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A Christmas Carol, condolences, Swiftie skate +


December 13, 2024

This weekend! See a holiday classic on stage

Celebrate the holiday season this weekend with the Thin Ice Theatre Ensemble's heartwarming production of A Christmas Carol. Join us for a magical journey through Charles Dickens' classic tale, filled with unforgettable performances and festive spirit.


Friday, December 13, 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 14, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Sunday, December 15, 3 p.m.

Devonshire Playhouse

4400 Greenwood St.


Students: $15

Adults: $20

Purchase tickets here

Sincerest condolences to the family of Mike Reid

District commissioner leaves a legacy of hard work and compassion

The Board of Commissioners and the staff of the Skokie Park District are grief-stricken this week, as the family of Mike Reid shared the news of his passing.


Mike, who had been bravely battling ALS, served on the district’s board from 2005 through July of this year and was beloved by this park district –– and by the Skokie community.


Mike's path into the park and recreation industry was a long one. Here is that story.

Holiday public skate events!

Taylor Swift Cosmic Skate

Come dressed as your favorite 'Era!'


Join us on Taylor's birthday for a Swiftie cosmic skate and bracelet making!


Friday, December 13, 7:15–8:30 p.m.

Skatium Ice Arena

9340 Weber Park Pl.


Admission: $7 / Skate rental $3

Skate with Santa

He's making a list and checking it twice, and then Santa is coming to the Skatium for a little fun before he heads out on his sleigh. Come and join him for ice skating and holiday themed music!


Saturday, December 14, 2–3:15 p.m.

Skatium Ice Arena

9340 Weber Park Pl.


Admission: $7 / Skate rental $3


Noon Years Eve Skate

Celebrate the New Year at noon at the Skatium! We will count down the Noon Year with a Balloon Drop followed by the first skate of 2025!


Tuesday, December 31, 11:55 a.m.–2 p.m.

Skatium Ice Arena

9340 Weber Park Pl.


Admission: $7 / Skate rental $3

Book holiday carolers for your neighborhood!

Through December 22

Give the gift of song! Our carolers will sing in your Skokie neighborhood.


Fee: $50


Contact Rebecca at (847) 929-7425 or email rgoldberg@skokieparks.org to schedule.

8 Nights, 8 Lights!

Join us for this festival of lights!


Learn more about Hannukah through interactive storytelling, play dreidel, or make a craft to take home. Stations of activities are appropriate for children and will be a fun experience for families.


All are welcome to fry and eat your own latkes using kosher supplies provided by Lubavitch Chabad.


We will end the evening with a traditional lighting of the candles.


Sunday, December 29, 5-6:30 p.m.

Devonshire Cultural Center

4400 Greenwood St.


$7 residents / $9 non-residents. Pre-registration required.

Register here

Families! Celebrate the Itty Bitty New Year

Ring in 2025 at this annual family event with a DJ, games, crafts, entertainment and balloon drop at noon. Admission to The Exploritorium included.


Bring the whole family! Recommended for families with children up to age 10. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.


Children age 1 and older: $18

Adults: $5


Tickets will be sold at the door ONLY if space allows.

Register here

Special: The Exploritorium open on two holiday Thursdays!


The Exploritorium is ordinarily closed on Thursdays, but on December 26 and January 2, Skokie's imagination playground will open its doors to all from 9 a.m.–5p.m., for post-holiday fun! (Regular admission fees apply.) Click here to check us out.

Discover winter delights in December!


If you are looking for new and unique ways to have fun in December, the Skokie Park District offers great one-day events, workshops, outings, special events and more.


Click on the calendar below to view it and access its event links.

Click here for the entire calendar of events at the Skokie Park District.

Check out your Winter Programs!

Resident registration: December 15

Non-Resident registration: December 22


Winter classes and events are now viewable online –– and with them the district's Winter Program Guide '25.


This guide offers you and your family a convenient look at an enormous variety of recreational, educational and fitness alternatives, including many winter indoor and outdoor special events.


Celebrate winter by finding a new program, class or hobby at your Skokie Park District!


Click the button below to plan your winter fun.



See the Winter Program Guide here

Facility holiday hours

All days not listed will operate during regular hours.


Devonshire Cultural Center

Tuesday, December 24: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 

Wednesday, December 25: Closed

Thursday–Friday, December 26-27:

9 a.m.–6 p.m.​ 

Saturday, December 28: Closed

Tuesday, December 31: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 

Wednesday, January 1: Closed

Thursday–Friday,

January 2-3: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.​ 

​Saturday, January 4: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, January 5: 7 a.m.–noon


Emily Oaks Nature Center

Tuesday, December 24: Closed at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, December 25: Closed*

Tuesday, December 31: Open

Wednesday, January 1: Closed*

Trail open daily 8 a.m. to sunset


The Exploritorium

Tuesday, December 24: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 

Wednesday, December 25: Closed

Thursday, December 26: Open! 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tuesday, December 31: Closed for Itty Bitty New Year event 

Wednesday, January 1: Closed

Thursday, January 2: Open! 9 a.m.–5 p.m.


Oakton Community Center

Tuesday, December 24: 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. 

Wednesday, December 25: Closed

Tuesday, December 31: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Wednesday, January 1: Closed


Skatium Ice Arena

Tuesday, December 24: Closes at 2 p.m. 

Wednesday, December 25: Closed 

Tuesday, December 31: Closes at 2 p.m. 

Wednesday, January 1: Closed 


Skokie Heritage Museum

Saturday, December 28: Closed


Skokie Sports Park

Tuesday, December 24: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.  

Wednesday, December 25: Closed 

Tuesday, December 31: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. 

Wednesday, January 1: 12–10 p.m. 


Weber Leisure Center & Fitness First Health Club

Tuesday, December 24: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Wednesday, December 25: 7 a.m.-11 a.m. 

Tuesday, December 31: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Wednesday, January 1: 7 a.m.-11 a.m.