LEGO Train Show, Brunch With the Grinch Held at Cantigny Park This Weekend

Submission by Cantigny Park

Cantigny Park’s annual LEGO Train Show, a favorite holiday tradition for families, returns on Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Admission to the LEGO Train Show is complimentary with paid parking of $5 per vehicle. Cantigny Park will waive the parking fee for anyone bringing a new and unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve’s Toys for Tots drop boxes inside the Visitors Center.

This will be the 14th show produced by the Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club and it’s the group’s largest annual event in terms of floor space and attendance. The show requires a full day of set up, transforming the entire Cantigny Visitors Center into a wonderland for LEGO fans.

The First Division Museum at Cantigny is part of the action, too, and this year the museum will display a 26-foot model of the USS Missouri, courtesy of Brickmania. Designed and built by Daniel Siskind, it is the world’s largest battleship made of LEGO elements--more than 500,000.

LEGO Week at Cantigny offers these additional attractions for families and kids of all ages:

LEGO Train Show Party

Visitors Center and First Division Museum

Saturday, Dec. 12 ● 6 to 8 p.m.

Enjoy the show without lines! View the fascinating displays and meet the builders. Snacks, desserts and hot chocolate will be served and a cash bar will be available. Party tickets are $25 for adults (Cantigny members $20) and $18 for ages 3 to 12 years old (member children $15). Kids 2 and under free. Prices includes a souvenir LEGO mini figure (one per person) and complimentary parking. Advance purchase tickets are required and may be purchased online atCantigny.org, at the park in the Cantigny Shop or by phone at 630.260.8162. Tickets quantities are limited.

Brunch with the Grinch

Red Oak Room at Cantigny Golf

Saturday, Dec. 12 ● 10 am and 12:30 p.m. seatings

Feast on a Grinch-themed buffet before or after the LEGO Train Show and enjoy a screening of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Meet the Grinch, too! Brunch prices are $18 for adults and $12 for ages 4-10; kids 3 and under free. RSVP at 630.260.8194 or email amyanderson@cantigny.org. The Red Oak Room is located at 27w270 Mack Road in Wheaton.

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Young LEGO builders are invited to the park before the big show for these fun and educational workshops:

Jedi Engineering with LEGO

Medill Room at Cantigny Visitors Center

Tuesday, Dec. 8 ● 4:30 to 6 p.m. ● ages 5-7

Jedi Master Engineering with LEGO

Cantigny Education Center

Wednesday, Dec. 9 ● 4:30 to 6 p.m. ● ages 7-11

Cost for each class is $18 per child and includes expert instruction by the staff of Play-Well TEKnologies. Class registration is online at Cantigny.org or call 630.260.8162.

Cantigny Park is open daily in December from 9 a.m. to sunset. The park will close December 24, 25 and 31. More information, including directions and a calendar of upcoming events is online at Cantigny.org.