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Holiday skating, Gnome Hunt, 8 Nights 8 Lights +


December 20, 2024

Holiday public skating

Ugly Sweater Skate – tonight

It's national ugly sweater day! Celebrate at the Skatium by wearing your ugly sweater to this public skate and getting $1 off admission.


Friday, December 20, 7:15–8:30 p.m.

Skatium Ice Arena

9340 Weber Park Pl.


Admission: $7 $6 / Skate rental $3

Noon Year's 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

Embark on the free Gnome Hunt at Emily Oaks!

Walk the trails and search for the hidden gnomes! There are 26 in total – one for every letter of the alphabet. Take a photo, but please leave the gnomes where you find them. Stop in during nature center hours to pick up your Gnome Hunt map or find it here beginning Friday evening, December 20.


Also, build-your-own Mini Gnome Kits are also available for $3 at Emily Oaks Nature Center.


December 21 through January 5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Emily Oaks Nature Center

4650 Brummel St.


This event is FREE and for all ages.

Celebrate 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! Live it up at Itty Bitty New Year

Ring in 2025 early 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.

Register for your Winter Programs!

Resident registration: Now open!

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

Thursday, December 26: Closed

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.