The holiday season is upon us, and the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is here to help you and your family get in the Christmas spirit!
All events and activities are free and open to all. Full details can be found below or by contacting your local branch.
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Holiday Drive-Thru Celebration
Sunday, December 13
3:30-5 p.m.
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a little help from your friends at the YMCA! Put on your favorite Christmas jammies, jump into the old front-wheel drive sleigh, and head on over to the YMCA for a festive Holiday Drive-Thru celebration complete with twinkling lights, friendly smiles, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus!
The YMCA’s most-trusted elves will be handing out holiday goody bags featuring hot cocoa mix, a recipe for reindeer food, and an ornament kit to the first 1,000 good boys and girls, ages 13 and under, while supplies last.
Drive-Thru Directions: From Wallin Drive, cars will be directed to take a right on Ottawa Street and loop around Ira Jones Middle School. When exiting, cars will be directed back onto Ottawa Street and head east to Van Dyke Road.
Galowich Family YMCA
The Jingle Johns – A Lighted Loo Experience
Wednesday, December 9
4-6 p.m.
Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431
This drive-thru holiday light show is a great opportunity for families to enjoy some light-hearted fun with Christmas classics! Fusing together the elements of lights, music, and portable restrooms, the Jingle Johns are retrofitted with computers that allow them to shine, talk and sing for all of their fans. Stop by and enjoy the show!
Making a List & Checking it Twice – A Call with Santa Claus
Monday, December 14 through Thursday, December 17
5-7 p.m.
Reserve a time for Santa to call your child(ren) and make sure they stay on the Nice list! When registering for the call with Santa, select from an available list of day options. Santa will call your child between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the day you select. Registration is required and spots are limited.
Morris Community YMCA
Letters to Santa
Children are invited to write a letter to Santa and drop it off in the Santa box at the Morris Community YMCA!
Every child that writes a letter will have the option to receive a phone call from Santa or join a Zoom with the big guy himself. Please include a preferred phone number and email address in your letter, which can also be mailed to:
Morris Community YMCA
320 Wauponsee St
Morris, IL 60450
Three children will also be randomly selected to receive a personalized video message from Santa via email.
Letters will be accepted through Friday, December 11.
Families who would like to participate in a Zoom session must register online for one of the following dates and times:
Monday, December 14
6-6:30 p.m.
Register Here
Tuesday, December 15
6-6:30 p.m.
Register Here
Sunday, December 20
2-2:30 p.m.
Register Today
Please note: Zoom sessions are limited to 25 participants. Registration closes December 11.
Smith Family YMCA
Virtual Christmas Story Time
Wednesday, December 16
6 p.m.-7 p.m.
The Smith Family YMCA wants to help families create lasting holiday memories this year and that is why we are excited to host a special Christmas Story Time virtual event! This event is free and open to the community. Online registration is required. Zoom information will be sent to all registered participants. We can’t wait to share this special evening with everyone!
