St. Charles Park District December 2026: Santa, cows and gingerbread
Caroling with the cows at Primrose Farm, sundaes with Santa and a Santa who arrives by dog sled. Most of the Park District's December family events need advance registration, so here is the list with dates and prices.
Key takeaways
- Most St. Charles Park District December holiday programs require advance registration.
- Caroling with the Cows at Primrose Farm is Dec. 11-12, $10 per person ages 3 and up.
- Gingerbread kits are $30 for both the Dec. 12 family program and the Dec. 15 adult night at Riverlands Brewing.
Most of the St. Charles Park District's December holiday programs need advance registration, so it pays to pick your dates now. The Park District posted its December lineup in October. Here is what is on the calendar, in date order.
Sunday, Dec. 6: Woodland Santa's Holiday Workshop
Santa arrives at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center by dog sled. The program runs 10 to 11:30 a.m. and includes making an ornament craft and a photo with Santa. Registration is required for everyone age 3 and older.
Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12: Caroling with the Cows
Primrose Farm, the Park District's working farm at 5N726 Crane Rd., hosts carols sung to the farm's cows. Times are 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Expect hot cocoa, a treat and a walk around the farm. The cost is $10 per person ages 3 and up, and registration is required.
Saturday, Dec. 12: Gingerbread House Creations
This one is built for parents and grandparents helping a child. It runs 10 to 11 a.m. at the historic Baker Community Center. Staff pre-assemble the house frames and supply everything else, from graham cracker walls to frosting and candy, and the finished house goes home the same day. Kits are $30, and a family can share one kit or buy one per person. Registration is required.
Monday, Dec. 14: Sundaes with Santa
Kids build their own ice cream sundae, make a craft and visit with Santa for photos. There are two sessions, 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. Recreation supervisor Kara Guizzetti-Reif described it on the Park District's website as "a much more relaxing way to get photos with Santa."
Tuesday, Dec. 15: Build, Brews and Be Merry
A gingerbread night for grownups at Riverlands Brewing Company, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guests can stay after and order a drink. Kits are $30 and can be shared. Registration is required.
Letters to Santa, through Dec. 11
Families can register a letter for $6 and get a personalized reply from Santa. Sign-ups run through Dec. 11.
A free farm option
If you would rather skip the registration rush, Primrose Farm lists Barnyard Books as a free event on Nov. 20 and Dec. 18. The farm grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk, weather permitting.
How to sign up
Registration for Park District programs is online through the St. Charles Park District's registration site, linked from stcparks.org. Questions go to guest services at 630-513-6200, or text 630-513-3331. Primrose Farm guest services is 630-513-4370.
If a specific date matters to your family, register early.
What you need to know
- Woodland Santa's Holiday Workshop: Sun., Dec. 6, 10-11:30 a.m., Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Register everyone 3+.
- Caroling with the Cows: Fri., Dec. 11, 5-8 p.m. and Sat., Dec. 12, 3-6 p.m., Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Rd. $10 per person 3+.
- Gingerbread House Creations: Sat., Dec. 12, 10-11 a.m., Baker Community Center. $30 per kit.
- Sundaes with Santa: Mon., Dec. 14, 4:30-5:15 p.m. or 5:45-6:30 p.m.
- Build, Brews and Be Merry (adults): Tue., Dec. 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Riverlands Brewing Company. $30 per kit.
- Letters to Santa: $6 per letter, register through Dec. 11.
- St. Charles Park District guest services: 630-513-6200.
Sources
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