EPR e-News: Letters to Santa, Summer Camp open house, outdoor skating, winter break camps, events, and more

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 12/12/2025 10:18 AM CST

Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 | View in browser

Good morning,

Check out this week's news on letters to Santa, Summer Camp open house, outdoor skating, winter break camps, events, and more

News

Send Your Letters to Santa by December 14

Evanston Parks & Recreation is teaming up with the North Pole again this year to make sure every child’s letter makes it to Santa. Drop off your letters thru December 14 at the North Pole mailbox at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center.

Want a letter back? Just place your note in a stamped, self-addressed envelope before dropping it off!

Drop-off location:
Chandler-Newberger Community Center
1028 Central St., Evanston

Get a Sneak Peek at Summer Fun:
Camp Open House January 9

It may be cold and snowy outside, but summer is already heating up in Evanston! Step out of the winter chill and into sunshine at our Summer Camp 2026 Open House on January 9. Get a warm preview of all the adventure, creativity and fun waiting for your kids this summer — from sports and arts to science, nature and more.

Bring the kids, meet our camp teams, try hands-on activities, and start dreaming about sunny days ahead.

Open house will feature:

Info sessions with camp managers
Hands-on activities
Giveaways
Job fair for seasonal positions
Refreshments

Plus, get your Camp Passport stamped at each station and enter for a chance to win discounts on camp registration!

Event details:

Date: Friday, January 9
Time: 5–8 p.m.
Location: Levy Center
Cost: Free, no registration required

Outdoor Skating at Arrington Lagoon

Bundle up, Evanston — outdoor skating season is almost here! Arrington Lagoon in Dawes Park is expected to open for skating this weekend, weather permitting.

Creating a safe, high-quality skating surface takes more than a cold night and a flood of water. Public Works crews need several days and nights of consistent freezing temperatures to build ice thick enough for skating. Ground temperature plays a major role, too. Staff closely monitor frost depth and begin ice-making only when conditions are right and cold weather is expected to continue.

Please check the City’s website and social channels for opening updates before you head out.

The Café au Lake and four season room will be open on Saturdays and Sundays when skating is available from 11am to 6pm.

Lace up, stay warm, and we’ll see you on the ice!

Upcoming Events

Nutcracker on Ice: December 12-14

Attend the 50th anniversary of Evanston’s Nutcracker on Ice. This landmark event will feature stars from the present and celebrate past performers.
Event details
Dates and times: Friday, December 12, 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 13, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 14, 2 p.m.
Meeting Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Cost: $12
Tickets

Indoor Market: December 13

The Indoor Farmers’ Market at the Evanston Ecology Center continues on select Saturdays thru April. Shop local vendors and enjoy your favorite farm-fresh finds all winter long.

Event details
Date: Saturday, December 13
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: Free
View the indoor market schedule.

Prieto Early Learning Center Open House: December 13

Opening in January 2026, Prieto Early Learning Center will offer a trusted, nurturing, and stimulating environment for young children. The center will serve ages 2–3 years with DCFS-licensed, AM or full-time childcare options beginning January 5, 2026.

Families attending the open house can meet the staff, tour the new classrooms, and learn more about the engaging programs designed to support early learning and development.

Event details
Date: Saturday, December 13
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: Free

Cozy Winter Reading: December 13

Attend a free event featuring a warm and joyful winter celebration of reading.

Bring the whole family for:

Story times for little ones
A special reading with local children’s author Karla Valenti
Winter-themed crafts
Cookie decorating
Hot cocoa and cookies
A pop-up bookstore with free books

Event details
Date: Saturday, December 13
Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meeting Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: Free

The Old Lady Project Submissions: December 15

Do you have a story centered on powerful women over 55? The Old Lady Project is now accepting submissions of original scripts and screenplays that feature significant roles for female-identifying characters age 55 and older.

Selected works will have the opportunity to be professionally produced as a staged reading, giving playwrights a chance to see their work come to life.

