ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF THE SEASON
This month's 10 Trends list highlights the magic and beauty of the winter season in our area. There are so many breathtaking things to see and places to visit that will provide endless memories of wintertime fun. Enjoy!
#1 | Ice Festival 2022
DOWNTOWN DOWNERS GROVE
The Ice Festival is a great family fun winter event! This year it will be a little different but equally as great. Organizers are offering the community an opportunity to purchase an ice sculpture - how exciting! If a family, organization, neighborhood, etc. would like to purchase one to have displayed in the downtown area, THEY CAN! There are so many great stock sculptures to choose from or create a custom design. Order deadline has been extended until January 14.
#2 | Wine & Canvas: Winter Sky
BLACKBERRY FARM • WEDNESDAY, JAN 19 7 • 6:30pm-8:30pm
A relaxing evening filled with creativity is planned for late January in Aurora at Blackberry Farm when Pinot Noir meets the palette as an instructor guides you through your own custom canvas creation. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine, snacks, a few friends and enjoy a lively, social and creative night out.
#3 | Winter Fest at Winter Lights
FRIDAY, JANUARY 7 • 4:30 PM
Register online: https://tinyurl.com/yd2tysxe
Come out to Central Park West and have fun this winter! This outdoor event will include firepits, smores kits, and music! Other activities may be added based on the weather. Finally, enjoy a walk around the park during our Winter Lights at Central Park event! All children will receive a glow item! Everyone must preregister. The cost to participate is $5 for residents and $7 for nonresidents.
#4 | Frosty Fest 2022
SATURDAY, JANUARY 29
Red Oak Nature Center • 4pm-7pm
Just because the holidays are over doesn't mean you can't still celebrate winter! Get ready for the 3rd annual Frosty Fest in Batavia. Hike on one of the self-guided trails including Illuminated Snowflake Trail where you can use your senses to explore winter. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and toasted marshmallows while warming up by the fire. Everyone attending must purchase a ticket for entry. Purchase tickets now: https://bit.ly/3poBk5U
#5 | Snowflake Dance Paint & Sip
PINOT’S PALETTE • MONDAY, JANUARY 10 • 7-9pm
Celebrate the winter season by painting the cold weather goddess pictured above. Pinot’s Palette is a pioneer of the paint and sip experience – a revolutionary way to enjoy art and wine, meet new people and bond with friends. In-studio and virtual participation. Grab your besties & sign up today!
#6 | Winter Lights at the Garden
DURING JANUARY • 5-7PM • JAPANESE GARDEN BATAVIA
www.ppfv.org/winterlights - Check Site for Exact Event Dates
Step into an ethereal winter landscape at the Fabyan Japanese Garden this season! Enjoy a leisurely stroll through an evening light display that highlights the historic Garden in its winter splendor. Entry to this event will be timed at 15-minute intervals but feel free to embrace the serenity of the Garden as long as you wish. Tickets are $5/person, children 5 and under are free.
#7 | The Peninsula Sky Rink
DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
A guest favorite, The Peninsula Sky Rink (pictured right) will return for the winter season on Saturday, November 20th, coinciding with the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. The 2,100 sq ft (200 sq m) hybrid rink is the only hotel skating rink in Chicago and debuted November 2012.
#8 | Batavia Indoor Market
SATURDAYS IN JANUARY & FEBRUARY • 9am-12pm
25 market vendors are INSIDE with locally grown produce, fresh baked goods, farm raised meats, homemade soaps, honey, coffee, hot sauce, eggs, and more. SNAP benefits are accepted.
#9 | Ice Art Walk & Cocoa Crawl
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 • 12-3PM • DOWNTOWN WHEATON
Brave the cold for a fun day in Downtown Wheaton with the family to tour the custom-carved Ice Art Walk ice sculptures sponsored by and displayed outside sponsoring businesses. The custom-carved sculptures will be on display at sponsoring businesses beginning Saturday, February 5, 2022. Step inside to warm up and shop the sponsoring businesses. There is no cost to view the Ice Art Walk sculptures.
#10 | Ice Castles In Lake Geneva
LAKE GENEVA
Ice Castles is bringing fairy tales to life in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Let your imagination run wild as you explore caverns and tunnels made entirely from ice. Race down an ice-carved slide and squeeze through crawl spaces and slot canyons to discover new experiences around every corner. With fountains, thrones, wishing wells, sleigh rides, and more, you'll be mesmerized.
