time to start than now! The kickoff party will offer refreshments and music by Sons of Bildor. Bring yourself, partner and/or a friend.
Joffrey Ballet Nutcracker and High Tea at the Drake
Experience the elegant High Tea at the Drake Hotel in festive downtown Chicago as you enjoy live holiday musical entertainment, finger sandwiches, pastries and an assortment of very fine teas. Following High Tea, you will have time to shop on the Magnificent Mile. Continue the holiday festivities at the ballet where you will be mesmerized by the boldly reimagined “Nutcracker” with Tchaikovsky’s glorious score played live by the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra and performed by the Joffrey Ballet Company.
Dinner with Santa
Every little one wants the chance to tell Santa their Christmas wishes before the big day arrives. Come to the Park District and enjoy a catered dinner and a personal visit with everyone’s favorite jolly old elf, Santa. Pre-registration is required. This is a very popular event, so please register early!
Drury Lane: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Based on the beloved Academy Award-winning Disney film, this nine-time Tony nominated musical continues to win the hearts of people all over the globe. Trapped in her provincial life, a young and intelligent beauty risks everything to become the heroine of her own story and break a wicked spell imprisoning a castle of enchanted misfits and a terrifying beast.
Root Beer Bubbly Bash!
Kids will ring in the New Year by brewing homemade root beer at the ultimate bubbly bash! Party attendees will cast their vote for BEST 2019 ROOT BEER as they taste-test a flight of 5 different unidentified sumptuous foamy brands. Next, kids will complete their experience by preparing their own customized “black cow” (root beer float) with loads of festive fixings. Then, meet a real furry bunny rabbit mascot, named Root Beer…. of course! Lastly, the party culminates with kids making root beer SLIME to take home. This is a child’s dream New Year’s Eve Week event!
Wine & Chocolate
BPD - Langendorf Park 235 Lions Drive, Barrington, IL, United StatesIf you love wine and chocolate, then come sample some of the best wines in the area along with great chocolate! At this event Vintages Wine & Spirits will teach you what wines pair well with a particular chocolate. While wining and sampling great chocolate, meet and mingle with new friends in town.
Wild Rose Casino
Wild Rose Casino 777 Wild Rose Drive, Clinton, IA, United StatesJoin us as we head East and over the boarder to Clinton, Iowa for some gaming at Wild Rose Casino. Located on the Mississippi, Wild Rose Casino dates back to the earliest days of riverboat gaming in Iowa.
The Producers at the Paramount
Paramount 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL, United StatesThe Producers is an uproariously funny musical with hilarious songs that will have you grinning from ear to ear. Nobody does comedy like Mel Brooks and nobody does shows like the Paramount in Aurora. Under the right circumstances, a producer could make more money with a flop than he could with a hit. And so begins one of the most hilarious cons in musical theatre history.
Chicago Multi-Cultural Food Tour
Chicago 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, United StatesThe ever popular food tour is back for new neighborhoods and new food! The day starts with a trip to Chicago’s vibrant Mexican neighborhood, Pilsen, for the cultural experience and a traditional breakfast sampling. Next, we head to Greektown to get some of the most requested appetizers and shouting out “OPA”! From there we turn our eyes to the Emerald Isle, as we sample traditional Irish pub fare. The day concludes with a treat at an authentic German bakery. Don’t miss this great trip where you will be getting a great history lesson of the different neighborhoods while filling your belly with the great foods from the culture.