Submission deadline: December 15, 2025
Submit your play: https://filmfreeway.com/OldLadyProject
Supported in part by the Illinois Arts Council

The Great Elf Hunt: December 20-January 4

The elves are on the loose in Evanston — and they’re causing all kinds of holiday mischief! We need sharp-eyed elf hunters to help track them down and send them back to the North Pole.

From December 20 to January 4, visit participating Evanston Parks & Recreation locations, find each hidden elf, and snap a photo with them.

How to Enter:

Each elf photo = one raffle entry
Include your name and phone number with each submission
Send your photos to kgrundin@cityofevanston.org and you’ll be entered into a raffle to win gift cards to local Evanston businesses! One lucky winner will take home four North Goal tickets to see the Chicago Stars at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium!
Limit one photo per location per person/family
Photos may be used for marketing unless otherwise requested

Where to Find the Elves:

Chandler-Newberger
Ecology Center
Eiden Park
Fleetwood-Jourdain
Independence Park
Lee Street Beach
Levy Senior Center
Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Oldberg Park
Prieto Community Center
Robert Crown Community Center

Event details
Date: December 20 - January 4
Cost: Free

Winter Solstice Bonfire: December 20

Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a winter solstice bonfire. Join us at Lighthouse Beach while we learn about the winter solstice and traditions that incorporate nature. S’mores and hot chocolate will be enjoyed. Children must be accompanied by an enrolled adult.

Event details
Date: December 20
Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
Cost: $15 R/$19.52 NR
Register

A Youthful Kwanzaa Celebration: December 26

Join us for a vibrant and family-friendly Kwanzaa celebration.

This joyful evening will include:

A Community African drum circle
A dance performance by the Chofit Dancers
Lighting of the first Kwanzaa candle, presented by a young community member
An introduction to Kwanzaa’s seven principles, symbols, and traditions

This free event is open to all—no registration required. Come celebrate culture, community, and togetherness!

Event details
Date: Friday, December 26
Hours: 6 p.m.
Meeting Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Cost: Free

Middle School Multi-Sport Challenge: December 29

ETHS Athletics is hosting the 11th Annual Middle School Multi-Sport Challenge, presented by Endeavor Health. Sixth, seventh and eighth graders will have fun playing three different sports of their choice while learning directly from ETHS coaches and athletes.

Event details
Date: Monday, December 29
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Meeting Location: ETHS
Cost: Free
Register by December 22.

Noon Year's Eve: December 31

Looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate the New Year without staying up late? Join us for Noon Year’s Eve at the Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center.

Families will enjoy:

Open play in the Let’s Play space
Active games
Fun crafts
A festive balloon drop at noon sharp

Event details
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Meeting Location: Prieto Community Center
Cost: $12 R/ $15.62 NR per person
Register

Programs Spotlight

Registration for our Winter programs is now open! Fill your winter with fun by exploring classes, events, and activities for all ages in our Winter Program Guide or on our new registration platform—both available at www.cityofevanston.org/recreation.

Check out a few of the classes we're offering this winter below and then discover hundreds of other Parks and Rec programs.

Adapted Pickleball

This beginner, adapted program will teach you the skills and basic rules of the sport that is ever-growing in popularity. Adapted equipment will be provided and we'll get our friendly competition on in an environment that focuses on fun, socialization, and increasing our physical activity. Register now.

1st-5th Grade Basketball League

Registration is now open for Evanston’s 1st–5th Grade Basketball Leagues, running Saturdays from January 24 to February 28 at District 65 schools. The season includes six games, coached by volunteers from each participating school. Game times vary weekly between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., with possible bye weeks depending on team count. All participants must be registered by Jan. 8

Cheer Academy

Cheerleaders will spend 8 sessions learning cheers/routines from the experts at Chicago Loves Dance. Cheerleaders will then cheer at the 10 a.m. basketball games each Saturday, Jan. 24-Feb. 28, for the 4th and 5th grade basketball league. Uniform shirt included. All participants must be registered by Jan. 8. Register now.

Boxing Classes at Fleetwood

The Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center hosts high-energy boxing classes that build strength, endurance, and confidence
through boxing technique, conditioning, and bag work. Great exercise for all ages. Learn more and register:

Keep the Fun Going All Winter Break!

