Showing posts with label family friendly fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family friendly fun. Show all posts

Monday, January 22, 2024

Chicago Loves ChiILin' at Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars Through February 4, 2024

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List: Family Friendly Shows On Our Radar

Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars

features the most Disney characters in one show!

All Production photos courtesy of Disney on Ice

Highlighted by the on-ice debuts of Raya from Raya and 

the Last Dragon and Frozen 2 with Elsa & Anna

Photo Credit: Kimberly Robb Baker 


Guest Review

by Kimberly Robb Baker

There's no better place to ChiIL than Disney on Ice! Whether you have kids or are just a kid at heart, get ready to make a wish and watch imagination come to life at the brand new show, Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars, happening now through February 4 at the United Center and Allstate Arena.

While we've rarely missed a chance to see our favorite characters skating their hearts out, my crew was especially enchanted with this show. To start with, you'll want to arrive early to explore swag, branded treats (we loved the snow cones in our choice of Disney cups), photo ops, and character experiences with Elsa and Mirabel.


Photo Credit: Kimberly Robb Baker


With Mickey and friends MC-ing and setting the stage for lots of wishing on stars, the performance was engaging from the first second. And, let me say, it is super fun to see everyone's favorite mouse in some sparkly jeans! What follows are heartfelt performances by talented skaters, pulling the audience in to see everyone from Tiana to Lightning McQueen following their dreams. 



My 9-, 13-, and 14-year-old were each entranced throughout the show, which had all of the production value you've come to expect from Disney on Ice, and an inspiring theme that wishes really do come true.



A fresh remix of Snow White's wishing well song was one of the first stops on the journey, and it was fun for my kids to enjoy a modern take on this classic. We all enjoyed the beautiful high romance of couples skating, with Aladdin and Jasmine's number giving athleticism, synchrony, and incredible lifts that were especially noteworthy. Oh, and Magic Carpet on skates was absolutely whimsical. 



My favorite appearance was Raya from The Last Dragon. While several of the skaters seem to have learned some aerials for their parts, it's clear that Raya's skills above the ice are just as strong as her skating, and it makes for a powerful and exciting performance. 



She's far from the only strong feminine figure, though. From From visiting Tiana's restaurant to Asha, from the recent film Wish, making her Disney on Ice debut, there are plenty of sheros to enjoy.



This show also offered a richness of ensemble numbers, including Genie (and his many copies--suuuuper fun!), all the princesses, and--the hands-down big-kid fave, Encanto, in which they absolutely DO talk about Bruno!



My youngest loved seeing his favorite Frozen characters, especially Olaf and Elsa! He also loves the tradition of everyone in the audience bringing fun light-up Disney gear to wave at special moments. I don't want to ruin the surprise, but I will say that this comes quite in handy for helping Buzz Lightyear out of a fix, and there are opportunities throughout for audience participation.


Photo Credit: Kimberly Robb Baker



If your wish is to shake off those winter blues, Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars! is just the thing!



Photo Credit: Kimberly Robb Baker


 Kimberly Robb Baker is a Chicago based writer, blogger, consultant, story teller, and mother. You can find her worky stuff here: ThisLittleBrand.com and her artsy fartsy stuff here:  DisruptiveMama.com.



**All-New Show Debuting in Chicagoland 

January 18-February 4, 2024**



Chart a course through the night sky to Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars where every story begins with a wish! Witness the captivating on-ice debut of Asha from the epic Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated musical adventure Wish, releasing in theaters on November 22. Asha and her friend Star will dazzle audiences as they skate to “This Wish,” written by Julia Michaels and Ben Rice and performed by Academy Award®- winning actress Ariana DeBose. 

This all-new production brings the brightest Disney stars to life through cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs. Experience the dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air when Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars visits Allstate Arena, January 18-21, 2024, and February 1-4, 2024, and the United Center, January 25-28, 2024.

