Five Things To Do in the Northern Suburbs: Jan 2–4, 2026

Winter weather has arrived! Layer up, follow the holiday lights, and catch a few can't-miss events this weekend.

Take an after-hours walk at Cocktails Under the Lights.
Lightscape takes on an adults-only twist during this evening stroll through the Chicago Botanic Garden's illuminated installations. Wander the winding paths at your own pace while stopping for specialty cocktails and mocktails along the way.

Date: Jan. 2
Time: 4:30–8 p.m.
Cost: $36+
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
More Info: chicagobotanic.org

Have fun at Family Open House.
Families are invited inside the historic Dawes House for an afternoon of winter activities during this seasonal open house. The event includes classic games, kid-friendly crafts, live piano music, and a reading of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, along with warm refreshments throughout the space. Visitors can also explore the current exhibition and take photos inside the festively decorated house.

Date: Jan. 3
Time: 4–6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood St., Evanston
More Info: evanstonhistorycenter.org

Step in time at Classic Family Movie: Mary Poppins.
The original Mary Poppins gets the big-screen treatment during this family movie night at Camelot Park. The screening is part of the park district's 100th anniversary celebration, highlighting its 1960s era roots. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and settle in for the familiar songs, whimsical scenes, and flying umbrellas that have made the film a favorite for generations.

Date: Jan. 2
Time: 7–9 p.m.
Cost: Free with Registration
Location: Camelot Park, 1005 E. Suffield Dr., Arlington Heights
More Info: ahpd.org 

Plan your big day at the Illinois Bridal & Wedding Expo.
This large-scale wedding expo brings together venues, planners, designers, and service providers from across Illinois under one roof. Browse décor ideas, connect directly with vendors, and gather inspiration for everything from attire to receptions.

Date: Jan. 3–4
Time: 12:30–5 p.m.
Cost: Free with Registration 
Location: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont
More Info: bridalshowsil-de.com

Create and build at Winter Break: Tinker Time.
Tinker Time turns winter break into a hands-on experience with multiple activity stations designed for making and experimenting. Families can move freely between stations, trying different projects and taking their creations home at the end of the day. Drop in, explore at your own pace, and spend time creating together indoors.

Date: Jan. 2
Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Grayslake Area Public Library District, 100 Library Ln., Grayslake
More Info: grayslake.librarycalendar.com