Spruce up your schedule with Holiday Happenings!

Wed November 22, 2023

DeKalb, IL- The holiday season truly is the most wonderful time of the year. A time to reflect, celebrate together and make new memories with loved ones. The DeKalb Park District is excited to offer three-holiday event traditions again: Breakfast with Santa, the DeKalb Holiday House Decorating Contest, and a new Elf theme for the annual winter carnival and indoor movie. 

"Many people feel recharged and relaxed when sharing holiday traditions and memories together. Start your tradition this year by joining in on one or more of our magical holiday events," stated Recreation Supervisor Sabrina Hunley. 

DeKalb residents are invited to channel their inner Clark Griswold and sign up for the 4th Annual DeKalb Holiday House Decorating Contest. Help brighten the community and sign up for just a $5 fee. Compete to win in three categories: Best Overall Theme, Light Up the Town, and People's Choice. The deadline to participate is December 5 and is for DeKalb residents only. All displays will be judged by DeKalb Park District staff on December 6 between 4:00 and 9:00 pm. Best Overall Theme and Light Up the Town category winners will be announced on December 7. Thank you to Raising Canes Chicken Fingers of DeKalb, who generously sponsored this year's prize packages. 

If decorating isn't your thing, help us vote for the People's Choice category winner! Decoration displays will be judged online through the District's Facebook page from December 7 - 14. Staff also encourages voters to hop in their cars and check out the participating houses in person. The image with the most "likes" by 9:00 pm on December 14 wins! The People's Choice winner will be officially announced on December 15. All category winners will receive a prize package and yard sign. Addresses of entries will be posted in local media unless otherwise specified at the time of registration. 

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa is coming to town on Saturday, December 9, at River Heights Golf Course Clubhouse at 1020 Sharon Drive. From 9:00-10:30 am, families can enjoy a light buffet breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, pastries, milk, coffee, and more! Not only will kids get to see the Big Guy himself, but they can also participate in a craft, listen to a holiday story, and receive a special gift from Santa. The fee is $15 for residents and $19 for non-residents. Tickets will be sold until full or by December 6, so be sure to sign up soon. Parents, don't worry about snapping the perfect photo- personalized photographs are included in your ticket fee so you can kick back and enjoy breakfast!  

On Wednesday, December 20, from 4:30-6:15 pm, travel through the "seven layers of the candy cane forest, past the sea of twirly-swirly gumdrops," and enter the world of Elf and the North Pole right here in DeKalb! Festivities await during a night of Elf-themed games, activities, light snacks, and refreshments at the Sports and Recreation Center at 1765 S. 4th Street. An adult must accompany all children. The fee is $32 R/ $40 NR per adult/child couple or $15 R/ $19 NR for each additional person if you sign up for pre-registration by December 18. The day-of registration fee is $36 R/ $45 NR per adult/child couple or $18 R/ $23 NR for each additional person. Afterward, from 6:30-8:15 pm, a FREE Elf (PG) movie screening will be projected indoors on a giant inflatable screen for all ages to enjoy. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets or chairs.

December is a busy month, but we hope you take a moment to join in the season's magic. Learn about these upcoming events, sign up for programs, or see more seasonal park district offerings at dekalbparkdistrict.com or call (815) 758-6663.