Join Disney On Ice for a magical journey with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy through timeless tales and today’s favorites. The adventure begins when the North Star shines brightly and descends upon Jiminy Cricket as he welcomes and reminds the audience that the most fantastic, magical things can happen, and it all starts with a wish.

Journey to Rosas, the kingdom of wishes, to meet optimistic and sharp-witted Asha, from Disney’s newest animated musical feature Wish. She makes an impassioned plea to the stars, which is answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy named Star. Together they face the most formidable of foes to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

Watch as Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon debuts live on ice and ascends into the air, lifting the show to higher heights as the strong warrior performs an aerial acro-pole routine. And for the first time on ice, escape “Into the Unknown” with Elsa and Anna from Frozen 2. 

Travel to the mountains of Colombia where the Madrigal family lives, unlock the magic in the family’s casita, and discover why “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” 

Set sail with Moana on her canoe into the open ocean, to witness her encourage Te Kā to “Know Who You Are” and transform into Te Fiti. 

Prepare to hit the road with Disney and Pixar’s Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater as they cruise on the ice to “Life Is A Highway,” 


and reconnect with Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Rex, and Hamm.


Pursue your dreams with Tiana, from The Princess and the Frog, as she strives to make her wish of opening a restaurant come true. Discover the power of three wishes with Aladdin when he finds a magic lamp in the Cave of Wonders. 

Reminisce with Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, and Rapunzel as they remind us to never stop wishing and dreaming.


In the end, audiences will learn that everyone has dreams they want to come true, but the brightest light shines inside of YOU! Every one of you is a STAR! So, shine bright and let your stories light up the night sky!

R O S E M O N T

Thursday, January 18 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, January 19 – 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, January 20 – 1:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, January 21 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

Thursday, February 1 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, February 2 – 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, February 3 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, February 4 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

WHERE:           

Allstate Arena – 6920 North Mannheim Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018


C H I C A G O

Thursday, January 25 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, January 26 – 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, January 27 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, January 28 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE:           

United Center – 1901 West Madison St. Chicago, IL 60612 


TICKETS:          

Tickets now available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or visit the venue Box Office. It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of ticket options, choose what fits best for an enchanted experience. 

*Ticket prices subject to change – additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

“Family Fun with Elsa and Mirabel” Character Experience

Enhance your Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars show ticket with a preshow Character Experience. “Family Fun with Elsa and Mirabel” includes crafting and interactive time with Elsa and Mirabel, and great photo opportunities.

Please note: Each guest (ages 2 and up) must have both a Character Experience ticket and a Disney On Ice show ticket to attend; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Follow Disney On Ice social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce.

About Feld Entertainment®

Feld Entertainment®, family owned and operated, is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Disney On Ice, Marvel Universe LIVE!, Jurassic World Live Tour, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.


Monday, January 8, 2024

All-New Disney On Ice Magic in the Stars Show Debuting in Chicagoland from January 18-February 4, 2024

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List: Family Friendly Shows On Our Radar

Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars 

features the most Disney characters in one show!

Highlighted by the on-ice debuts of Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon and 

Frozen 2 with Elsa & Anna

**All-New Show Debuting in Chicagoland 

January 18-February 4, 2024**

Chart a course through the night sky to Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars where every story begins with a wish! Witness the captivating on-ice debut of Asha from the epic Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated musical adventure Wish, releasing in theaters on November 22. Asha and her friend Star will dazzle audiences as they skate to “This Wish,” written by Julia Michaels and Ben Rice and performed by Academy Award®- winning actress Ariana DeBose. 

One of our fabulous freelancers, Kim, will be out with her kids to cover opening night on the 18th, so check back with ChiIL Mama soon, for the inside scoop. 

This all-new production brings the brightest Disney stars to life through cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs. Experience the dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air when Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars visits Allstate Arena, January 18-21, 2024, and February 1-4, 2024, and the United Center, January 25-28, 2024.

