Every child loves a story, especially Christmas stories which stimulate their imagination and keeps alive the wonderful thoughts of the coming holiday season, leading up to the big day—Christmas! This is that special time of the year for children and stories help add to the magic of the season. They enjoy listening to everything from the great classics including Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” to newer stories such as the Dr. Seuss tale, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” to the famous Chris Van Allsburg book, “The Polar Express” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Charles M. Schulz”. Very few people remember “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was first a story written by Robert L. May, right here in Chicago for Montgomery Ward in 1939—ten years before the song came out. And of course, who can forget everyones all-time favorite, Clement Clarke Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas”.
Listed are events in the Chicago area that have Stories with Santa and Mrs. Claus or in some cases just Stories with Mrs. Claus. These are places where kids can enjoy the books they love the most.
Dates, times & cost for all events listed are subject to change.
Story Time with Santa is a favorite for children
Photo © Mitchell Studios Wauconda, IL
Barrington
Holiday Bedtime Stories with Mrs. Claus and Santa
Tuesday, December 3rd & Thursday, December 5th, 2019 Sponsor: Barrington Park District
Event at: Fitness & RecCenter John Sullivan Room
235 Lions Drive
Barrington, IL 60010
www.barringtonparkdistrict.org For information: (847) 304-5291 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pre-registration required
Times: Tuesday 5:30pm - 6:45pm and 7:15pm - 8:30pm Thursday, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
Cost: $14 residents - $16 non-residents, parents are free
For children ages 1–7 with parent
The little ones can wear their pajamas and enjoy a night they won’t soon forget. Mrs. Claus will be reading some of your favorite Christmas stories. There will be Christmas songs and milk and cookies—don’t be too surprised if old Santa Claus shows up with a little present. Remember to bring a camera.
Mrs. Claus in Barrington - photo courtesy Barrington Park District
Chicago
Tea with Mrs. Claus at The Peninsula Chicago
Saturday, November 30th, Sunday, December 1st, & Friday, December 20th, 2019
Event at: The Peninsula
108 East Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611
www.peninsula.com/chicago/
For additional information or reservations: (312) 573-6620
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Times: check with the Peninsula
Cost: $125 adults and $110 children.
Our young guests will delight in a magical event created just for them. The fun begins with Mrs. Claus’ Christmas storytelling, cookie decorating and an irresistible menu just for children, plus a special appearance from Santa Claus. Adults can enjoy a Champagne Afternoon Tea.
Crystal Lake
Story Time Fun with Mrs. Claus Saturday, December 14th, 2019 Sponsor: Crystal Lake Park District
Event at: The Rotary Building
431 Walkup Road
Crystal Lake, IL 60012
www.crystallakeparks.org
reservations required
For information: (815) 459-0680, ext 218
Times: 4pm to 5pm and 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Cost: $15 residents - $20 non-residents
Note: For children ages 3-10 only.
Wear your pajamas and bring a blanket and stuffed animal for a night of Christmas songs and stories with Mrs. Claus. Refreshments will be served.
Photo Courtesy Crystal Lake Park District
Stories with Mrs. Claus at the Crystal Lake Public Library
Sunday December 8th, Monday December 9th & Tuesday December 10th, 2019
Sponsor: Crystal Lake Public Library
Event at: 126 W. Paddock Street - Ames ii Room
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
www.crystallakelibrary.org
For information: (815) 459-1687
Registration required For children 18 months up to 6 years old
Times: Check with the library for times
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Come to the library and meet Mrs. Claus who will be reading Christmas stories and enjoy a holiday party. There will be songs and treats for everyone Note: This event is available for Crystal Lake Public Library card holders only.
Deer Park
Storytime with Mrs. Claus in Deer Park
Saturday, December 14th, 2019
Sponsor: Barnes & Noble
Event at: Childrens Department, Barnes & Noble
Deer Park Town Center - 20600 N. Rand Rd.
Deer Park, IL 60010
https://shopdeerparktowncenter.com/event/Storytime-with-Mrs-Claus/2145533837/
(847) 438-7444
Time: 11:30pm
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Bring the little ones for an hour of storytelling on December 14. Join Mrs. Claus at Barnes & Noble Deer Park in the children's department at as she reads stories and spreads holiday cheer.
Elk Grove Village
Storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Elk Grove Village
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019
Sponsor: Elk Grove Park District
Event at: Garden Terrace Room
1000 Wellington Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
www.elkgroveparks.org
reservations required
(847) 437-9494
Time: 6pm - 7:30pm
Cost: $6 per person, if purchased in advance Note: tickets on Dec. 3rd are $7 per person
An exciting evening has been put together by the Elk Grove Park District. Mrs. Claus will be reading some of her favorite holiday stories, all the children get to make a craft and have some hot chocolate and everyone gets to talk to and have a picture with Santa Claus.