School may be out, but the adventure is just getting started! Evanston Parks & Recreation is offering a full lineup of Winter Break Camps to keep kids active, creative, and engaged while school is closed. From science and art to outdoor exploration, themed activities, field trips, and plenty of playtime, there's something for every age and interest.

Early closures on December 23 and 31. No camp December 24, 25, and January 1.

Winter Wonder Camp
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Ages: 5-12
Dates: December 29–January 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy snow art, dance, field trips, ice skating and gym games as we celebrate winter vacation. Dress for outdoor play as well; we may even make a snowman or two. Register

Let it Snow Winter Break Camp
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Ages: 2-5
Dates: December 29–January 2, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Whether it snows or not, we’ll celebrate the winter vacation with activities for our littlest campers. We’ll learn about snow and ice during science time, or paint with snow during outdoor art. Register

Winter Break Arts Camp
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Ages: 5-12
Dates: December 29–January 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Every day a different media and theme: from Winter Wizards to Home Alone Rube Goldberg to Paint a Palooza and a scrappy Scrapbook Salon. Register

Blizzard Break Camp
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Ages: 5-12
Session 1: December 22-December 26, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Session 2: December 29-January 2 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Our camp offers a safe and engaging environment to learn, play, and make new friends. Each day is packed with themed events, hands-on workshops, and plenty of winter cheer to keep the holiday spirit alive.Register

Ecology Winter Break Camp
Location: Ecology Center
Ages: 5-11
Session 1: December 22-December 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Session 2: December 29-January 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Explore nature’s wintry world by learning how animals, plants, and people survive the cold. Each week includes live animal visits, crafts, outdoor exploration, a field trip, and ice skating. If there is snow, we will also go snowshoeing and sledding. Register

Winter Break Slime Camp
Location: Chandler-Newberger Community Center
Ages: 5-8
Dates: December 29-December 31, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Create a new gooey, sparkly, stretchy slime each day, from glitter galaxy to bubblegum scented. Plus, enjoy a little painting and sculpting on the side. Register

Winter Break Sports Camps
Location: Chandler-Newberger Community Center
Ages: 7-11
Single day camps: December 22, 23, 29, 30, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Our camp introduces participants to a variety of sports and games in a supportive, recreational environment. Each day includes skill-building activities, team challenges, and plenty of opportunities for play. Register

North Shore Basketball Academy Winter Break Mini Camp
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Ages: 5-14
Dates: December 22-January 2, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Fast paced skills and drills training, speed and agility training, shooting drills and so much more! This early morning camp guarantees results.
Register

After School and School Days Off

School’s Out? Cool Out!

Make the most of your day off from school at the Robert Crown Community Center! Kids ages 5–12 can enjoy a full day of fun, including field trips, arts and crafts, ice skating, and games.

Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Register in person at Robert Crown
More information: aeberhardt@cityofevanston.org

Accessible Recreation After-School Program

Join our daily accessible recreation after-school programs. Select the days your child would like to attend or register for a full week of fun programming!

Kid Zone After-School Program

The Kid Zone after-school/school days out is packed with enriching activities that blend learning and fun. From homework help and educational games to sports, arts and creative workshops, there's something for every child's interest. We emphasize teamwork, creativity and positive social interactions. Plus we've got you covered on school holidays as well. Available for kids ages 5-12.

Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Days: Monday - Friday
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Register by calling 847-448-8254

After School Adventure at Robert Crown

Blast off into an afternoon of fun and learning with After School Adventure at the Robert Crown Community Center! Students will enjoy a variety of enrichment activities that keep them active, engaged, and inspired, including homework help, arts and science activities, snacks and cooking classes, ice skating, and more.

Who We Serve
Students in District 65
Ages 5-12

Hours
3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday–Friday
11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on School Improvement Days

Location: Robert Crown Community Center
Register: in person at Robert Crown
More information: aeerbhardt@cityofevanston.org

Get Involved

Accessibility for all

The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a citywide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accommodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or complete a request form online.