Join Disney On Ice for a magical journey with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy through timeless tales and today’s favorites. The adventure begins when the North Star shines brightly and descends upon Jiminy Cricket as he welcomes and reminds the audience that the most fantastic, magical things can happen, and it all starts with a wish.

Journey to Rosas, the kingdom of wishes, to meet optimistic and sharp-witted Asha, from Disney’s newest animated musical feature Wish. She makes an impassioned plea to the stars, which is answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy named Star. Together they face the most formidable of foes to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

Watch as Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon debuts live on ice and ascends into the air, lifting the show to higher heights as the strong warrior performs an aerial acro-pole routine. And for the first time on ice, escape “Into the Unknown” with Elsa and Anna from Frozen 2. 

Travel to the mountains of Colombia where the Madrigal family lives, unlock the magic in the family’s casita, and discover why “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” 

Set sail with Moana on her canoe into the open ocean, to witness her encourage Te Kā to “Know Who You Are” and transform into Te Fiti. 

Prepare to hit the road with Disney and Pixar’s Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater as they cruise on the ice to “Life Is A Highway,” 


and reconnect with Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Rex, and Hamm.


Pursue your dreams with Tiana, from The Princess and the Frog, as she strives to make her wish of opening a restaurant come true. Discover the power of three wishes with Aladdin when he finds a magic lamp in the Cave of Wonders. 


Reminisce with Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, and Rapunzel as they remind us to never stop wishing and dreaming.


In the end, audiences will learn that everyone has dreams they want to come true, but the brightest light shines inside of YOU! Every one of you is a STAR! So, shine bright and let your stories light up the night sky!

R O S E M O N T

Thursday, January 18 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, January 19 – 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, January 20 – 1:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, January 21 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

Thursday, February 1 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, February 2 – 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, February 3 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, February 4 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

WHERE:           

Allstate Arena – 6920 North Mannheim Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018


C H I C A G O

Thursday, January 25 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, January 26 – 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, January 27 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, January 28 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE:           

United Center – 1901 West Madison St. Chicago, IL 60612 


TICKETS:          

Tickets now available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or visit the venue Box Office. It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of ticket options, choose what fits best for an enchanted experience. 

*Ticket prices subject to change – additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

“Family Fun with Elsa and Mirabel” Character Experience

Enhance your Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars show ticket with a preshow Character Experience. “Family Fun with Elsa and Mirabel” includes crafting and interactive time with Elsa and Mirabel, and great photo opportunities.

Please note: Each guest (ages 2 and up) must have both a Character Experience ticket and a Disney On Ice show ticket to attend; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Follow Disney On Ice social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce.

About Feld Entertainment®

Feld Entertainment®, family owned and operated, is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Disney On Ice, Marvel Universe LIVE!, Jurassic World Live Tour, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.

Friday, October 20, 2023

Top Weekend Picks: Chicago's Renowned Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade Returns Saturday, October 21, 6-8pm

 

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List: 

Free Family Friendly Fun

Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade


Arts in the Dark is presented by LUMA8 and the City of Chicago and is co-sponsored by Barry Callebaut and HARIBO, with Major Support from the Chicago Loop Alliance. 

Saturday, October 21, 6-8pm

With pre-parade candy giveaway starting at 5pm

 

This Saturday ChiIL Mama will be ChiILin' on Chicago's historic State Street, catching the 9th Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a family-friendly happening featuring unique floats, spectacle puppets and all forms of creative performance taking place Saturday, October 21, from 6-8pm. Check back soon after for our photo filled recap right here at ChiILMama.com, and come experience this fabulous spectacle in person if you can.

Attendees are urged to arrive early to find a good spectating spot and attend a pre-Parade candy giveaway starting at 5pm featuring HARIBO’s Goldenbear and more. Spectators are also encouraged to come dressed in their own colorful and creative costumes to join in the festive fun. 

  CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN AS THE “ARTISTS’ HOLIDAY”

This magical evening procession celebrates Halloween as the “artists’ holiday” and draws together participants from major cultural organizations, inspiring youth programs, and aspiring artists in every field. Named ‘One of the best Halloween celebrations in the world’ by UK-based Wanderlust magazine – this dazzling production annually delights an audience of 50,000+ gathered along historic State Street, from Lake to Van Buren Streets.

PARADE TO FEATURE SOME 90 ARTS & CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS;

This year’s Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade holds a record number of applicants, with a selection of approximately 90 arts organizations participating. Families can expect to see well over 4,000 parade participants with virtually every neighborhood in Chicago represented. Colorful costumes, masks, installations, lighting, fire, acrobatics, puppetry and spectacle, dance moves and choreography, music, theatrical performances, street arts, circus arts, and cultural traditions will fill State Street.

Mark Kelly, Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade co-founder and artistic director, is thrilled to see the explosion of creative ferment as the parade groups prepare for their State Street performance. “I am very excited to have the League of Chicago Theatres, in partnership with BandWith Chicago, leading the parade,” he shared. On some of the specific featured groups, he commented, “Reinvent Ability and their wheelchair dancers will join over 40 dance organizations, while several striking IATSE film locals will remind us of their importance to the cultural life of our city. The amazing creative life of our city is truly captured in this playful and singular event.” 

As the parade celebrates the Halloween holiday by representing thousands of Chicago artists, it’s fitting that the parade, located in the ‘Candy Capital of North America,’ is co-sponsored by two giants of the candy industry: Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, and HARIBO, the world's leading manufacturer of gummi products.

“Barry Callebaut is proud to again sponsor this iconic Chicago event,” said Ben De Schryver, President, North America, Barry Callebaut. De Schryver added, "Given that Chicago is the home of our North American headquarters, it is important to us to support events, like the Arts in the Dark Parade, that honor the diversity and contributions of our community and bring people together to celebrate the sweet joys of Halloween.”

“We’re thrilled to be part of the Arts in the Dark Parade to support our local Chicago community and put the ‘happy’ back in ‘Happy Halloween!” said Seth Klugherz, Vice President of Marketing, HARIBO. “HARIBO is committed to giving back to the places where we live and work, and we’re excited to bring Goldbears to the Parade to infuse fun and treats for families and friends to share while enjoying inspiring live performance.”

FIRST-EVER BILINGUAL EMCEE TO PROVIDE ENGLISH & SPANISH-LANGUAGE PARADE COMMENTARY

This year marks the parade’s inaugural bilingual emcee, Spanish-speaking WGN-TV journalist and co-anchor Lourdes Duarte, who will provide commentary on the parade from her staging between Monroe and Adams Streets.  This year’s parade will feature close to a dozen Mexican contingents, many of which choose to represent their cultural heritage by showcasing the traditions surrounding Dia de los Muertos. Noteworthy as well are the remarkable contributions of Chicago’s Black cultural organizations and traditions to the parade. A wide array of other ethnic and cultural traditions will be represented as well, including Brazilian, Columbian, Irish, Indonesian, Peruvian, Caribbean, Jamaican, Polynesian, and Indigenous groups.

Chicago’s diverse dance community will be well represented with a selection of 40 dance organizations including Reinvent Ability dance group and their wheelchair dancers, The Joffrey Ballet, Forward Momentum Chicago, Ballet Folklorico de Chicago, Astronaut Flee, Trinity Dance School, Aztec Dance,  and more. Dance genres will include footwork, tango, hip hop, house, stepping, clogging and ballet. And this year, audiences can expect a collection of 12 marching bands and drumlines and several music ensembles. Select music groups include everything from the South Side Jazz Coalition to the Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles. The parade showcases a variety of music genres including hip-hop, jazz, gospel, opera, Mariachi, house, pop, steel pan, rock, punk and more.

