Before digging into the traditional turkey later this month, please make the most of November in the days leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday by exploring Oak Park and its neighboring communities, all of which offer opportunities to delight this giving season. Don’t let November slip away; check out what’s happening this month below. You'll be thankful you did!
Forest Park Fall Wine Walk
November 4, 2023
Explore the unique shops and restaurants on Madison at the Fall Wine Walk on Saturday, November 4 from 1 to 5 pm. Taste three wines at 16 locations and enjoy locally prepared small bites at taste locations and restaurants.
Cost is $50 per person and includes all tastings plus a free bottle of wine of your choice (to be picked up from Famous Liquors within 30 days). Choose from a 12:30 pm or 1:30 pm registration time…then meet us at Forest Park Bank (7348 Madison) where you’ll receive your wine glass, itinerary and more on the day of the event.
Oak Park Conservatory Winter Greens Market
November 18 - December 17
Shop the Oak Park Conservatory’s Winter Greens Market, where you can find an array of fresh greens including balsam fir, boxwood, winter berries, magnolia tips, spruce tops and more will be available along with many other natural items for your winter decorations. Meet Us at the Open House, opening day of the Winter Green Market, Nov 18, 10:00A - 1:00P while shopping for your favorite winter greens for your home. Other events include Winter Wreaths workshop on Thursday, Nov 16, 7:00P - 8:30P. Winter Greens Containers Saturday, Dec 2, 10:00A - 11:30A
Location: Oak Park Conservatory, Oak Park
Brookfield Zoo Reindeer Run
November 18, 2023
Grab your glow sticks and running shoes and join us on Saturday, November 18 for the Reindeer Run. With a 2-mile course entirely within Brookfield Zoo, you and your family can “fun run” under the lights and be the first to see the lights of Holiday Magic. Space is limited, so don’t wait to register!
TWO-MILE FUN RUN
Start Time: 7:00 p.m.
Non-Member Registration: $30.00 Race Fee + Sign-Up Fee
Member Registration: $25.00 Race Fee + Sign-Up Fee
Location: Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic
November 24-26, and 30 and December 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-23, and 26-31, from 3 to 9 p.m.
During the fun-filled evenings, the park is illuminated with two million LED lights, creating a magical winter wonderland to be enjoyed by guests of all ages. Light displays of giant animals—bison, reindeer, giraffe, and bear—can be seen throughout the Zoo, and guests are sure to get in the holiday spirit as they stroll through two, 300-foot light tunnels synchronized to seasonal tunes. Adding to the ambience are the nearly 900 lit and decorated community and corporate trees located on the Zoo’s malls and around Roosevelt Fountain.
The fun doesn’t stop at holiday lights! Nightly entertainment from 5 to 8 p.m. takes place throughout the Zoo. At the North Pole, located in The Pavilions, guests can take in performances by Those Funny Little People and juggling elves, and youngsters can share their wish lists and have their photos taken with Santa.
Location: Brookfield Zoo Brookfield
Makers and Builders Week at Wonder Works Museum
November 16-20, 2023
During Builders and Makers Week, children can build with different materials and tools, including little wooden blocks for tots. Kids of all ages can imagine, build and tinker while developing find and gross motor skills. Boat building, parachute construction, fort building, 3 little pig house making, a maker space and other challenges. No special ticket is required. This STEM special programming event is included in your Wonder Work admission.
Location: Wonder Works Museum Oak Park
LaGrange Flash Sale
November 25, 2023
Celebrate big at LaGrange small businesses with fantastic limited-time offers at plenty of your favorite local spots on Small Business Saturday. What a great way to kick off your shopping for the holidays! You can shop and save with great deals and limited-time bargains from 10 am to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 25.
Location: Downtown LaGrange, LaGrange
Oak Park Shopper Reward
November 1 - December 25, 2023
Downtown Oak Park’s annual Shopper’s Reward program kicks off on November 1st and runs until December 25th. Shop at your favorite DTOP businesses, save your receipts, and earn rewards. Save your receipt from any purchase, shopping or dining (online included). Spend $25+ at 7 or more DTOP businesses between November 1st and December 25th and receive $50 in rewards. All you must do is save your receipts and turn them in before March 15th.
Location: Downtown Oak Park
Oak Park Farmers' Market
November 25 and 26, 2023
Welcome to Pleasant Home for the Holidays, a celebration of the season in our fully-decorated home!
Night one features a concert lit by candlelight featuring talented local musicians. Free hors d'oeuvres will be provided, with a cash bar.
On night two, tour Pleasant Home when it's at its most magnificent - decorated for the holiday season and lit by candlelight! Light refreshments will be served as you're treated to a lantern-lit guided tour by our wonderful team of docents.
When: November 25 and 26 at 7 p.m.
Where: Pleasant Home | 217 Home Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
Cost: $25 per person ($20 per PHF member)
Location: Pleasant Home , Oak Park