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DOWNERS GROVE -The holiday season is fast approaching and while the pandemic has caused some traditional events to be canceled or restructured, the Downers Grove Park District has a variety of offerings designed to help residents get in the holiday spirit by enjoying some unique events.
What: Christmas Tree Decorating
When: On display from Dec. 10-15
Where: Downers Grove Museum Campus, 831 Maple Ave.
Info: Take a stroll through the Downers Grove Museum Campus from Dec. 10-15 to view holiday trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. The buildings at the Downers Grove Museum are closed due to guidelines following Tier 3 mitigations.
What: Nature Scavenger Hunt: Winter Wonderland
When: Dec. 5-13
Where: Lyman Woods, 901 31st St.
Cost: Ages: all; Fee: $5
Info: See Lyman Woods in a whole new way on a scavenger hunt. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the trails in search of creatures great and small. Collect items by taking photos and videos. Scavenger hunts must be completed and submitted during the hunt’s designated week. Participants who complete a hunt will be automatically entered into an end-of-the-season raffle, drawn and shared via video on Lyman Woods’ Facebook page. Prizes to choose from will include jars of Lyman Woods honey, free group programs, animal-made artwork and more. Pre-registration required.
What: Beginner Fortnite Tournament
When: 4-9 p.m. Dec. 18
Ages: Residents: $5/non-residents: $8
Beginner gamers ages 8 to 14 can join this Virtual Fortnite 1v1 Duos Tournament.This tournament is for the occasional player, with lower XP levels, still becoming proficient at building. Players are required to have the app Discord for communication. An email will be sent the day before the tournament containing the rules, a link to the Discord private chatroom and a link to the online bracket with assigned bracket group and start time. V-Buck prizes will be awarded.
What: Virtual Jump into Literacy: Snowmen at Night
10-11 a.m. Dec. 15
Cost: $30/non-residents: $45
Info: This virtual class for ages 2 to 6 includes a pre-recorded video featuring the preschool story "Snowmen at Night" and includes an at-home project kit. Parents will need to assist children with the project and videos. Pre-registration required.
What: Holiday Animal Hunt
When: 1-2 p.m. Dec. 19
Where: Lyman Woods, 901 31st St., Downers Grove
Cost: $8
Info: Get ready for the holidays by making treats for the animals including bird feeders and suet to take home or leave for the Lyman Woods critters. All ages are welcome. Price is per child. Pre-registration required.
What: Virtual Smart Start Art Winter Camp
When: 11-11:45 a.m., Mondays to Wednesdays: Dec. 21-30
Cost: Residents: $77/non-residents: $107
Info: Smart Start Art Winter Camp (ages 5-11) is a great way to keep your creativity and imagination alive during the time away from school. Using everyday materials from around the house, students will create winter-themed projects and learn to see art everywhere in the world around them with a live instructor during each 45-minute session. This class also includes video lessons to guide students through the creation of additional projects outside of class time. An email with the link to the recurring Zoom meeting and any additional information for the course will be sent to the email address entered during your registration. The email will be sent one business day before the class begins. Pre-registration is required.
What: Full Moon Campfire Hike
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 26
Where: Lyman Woods, 901 31st St.
Cost: $6
Info: Explore the seasonal changes tied to the moon on a guided night hike. Observe the moon through our telescope (weather permitting) and enjoy stories and s’mores around the campfire. Fee is per person and pre-registration is required. This class will become virtual in case of a facility closure.