LUMA8 President & CEO Sharene Shariatzadeh is delighted that her company will provide over $70K in grants to parade groups who might not otherwise be able to participate.  “Our priority is to ensure that Arts in the Dark is a true reflection of Chicago’s diverse cultural and ethnic community,” she says. “Thanks to the support of our sponsors and a 2023 Chicago Presents Grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), we are able to offer the assistance that allows organizations from every corner of Chicago to celebrate together in the heart of the city.” 

Arts in the Dark is presented by LUMA8 and the City of Chicago and is co-sponsored by Barry Callebaut and HARIBO, with Major Support from the Chicago Loop Alliance.  It is produced in partnership with DCASE and is a proud recipient of a 2023 Chicago Presents Grant. Additional support is provided by Choose Chicago, Harris Theater for Music and Dance at Millennium Park, and William Blair.

 


About LUMA8 (Light Up My Arts)

LUMA8 (Light Up My Arts) is an independent not-for-profit that strives to elevate Chicago as a focal point of artistic innovation to enrich the lives of its citizens and create economic impact. www.luma8.org

 

About Barry Callebaut Group

With annual sales of about CHF 7.2 billion (EUR 6.6 billion / USD 7.9 billion) in fiscal year 2020/21, the Zurich-based Barry Callebaut Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products – from sourcing and processing cocoa beans to producing the finest chocolates, including chocolate fillings, decorations and compounds. The Group runs more than 60 production facilities worldwide and employs a diverse and dedicated global workforce of more than 13,000 people.  The Barry Callebaut Group serves the entire food industry, from industrial food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users of chocolate, such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants or caterers. The global brands catering to the specific needs of these Gourmet customers are Callebaut® and Cacao Barry®, Carma® and the decorations specialist Mona Lisa®.  The Barry Callebaut Group is committed to make sustainable chocolate the norm by 2025 to help ensure future supplies of cocoa and improve farmer livelihoods. It supports the Cocoa Horizons Foundation in its goal to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future. www.barry-callebaut.com

 

About HARIBO

HARIBO is the world's leading manufacturer of gummi products, most famous for our classic Goldbears. Globally, the business employs nearly 7,000 Associates and operates 16 production sites in 11 countries. A family-owned business with a century-long heritage, our founder, Hans Riegel, built HARIBO on a foundation of quality and inspiring moments of childlike happiness through our products. Established in 1920, HARIBO is the acronym that comprises our founder's name and the city in which the company was born (Bonn, Germany): HAns RIegel BOnn. We pride ourselves on making playful gummies that are meant to be shared so our inner child can always experience joy through sweet treats. HARIBO global headquarters is in Grafschaft, Germany and its U.S. headquarters operates out of Rosemont, Ill. www.haribo.com 

About the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca.html

About Chicago Loop Alliance

Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA)’s mission is to create, manage and promote positive and inclusive programs that attract people to the Loop and accelerate economic recovery. CLA is a membership organization as well as the sole service provider for Special Service Area#1-2015, and the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation produces public art projects and events. www.loopchicago.com.

For more information visit www.artsinthedark.org, LUMA8.org.

 

Saturday, December 3, 2022

REVIEW: The Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont Now Open Through January 1, 2023

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

VILLAGE OF ROSEMONT WELCOMES
SPARKLE LIGHT FESTIVAL 
TO IMPACT FIELD 
  
Photo Credit for all: Kimberly Robb Baker 

Tickets On Sale Now for Chicago’s Premier Holiday Festival Featuring
Five Illuminated Villages, Winter Tubing Slide, Train Rides and
Mazes Alongside Festive Food & Drink Options

New Attractions This Year Include “Rudolph’s Kids Zone” and “Deck The Walls” Maze  

Guest Review 

By Kimberly Robb Baker

If you’re looking to make lasting memories this holiday season, grab some tickets to the Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont. It’s truly a taste of the North Pole right here in Chicagoland.

