π π Looking for Santa or The Grinch? Next Stop: Forest Park! ππ
If your kids (or you!) canβt get enough of Santa, Mrs. Claus, or The Grinch, Forest Park is the place to be this December. From cozy breakfasts to ice cream parties and free photo ops, there are multiple chances to make holiday memories right here on Madison Street and beyond.
Hereβs your guide to where youβll find Santa, Mrs. Claus, and The Grinch around town.
β¨ Santa & Mrs. Claus at The Junction Diner
π The Junction Diner β 7401 Madison St
π Thursday, December 11
β° 5:00β6:00 PM
Kick off the holiday fun with a visit to The Junction Diner, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by for an early evening meet-and-greet. Families can grab a bite, snap a few photos, and soak in the festive atmosphere at this Forest Park favorite. Itβs a simple, joyful way to get into the Christmas spirit after school or work.
β¨ Breakfast with The Grinch at Madison Park Kitchen
π Madison Park Kitchen β 7525 Madison St
π Saturday, December 13
β° 9:00 AMβ12:00 PM
Start your Saturday with a side of silliness! Madison Park Kitchen is hosting a special Breakfast with The Grinch, complete with a delicious morning meal and plenty of playful antics from everyoneβs favorite green mischief-maker.
Kids can enjoy saying hello to The Grinch (and maybe convincing him not to steal Christmas this year), while grown-ups sip coffee and relax in a cozy local spot. Itβs the perfect mix of fun and festive.
β¨ Breakfast with Santa β Park District of Forest Park
π Park District of Forest Park β Administration Building
π 7501 Harrison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130
π Saturday, December 13
β° 9:00β10:30 AM
The Park Districtβs Breakfast with Santa is a beloved community tradition. Families are invited to the Administration Building for a warm, hearty breakfast and some extra holiday magic.
Enjoy pancakes, sausage, and morning beverages while kids take part in games, coloring, and crafts. Of course, the highlight is a visit with Santa himselfβdonβt forget to bring your camera to capture those keepsake moments.
ποΈ Limited tickets left
π² $15 residents / $20 non-residents
π Buy tickets: https://bit.ly/4rIqqr
β¨ Photos with The Grinch at Twisted Cookie
π Twisted Cookie β 7401 Madison St.
π Saturday, December 13
β° 1:00β3:00 PM
If youβre looking for a fun (and free!) holiday outing, head to Twisted Cookie for Photos with The Grinch. Kids can meet The Grinch, pose for photos, and enjoy crafts and games while you pick out a treat or two.
This event is extra special thanks to community partners Collaboration for Early Childhood and Little Teeth Big Smiles β Childrenβs Dentistry, who will be onsite with Letters to Santa, activities, and more family fun.
β¨ Ice Cream with Santa & Mrs. Claus at The Brown Cow
π The Brown Cow β 7347 Madison St
Nothing says holiday joy quite like ice cream, hot cocoa, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Brown Cow.
Waffles with Santa β Saturday, 12/13
β° 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM & 11 AM
Sundaes with Santa β Sunday, 12/14
β° 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM & 4 PM
Each $18 ticket includes:
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Make-your-own sundae
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Homemade hot cocoa
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Photo op with Santa
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A special goodie bag
π Buy tickets: https://bit.ly/4iPK3ti
These events tend to sell out quickly, so grab your spot early if Brown Cow is on your familyβs holiday wish list.
β¨ Santa & Mrs. Claus at The Junction Diner
π The Junction Diner β 7401 Madison St
π Tuesday, December 16
β° 1:00β2:00 PM
Kick off the holiday fun with a visit to The Junction Diner, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by for an early evening meet-and-greet. Families can grab a bite, snap a few photos, and soak in the festive atmosphere at this Forest Park favorite. Itβs a simple, joyful way to get into the Christmas spirit after school or work.
π β¨ Brunch with Santa at Scratch Public House
π Scratch Public House β 7505 Madison St
π Saturday, December 20
Round out the season with a festive Brunch with Santa at Scratch Public House. The restaurant transforms into a cozy holiday hangout where kids can enjoy a special brunch and visit with Santa, while adults relax and enjoy the full menu.
π Seatings at 10:00 / 10:15 / 10:30 AM
π² $25 per child (includes brunch, goodie bag & visit with Santa)
π Buy tickets: https://bit.ly/3Ygb5Ar
From pancakes and ice cream to crafts, letters to Santa, and surprise visits from The Grinch, Forest Park is packed with ways to make the season bright. Whether you hit one event or try to collect them all, your next stop for holiday fun is Forest Park. π