Friday, Dec. 26, 2025  |  View in browser

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Check out this week's news on Kwanzaa, Elf hunt, holiday hours, Summer Camp dates, winter break camps, events, and more.

News

Summer Camp Planning Starts Now

Evanston Parks & Recreation’s 2026 Summer Camps offer kids a season filled with fun, friends, and new experiences. Mark your calendar for these important upcoming dates.

• January 5 – Summer Program Guide released
• January 9 – Camp Open House, 5–8 p.m. at the Levy Center
• February 7 – Online registration opens for Evanston residents
• February 9 – In-person registration opens for Evanston residents
• February 16 – Registration opens for nonresidents

From sports and skating to arts, nature, and enrichment programs, there’s something for every age and interest. Join us at the Camp Open House to meet staff, explore programs and get your questions answered before registration begins.

Get ready to register at cityofevanston.org/recreation.

Upcoming Events

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

The Great Elf Hunt: Thru 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.

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: Thru January 4
Cost: Free

Indoor Market: December 27

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 27
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Ecology Center
Cost: Free
View the indoor market schedule.

In between shopping for fresh foods, you can take fun winter classes at the Ecology Center starting at 10 a.m. Register at links below.

• January 10: Candle Making
• January 24: Homemade Skincare & Salves
• February 7: Aromatherapy: Natural Cleaning Solutions and Stovetop Potpourri
• February 21: Winter Tea Blending Party

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

Summer 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

Volo Auto Museum: January 22

Light the Night: January 24

For one night only, solar- and battery-powered works by local artists will illuminate Tallmadge Park! We invite you out to sip hot cocoa and wander through the magical lights. Tallmadge Park at Noyes Cultural Arts Center

Event details
Date: Saturday, January 24
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Tallmadge Park
Cost: Free

Programs Spotlight

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.

Jr. Wildkits Floor Hockey

Join us for our new FREE floor hockey program, January 10-February 21! This six-session program is perfect for children who are curious about hockey but haven't learned to skate. Led by experienced ice hockey coaches, the program combines skill-building activities with games. No equipment required. 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

Register:

• 1st-2nd grade league
• 3rd grade league
• 4th grade league
• 5th grade league

More Than Basic Drawing

Have you always wanted to learn to draw or has it been ages since you drew and you are feeling a bit rusty? Join us for a “More than Basics Drawing.” Students will work primarily from still life, develop their drawing skills and have fun working with other art enthusiast. For ages 55+. Register now.

Cheer Academy

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 31. No camp on 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

Blizzard Break Camp
Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center
Ages: 5-12
Dates: 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
Dates: 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 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

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!

• Sensory Chef
• Let's Get Movin
• I've Got Rhythm
• Creative Corner
• Bakers' Dozen

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. 

Facility Locations and Phone Numbers

Chandler-Newberger Community Center: 847-448-8252
Levy Senior Center: 847-448-8250
Robert Crown Community Center: 847-448-8258
Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center: 847-448-8254
Ecology Center: 847-448-8256
Prieto Community Center: 847-859-7697

Support Evanston Parks & Recreation Your donation will help support lakefront upkeep and the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater. Donate now

Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend,

The City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Team