Our party of four ranged in age from 7 to 47, and a magical time was had by all. Of course, the stars of the show are the millions of lights that make up the many holiday scenes. This experience is perfect for family photos you’ll treasure forever with sparkling features including horse-drawn carriages, a giant Christmas tree, ornaments you can explore from the inside, a gorgeous tunnel of lights and many, many more. The light decorations cover most of the field with plenty of open space for kids of all ages to explore.

The two-story ice slide was also a favorite of our group. We were delighted to get endless rounds of sledding in—especially since our all-inclusive tickets covered hot drinks and a very tasty buffet at Rivers Stadium Club onsite, looking out across the lights. The kids loved the mac-n-cheese, hotdogs, bottomless hot chocolate and tasty desserts. After warming up and refueling, we returned to the field for more sledding and a few rides on the Holly Trolly train.

Adding greatly to our experience was the absolutely fantastic staff. From ticket takers to ride operators to the catering team, every interaction was full of warmth. My twelve-year-old said the staff reminded her of “those friendly neighbors in old Christmas movies.”

The kids went to bed with full bellies and happily exhausted. We’ll definitely be back again!

 Kimberly Robb Baker is a Chicago based writer, blogger, consultant, story teller, and mother. You can find her worky stuff here: ThisLittleBrand.com and her artsy fartsy stuff here:  DisruptiveMama.com.


This holiday season, Rosemont’s Impact Field (9850 Balmoral Ave.) will shine a little brighter with the debut of Sparkle Light Festival. Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking immersive display of millions of holiday lights amongst outdoor holiday activities including train rides, winter tubing and themed mazes. Tickets are now available at www.sparklerosemont.com.  

While visiting Sparkle Light Festival, guests are invited to explore five illuminated villages: the Frozen Forest, Snowflake Circle, Winter Wonderland, the North Pole and Deck the Walls, an all-ages maze of lights. Families can also visit “Rudolph’s Kids Zone” and enjoy a children’s maze, see-saws and other interactive activities. Additional attractions include winter tubing on the “Alpine Slide” and free train rides on the “Holly Trolly.” A special menu of festive food and beverage options will also be available.  

“This season, we’ve reimagined our holiday light experience at Impact Field to create the ultimate destination for holiday magic,” said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens. “We are thrilled to partner with the Chicago Dogs to bring what is sure to be the area’s premier light festival to Rosemont.”   

Sparkle Light Festival will be open through January 1, 2023. General admission tickets will be available for $25 for adults and $20 for children ages two through 12. 

Premium ticket packages and add-on experiences are also available and include:

Tubing rides on the "Alpine Slide" ($22 per person): allows unlimited rides on the Alpine Slide during designated timeframe. 

Rivers Stadium Club Tickets ($70 per person): this all-inclusive ticket allows access to Impact Field's "Rivers Stadium Club" complete with a premium buffet, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages and unlimited tubing.

Parking is available at Impact Field’s onsite parking garage for $5 per vehicle. 

 

About Impact Field 

Impact Field is a 6,300-seat stadium located in Rosemont at the intersection of Balmoral Avenue and Pearl Street, west of I-294, at 9850 Balmoral Avenue. The ballpark serves as the home of the American Association of Professional Baseball team, the Chicago Dogs. Sponsored by Impact Networking, Impact Field offers a variety of different spaces and experiences for visitors including a private club, suites, field-level experience and more.  

  

About The Village of Rosemont 

Rosemont, Illinois, Chicagoland’s business and entertainment suburb, is conveniently

located five minutes from O’Hare Airport and twenty minutes from Chicago’s downtown. Easily accessible via the area’s major highways, Rosemont is home to the Allstate Arena, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, a wide variety of hotel and dining options, Rosemont Theatre, Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Parkway Bank Park entertainment district and Impact Field. Rosemont continues to grow and evolve based on the new vision of Mayor Bradley A. Stephens. For more information, visit Rosemont.com. 

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