Letters to Santa-FREE

Do your children have letters they would like to send to Santa? Mail your letters to the Rec Center at 350 E. Irving Park Road, Itasca IL 60143. Please make sure to put down your address, so Santa can send your child a letter back before Christmas. All letters must be in by Saturday, December 11.

Polar Express Storytime Train
Saturday, December 4

It’s back so register early! Itasca Park District residents will receive priority registration from Aug 16-23. Non-residents may register beginning Aug 24. Join us for one of Itasca’s favorite events! We will meet at the Metra Train Station in Itasca and board the train for a fun-filled trip. Enjoy a story, chocolate milk, cookies, and a special visit from everyone’s favorite jolly old elf, Santa! The trip will take you from Itasca to Elgin and back. Each child will receive a special gift from Santa to remind them of their magical journey. Come dressed in your favorite Christmas PJ’s! After registration, the itinerary will be mailed to your home. Children age 6 months and under are free. You MUST preregister for this event. Information may change based on Metra’s Schedule. (AM)

AGE: All
FEE: $20 per person
8:45-10:30am 361200-01
11am-12:30pm 361200-02
1-2:30pm 361200-03
5-6:30pm 361200-04
7-8:45pm 361200-05
LOCATION: Itasca Train Station, Irving Park Road and Maple St, Itasca

Holiday House Decoration Contest
Tuesday, December 7 at 6 pm-FREE

Village of Itasca and the Itasca Park District residents, decorate your house with holiday spirit! To enter your house: email your name, address, and phone number to amoraca@itascaparkdistrict.com.. Lights must be on by 6 pm. Prizes will be awared! Winners will be posted on the Itasca Facebook Page & website by December 20.

Gingerbread Man Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, December 3-12

"Run! Run! As fast as you can! As fast as you can! You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!" The Gingerbread Man is back and once again escaped Grandma's kitchen and we need help finding him! Participants will find and solve clues, puzzles, and riddles hidden around Itasca. Complete anytime between December 3rd and December 12th. Email correct locations the Gingerbread Man visited to erubo@itascaparkdistrict.com to be entered for a prize. The first clue will be email to you on December 3rd at 12:00 pm. Price per family. You can register additional members to receive more entries for a prize. (ER)

AGE: All
FEE: $5 320249-01 

Grow a Candy Kane Kit
Tuesday, December 7

The holidays and the winter season is a magical time! Participate in the magic by registering for a Grow a Cane Kit! Plant the peppermint in your pot over night and in the morning, it will grow into a candy cane! This kit needs special supervision, help and experienced magic from an adult. Kits will be delivered to Itasca Park District and Village Residents on Tuesday, December 7th between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Nonresidents can pick up their kit after 3:00 pm. (ER)

AGE: 1-8yrs
FEE: $10 320721-01
DEADLINE: Fri Dec 3
MIN/MAX: 6/24

Santa's Workshop-FREE
Friday, December 10 from 5:30-8 pm
Saturday, December 11 from 11 am-1:30 pm
Springbrook Nature Center

Visit Santa’s Workshop at the Nature Center! Kids will meet with Santa and parents may take photos in this festive atmosphere! We will have cookies and hot chocolate, and make some holiday crafts. 

Breakfast with Mrs. Claus
Sunday, December 12 from 10 am-12 pm

Get ready for some holiday cheer as children have the chance to enjoy a yummy breakfast and special visit with Mrs. Claus. There will be plenty of fun including: holiday music, crafts, and the reading of everyone’s favorite holiday stories. Each child will receive a holiday treat. Bring a camera to capture your child’s visit with Mrs. Claus. (AM)

AGE: All
FEE: $10 361201-01
LOCATION: Iris Room
DEADLINE: Mon Dec 6
MIN/MAX: 25/75

You've Been Grinched!
Friday, December 17

Grinch your own house or a friend or family's house with a holiday surprise! The Grinch's helpers will deliver the surprises and treats to Itasca Park District and Village Residents on Friday, December 17th between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. A "You've Been!" sign will be left in the yard stating who Grinched that house. (ER)

AGE: All
FEE: $15 320250-01- Grinch Your House
$15 320250-02-Grinch a Friend’s House
DEADLINE: Wed Dec 15
MIN/MAX: 10/50

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt
Monday, December 20 from 6-6:30 pm

Bundle up, grab a flashlight, and join us at Washington Park for a Candy Cane Hunt! Participants will hunt for a dozen candy canes. Some candy canes will have a special note attached to it to be turned in for a prize. All participants will leave with a small goody bag. (ER)

AGE: 1-14yrs
FEE: $8 320251-01
LOCATION: Washington Park
DEADLINE: Sun Dec 19
MIN/MAX: 10/50