Graphic courtesy Elk Grove Park District
Highwood
Stories & Pictures with Santa in Highwood
Thursday, December 12th 2019
Sponsor: Highwood Public Library
102 Highwood Avenue
Highwood, IL 60040
http://highwoodlibrary.org
registration required
For information: (847) 432-5404 Time: 6:30 pm to 8 pm
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Stories will be read to the children and then they will meet with Santa for pictures and to tell him what they would like for Christmas. Don’t forget your cameras.
Photo © Jenni Kenney Photography and Design
Joliet
Stories with Santa in Joliet Tuesday, December 10th & Wednesday, December 11th, 2019
Sponsor: Joliet Public Library
3395 Black Road
Joliet, IL 60431
www.joliet.lib.il.us
For information: (815) 740-2660 For pre-schoolers -registration is not required
Times: Both days - 10am - 11:30am
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Come and listen to holiday stories, enjoy activities and then it's time for the kids have a chat with Santa and for you to get pictures of them with the old guy. Don't forget to bring a camera.
Lisle
Story Time and Cookies with Mrs. Claus in Lisle
Saturday, December 7th, 2019
Sponsor: Lisle Park District
Lisle Recreation Center
Multipurpose Room 1
1925 Ohio Street
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 964-3410
www.lisleparkdistrict.org
Registration required
For children ages 3 to 7
Time: 11am to 12:30pm
Cost: Residents: $35; non-residents: $50
The little ones will love this event—Mrs. Claus is going to read the Night Before Christmas, then the kids are going to help her decorate and eat cookies and drink cocoa. They will also make a Christmas ornament to take home and put on the tree and sing Christmas songs.
Photo courtesy Lisle Park District
Mundelein
Breakfast 'N' Story with Santa in Mundelein
Saturday, December 14th, 2019
Sponsor: Mundelein Park & Recreation District
Event at: Regent Center
1200 Regent Drive
Mundelein, IL 60060
www.mundeleinparks.org
For information: (847) 388-5447
Pre-registration required
Time: 9am to 11am
Cost: $15 residents - $20 non-residents
For children ages 1–8 with parent or supervision
No need to wait in line at a mall—bring the kids in for breakfast and a story with Santa. Santa will read one of his favorites, “The Night Before Christmas”. There will be plenty of time to get your holiday photos so remember to bring your camera
Photo courtesy Mundelein Park District
Shorewood
Santa's coming to Town in Shorewood
Tuesday, December 10th, 2019
Sponsor: Shorewood-Troy Public Library
650 Deerwood Drive
Shorewood, IL 60404
http://www.shorewood.lib.il.us/
registration required
For information: (815) 725-4368 Time: 6:30pm to 8pm
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Note: Event is for children ages nine and under
Be sure to bring the children out for a great evening when Santa makes his annual visit to Shorewood. The kids will meet with Santa Claus who will hear what the little ones would like for Christmas. There will be a holiday story, craft making and treats plus time for picture taking, so don’t forget your cameras.
Stories with Santa in Shorewood
Stickney
Stories with Santa at the Stickney-Forest View Library
Thursday, December 12th, 2019
Sponsor: Stickney-Forest View Library
6800 West 43rd Street
Stickney, IL 60402
www.sfvpld.org/stickney
reservations required
For information: (708) 749-1050 ext. 131
Time: 6pm to 7:30pm
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
This is an evening all children are sure to love. There will be craft making and holiday treats, Santa will be listening to what the kids hope to receive. Remember to bring a camera to get those holiday photos.
Winfield
Storytime with Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus in Winfield
Saturday, December 14th, 2019
Winfield Public Library
0S291 Winfield Road
Winfield, IL 60190
www.winfield.lib.il.us
Additional information: (630) 653-7599
To book: Tickets at circulation desk in Library starting Nov. 30th
Time: 10am - 11:30am
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Storytime with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Come and listen to wonderful holiday stories read by Mrs. Claus and have your picture taken with Santa Claus.
Photo courtesy Winfield Public Library
Woodridge
Santa's Bedtime Stories in Woodridge
Sunday, December 15th, 2019
Sponsor: Woodridge Park District
Event at: Community Center
2600 Center Drive (Hickory-Oak)
Woodridge, IL 60501
www.woodridgeparks.org/
reservations required
To book: (630) 353-3300
Age: 1 - 8 years old
Times: 6pm to 6:45pm and 7:15pm to 8pm
Cost: $10 residents $14 non-residents
It’s ok to wear your pajamas, when you come to Santa’s Bedtime Stories. There will be a candy cane hunt and the kid’s will listen to their favorite Christmas stories, plus there will be a snack of milk and cookies. Every child gets to tell Santa his Christmas wishes and then has a picture taken with the jolly old elf.
Photo courtesy Woodridge Park District
Please note—all of the above events are subject to change without notice